CATLINK vs. Litter-Robotic 4: Which Is Higher?

Liz Coleman & Mallory Crusta / Cats.com

When self-cleaning litter containers first hit the market, these few early fashions weren’t excellent. However years of analysis and growth, advances in trendy expertise, and shopper suggestions have modified the sport.

Whereas Litter-Robotic dominates the automated litter field trade—and has turn into a family title amongst cat homeowners—there are different sturdy gamers on the sphere. CATLINK presents a collection of self-cleaning litter containers which are just like the favored Litter-Robotic.

On this information, we’ll dive into the small print of those two common choices. Within the matter of CATLINK vs. Litter-Robotic, we may also help you make your best option for you and your cat.

About CATLINK

Liz Coleman / Cats.com

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Launched in 2017, CATLINK is a pet tech firm headquartered in China. CATLINK’s merchandise—which embody an array of self-cleaning litter containers, automated feeders, and cat water fountains—are bought in over 40 nations.

The CATLINK lineup of automated litter containers contains three fashions:

• CATLINK Scooper Luxurious Professional-X Self-Cleansing Litter Field
• CATLINK Scooper Younger Professional-X Self-Cleansing Litter Field
• CATLINK Scooper SE Good Litter Field

All three of CATLINK’s good litter containers make the most of a sensor system that detects your cat’s presence within the litter field. When your cat is completed, the globe-like housing that makes up the majority of the unit rolls again or rotates. With gravity doing many of the work, a built-in sifter separates waste from clear litter and deposits waste in a separate, sealed compartment to await disposal.

Like most automated litter containers, CATLINK’s fashions have a considerable footprint and a steep worth. Nonetheless, advantages like good options, an intuitive setup course of, and scoop-free comfort outweigh the drawbacks for a lot of customers.

About Litter-Robotic

Mallory Crusta / Cats.com

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The Litter-Robotic is the flagship product for Whisker (previously generally known as Auto Pets), one of many world leaders in automated litter field expertise. The primary Litter-Robotic was launched in 2000. The fourth iteration of the Litter-Robotic was launched in 2022 after 4 years of growth and stays one of many best-selling self-cleaning litter containers in the marketplace.

The next Litter-Robotic fashions are nonetheless bought:

• Litter-Robotic 4 Computerized Self-Cleansing Cat Litter Field
• Litter-Robotic 3 Join WiFi Enabled Computerized Self-Cleansing Cat Litter Field

Each Litter-Robotic in Whisker’s lineup makes use of sensors to detect litter field exercise and mechanically provoke a cleansing cycle after use. Early fashions relied totally on mechanical weight sensors, however the Litter-Robotic 4 contains laser sensors for improved cat detection. Whisker has bought over 1 million items and its newest mannequin has a robust observe file of dependable efficiency and buyer satisfaction.

Beginning with the Litter-Robotic 3 Join, WiFi connections allowed customers to trace their cat’s utilization and remotely set off cleansing cycles. Throughout a cleansing cycle, the globe rotates, sifting the litter to separate waste and depositing it in a sealed drawer within the unit’s base.

Dimension and Setup

Whereas the small print of type and performance could differ amongst automated litter containers, most of them have one factor in frequent: they’re large. CATLINK and Litter-Robotic are not any totally different.

Each CATLINK Scooper fashions are equally sized, whereas the Scooper SE is a bit of smaller. We examined the CATLINK Scooper Younger Professional-X, which has a footprint of 23.5x23x28 inches and stands 28” tall. The Scooper Luxurious Professional-X is a bit of deeper and has a barely bigger entry. Each items have a 57-liter globe capability and weigh about 26 kilos.

In comparison with each CATLINK Scooper fashions, the Litter-Robotic 4 is a bit of narrower in physique however has a wider entry. It measures 22” broad by 27” deep and stands 29.5” tall. The round entry is 15.75” throughout and the unit weighs about 24 kilos.

The setup for the CATLINK and Litter-Robotic could be very comparable and each items come absolutely assembled. Simply plug them in, add your most popular clumping cat litter, and so they’re good to go. You’ll must obtain an app and join the unit to your house’s WiFi to take full benefit of good options. The CATLINK Scooper Younger Professional-X is a simplified model— you simply use the buttons on the management panel to make changes.

Operation and Efficiency

At a look, CATLINK and Litter-Robotic self-cleaning litter containers work the identical approach. Each encompass a globe-like physique set over a sturdy base that homes the waste compartment and all of the electronics. Sensors detect your cat’s presence within the globe and the unit mechanically cycles after they depart.

Throughout a cleansing cycle, the globe rotates, sending the contents of the litter mattress tumbling by means of an built-in sifter. Whereas clear litter passes by means of the grate, clumps and strong waste slide by means of a gap within the globe and into the waste compartment within the base. Because the globe returns to its unique place, the waste compartment will get sealed off, and clear litter returns to the litter mattress for the subsequent use.

Each CATLINK Scooper fashions rely solely on mechanical weight sensors to detect your cat’s presence. The Litter-Robotic 4’s OmniSense detection system contains mechanical sensors that detect weight in addition to laser sensors that detect movement. In each, weight sensors additionally assist observe litter and waste drawer ranges.

CATLINK and Litter-Robotic items mechanically cease in case your cat enters the globe throughout a cleansing cycle, however the Litter-Robotic’s system is extra delicate. Your cat doesn’t should step into the globe to set off the security characteristic.

