Latest news with #Whisker
Tom's Guide
02-06-2025
- Health
- 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.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Litter-Robot 4 Vs. 3 Connect: The Big Differences, Based On Cat Testing
While there are other reputable brands in the space, the Litter-Robot name has practically become synonymous with self-cleaning litter boxes. Since the first Litter-Robot launched in 2000, the company has released numerous models that improve on the original automatic litter box's design. The newest and best-selling models are the Litter-Robot 4 and the Litter-Robot 3 Connect: Both are Wi-Fi–enabled and have advanced features that detect when your cat is using the bathroom and when the waste drawer needs to be emptied, for example. After regular use by my cats, here are the differences between the Litter Robot 3 vs. 4 models. My three cats use both models in my home regularly. While the Litter-Robot 4 and 3 Connect operate similarly, they have some notable discrepancies between their advanced safety features, sifting systems and odor control. To help you decide which is a better fit for you and your cats, I break down the biggest differences between the Litter-Robot 4 versus the Connect 3 in this guide. But before I jump into the specifics, here's a general overview of each of the automatic litter boxes. Whisker Footprint: 22 x 27 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Minimum cat weight: 3 pounds | Entryway: 15.8 x 15.8 inches | Waste drawer capacity: 9 to 10 pounds (7 to 8 liters) | Available colors: Black or white, with various bezel options What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Litter-Robot 4 is the brand's newest model. Designed with multi-cat households in mind, the Wi-Fi–enabled litter box can accommodate up to four cats, thanks to a larger waste drawer and real-time monitoring of waste and cat litter levels. What's more, it has sensors that make it safe for felines as small as 3 pounds. Some other standout features of the Litter-Robot 4 include a wider entryway and advanced odor control. Whisker, Litter-Robot's parent company, calls the model the 'smartest, quietest self-cleaning litter box for cats,' and I have to agree. After testing several automatic litter boxes, including the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, I named the Litter-Robot 4 the best self-cleaning litter box overall. It comes in two basic colors, but you can upgrade the look with a colored bezel for an additional $50; colors range from a solid Lilac to a multi-hued Marble (pictured above). Litter-Robot Footprint: 24.3 x 27 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Minimum cat weight: 5 pounds | Entryway: 10.3 x 15.3 inches | Waste drawer capacity: 8 to 10 pounds (6 to 7 liters) | Available colors: Grey or Beige What you'll love: Keep in mind: There are two available versions of Litter-Robot 3, and the Connect is the Wi-Fi–enabled model. Like the Litter-Robot 4, the litter box connects to the companion app (called the Whisker app), though it has more limited functionality. It's also louder, has a smaller waste drawer and doesn't control odor as well as the Litter-Robot 4. But the 3 Connect still has a lot to offer. Its best features include an effective safety system, reliable operation and waste drawer alerts. Additionally, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect costs $150 less than the 4 model, making it a good option for those who want the convenience of a self-cleaning litter box for less. Just note that cats must be at least 5 pounds to use this model, which comes in two colors: Grey and Beige. Now that you have a general overview of each of the models, here's how they compare in terms of setup, design, odor control, sensors, noise, deep cleaning and price. Simply put, setup for both models is a cinch. They come fully assembled, so you just have to take them out of the box and plug them in. The biggest difference is how you connect (and reconnect) them to the Whisker app. To sync the robots with the app, you scan a QR code that's on the machine. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect has the code in the back of the machine at the base. The Litter-Robot 4's code, on the other hand, is more conveniently positioned under the waste drawer. While this isn't a big deal for the initial setup, the positioning of the QR code makes a difference if the Litter-Robot disconnects from the app and needs to be reconnected. When I need to reconnect the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, I have to take it out of the credenza it's in and spin it around to find the QR code. With the Litter-Robot 4, I can just pull the waste drawer out and it's right there—no need to fuss with the positioning. The design is the biggest difference between the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and 4—and it's not just about the looks. The construction also factors into odor control and how many cats the