Is the Litter Robot Worth It?

If you ask a cat owner why they prefer cats to dogs, you’ll receive any number of different responses. Many cat owners appreciate their pet’s independence or its playful attitude. Some love the comfort of cuddling up to a purring pet while others like having a pet that’s less maintenance than a dog.

Chewy Online Dog Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

For many cat owners, the fact that cats discretely eliminate in a litter box is a big bonus. No one likes having to take the dog out in the middle of a downpour or in the freezing winter.

As wonderful as it is to avoid that hassle, cat owners find themselves dealing with another type of hassle: scooping and cleaning the litter box. If you’re lucky, you only have to scoop the box once a day or every other day. In multi-cat households, however, you’ll find that daily scooping is almost a necessity if you want to control odor and keep your cats happy.

Scooping the litter box is never pleasant and there is no magical cat litter that really makes it any better. Clumping cat litter makes it easy to separate dirty from clean litter, helping minimize waste, but non-clumping cat litter gives you the option to just dump the whole container and start fresh.

Though each type of cat litter has its pros and cons, they all have one thing in common: you have to scoop them. So, what’s the solution? It’s not a different type of litter, it’s a different type of litter box. To be more specific, we’re talking about an automatic or self-cleaning litter box.

If you’re tired of scooping and scraping, an automatic litter box may be just what you need, and we think the Litter Robot is one to consider. It’s a little pricy, but we think it’s well worth the investment.

Why You’ll Love Litter Robot: You’ll never have to scoop the litter box again.

Dealing with cat litter is every cat owner’s worst nightmare but, unfortunately, it is also a necessity… until now. With Litter Robot you’ll never have to scoop the litter box again because the litter box does it for you. This fully automatic self-cleaning litter box has it all. Not only is it electronic and operated on a preset timer, but it is wifi-enabled so you can keep track of the unit and your cat’s usage through the handy Connect smartphone app. You really couldn’t ask for more.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Litter Robot and their products.

History of Litter Robot

The company started in Pontiac, Michigan where president and CEO Brad Baxter actually built the first units himself. After becoming the new owner to two cats, Baxter learned just how much of a hassle it is to deal with cat litter and set out to find a way around it. Thus, the Litter Robot was born. After a year of testing, trial, and error, Baxter unveiled the Litter Robot and it quickly gained attention.

As the Litter Robot gained popularity, Baxter found it necessary to seek new suppliers and facilities. He eventually found a plastic supplier in Wisconsin and relocated nearby. Baxter moved into a rented room in a large plant but eventually had to upgrade to a 33,000 square-foot factory and warehouse. Litter Robot has plans for further expansion in the U.S. for both assembly and fulfillment.

What Should You Know About Litter Robot?

Now that you know where the Litter Robot brand came from, you’re probably eager to know what they have to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about Litter Robot and their offerings:

What Products Do They Offer?

With a name like Litter Robot, you probably don’t have to get too creative to figure out what they make: automatic litter boxes. More specifically, self-cleaning, fully automatic, and wifi-enabled litter boxes.

The primary product this company currently has to offer is the Litter Robot 3. This comes in two versions, one of which is wifi-enabled and one of which is not. The wifi-enabled Litter Robot 3 Connect can be controlled with the Connect smartphone app which sends you notifications when the waste drawer is full and provides insights into your cat’s health.

More than just another automatic litter box, the Litter Robot 3 delivers freedom from scooping. The company is so confident in their product that they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s how the Litter Robot 3 works:

  1. The cat steps into the globe and does his business.
  2. Following the preset timer (3-, 7-, or 15-minute delay), the motor activates and turns the globe.
  3. The patented sifting process separates clumps from clean litter.
  4. Clumps are deposited into a carbon-filtered waste drawer below the globe.
  5. The globe rotates back into its home position, depositing the clean litter back in place.

The Litter Robot 3 is fully automatic, so all you have to do is slide out the waste drawer when it gets full and replace the bag. If you have the Litter Robot 3 Connect, you can receive alerts from the app when the drawer is full. You can also view insights into your cat’s health and recent usage history.

In addition to the Litter Robot 3 and its accessories, this company also offers their own formula for all-natural clumping clay cat litter. Their automatic litter box only works with clumping litter and clay litter is generally best. You can purchase Litter Robot litter for $25 per 20-pound bag.

Here are some details about the litter:

  • Quickly forms tight, hard clumps
  • Locks in odors and absorbs liquid on contact
  • It is made from all-natural sun-dried clay
  • Naturally unscented with no added fragrance
  • Very low in dust, soft texture cats love

According to the Litter Robot president and CEO, their clay litter is harvested from the highest-quality sodium bentonite reserves in the world located in Wyoming. These reserves can be found on a family-owned-and-operated ranch.

Where is it Made?

The Litter Robot company is run by president and CEO Brad Baxter. According to Baxter, “Litter Robot has always been manufactured in the U.S. With its large parts and components, it’s been a matter of necessity; a short, efficient supply chain means you have to be as close to assembly as possible.”

The only parts of Litter Robot not made in the USA are the motor and wire harnesses which are made in China. These parts require a lot of labor and expertise. Baxter says, however, that he locally sources the electronic circuit boards, plastics, and hardware as well as the labor for assembly and fulfillment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Litter Robot currently offers two versions of a single model: the Litter Robot 3. The Litter Robot 3 costs $449 and ships free. You can purchase an extended warranty (total of 3 years) for an additional $49.99 or an accessory kit for $130. The accessory kit includes a fence to contain litter, a ramp, 100 waste drawer liners, and three carbon filters.

