I recently posted a video sharing my honest, unscripted review on the automatic litter box, the Litter Robot 4 (I also created a more thorough and detailed blog post sharing what I thought, more insight, and tips.)
I received a bunch of questions asking, “how do I get my cat to use the Litter Robot?” and “how do I transition my stubborn kitty to using an automatic litter box?“… Well, what can I say except your wish is my command 😉
Here is my last video sharing tips, tricks, and steps I took to successfully and smoothly transition my cats to use their Litter Robot. Yes, even skittish Alfred AND Betty.
🐾 How to Transition Your Cat to the Litter-Robot 4:
8 Smart Steps That Actually Work 🐾
If you’re a cat parent considering the Litter-Robot 4, you already know it’s one of the most advanced self-cleaning litter boxes on the market. But there’s just one catch — your cat has to agree to use it.
In this post, I’m sharing 8 proven tips to help your cat transition smoothly to the Litter-Robot 4, plus my personal experience using it with my own multi-cat household. If your cat is skeptical, avoidant, or flat-out refusing to use the Litter-Robot, you are not alone — and I’m confident that these guided tips will help.
✅ Why Do Some Cats Resist the Litter-Robot?
The Litter-Robot 4 may be sleek, quiet, and tech-savvy… but cats are instinctive, territorial animals. Any new device that changes the scent, shape, or sound of their litter box may be met with hesitation — especially for older or anxious cats.
Fortunately, there’s a way to gradually transition even the most finicky feline.
1. Place It Beside Their Current Litter Box
If you have space, put the Litter-Robot right next to your cat’s usual litter box. This way, it becomes part of their familiar environment. You can let them explore at their own pace, without disrupting their routine.
🐈 Don’t have extra room? Don’t worry — follow the rest of these tips closely for a smooth transition.
2. Remove the Globe Shield at First
The removable front shield of the Litter Robot can make some cats feel boxed in. Yes, you may have to deal with your kitty sandbox-ing some litter outside of the globe without the shield, but it temporarily creates a more open, inviting space, which encourages curious sniffing, stepping in, and eventually — usage.
3. Sprinkle Used Litter or Cat Attract in the Litter-Robot
This is a game-changing tip. Cats rely heavily on scent. By adding a small scoop of litter from their old box into the clean litter inside the Litter-Robot, you’re signaling to your cat: “This is your toilet now.”
Want extra help? Use Cat Attract litter or additive to make it irresistible. Strange side note, my cats LOVE rubbing all over anything I spray (like insoles, shoes, or even my skin) with hypochlorous acid.
4. Don’t Clean the Old Litter Box
It might sound counterintuitive, but leave your old box dirty. Cats love a clean place to go — and they’ll naturally start preferring the pristine Litter-Robot over the increasingly unappealing old box.
🧠 This tip alone can trigger the shift in behavior for most cats.
5. Keep the Litter-Robot Turned Off Initially
Let your cat get used to the look and feel of the Litter-Robot without the surprise of motion or sound. Keep it powered off at first — then manually cycle it once your cat uses it, and turn it off again.
⏱ Once your cat is consistently using it, turn on Auto Mode with the extended wait time (e.g., 15 minutes post-use) to avoid startling them.
6. Offer Positive Reinforcement
Cats are smart — and reward-driven. Offer treats, pets, playtime, or praise any time your cat steps into or uses the Litter-Robot. Make it feel like a win.
🎉 Bonus tip: Make a fun ritual out of it. Give your kitty treats AND do 5 squats every time they successfully use it! 😉
7. If Avoidance Happens, Troubleshoot the Environment
If your cat suddenly stops using any litter box — even the old one — and you’ve ruled out any potential health issues – take a moment to observe. Is there a new sound, scent, or stressor in the area? Some examples could be:
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Loud appliances
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Scented diffusers, sprays, or a change of the litter
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Another pet or animal’s scent
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Sudden household changes or something unexpected/surprising having happened to them while they were in the box previously
🔍 Basically, the Litter-Robot might not be the problem — the environment might be.
Bonus #8. Don’t Use Generic or Off-Brand Automatic Litter Boxes
This is very important. I speak about it in a separate video which I will link here, but it’s worth reminding that not all automatic litter boxes are safe. Some low-quality or white-labeled units (often from China) can malfunction, trap, and even crush cats. That’s why I only recommend trusted brands that are designed and manufactured in the USA, like Litter-Robot.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to transition a cat to the Litter-Robot 4?
A: Some cats use it immediately, like Puppy, or even just within hours. Others may need 1–2 weeks. Be patient and consistent with these steps.
Q: Can multiple cats use one Litter-Robot?
A: Yes! The Litter-Robot 4 claims to handle four cats easily (I deemed this to be true!) and is ideal for multi-cat homes. Just be sure to empty the waste drawer more frequently or even invest in two, like I ended up doing.
Q: Is it okay to switch litter types during the transition?
A: Not at first. Use the litter your cat is already used to, then transition gradually once they’re comfortable. This will provide the best chance of a seamless switchover.
🛒 Ready to Try the Litter-Robot 4?
You can buy the Litter-Robot 4 directly from their official site at this link – which also gets you $50 off plus free shipping!
Using my link helps support the free content I create, the rescue kitty babies I provide for, and hopefully leaves you feeling good as a result ❤️
🐈 Final Thoughts
The Litter-Robot 4 has made a much more impactful difference for me than I expected, even as a multi-cat household owner. No more scooping, less odor, cleaner paws, more free time — and with the right approach, I’m confident your cat will come to love it, too.
Want to see these tips in action (plus a mini leg workout)?