Litter-Robot can accommodate. Let's start with size. The Litter-Robot 4 is narrower than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. While they have the same height (29.5 inches) and depth (27 inches), the Litter-Robot 4 measures 22 inches wide, compared with the 24.5-inch width of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. At the end of the day, though, both of these Litter-Robots are big. Neither one of them is going to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings, so you have to be willing to sacrifice some space regardless of which model you pick. The entryway of the Litter-Robot 4 is 15.75 inches, compared with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect's 10.25 ... More inches. That said, the Litter-Robot 4 has some design upgrades that can benefit your cat. For starters, the entryway is much wider: 15.75 inches compared with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect's 10.25 inches. While my cats never seem bothered by the smaller opening of the latter, they definitely stick out of it more when they're doing their business; they just seem more comfortable in the Litter-Robot 4. The step into the entryway is also closer to the ground on the newer model, so it can be a better option for smaller cats or senior cats with mobility issues. (Whisker does sell ramps to make the taller step on the Litter-Robot 3 Connect more manageable, but with the Litter-Robot 4, you don't need it.) Another notable difference is the waste drawer. The Litter-Robot 4's drawer has an overall smaller footprint, though the area that collects waste is larger. This means you don't have to change the trash bag as often. The Litter-Robot 4's drawer also has a more rectangular shape, so waste spreads out more evenly. With the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, I often notice that clumps pile up in the center of the drawer, sending false signals to the sensors that the waste drawer is full. That doesn't happen with the Litter-Robot 4. Additionally, the trash bag fully covers the waste drawer in the Litter-Robot 4. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect has clips inside the waste drawer to keep the trash bag in place, but if it's not secured properly, it can cave in, creating a pretty annoying mess. This ties into design, but it's worth calling out odor control separately since it's one of the most vital parts of a litter box. While both models have carbon filters that need regular replacing, the Litter-Robot 4 is much more effective at trapping odors than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, even with a full waste bag. Whisker says this is because the waste drawer is deeper and has a tighter seal. I rarely smell any waste in the Litter-Robot 4—unless it's fresh and still in the chamber before cycling. With the Litter-Robot 3 Connect, I can tell when it's full just by the way it smells. It's not as strong as an open litter box, to be sure, but things do get musky if you don't keep up with cleaning. The safety sensors also got an upgrade in the Litter-Robot 4. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect has weight sensors inside the globe that are triggered when your cat starts to enter or is inside the machine. These sensors stop or delay a cleaning cycle to keep your cat safe. While these have been reliable for me—the Litter-Robot 3 Connect has never, for example, cycled with my cat in the way—the sensors aren't technically as effective as the ones in the Litter-Robot 4. The newest version of the self-cleaning litter box has both laser and weight sensors so it can trigger the stop mechanism more readily, even if your cat is just peeking into the opening and hasn't put their full weight into the globe. While this ensures a faster response time, it also means that cats who weigh just 3 pounds can safely use the Litter-Robot 4. For comparison, the minimum weight for the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is 5 pounds. These sensors are also so advanced that they can tell you which cat in a multi-cat household is using the litter box. While the scale isn't totally accurate—for example, it registers my 10-pound cat as weighing 7 pounds—it's still a useful tool for tracking the bathroom habits of each of your pets. If one of your cats isn't using the bathroom as often as they should (which can be a sign to call the vet), this feature can help alert you, says Jacob Zuppke, CEO and president of Whisker. While the scale isn't totally accurate, it's a useful tool for tracking the bathroom habits of each ... More of your pets. While the laser sensors make for a safer machine, they also make it more sensitive—I've had more accidental triggers with the Litter-Robot 4 than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. Though those incidents can be annoying, Zuppke says the brand's engineering team is always working behind the scenes to find the right level of sensitivity for these sensors. When I first