The Litter Robot 3 Connect is Wifi-enabled, priced at $499 with free shipping. You can upgrade to a 3-year warranty for an additional $49.99 or throw in a 20-pound box of litter for $25. Litter Robot also sells a monthly cat litter subscription with free shipping.

If you’re looking to save on a Litter Robot and various accessories, consider one of the three bundles currently available. Here’s an overview:

  • Bundle 1: Litter Robot 3 Connect, extended warranty, LR3 accessory kit ($649.99, save $30)
  • Bundle 2: Litter Robot 3 Connect, extended warranty, credenza ($867.99, save $30)
  • Bundle 3: Litter Robot 3 Connect, extended warranty, storage cabinet/hutch ($897.99, save $30)

Though the Litter Robot is certainly pricier than a traditional litter box, even many of the automatic litter boxes on the market, it will save you a great deal of time and hassle. It may even save you money by minimizing litter waste.

How Do You Order Litter Robot?

The best place to order the Litter Robot is directly from the company’s website. Here you can purchase the Litter Robot 3 or the Litter Robot 3 Connect, separately or as part of a bundle along with various accessories and even litter box furniture. Everything ships free in the contiguous United States.

If you want to optimize your self-cleaning litter box, it is recommended that you use Litter Robot’s clumping clay cat litter. You can add a bag to your order to give it a try or subscribe to a monthly delivery. Customize your plan for delivery as often as every week or as seldom as every 4 weeks, choosing from 20-pound, 40-pound, and 60-pound bags or boxes.

Litter Robot Pros and Cons

All litter boxes are not created equal and we understand that every cat has his or her own preference. Some cats like top-entry boxes while others are fine with a classic litter pan. Though your cat’s opinion certainly matters, it’s also important to consider what’s easy and convenient for you. That’s where an automatic litter box like the Litter Robot comes in (at least, in our opinion).

We encourage you to do your own research when it comes to choosing the best pet products because what works for one cat owner may not be the right choice for you. To help you on your way, here are a couple pros and cons for the Litter Robot:

Here are some of the pros for the Litter Robot:

  • Eliminates scooping, fully automatic and self-cleaning
  • Operates on a preset timer, very safe for cats
  • Helps prevent tracking and reduces litter box odor
  • Discretely deposits clumps in a waste drawer, simple to empty
  • Simple to assemble, easy to control with the Connect app

Here are some of the cons for the Litter Robot:

  • Very expensive to purchase, minimum $449 (not wifi-enabled)
  • Fully assembled unit is quite large, takes up a lot of space
  • Only designed to work with a certain type of litter (clumping clay litter)

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether the Litter Robot is the right choice for you and your cat. We recommend the Litter Robot for anyone who is tired of dealing with cat litter, especially in multiple-cat households where the litter box tends to fill up fast. We understand the price isn’t affordable for every cat owner, but we think it’s well worth it if you can make it happen!

Litter Robot FAQs

Is the Litter Robot automatic?

Yes, the Litter Robot 3 is fully automatic. The device operates with a weight sensor that triggers when your cat enters the litter box. Once the cat leaves, the litter box waits a certain length of time (using the preset timer at 3, 7 or 15 minutes) before it activates. The litter box is entirely self-cleaning, so all you have to do is empty the waste drawer when it becomes full.

Is Litter Robot clumping clay litter any good?

When it comes to choosing the right cat litter, it’s largely a matter of preference (both yours and your cat’s). If you’re going to use the Litter Robot, however, you really need to use clumping clay litter for it to work best. Litter Robot’s clay litter is made from sodium bentonite clay which is highly absorbent and forms tight, hard clumps that separate easily from the clay litter. We found the litter lived up to its promises and didn’t notice any serious problems or, honestly, differences from other clay litter.

What comes with the Litter Robot?

The Litter Robot 3 comes almost fully assembled in a large box and it only takes a few minutes to get it up and running. In addition to the main unit, you’ll receive the 15-volt DC power supply, user manuals, a carbon filter, and three waste-drawer liners. You can also purchase additional accessories and litter box furniture online at Litter-Robot.com.

Can I control my subscription online?

Yes, you can order Litter Robot online and create a subscription for clay cat litter as well. Once you have created an account, you can log in to make changes or cancellations at any time. You can also contact customer service by phone or email.

How can I save money on a Litter Robot?

No matter which model you choose, you’re going to spend over $400 on a Litter Robot 3. You can save $30 by purchasing one of the bundles, but keep in mind the bundles come with extras that are included at an additional charge. Another option is to check the site from time to time to see if there are any reconditioned units. Availability varies but you can receive a fully functional unit at a discounted price.

What resources does Litter Robot offer?

In addition to their two automatic litter boxes and an assortment of accessories, Litter Robot also offers a number of useful online resources. On the Litter Robot site you can find detailed information about how the litter box works and how to acclimate your cat in addition to FAQs and instructions for using the app. The Litter Robot blog provides a great deal of information on useful topics ranging from tips for using the Litter Robot to general cat care tips on nutrition, toys, training, and more.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *