I almost stopped picking up my cats’ litter boxes after trying a few different robot litter boxes over the past few months. I can’t tell you how much time I save by not having to do this task anymore, so I want to share my cats’ experience using them for National Pet Day.
They have been using Whisker’s Litter Robot 4 ($899, Amazon) for over a year now, which is possibly the most popular automated cat litter box with smart features. Also, they have been using Leo Loo Too ($699, Amazon) and the Neakasa M1 ($599, Amazon) — two robotic sandboxes that have a different design than the acclaimed Whisker.
Obviously, I have my preference between the trio, but the value of a robotic litter box really comes from my four-legged critters actually using them day after day, and not from my own opinions. After placing them side by side and looking closely at their respective mobile apps, the data shows which one my cats prefer more.
Leo’s bathroom too
Starting with Leo’s Loo Too, I personally love how this automated litter box holds dirt better. I’m not even talking about numbers 1 or 2, but rather the unintentional pieces of trash that spread around as they dig inside and then leave. It has the smallest opening of the group, which does its best to contain all the unintentional dispersion, although it is a little tight inside.
Through the connected app, it notifies me every time one of my cats uses it and also weighs them. Weight measurement is one of the features that sets smart litter boxes apart from regular ones, as they can be useful in giving you clues if your cat’s weight fluctuates.
In total, my cats used Leo’s Loo Too Robotic Litter Box 11 times. Despite being the one they use the least, I still like how it keeps the surrounding area cleaner than the other two. I just wish it was a little taller because I think the narrow interior makes one of my cats afraid to use it. Plus, it also has the smallest trash can, which means more downtime if I don’t clean it quickly.
Mustache sand robot 4
With a much larger entrance, I’m not surprised that my cats use Whisker’s Litter Robot 4 more than Leo’s Loo Too. Have been using it for over a year and it is still holding up well, but I find that it needs proper maintenance to keep it in top condition. This is because it sometimes makes a high-pitched squeaking sound when cleaned, so maintenance is key here.
But despite that, I love how it has interior lighting so my cats can find the entrance when out at night, as well as a raised walk-through area that allows them to get in and out easier than the other two. The Whisper app also has the same pet weighing feature that can distinguish one cat from another.
Due to their height, my cats have plenty of space to relieve themselves. So it doesn’t surprise me that they used it no less than 30 times in the span of a week. It gets almost three times as much wear as Leo’s Loo Too, which again I suspect is due to its larger interior. If we combine it with a larger trash can, I won’t empty it as much. I also like that it’s the only one that still allows me to do a cleanup manually even when the app tells me the trash bin is full. Usually, in my experience, there is still room for one or two additional cleanings, which is why I mention this.
Neakasa M1
The litter robot that my cats used the most was the Neakasa M1. With a staggering 51 times in the same one-week span as the other robotic litter boxes, this one takes the crown as my cats’ favorite litter box. Honestly, I’m surprised by this revelation after digging up the data in all of their respective apps.
I was skeptical at first due to its open design, which causes the litter to spread more when my cats dig in and out. However, I suspect the open layout makes them feel more comfortable because they are not confined to a small space like the other two. The cleaning mechanism is also very different, as it practically flips the entire container over, making it easier to dislodge the toughest stuck-on clumps of trash. In addition, it also has the largest waste container.
I wasn’t optimistic about the Neakasa M1 when I first set it up, but now I understand why my cats prefer to use it more than others. Sure, I’m still forced to take out the Dyson to clean the surrounding area when they come flying out, but it comes included with a mesh mat that helps contain debris.
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