got the Litter-Robot 4, the sensors were much touchier than they are now; thanks to firmware updates, they're a bit less reactive. And the sensors aren't the only part of the litter boxes the engineering team is constantly working on to improve. Any time you update one of the Wi-Fi–enabled models via the app, your litter box downloads any changes made. (It's the same concept as iPhone updates.) In addition to safety, the upgraded sensors have one other strength. When connected to the app, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect can only tell you if the waste drawer is full and needs to be emptied. Meanwhile, the sensors in the Litter-Robot 4 can monitor both waste and litter levels, so you can see exactly how full the waste drawer is and whether you need to add litter to the globe. The Litter-Robot 4 has an intuitive control panel consisting of five buttons and an LED display. Noise, or lack thereof, is another major difference between these two models. The Litter-Robot 4 is significantly quieter than the 3 Connect—I can barely hear it when it's running. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect isn't obnoxiously loud, but I'd say it's at least twice as loud as the Litter-Robot 4. (The sound level is similar to an electric can opener or a bathroom fan.) For what it's worth, the sound doesn't bother my cats at all. If you have more skittish felines, though, you may want to upgrade to the Litter-Robot 4 just for this. Deep cleaning takes about the same amount of effort for each model, and Whisker recommends you do the chore at least every three months, depending on how many cats you have. To really get the litter box clean, you have to take everything apart, thoroughly wash it and then let all the parts dry completely before reassembling it. It also requires vacuuming where the waste drawer sits, and there are lots of nooks and crannies in each of the machines that make this a pain. It takes at least an hour to do every time, and neither machine has an edge here. Perhaps the most obvious difference between the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and the 4 is the price. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect retails for $549, while the Litter-Robot 4 is $699—that's $150 more. In my opinion, the upgrades are worth the higher cost, especially when you consider how long these litter boxes are meant to last. I've owned the Litter-Robot 4 for a year and a half so far, so it breaks down to an extra $8 or so each month. And if you can't swing the upfront cost, Whisker offers payment plans through Affirm. If it's within your budget, I recommend purchasing the Litter-Robot 4. While I'm happy with the performance of both machines, the newer model's design is such a massive upgrade. It's considerably better with odor control, able to hold more waste and much quieter, which I believe are worth the extra cost. Now, if you already own the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and it's working well for you, I don't think you need to toss it in favor of the Litter-Robot 4. If you want to add a second litter box, though, I'd go with the 4. And if you need more convincing, check out features director and cat mom Kim Peiffer's full review of the Litter-Robot 4. I'm Lindsay Boyers, the executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted and a self-proclaimed cat lady who has three Siberian cat mixes terrorizing (er, enriching) my home. In short, yes, it's worth upgrading to the Litter-Robot 4, even though it costs $150 more than the Litter-Robot 3. With the Litter-Robot 4, you get better odor control, a bigger waste drawer and an overall smaller footprint (with a more aesthetically pleasing design). The Litter Robot 4 also has an upgraded weight sensor that makes it a better pick for multi-cat households, since you can monitor each cat's bathroom usage. Both Litter-Robot models are backed by one-year warranties, but in my experience, the lifespan is much longer. I've owned the Litter-Robot 3 Connect for four years and the Litter-Robot 4 for one and a half years, and both models are still going strong. According to Zuppke, keeping up with regular software and firmware updates through the app can help maximize the life of your Litter-Robot. Yes, the Litter-Robot 4 is quiet; in fact, I've found it to be significantly quieter than the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. When running, the latter is about as loud as an electric can opener or a bathroom fan, which may be bothersome for more skittish cats. The former, on the other hand, makes very little noise when it's cycling—I can barely hear it. Whisker recommends that you clean the Litter-Robot 4 (as well as the 3 Connect) every three months. This includes taking everything apart, thoroughly washing all the pieces and air-drying them before reassembly. You should also vacuum the area where the waste drawer sits. It takes at least an hour to clean either machine, in my experience.
Campaign ME
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
looks like we all make mistakes
Over the past month, The Spin received a score of submissions from around the world. As always, April 1 was particularly interesting, with several brands investing in a good laugh. However, not all of them got it right. Some humorous ads such as the Dyson Airbrow, 'Subwhey' Protein Shakes and Whisker's cat litter-scented candles were extremely on-brand and well received, while a few others, including such a certain iced tea team's 'Rest in Peach' creative didn't turn out peachy. Firstly, the 'Rest in Peach' post was timed a tad early, released on March 31. Secondly s, consumers stated that they didn't see the follow-up post on their feeds, which clarified that the first was a prank. A certain UK-based competitor was quick to pick up on the gaffe and trolled the comments section. Meanwhile, a consumer of a regional clothing brand sent the The Spin a wonderfully shot Ramadan ad featuring a Lebanese actor and singer, whose song in the campaign video states that she chooses to wear only the brand's clothes. The irony? She doesn't don a single branded product throughout the ad spot, although the backup dancers do. Clearly, a groovy tune, excellent videography, a great set and a celeb endorsement can all fall flat if the strategy isn't sound. Another ardent follower of The Spin sent in a photograph of a billboard at a hotel with unnecessarily punny copy on it: 'Whichever floor you're on, you'll find our service on another level.' Turns out, the service on the top floor of the establishment wasn't great. The Spin's inbox also welcomed some interesting online and offline ads, including one selling 'crackpots' instead of crock-pots while another offered a 'sale' on Kroger pineapples with no discounted pricing. In the age of AI, clearly human involvement is still required. The Spin came across a huge real estate billboard with an obviously AI-generated creative displaying funny fingers, while another digital ad displays a service expert drilling into a television. That said, it does look like humans could do with an AI copy editor, as well, if they have downsized their human one. Case in point: a recently released news article touts the launch of a 'big' 5mm billboard; an outdoor salon ad misspells 'ordinary'; and an ad which claims is 'making brands look good since 2019' has a typo so small that it's hard to spot on the first take.
North Wales Live
23-04-2025
- North Wales Live
I tried the cat Litter-Robot 4 to see if it's really a 'game-changer' for managing smelly litter
I adore having a cat. Theo is my best friend in the entire world - he's fluffy, he screams in my ear to wake me up, plus every morning and night, he sits on my chest and purrs in bed. I also scream at people to eat - we're soul mates. But with great love must also come great responsibility and that means scooping up poo. And vacuum cleaning the ten tonnes of litter he has kicked all over my flat. And cleaning out the clumped-together litter... anyone who has owned a cat knows the pain of this and the stench. The essence of modern life is finding solutions to these kinds of problems. Enter Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 (£749), a game-changer in the world of cat litter that provides fresh litter for your cat while trapping the odour. This automatic cat litter machine promises to put an end to the scooping ordeal forever, thanks to its self-cleaning feature. For those looking for more affordable options, the PetSafe ScoopFree Covered Self-Cleaning Litter Box from Amazon for £179.99 could be a viable alternative, reports My London. Although it claims to remove odours, it has a lower user-rating at 3.9 out of 5,448 ratings. Another option is the Yaheetech Decorative Litter Box Enclosure for £49.99 from B&Q. While it isn't automatic and doesn't offer the odour-trap feature, it serves as a decent low-tech solution. I decided to give Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 a whirl, hoping it would put an end to my daily routine of vacuuming litter off the floor. Here are my thoughts: Litter-Robot 4: The Setup With the promised features, I expected I'd need a Master's Degree to set it up. Thankfully, it was pretty straightforward. On the scale of 'my mum could do it without getting me round' to 'Einstein would struggle with this', it definitely falls on the 'she would need a very brief WhatsApp conversation to sort it out'. The Litter-Robot 4 arrives fully assembled in a large box. All that's required is to remove the tape, decide if you want the litter guard and plug it in. It's robust but quite sizeable, so ensure you have ample space for it. It's roughly the same width as a standard litter tray (56cm), but twice as tall (75cm) and weighs 10.4kg without litter. There's a clear line indicating where to fill the litter - fine, non-clumping litter works best. To help your cat adjust, I'd suggest using the same litter in your old litter box for a week before making the switch. Once the Litter Robot is assembled, simply follow the instructions in the booklet to download the app. The App and Functionality This is where the excitement