I didn't just stop scooping poop with the Litter Robot 4, it kept my cats healthy — here's how
If there's one unsung hero in my home that doesn't get enough recognition that it deserves, it's none other than Whisker's Litter Robot 4. I've had it for nearly 2.5 years, saving me countless time from getting down on my hands and knees to pick up after my cats.
While I can't tell you enough how awesome it is to have this robotic litter box in my home to do the dirty duty of picking up my cats' poops, there's actually another feature about the Litter Robot 4 that I find equally as valuable. I honestly didn't think much of it the first few months, but its ability to monitor and track the weight of my cats has proven to be invaluable.
In fact, it helped me to uncover a medical condition that was left undiagnosed for months with my cat Andy — and for that, I couldn't be grateful.
Save yourself from constantly having to clean up after your cats with Whisker's Litter Robot 4. This robotic litter box not only cleans up after them, but its smart features allow you to track how frequently they use it and how much they weigh. With an assortment of accessories, it accommodates just about every feline no matter the breed, age, or size.
As much as it takes the hassle away from cleaning up after my cats, the Litter Robot 4 has sensors that allow it to weigh them each time. At first, I didn't think much of this until one day I noticed my cat Andy started to feel a bit boney, especially around his back. He's been a hefty little feline, but I only realized his sudden weight change after I picked up my other cat Vader — who's even chonkier.
For years taking Andy to the veterinarian, his weight would range from 10 to 12 pounds — so you can imagine my surprise to see it under 10 pounds through the Whisker app. What was even more of a shock was that his weight was trending downwards for the last couple of months, so we immediately took him to the vet.
Our veterinarian eventually diagnosed him with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), so he was put on different medication and a new diet to see if he could pack on the pounds again.
Long story short, it's been a struggle with his weight reaching as low as 8 pounds — but through the different remedies and medication, he's been on the upward trend the last 6 months.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Through it all, the Litter Robot 4 allowed me to monitor any big changes week by week. This feature came in hand because we were able to see how well he responded to different remedies. Best of all, it gave me accurate results because it weighs him each time he uses it.
Since he's older now, I also like how I can tailor my Litter Robot 4 to meet my exact needs. Most other robotic litter boxes my cats have tested are raised, so oftentimes they fly out of the litter box when they're done — splattering messy pieces of litter everywhere.
With the Litter Robot 4, I have a fence installed at the opening to lessen this. I also like how there's a ramp that can help older cats with mobility issues to enter and leave it. Here's hoping for another 2.5 years of faithful service.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health Line
12 Effective Ways to Relieve Bloating
Addressing the primary cause of bloating, engaging in light physical activity after eating, and identifying triggering foods may help reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and burping. Relieving bloating depends mainly on what caused it. If it results from a chronic condition or food intolerances, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional about management options. Before trying any remedies, it's a good idea to explore the cause of persistent bloating and accompanying symptoms. Here are 12 science-backed ways you can reduce or eliminate occasional bloating. 1. Identify the cause of bloating Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane enter your gut when you swallow air and food. Food also ferments (causes chemical changes) in your large intestine, which often leads to flatulence (gas) and bloating. Possible causes of recurrent bloating may include: eating foods that contain compounds that ferment in your colon, such as fiber, sugar alcohols, and FODMAPs a food intolerance, such as a lactose or fructose intolerance swallowing excess air, for example, when chewing gum or eating with your mouth open fluid retention in the abdomen, for instance, due to heart disease or liver failure constipation imbalances in your gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria living in your gut ileus, when the bowel stops moving food forward due to surgery, medication use, or other causes health conditions, such as IBD, IBS, or endometriosis a bowel obstruction, which may also involve vomiting and constipation psychological stress If you have frequent, severe, or persistent bloating, or if symptoms worsen and cause pain, it's important to seek medical advice. 2. Limit foods and activities that trigger bloating Some food and dietary habits may increase the risk of bloating. They include: certain fruits, vegetables, and grains some sweeteners carbonated drinks large meals Some foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can cause bloating but also provide essential nutrients. If you're introducing them into the diet, do so gradually to reduce the risk of symptoms. Waiting an hour before eating fruit or having a drink after a meal may also help. Drinking through a straw and chewing gum may also contribute to bloating. Keeping a food diary may help you identify which foods and habits cause your symptoms so that you can avoid them or manage your consumption. 3. Check for lactose intolerance Lactose is a sugar found in milk. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose. If you don't produce enough lactase to do this, you may have a lactose intolerance. With lactose intolerance, lactose passes through your gut, pulling in more water until it reaches your colon, where it's fermented by bacteria and releases gas. This may lead to bloating, stomach pain, increased flatulence, and belching. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, reducing your dairy intake may help. However, it's best to speak with a doctor first, as dairy products also provide calcium, A and B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, protein, and other key nutrients. Alternatives with lower lactose levels or no lactose include: yogurt aged cheeses lactose-free dairy products non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, although they may not have the same nutritional profile as dairy 4. Support regular bowel habits to alleviate constipation Constipation can lead to bloating because it can slow the outlet of gas as well as feces. Also, the longer certain substances spend in the gut, such as lactose, the more fermentation by bacteria can take place, increasing the amounts of gas. Ways of managing constipation may include: eating high fiber foods drinking plenty of fluids exercising regularly checking if current medications are making constipation worse using over-the-counter remedies asking a doctor about prescription medications It's best to add extra fiber gradually; otherwise, bloating might become worse until your body adjusts. 5. Try a low FODMAP diet Bloating is a common symptom of IBS, along with abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Research has suggested that limiting certain carbs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) — may reduce bloating and other IBS symptoms. Foods high in FODMAPs include: Grains: wheat and rye Dairy: milk, yogurt, and cheese Fruit: apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, as well as natural fruit juices and dried fruits Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, onions, leeks, zucchini and green beans Pulses: lentils and legumes Other: sugar-free gum and honey In a low FODMAP diet, certain foods are eliminated for several weeks, then gradually reintroduced, monitoring their effect. It is highly advised that you start a low FODMAP diet under medical supervision. 6. Try probiotic supplements Some research suggests probiotics may help reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms by boosting the number and types of healthy bacteria in your gut. In turn, this may reduce bloating and other symptoms common to IBS. They are available as supplements but also occur naturally in some foods, such as: yogurt sauerkraut kimchi kombucha miso pickles Still, most studies have focused on people with IBS, and the evidence is mixed. The results may depend on individual factors and the types of probiotic strains they consume. 7. Eat smaller portions and limit salt and fat Eating large meals and salty or fatty foods may contribute to bloating in the following ways: Large portions may stretch your stomach and lead to the pooling of gases and solids in the gut. High levels of carbs in the gut that are hard to digest will increase fermentation and, therefore, gas. A high salt intake can lead to water retention in the gut, producing feelings of bloating. Fats and refined carbs take longer to digest. The longer they spend in the gut, the greater the chance of gas and bloating. Reducing portion sizes and limiting your intake of foods high in salt and fat, such as fried foods, chips, and chocolate, may help manage bloating. 8. Try peppermint Peppermint as supplements or in other forms may help with digestion. In a 2016 study, for instance, 72 people with IBS took 180 mg of peppermint oil capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. They reported improvements in bloating and other symptoms. However, more studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of peppermint for bloating. 9. Avoid swallowing too much air Swallowing excessive amounts of air, known as aerophagia, can cause bloating. You may swallow air if you: eat too fast chew gum drink carbonated beverages 10. Physical activity Light physical activity, such as walking or cycling, may help reduce bloating after meals, according to some research from 2021 that focused on people with IBS. Additionally, regular exercise can help manage stress, a risk factor for bloating and other abdominal symptoms. Other benefits of exercise include weight management and a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Current guidelines recommend doing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. 11. Manage rapid weight gain Rapid weight gain can occur for various reasons and may increase the chance of chronic bloating. Some research suggests that 25% of people who have recently gained weight experience increased bloating. This may be due to visceral changes linked to digestion through the gut-brain axis, which links digestive functions with those of the brain. If you are concerned about sudden weight gain, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise on underlying causes and provide weight management strategies. 12. Biofeedback Bloating often involves a physiological reaction in the digestive system. Typically, when you eat, your diaphragm rises and the front wall of your stomach contracts to create more space without pushing out your belly. When bloating happens, the diaphragm — a muscle just below the ribs — presses down on the stomach, causing it to protrude. It's unclear why this occurs, but one possible solution is biofeedback. This technique enables you to see how your muscles are reacting on a screen. By trying different movements, you can see what works well and what doesn't. Some research suggests it may help you retrain your muscles to prevent bloating. »MORE ON THIS: What to know about biofeedback Frequently asked questions What relieves bloating fast? Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Does drinking water help with bloating? Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. What makes stomach bloat go away? Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Am I bloated or fat? Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together. Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I didn't just stop scooping poop with the Litter Robot 4, it kept my cats healthy — here's how
