Who the Litter Robot 4 Might Not Work For (And Fixes)

I’ve been using the Litter Robot 4 for over two years after six years with the Litter Robot 3. While it’s a game-changer in many ways, it’s not perfect — and it’s definitely not for everyone.

The Litter Robot 4 works well for most cat owners, but there are certain situations where it might not be the best fit. In this article, I’ll cover who the Litter Robot 4 might not work for — and how to fix or work around those issues if you still want to give it a try.

You can read all about my experience and the advanced features of the Litter Robot 4 in my full Litter Robot 4 Review.

1. Cat Owners Using Natural or Non-Clumping Litter

Why It Might Be a Problem

The Litter Robot 4 is designed to work with clumping clay litter. If you’re using natural litters like tofu, pine, paper pellets, coarse wood, or coarse crystals, you might run into trouble. Non-clumping clay litter is also a no-go because it won’t form the solid clumps needed for proper separation — or the pieces might be too coarse to pass through the Litter Robot 4’s screen.

Why It Might Still Work

Performance improves significantly with clumping clay-based litters and certain clumping natural litters. These litters form firm clumps that are easy for the Litter Robot to sift out.

Solution

• You can switch to a clumping natural cat litter such as corn, walnut, or grass, that are compatible with the Litter Robot 4.
• Switch to a clumping clay cat litter.
• Check my article on the Best Cat Litters for the Litter Robot based on my own experience testing 15 different brands and types.

2. Not Suited For Carpet or Uneven Floors

Why It Might Be a Problem

The Litter Robot 4 is designed to work on a hard, level surface to accurately detect your cat’s weight when using the box. On carpets — especially thick ones — the scale can bounce or give inaccurate readings, which might prevent the unit from cycling properly. If you have hard but uneven floor, the unit may not sit correctly, which can also affect its operation.

Solution

• Try rolling a small ball on the floor where you plan to place the unit — if the ball rolls on its own, the floor may be uneven. Place a firm mat or board underneath the unit to create a stable base.
• If you’re using the Litter Robot 4 on carpet, the Carpet Tray, which is part of the Litter Robot 4 accessories, can help stabilize it and improve weight detection on soft surfaces.

➡️ Watch my video review of the carpet tray:

3. If You Live in a Hot and Humid Climate

Why It Might Be a Problem

Odor control is generally strong with the Litter Robot 4, but in hot and humid climates, odors can become more noticeable. The increased moisture in the air makes it harder for the carbon filter to trap odors effectively.

Solution

• Use a clumping cat litter that resists moisture better.
• Replace the carbon filter more frequently in humid weather.
• Add extra odor-absorbing materials (like baking soda + charcoal filter) to the waste drawer.
• A small dehumidifier or air purifier near the Litter Robot can help keep moisture in check.
• I made a YouTube video covering the best ways to reduce odor in a stubborn-smelling Litter Robot 4 — you can check it out here.

4. Why It Might Not Work for Large Cats (and Fixes)

Why It Might Be a Problem

The Litter Robot 4 is designed to accommodate cats between 3 lbs and 20 lbs. If your cat weighs more than 20 lbs, the sensor may have trouble detecting them consistently.

Solution

• You can manually start the cleaning cycle through the app if the sensor isn’t detecting your cat.
• If you have a very large cat, you might need to consider continuing with a traditional litter box.
• While the Litter-Robot 4 isn’t ideal for cats weighing over 20 lbs, it works well for cats under that weight — as I discuss in my article on choosing auto litter box for large cats.

5. Challenges with Multi-Cat Households

Why It Might Be a Problem

The Litter Robot 4 can handle multiple cats, but things can get tricky if your cats haven’t shared a litter box previously, or if one cat is territorial or aggressive about litter box use. Cats that guard the box or chase other cats away might prevent other cats from using it — which defeats the purpose of having an automated litter box.

Solution

• Increase the wait time between cycles to reduce litter box competition.
• Consider adding a second litter box to reduce tension.
• Positive reinforcement and calming products (like pheromone diffusers) can help reduce aggression.
• Make sure the Litter Robot 4 is placed in a quiet, low-traffic area to give your cats privacy.
• Provide extra vertical space (like cat trees) to reduce competition over territory.

6. If You’re Not Comfortable With Technology

The Litter Robot 4 works with the Whisker app, which tracks your cat’s weight, litter box usage, and waste drawer status. While the app is easy to use, some cat owners — especially those who aren’t comfortable with technology — may find the setup and app management overwhelming or unnecessary. Even if you’re comfortable with technology, you might prefer to avoid downloading yet another app — which is completely understandable.

Why It Might Be a Problem

• Replacing the filter is harder without the app. Based on my experience, when I tried to half-turn the globe using the control panel, it didn’t respond — but when I used the app, the half-turn worked perfectly.
• In case you want to install the Litter Hopper, it requires using the Whisker app. If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to use the app, the Litter Hopper can’t be installed.

Solution:

• You can still use the Litter Robot 4 without the app — it will automatically clean after each use even if you don’t connect it to the app. You can use the panel to change the delay time.

7. If You Hate Maintenance

Why It Might Be a Problem

Even though the Litter Robot 4 is self-cleaning, it’s not completely maintenance-free. The waste drawer needs to be emptied every few days, and the sensor and globe need occasional cleaning.

Why It Might Still Work

Compared to a standard litter box, the Litter Robot 4 reduces the frequency and effort involved in cleaning.

Solution

• Set a reminder to empty the waste drawer regularly.
• Clean the globe and sensor at least once a month (twice a month with two cats).
• Switch to a high-quality clumping litter that minimizes residue in the globe, such as the Ever Clean or the Boxiecat PRO.
• You can simply wipe clean the globe (no need to dissassemble). To do this, you need to clean the globe more often so it’s easier. In the following video I show how to do it:

8. Potential Issues for Senior Cats

Why It Might Be a Problem

The Litter Robot 4’s entry is higher than a standard litter box, which could make it difficult for older cats or cats with arthritis to climb in comfortably.

Why It Might Still Work

My cat is turning 10 this year, and before I got the ramp she used the Litter-Robot 4 with no issues — so not all senior cats will have trouble with the entry height.

Solution

• Use the Litter Robot 4’s ramp to make entry easier for senior cats.
• If mobility issues persist, consider keeping a low-entry litter box nearby for easier access.

9. If You’re on a Tight Budget

Why It Might Be a Problem

At around $699, the Litter Robot 4 is an investment. While it can save you time and money on litter in the long run, the upfront cost may be too high for some cat owners.

Solution

• You can save $50 using my link here.
• The Litter Robot offers a payment plan through Affirm — you can break down the cost into smaller monthly payments and still get the $50 off. Just select “Affirm” at the checkout.

When the Litter Robot 4 IS a Good Fit

While it’s not for everyone, the Litter Robot 4 is a great choice if:

• You want to avoid scooping litter for up to 10 days.
• You don’t mind maintenance in exchange of not scooping the litter box everyday.
• You’re interested in monitoring your cat’s health through the app.
• You don’t mind the upfront cost in exchange for long-term convenience.
• You have multiple cats and want to reduce the time spent scooping.
• You want to avoid manually refilling litter — the Litter Hopper accessory automatically keeps the globe filled.
• Your cat is comfortable using a covered litter box.

Final Thoughts: Should You Still Try the Litter Robot 4?

At this point, you probably have a good sense of whether the Litter Robot 4 is right for you. While it’s not ideal for everyone, most issues can be solved with the right adjustments.

If you’re ready to give it a try, you can get $50 off using my link here. You can also use a payment plan through Affirm — and still get the $50 off!

Enjoy a scoopless life! 😎