PRE-ORDER NOW: Whisker has launched the Litter-Robot 5 ($799), Litter-Robot 5 Pro ($899), and Litter-Robot Evo ($599) as of Oct. 21. You can pre-order any of these latest litter boxes today and enjoy savings of up to $150 on select launch bundles. Shipping begins on Nov. 3.
It has been three years since a new Litter-Robot was introduced, but the legendary self-scooping litter box series is evolving yet again. Whisker presented the Litter-Robot 5 lineup on Oct. 21, featuring three distinct models to suit different budgets, home sizes, and cat quantities. Prices range from $599 to $899, and you can pre-order any model now before the Litter-Robot 5 is officially shipped on Nov. 3. Early buyers can take advantage of select bundles — save up to $200 by purchasing two of any new Litter-Robot or pairing your litter box order with a Whisker+ membership.
All models in the Litter-Robot 5 series are offered in black or white.
Litter-Robot 4 vs. Litter-Robot 5: What’s different?
The Litter-Robot 5 brings substantial improvements over the Litter-Robot 4, first launched in summer 2022 — it is available in three unique versions. Whereas the Litter-Robot 4 was a singular unit, the Litter-Robot 5 introduces three new automatic litter boxes: the Litter-Robot 5 ($799), Litter-Robot 5 Pro ($899), and Litter-Robot Evo ($599).
Let’s delve into the differences, beginning with Whisker’s most affordable new litter box.
A significant advantage for urban residents: The Litter-Robot Evo is the smallest Litter-Robot yet, measuring 27.6 inches tall with a footprint of 20.6 x 24.3 inches. It can practically occupy the same space as your existing large pan litter box (as long as there is some height clearance).
I would contend that a self-cleaning litter box is equally beneficial in a small setting with one or two cats as it is in a larger home with several cats. Odors circulate rapidly in enclosed spaces, and nobody desires their apartment to smell like a litter box when visitors arrive.
In contrast to the Evo, both the Litter-Robot 5 and Litter-Robot 5 Pro rise to 29.9 inches with a footprint of 22 x 27 inches. While each model has a generous opening, a ramp can be purchased separately to assist senior cats in accessing the box more easily.
From this point, you can differentiate between the 5 and the 5 Pro by the camera positioned at the top of the 5 Pro’s entry — one of two AI-driven cameras included to improve the litter box’s health tracking features. Intended for households with at least two cats, the front-facing exterior camera employs facial recognition to recognize which cat is currently using the box. The second interior camera observes the litter bed.
Both the Litter-Robot 5 and 5 Pro leverage Whisker’s innovative WasteID technology to distinguish between liquid and solid waste. This provides an extra level of detail in monitoring bathroom behaviors and enhances the sifting of clumped litter after a cat leaves. The redesigned waste drawer system is also expected to better contain odors compared to previous models.
You can enhance the Litter-Robot’s health insights with a Whisker+ membership. For $7.99/month, cat owners receive daily updates on their cat’s behaviors, any significant changes in bathroom habits or weight, and alerts if any concerns arise.
Are Litter-Robots worth it?
While I’m still awaiting hands-on experience with the Litter-Robot 5 (my test unit is en route), I can already attest to the benefits of robot litter boxes in general. I reside in an apartment with two cats, and we utilize two self-cleaning litter boxes: a PetSafe ScoopFree and a Leo’s Loo Too. They have significantly simplified my life.
As Mashable’s dedicated vacuum reviewer, it’s likely no surprise that I’m thorough with chores — and having litter box duty off my lengthy daily to-do list is a relief. The Leo’s Loo Too functions and looks similarly to the Litter-Robot series, requiring me to replace liners and clean the waste drawer only once a week or so. To my delight, both of my cats adjusted to using the automatic litter box more easily than I expected — even the more timid one.