High-Tech Litter Boxes Aim to End the Scoop
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Wired tests the latest automatic litter boxes to see if premium features like AI cameras and auto-refill systems justify the cost.
Automatic litter boxes are positioning themselves as the end of manual scooping and odors, according to reporting from Wired. In a test of a dozen high-rated models, Wired highlighted several options ranging from budget-friendly to premium systems.
The Petkit Purobot Max Pro 2, priced at $500, is noted for its compact design and a built-in 1080p wide-angle camera. This AI-enabled system supports multi-cat face recognition and can record video of a cat's waste to help monitor health. It features a waste bag that holds up to 17 days of waste for one cat and utilizes two odor eliminator cartridges. While the device is praised for its size, Wired noted that the companion app is overcrowded with ads and can confuse cats once the free Care+ subscription expires.
For those seeking a more intuitive software experience, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is available for $699. Wired describes the Whisker app as simple and intuitive, offering daily and historical weight and usage logs, as well as "Do Not Disturb" scheduling. A key hardware advantage of the Litter-Robot 4 is its LitterHopper attachment, which automates the refilling of litter. However, testing revealed the unit occasionally senses "ghost cats," causing it to stop during cleaning cycles.
Other models mentioned in the Wired testing include the Petkit PuraMax 2, priced at $480, and the Lesure Self-Cleaning Electronic Litter Box, which serves as a budget option at $250.