If there's one unsung hero in my home that doesn't get enough recognition that it deserves, it's none other than Whisker's Litter Robot 4. I've had it for nearly 2.5 years, saving me countless time from getting down on my hands and knees to pick up after my cats. While I can't tell you enough how awesome it is to have this robotic litter box in my home to do the dirty duty of picking up my cats' poops, there's actually another feature about the Litter Robot 4 that I find equally as valuable. I honestly didn't think much of it the first few months, but its ability to monitor and track the weight of my cats has proven to be invaluable. In fact, it helped me to uncover a medical condition that was left undiagnosed for months with my cat Andy — and for that, I couldn't be grateful. Save yourself from constantly having to clean up after your cats with Whisker's Litter Robot 4. This robotic litter box not only cleans up after them, but its smart features allow you to track how frequently they use it and how much they weigh. With an assortment of accessories, it accommodates just about every feline no matter the breed, age, or size. As much as it takes the hassle away from cleaning up after my cats, the Litter Robot 4 has sensors that allow it to weigh them each time. At first, I didn't think much of this until one day I noticed my cat Andy started to feel a bit boney, especially around his back. He's been a hefty little feline, but I only realized his sudden weight change after I picked up my other cat Vader — who's even chonkier. For years taking Andy to the veterinarian, his weight would range from 10 to 12 pounds — so you can imagine my surprise to see it under 10 pounds through the Whisker app. What was even more of a shock was that his weight was trending downwards for the last couple of months, so we immediately took him to the vet. Our veterinarian eventually diagnosed him with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), so he was put on different medication and a new diet to see if he could pack on the pounds again. Long story short, it's been a struggle with his weight reaching as low as 8 pounds — but through the different remedies and medication, he's been on the upward trend the last 6 months. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Through it all, the Litter Robot 4 allowed me to monitor any big changes week by week. This feature came in hand because we were able to see how well he responded to different remedies. Best of all, it gave me accurate results because it weighs him each time he uses it. Since he's older now, I also like how I can tailor my Litter Robot 4 to meet my exact needs. Most other robotic litter boxes my cats have tested are raised, so oftentimes they fly out of the litter box when they're done — splattering messy pieces of litter everywhere. With the Litter Robot 4, I have a fence installed at the opening to lessen this. I also like how there's a ramp that can help older cats with mobility issues to enter and leave it. Here's hoping for another 2.5 years of faithful service.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
/R E P E A T -- MEDIA ADVISORY - Walking in Support of the 322,000+ people in Canada with Crohn's or colitis/
INTERVIEW & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Every 48 minutes – another Canadian is diagnosed with Crohn's or colitis; by 2035, 470,000+ Canadians will be living with IBD TORONTO, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - WHAT: On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, along with Canada's Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) community, will participate in Gutsy Walk, a national fundraising event that supports the 322,000+ people living with Crohn's or colitis. Gutsy Walk, Crohn's and Colitis Canada's largest fundraising initiative, raises funds that go directly towards national research, advocacy, and patient programs. WHO: Those living with Crohn's or colitis, community members, friends, family and local representatives. WHEN: Sunday, June 1, 2025. Event start times may vary by location. WHERE: 30+ locations nationwide – from coast to coast. To register a team, donate and view locations, visit: WHY: There is no cure for Crohn's or colitis. Treatment focuses on achieving and maintaining remission, minimizing complications, preventing lasting intestinal damage, and improving quality of life. Crohn's and colitis are lonely diseases, with stigma and isolation added onto physical symptoms. SPOKESPERSON QUOTES: Jayda Sutton of Oakville, ON: Longstanding participant who lives with colitis and is the Ontario Provincial Honourary Chair. "I walk to honour my journey, my son Grayson who passed away at eight months gestation due to complications related to my colitis, my daughter Alyssa, my husband Chris, my parents and everyone who has stood with me. I want to use my story to highlight the quiet victories – getting back up when you feel defeated." Kate Lee, VP, Research & Patient Programs, Crohn's and Colitis Canada: "Gutsy Walk is a celebration of resilience. These are isolating diseases, which makes Gutsy Walk an important moment for those affected to come together and contribute to a better future for themselves." ABOUT CROHN'S AND COLITIS CANADA We are on a relentless journey to cure Crohn's and colitis and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by these diseases. Get the latest Gutsy Walk information on Instagram and Facebook - @gutsywalk and @getgutyscanada, as well as For information on Crohn's and Colitis Canada, visit To request visuals or coordinate interviews with Gutsy Walk participants or Crohn's and Colitis Canada, please contact: Alexandra SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Canada View original content to download multimedia:
