Litter-Robot 4 (automatic litter box with a connected rotating globe): our review

The Litter-Robot 4 uses an established process: after the cat leaves the globe, an adjustable delay of a few minutes elapses before the device starts a cycle. The globe then completes a full rotation. Clumps of litter pass through an internal grate and fall into the sealed waste drawer at the base. The lighter, finer clean litter stays inside the globe.

The litter box is fully enclosed. This design contains odors inside the enclosure and reduces litter scattered across the floor, 2 recurring problems with conventional open litter boxes. Whisker states that it supports up to 4 cats, setting the Litter-Robot 4 apart from most competitors, which do not specify this.

The Wi-Fi connection (2,4 GHz) lets you control the device through the Whisker app on iOS and Android. The app keeps a record of visits, sends a notification when the drawer fills up and lets you manually start a cycle remotely. Night mode and standby mode are also accessible through the app.

A camera built directly into the globe provides a live view inside the litter box, a rare feature in this category. Together with the weight sensors, it enables individual tracking for each cat, including visit frequency and weight trends. These data can help identify behavioral changes that may indicate a health issue, such as constipation or excessive urination, something owners of older cats particularly appreciate.

Whisker states that the Litter-Robot 4 supports up to 4 cats, which means the drawer needs emptying more frequently in larger cat households. The minimum required weight is 2,3 kg, roughly equivalent to a kitten aged 5 months. This excludes young kittens and protects the device from unintended activation caused by a cat that is too light.

The enclosed globe has a fixed-size entrance. Large-breed cats, such as Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat, which can exceed 8 kg and 30 cm at the shoulder, may find it cramped. User feedback suggests that most average-sized domestic cats adapt easily, but owners of unusually large cats should check the entrance dimensions before buying, as these measurements are not highlighted in European marketing materials.

The Litter-Robot 4 is positioned well above its direct competitors. The Petkit Pura X offers a similar rotating globe mechanism with a connected app, but no built-in camera. The Catlink Luxury Pro also offers an enclosed motorized litter box with Wi-Fi at a lower price.

The price difference cannot be explained by the listed features alone. It also reflects the maturity of the Whisker ecosystem, the brand's reputation in this category over several product generations, and after-sales support that French-speaking users describe as more responsive. For a household with just 1 cat or a limited budget, more affordable alternatives offer value that is hard to ignore.

The Litter-Robot 4 only works with clumping litter, including bentonite, plant-based clumping litter and clumping silica that forms solid clumps. Non-clumping crystal litter, very fine sand and non-clumping wood pellets are incompatible with the sifting mechanism. Check this before buying if you already use a specific type of litter.

The waste drawer needs emptying periodically, and an app notification automatically alerts you when it is time. The globe can be detached and rinsed for a thorough clean. The official documentation does not mention any proprietary filter that needs replacing, a notable advantage over some competitors that require regular consumable purchases. Bags sized for the drawer do not have to be Whisker bags; compatible standard bags can also be used.

The size is a real consideration: at approximately 64,5 cm tall, with a footprint of around 60 x 62 cm, the device needs a dedicated space and a nearby power outlet. It has no battery-powered operation. Depending on the layout, fitting it inside a low cabinet or under a staircase may be difficult.

A Wi-Fi connection is essential for advanced features, including tracking, notifications and the camera. Without a stable network, the device runs in basic automatic mode, but health tracking does not work. Some cats, particularly timid or older cats and those used to an open litter box, may take 2 to 4 weeks before willingly entering the enclosed globe. Allow for an adjustment period, especially for cats that have only ever used a conventional open litter box.