As a proud cat owner, you understand the importance of efficient management of the litter box. Litter-Robot has long been a renowned brand in the world of automatic cat boxes, and with their latest model, the Litter-Robot 4, they have once again caught our attention. But what are the key differences between the Litter-Robot 4 and its predecessor, the Litter-Robot 3? In this blog post, we will compare the two models to help you decide which is best for you and your furry companion.
This blog explains the major differences between the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and the new Litter-Robot 4. The new Litter-Robot 4 includes patented technologies such as the OmniSenseTM detection system, which features laser and weight sensors to monitor your cat's health through a mobile app. Additionally, it has a quieter sifting cycle. Over six months, we thoroughly evaluated the Litter-Robot 4 and compared it to our trusted Litter-Robot 3 Connect to see if the enhanced functionality justified the higher price.
What is a Litter-Robot?
For those unfamiliar, the Litter-Robot is a self-cleaning litter box that automatically removes soiled litter each time your cat uses it. This innovative mechanism revolves to separate clumps, which are then sent to a waste drawer before returning unused litter to the box. The Litter-Robot stands out for its appealing design, quiet scoop operation, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a personalized mobile app for enhanced convenience.
Design and Size
The design of the new Litter-Robot 4 has considerably cleaner and more modern lines.
The first and most obvious difference between the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and the Litter-Robot 4 lies in their designs. While the former may resemble a massive spaceship, the Litter-Robot 4 has a sleek and minimalist design that complements most living environments well. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect is available in gray or beige, whereas the Litter-Robot 4 comes in black, white and marble which we appreciate for its more modern style.
Over time, more litter may accumulate around the unit, and the Litter-Robot 4 has a slightly sleeker design in terms of the number of panels that need to be wiped clean. Additionally, the Litter-Robot 4 offers a slightly larger interior space, which can be convenient for larger cats or households with multiple cats. However, the Litter-Robot 3 is still compact and space-saving.
Automatic Cleaning
Both models offer the convenience of automatic cleaning, but the Litter-Robot 4 stands out with its improved mechanism, which not only automates the process but does so with noticeable quietness and smoothness. This improvement ensures a more pleasant experience, both for you and your feline friend.
The lower noise levels contribute to a quieter environment and ensure that your cat is not startled or disturbed during their visit to the litter box. The smoother operation is not only kinder to the ears but also minimizes device wear and tear, potentially extending its lifespan and further justifying the investment in this advanced solution for cat care.
Connectivity
A significant advantage of the Litter-Robot 4 is its ability to connect to your smartphone via the Litterbox Connect app. This allows you to monitor the status of the litter box and receive notifications when it's time to empty the waste drawer. The Litter-Robot 3 lacks these connectivity options.
Waste Drawer Capacity
Compared to the Litter-Robot 3, the Litter-Robot 4 has a larger capacity for the waste drawer, meaning you have to empty it less frequently. This improvement adds to the convenience of the new model, particularly for households with multiple cats or if you simply prefer fewer maintenance tasks.
Odor Control
The Litter-Robot 4 boasts enhanced odor control compared to the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. The combination of a carbon-filtered waste drawer and the improved sealing of the waste compartment results in a more effective containment of unpleasant odors. While both models do an excellent job of minimizing odors, the Litter-Robot 4 takes it a step further for those who are especially sensitive to smells.
Price
It's essential to address the elephant in the room: the price. The Litter-Robot 4 comes with a higher price tag compared to the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. However, as with many things, you get what you pay for. The improved features, enhanced functionality, and modern design may justify the higher cost for cat owners who prioritize the well-being and comfort of their feline companions.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and the Litter-Robot 4 ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent automatic cleaning and convenience, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you want the latest advancements in technology, a quieter and more efficient cleaning process, larger waste drawer capacity, and the ability to monitor your cat's litter box usage through a mobile app, the Litter-Robot 4 is worth the investment.
Regardless of your choice, both models provide a revolutionary solution to litter box maintenance, making life easier for cat owners and more enjoyable for their feline friends.
Litter Robot 3 | Litter Robot 4 | ||
Overall dimensions (H x W x D) | 29.5” x 24.25” x 27” | 29.5” x 22” x 27” | |
Entryway size | 15.5” x 10.25” | 15.75” x 15.75” | |
Height from floor to step | 6.3” | 4.5” | |
Height from floor to entryway | 13.4” | 12” | |
Control panel | On the base of the machine |
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Weight sensor Drawer full indicator - infrared sensor |
Laser & weight-based sensors (curtain sensor & SmartScale sensor) Drawer full indicator - advanced distance sensor for accurate litter levels |
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Cat sensor (weight on platform step & inside the globe) Anti-pinch safety feature Overload detection |
OmniSense™ SafeCat system (entry motion sensor, weight scale inside globe, cat presence sensors) Anti-pinch safety feature Overload detection |
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Litter-Robot activation | Weight on platform step & inside the globe | Entry motion sensor, stepping on the platform, & SmartScale sensors inside the globe | |
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Enclosed waste drawer Carbon filter OdorTrap pack |
Advanced odor protection (tightly sealed waste drawer) Carbon filter OdorTrap pack |
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Cycle timer settings | 3, 7, or 15 minutes |
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QuietSift cleaning | No | Yes | |
SmartScale technology | No | Yes | |
Whisker app features | Litter-Robot usage history Control panel access & lockout Waste basket levels |
Litter-Robot usage history Control panel access & lockout SmartScale sensors & cat specific weight measurements OmniSense detection (real-time litter and waste levels) |
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Minimum cat weight | 5 lb minimum | 3 lb minimum | |
Colors available |
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Black or white | |
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Up to 3 cats per household |
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Scoop cycle avg. dBA | 60-62 | 40-55 | |
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65 | 59 |