In the case of efficiency, the Litter-Robotic 4 has a robust status for reliability. It cycles with out jamming and it’s simple to watch the unit and look at insights into your cat’s well being through the Whisker app. Buyer opinions on CATLINK’s efficiency are blended; the model doesn’t supply the identical degree of buyer assist if points come up.

Cats who’re used to utilizing automated litter containers appear to regulate rapidly to each CATLINK and Litter-Robotic fashions.

The Litter-Robotic is a bit of quieter than the CATLINK Scooper, and it has a built-in step that improves accessibility. CATLINK sells a separate step however the usual unit could be tough for some cats to entry simply. Total, the Litter-Robotic is a bit of bigger and has a wider entry, which can make it a extra snug alternative for some cats.

Odor Management and Monitoring

As a result of waste is deposited in a coated compartment within the base of the unit, each Litter-Robotic and CATLINK fashions excel in odor management. Odor tends to be much less of a difficulty with automated litter containers generally as a result of waste doesn’t spend a lot time within the field.

CATLINK fashions have replaceable carbon filters on the entrance of the waste drawer to assist eradicate odor. The model additionally sells a separate good deodorizer you possibly can place within the waste drawer for extra odor management.

The Litter-Robotic 4’s carbon filter is encased in a plastic cage that sits on high of the waste drawer, not inside it. When the globe is in its regular place, the filter cage successfully seals off the waste drawer—it’s also possible to add Whisker’s OdorTrap packets if desired.

Monitoring appears to be a difficulty with each CATLINK and Litter-Robotic fashions. Each make the most of a litter-catching mat on the step, however their effectiveness seems restricted. With the CATLINK, you solely get this profit if you buy the add-on step.

Each the CATLINK Scooper and the Litter-Robotic 4 have a protect throughout the entrance of the entry to assist stop your cat from kicking litter out of the globe. The protect helps a bit of on this division, however it contributes to a distinct problem. Some cats find yourself leaping out and in of the items as an alternative of utilizing the step, so litter doesn’t have an opportunity to get trapped by the mat.

Upkeep

To wash a CATLINK Scooper, you possibly can activate the “empty” characteristic that dumps all of the litter into the waste drawer. You may clear the globe with a moist fabric or take it aside for a deeper clear. The identical is true for the Litter-Robotic, however CATLINK fashions are a bit of extra cumbersome to disassemble and reassemble.

In each instances, upkeep primarily entails refilling the litter mattress and emptying the waste drawer. Each manufacturers supply custom-fit waste liners to make emptying the drawer simple, although you should use any rubbish bag that matches.

Whereas each CATLINK and Litter-Robotic items are simple to make use of and preserve on a day-to-day foundation, it’s essential to think about long-term upkeep. What occurs when the unit stops working?

Not one of the Litter-Robots have been utterly free from glitches, however substitute elements are simple to get and customer support is out there by cellphone, electronic mail, or chat. Whisker additionally presents an in depth array of FAQs and troubleshooting movies. In case you can’t remedy the problem and your Litter-Robotic remains to be below guarantee, chances are you’ll be eligible for a substitute.

Buyer assist for CATLINK is out there by electronic mail and cellphone. CATLINK items include a 1-year guarantee and a 30-day return coverage for merchandise bought straight from the model. Quite a few detrimental buyer critiques point out points contacting CATLINK assist.

Value

Computerized litter containers aren’t low-cost however if you happen to’re investing in costly pet tech, you wish to get your cash’s value.

The Litter-Robotic 4 is without doubt one of the most costly automated litter containers in the marketplace, priced at $699. Delivery is free in the US (besides to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). Black and white are the usual colour choices, although six different colours can be found for a $50 upcharge. You can even improve the usual 1-year guarantee to three years for $100.

The Litter-Robotic 3 Join is a bit of cheaper at $549. The identical free delivery and 90-day in-home trial applies, in addition to the warranties. Whisker additionally presents a variety of equipment and furnishings for the Litter-Robotic.

CATLINK’s Scooper Younger and Luxurious Professional fashions are each $599 on Amazon however are often discounted. On CATLINK’s website, the Younger mannequin is $100 cheaper than the Luxurious Professional. Each fashions include a one-year guarantee and free delivery.

Which Is Proper for You?

In case you’re on the lookout for a litter field that eliminates the duty of scooping with minimal setup, sturdy odor management, and app-enabled options, each the CATLINK and Litter-Robotic match the invoice. All else apart, the obvious distinction is the value.

At full retail worth, the Litter-Robotic 4 prices about $100 greater than the CATLINK Scooper Luxurious Professional-X. That stated, the small however important variations between these two manufacturers are value contemplating if value isn’t your main concern.

Litter-Robotic has a transparent edge in engineering and sensor expertise. The design has been fine-tuned over greater than 20 years to enhance efficiency and resolve among the minor complaints prospects nonetheless have about CATLINK. Whisker additionally presents prolonged warranties and has sturdy buyer assist.

If the Litter-Robotic 4 is a custom-tailored tuxedo, CATLINK is an off-the-rack swimsuit. It checks all of the containers however it’s not a showstopper. Generally a snug swimsuit is all you want.

The CATLINK self-cleaning litter field does what it’s designed to do and it’s extra more likely to be closely discounted than the Litter-Robotic. Nonetheless, it may be too cramped for greater cats and the step is bought individually. It may additionally be extra of a problem to take aside for deep cleansing or troubleshooting.

In the case of the CATLINK vs. Litter-Robotic debate, the decision comes all the way down to you and your cat. In case you’re nonetheless not fairly able to resolve, learn our information to shopping for automated litter containers.