kicks in. After a simple setup process, you can control the entire Litter-Robot 4 via the app. Just bear in mind that it defaults to American dates and measurements, which can be a bit annoying. But once you've got past that, you're good to go. The app provides information on how full the litter is, the amount of waste present and even allows you to set a cleaning cycle from your phone. The real game-changer is that the app lets you monitor your cat's health. While it can't replace a vet visit when something seems off, getting an early warning that something could be wrong really helps put your mind at ease. During my fortnight with the Litter-Robot 4, I had no issues whatsoever with the app. It performed as expected and even provided a nearly completely accurate reading of his weight. Once the Litter-Robot was set up functionally, the next hurdle was getting your cats to adjust. Theo, being a scaredy cat and also 14 years old, posed a particular challenge. Thankfully, Whisker provides a useful guide on how to acclimate your kitty to their new large toilet. Following the guide, I left the litter next to his usual one for a week without cleaning the old one. Then, after about a week, I removed the old one and held my breath. Fortunately, we didn't have any accidents on the floor. Would I recommend the Litter-Robot 4? Absolutely. One thing to keep in mind: it is an investment. What you're paying for is daily convenience. If you have multiple cats, they can all use the same one too, which makes the cost more manageable overall. However, taking into account the top-quality functionality alone, the lack of odour and the convenience of not having to scoop poo every day, I'm pleased to say it justifies its price tag.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Tiny plot in London big enough for a garage goes on the market for £1
A tiny plot of land in West London that's big enough for a small garage or storage unit has gone up for sale for just £1, and it's been described as a "super urban investment opportunity" by Rightmove A plot of land that is suitable for a one-bedroom 'modular dwelling' in London has hit the market for just £1. The spot is going up for auction tomorrow, and is located in the glamorous borough of Ealing in West London. While its exact size has not been specified in its listing, the plot has been described as suitable for a garage, storage or modular development. It even comes with plans for a potential residence should you be willing to take on the challenge of building yourself a tiny home in the capital. However, this could be a lucrative opportunity for the right buyer, as the average rent in the area is now a staggering £2,033 a month. READ MORE: 'I tried Whisker's Litter-Robot 4 to see if it could end the daily cat litter nightmare for good' The land's Rightmove description reads: 'A superb urban investment opportunity offering a potential for a variety of uses (STPP), including a 1 bedroom modular dwelling, lock up/garage or other uses which could be considered by the new owner. 'Bidders are encouraged to make their own inquiries with regard to any possible development potential in respect of planning and any other consents or rights over the land. 'There is an artist's impression of how a development on this site could look subject to planning application being approved by relevant local authority.' The successful bidder, however, will have to shell out slightly more than £1, even if they manage to buy the land for less than the price of a chocolate bar. They must also pay a 5% minimum deposit of £5,000 and an additional buyer's fee of 4.8% of the purchase price, which is a minimum of £6,000. The land would therefore cost a minimum of £11,001, but all things considered, this is still a steal - and equates to less than six months of the average rent in the area. Similar properties quite often go up for sale for just £1 - including a pair of modest-sized flats in Newcastle-upon-Tyne last year. But, the flats required a lot of work, and were essentially ransacked on the inside, after the previous owner left their belongings in a sorry state. The estate agent's preview video showed a TV and printer left slumped next to the kitchen oven, and the floor was left littered with cardboard packaging. The living room contains piles of broken furniture and rubbish – with no carpet visible whatsoever thanks to the mess. A framed picture of Jesus sits on the floor of the room, which has also been littered with vinyl records, CDs and board game boxes. Damaged brickwork surrounds wooden window frames which require more than a lick of paint. Other windows have been boarded up while another is covered by a ruined curtain. Elsewhere, a bedroom looks largely untouched, filled with piles of VHS tapes and an old CRT TV. The listing concludes with a utility room with broken cupboards and more rubbish including an open can of beer. The video was viewed more than 1,000 times, and saw a handful of people respond to its caption of, "Would you buy this property for £1?" – all of whom said they would. However, while the starting price at auction may be low, the house was always likely to sell for more.
