#smartpetgadgets

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It’s been a few years since Litter‑Robot 3 Connect and Litter‑Robot 3 Automatic first hit the market, and the automatic litter box space has evolved a lot since then. With newer models out now (like the LR‑4, LR‑5, and AI‑equipped versions), plenty of cat owners ask the same question: “Is the Litter‑Robot 3 still a good buy… or at least worth keeping?” Let’s dive into what real users are reporting in 2025.

Why Some People Still Love Their LR‑3

Even years after its launch, many owners still happily use their Litter‑Robot 3. The most common reasons people stick with it include:

Still Gets the Job Done

Owners say the LR‑3 reliably cleans litter on a regular schedule, drastically reducing daily scooping. In households with 1–3 cats, many units are still functioning just fine without major issues. Some users even mention they’ve never had a part fail just routine cleaning and occasional filter changes. (source: various community forums)

Easy to Maintain

Compared to traditional litter boxes, users report that removing waste drawers, cleaning the globe, and replacing liners is straightforward even years later. This simplicity keeps long‑term owners from upgrading right away.

Cost Efficiency

Because people already own their LR‑3, most are hesitant to upgrade unless they absolutely need to. “If it ain’t broke,” they say “why replace it?” That’s especially true if their cats are comfortable and there are no recurring issues.

Common Complaints Still Surface

Not every LR‑3 experience is glowing especially after heavy use over many years:

Sensor Issues Over Time

Some owners find the litter‑presence sensors become less reliable after a couple of years. Misreads can cause the unit to pause mid‑cycle or fail to start entirely leading to manual intervention. This is often the number‑one reason people consider moving to a newer model.

Connectivity Woes

The “Connect” version’s Wi‑Fi features are convenient but some users report they’ve stopped using the app entirely because of inconsistent alerts or connectivity drops. It doesn’t affect basic litter cleaning, but it takes away a convenience factor.

Cat Comfort Variability

A minority of pet parents report that some cats never fully adapted especially skittish or smaller cats. While many cats adapt quickly, others still prefer conventional boxes or need patience and training to accept the rotating globe.

LR‑3 vs. Modern Automatic Litter Boxes

One reason the LR‑3 stays relevant is that the core idea automated waste removal still works. However, newer robot litter boxes have some advantages that lure existing LR‑3 users to upgrade:

What the newer models tend to improve:

Smarter sensors and lid‑opening tech

Better app stability and notifications

Quieter motors and smoother cycles

Advanced analytics (like litter level tracking)

Owners who switch usually do so not because the LR‑3 fails, but because they crave a more refined experience with fewer interruptions.

What Cat Owners Are Actually Saying

Here’s a summary of common themes from user discussions and reviews in 2025:

Positive Feedback

Still reliable after years of daily use

Big reduction in scooping and smell control

Easy to clean and maintain

Neutral/Mixed Feedback

Wi‑Fi and app features are “nice, but not essential”

Some cats took weeks to adjust others never did

Negative Feedback

Aging sensors cause cycle hiccups

Replacement parts sometimes hard to source quickly

Battery module or power issues after heavy multi‑cat use

In other words, yes, many people are still using their LR‑3 in 2025 and most are happy with it but it’s not perfect, and the reasons some owners choose newer models are clear.

Final Take: Should You Stick With Your LR‑3?

Short answer: If your unit still works, your cats use it reliably, and you don’t desperately need newer tech features there’s no strong reason to ditch it. The LR‑3 still delivers automatic waste removal, daily odor reduction, and a much easier clean‑up routine than a manual litter box.