Liz Coleman & Mallory Crusta / Cats.com

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

Whereas Litter-Robotic dominates the automated litter field trade—and has develop into a family identify amongst cat homeowners—there are different sturdy gamers on the sector. CATLINK presents a set of self-cleaning litter packing containers which can be much like the favored Litter-Robotic.

On this information, we’ll dive into the small print of those two in style choices. Within the matter of CATLINK vs. Litter-Robotic, we can assist you make the only option for you and your cat.

About CATLINK

Liz Coleman / Cats.com

Learn Our Full In-Depth Assessment

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

The CATLINK lineup of automated litter packing 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 Sensible Litter Field

All three of CATLINK’s sensible litter packing 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 packing containers, CATLINK’s fashions have a considerable footprint and a steep value. Nonetheless, advantages like sensible 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

Learn Our Full In-Depth Assessment

The Litter-Robotic is the flagship product for Whisker (previously often known as Auto Pets), one of many world leaders in automated litter field know-how. 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 packing containers available on the market.

The next Litter-Robotic fashions are nonetheless bought:

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

Each Litter-Robotic in Whisker’s lineup makes use of sensors to detect litter field exercise and routinely 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 models and its newest mannequin has a robust observe document 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.

Measurement and Setup

Whereas the small print of kind and performance might differ amongst automated litter packing containers, most of them have one factor in widespread: they’re large. CATLINK and Litter-Robotic are not any completely different.

Each CATLINK Scooper fashions are equally sized, whereas the Scooper SE is somewhat 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 somewhat deeper and has a barely bigger entry. Each models have a 57-liter globe capability and weigh about 26 kilos.

In comparison with each CATLINK Scooper fashions, the Litter-Robotic 4 is somewhat narrower in physique however has a wider entry. It measures 22” large 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 may be very comparable and each models come absolutely assembled. Simply plug them in, add your most well-liked clumping cat litter, they usually’re good to go. You’ll must obtain an app and join the unit to your property’s WiFi to take full benefit of sensible 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 packing containers work the identical means. Each include 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 routinely cycles after they depart.

Throughout a cleansing cycle, the globe rotates, sending the contents of the litter mattress tumbling by an built-in sifter. Whereas clear litter passes by the grate, clumps and strong waste slide by a gap within the globe and into the waste compartment within the base. Because the globe returns to its authentic 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 models routinely 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 must step into the globe to set off the security characteristic.

With regards to efficiency, the Litter-Robotic 4 has a robust repute for reliability. It cycles with out jamming and it’s straightforward to observe the unit and consider insights into your cat’s well being by way of the Whisker app. Buyer opinions on CATLINK’s efficiency are blended; the model doesn’t supply the identical degree of buyer help if points come up.

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

The Litter-Robotic is somewhat quieter than the CATLINK Scooper, and it has a built-in step that improves accessibility. CATLINK sells a separate step however the usual unit will be difficult for some cats to entry simply. General, the Litter-Robotic is somewhat bigger and has a wider entry, which can make it a extra snug selection 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 problem with automated litter packing containers on the whole 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 sensible deodorizer you’ll be able to place within the waste drawer for added 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—you too can add Whisker’s OdorTrap packets if desired.

Monitoring appears to be a problem 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 forestall your cat from kicking litter out of the globe. The protect helps somewhat on this division, nevertheless it contributes to a unique problem. Some cats find yourself leaping out and in of the models 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’ll be able to activate the “empty” characteristic that dumps all of the litter into the waste drawer. You’ll be able to clear the globe with a humid material or take it aside for a deeper clear. The identical is true for the Litter-Robotic, however CATLINK fashions are somewhat extra cumbersome to disassemble and reassemble.

In each circumstances, upkeep primarily includes refilling the litter mattress and emptying the waste drawer. Each manufacturers supply custom-fit waste liners to make emptying the drawer straightforward, although you should utilize any rubbish bag that matches.

Whereas each CATLINK and Litter-Robotic models are straightforward to make use of and keep on a day-to-day foundation, it’s vital 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 alternative components are straightforward to get and customer support is obtainable by telephone, electronic mail, or chat. Whisker additionally presents an in depth array of FAQs and troubleshooting movies. In case you can’t remedy the difficulty and your Litter-Robotic remains to be beneath guarantee, you might be eligible for a alternative.

Buyer help for CATLINK is obtainable by electronic mail and telephone. CATLINK models include a 1-year guarantee and a 30-day return coverage for merchandise bought instantly from the model. Quite a few unfavourable buyer critiques point out points contacting CATLINK help.

Value

Automated litter packing containers aren’t low-cost however for those who’re investing in costly pet tech, you wish to get your cash’s price.

The Litter-Robotic 4 is among the most costly automated litter packing containers available on the market, priced at $699. Delivery is free in the US (besides to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). Black and white are the usual shade choices, although six different colours can be found for a $50 upcharge. It’s also possible to improve the usual 1-year guarantee to three years for $100.

The Litter-Robotic 3 Join is somewhat 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 regularly 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 in search of 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 worth.

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

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

If the Litter-Robotic 4 is a custom-tailored tuxedo, CATLINK is an off-the-rack swimsuit. It checks all of the packing containers nevertheless it’s not a showstopper. Typically a cushty 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 could be too cramped for larger cats and the step is bought individually. It may also be extra of a trouble to take aside for deep cleansing or troubleshooting.

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