I didn't just stop scooping poop with the Litter Robot 4, it kept my cats healthy — here's how
If there's one unsung hero in my home that doesn't get enough recognition that it deserves, it's none other than Whisker's Litter Robot 4. I've had it for nearly 2.5 years, saving me countless time from getting down on my hands and knees to pick up after my cats.
While I can't tell you enough how awesome it is to have this robotic litter box in my home to do the dirty duty of picking up my cats' poops, there's actually another feature about the Litter Robot 4 that I find equally as valuable. I honestly didn't think much of it the first few months, but its ability to monitor and track the weight of my cats has proven to be invaluable.
In fact, it helped me to uncover a medical condition that was left undiagnosed for months with my cat Andy — and for that, I couldn't be grateful.
Save yourself from constantly having to clean up after your cats with Whisker's Litter Robot 4. This robotic litter box not only cleans up after them, but its smart features allow you to track how frequently they use it and how much they weigh. With an assortment of accessories, it accommodates just about every feline no matter the breed, age, or size.
As much as it takes the hassle away from cleaning up after my cats, the Litter Robot 4 has sensors that allow it to weigh them each time. At first, I didn't think much of this until one day I noticed my cat Andy started to feel a bit boney, especially around his back. He's been a hefty little feline, but I only realized his sudden weight change after I picked up my other cat Vader — who's even chonkier.
For years taking Andy to the veterinarian, his weight would range from 10 to 12 pounds — so you can imagine my surprise to see it under 10 pounds through the Whisker app. What was even more of a shock was that his weight was trending downwards for the last couple of months, so we immediately took him to the vet.
Our veterinarian eventually diagnosed him with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), so he was put on different medication and a new diet to see if he could pack on the pounds again.
Long story short, it's been a struggle with his weight reaching as low as 8 pounds — but through the different remedies and medication, he's been on the upward trend the last 6 months.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Through it all, the Litter Robot 4 allowed me to monitor any big changes week by week. This feature came in hand because we were able to see how well he responded to different remedies. Best of all, it gave me accurate results because it weighs him each time he uses it.
Since he's older now, I also like how I can tailor my Litter Robot 4 to meet my exact needs. Most other robotic litter boxes my cats have tested are raised, so oftentimes they fly out of the litter box when they're done — splattering messy pieces of litter everywhere.
With the Litter Robot 4, I have a fence installed at the opening to lessen this. I also like how there's a ramp that can help older cats with mobility issues to enter and leave it. Here's hoping for another 2.5 years of faithful service.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
13 hours ago
- Health Line
Stages of Crohn's Disease
Key takeaways Crohn's disease symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. It's a progressive disease, but its stages are hard to determine because each person's condition progresses differently. The earlier you treat and manage Crohn's, the more likely you are to reduce your chance of developing more severe symptoms. There's no cure for Crohn's disease, but medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. This is why it's crucial to identify the disease when symptoms are still mild. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It's considered a chronic condition, which means that you'll have it for your entire life. The exact cause of Crohn's is unknown. It most often develops in your late teens or 20s. Crohn's disease is marked by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The inflammation can appear anywhere in the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. What are the stages of Crohn's disease? Crohn's is a progressive disease that starts with mild symptoms and gradually gets worse. With mild to moderate Crohn's, you may experience diarrhea or abdominal pain, but you won't experience other symptoms or complications. You're able to move, eat, and drink as normal, and the disease has a minimal impact on your quality of life. In some cases, you won't even require treatment. If you have moderate to severe Crohn's disease, you may experience diarrhea or abdominal pain, as well as additional symptoms and complications, such as fever or anemia. If your Crohn's is severe, you might be in constant pain and discomfort, and you may need to use the bathroom frequently. That said, it's difficult to classify Crohn's disease into stages because people tend to experience ups and downs in symptoms. What progression looks like can be different for each person, and treatment can affect your outlook. How quickly does Crohn's disease progress? Over time, Crohn's can cause damage to the intestines and lead to potential complications such as strictures, fistulas, and abscesses. Stricture means that a portion of the intestine becomes narrower due to scar tissue on its wall. While there's no time frame for how long it would take for such complications to develop, there are risk factors that may speed up progression. These include: being under 30 years old having a history of smoking having ulcers found in a colonoscopy having the long bowel segments affected by the disease having anal inflammation having symptoms that go beyond the intestinal system, such as in the eyes, skin, liver, or joints having a history of bowel resections At diagnosis, 10% of people already have strictures, and an additional 15% to 20% will develop them within the next 10 to 20 years. Five types of Crohn's disease Progression may also depend on the type of Crohn's disease you have. These are: ileocolitis ileitis gastroduodenal Crohn's disease diffuse jejunoileitis Crohn's colitis Crohn's disease progression patterns The patterns by which Crohn's might progress are: Chronic relapsing: With this progression type, you typically experience at least 12 months of remission before experiencing a flare. Common symptoms of a Crohn's disease flare-up may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in stool, and fatigue. Remission: Remission means that your symptoms improve or disappear completely. Various studies show most people will relapse within 8 years of diagnosis, with a 43% to 45% remission rate after 10 years. But if you stay in remission for a year, there's an 80% chance remission will continue for the next year. Improved and stable: This is when your condition has progressed to having no symptoms and has remained this way, though signs of the disease might still show up on tests. Chronic refractory: This means you continue to show symptoms without any breaks or remission. About 10% to 15% of people with Crohn's experience a chronic refractory disease course. That said, even different people living with the same Crohn's pattern might progress differently. Genetics, type of treatment, and surgery are also factors that may affect which disease course you follow. The earlier you treat and manage Crohn's, the more likely you are to reduce your chance of developing more severe symptoms. What is the life expectancy of someone with Crohn's disease? There's no cure for Crohn's disease, though many people can live fulfilling lives with long periods of remission. That said, although there's been an increase in life expectancy for people living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), the life expectancy of Crohn's is still lower compared to those without IBDs for both males and females. When Crohn's causes complications, it can, in rare cases, lead to death. Common causes of death include cancer, heart disease, and infection. What are the early symptoms of Crohn's disease? In Crohn's disease, healthy cells in the GI tract attack themselves, causing inflammation. As a result, you'll likely experience a range of symptoms. Early signs of Crohn's disease include: frequent cramps ongoing abdominal pain frequent diarrhea bloody stools unintentional weight loss As the disease progresses, you may start feeling fatigued and even develop anemia. You may also experience nausea from constant irritation of the GI tract. In addition, you may start experiencing symptoms outside of the GI tract. These symptoms include: eye pain fever joint inflammation and pain red skin rashes and bumps mouth sores Early diagnosis is important to help prevent damage to the intestines. If you experience these symptoms and have a family history of Crohn's, you should ask your doctor for testing. How is Crohn's disease treated and managed? Medications can treat inflammation and stop your body from attacking its own cells. As your symptoms progress, your gastroenterologist may also recommend occasional bowel rest. However, not all doctors agree with this measure. A bowel rest involves a strict diet of only liquids for a few days. The purpose is to let the GI tract heal from inflammation and essentially take a break. To prevent malnutrition, you may need an IV. Talk with your doctor before switching to a liquid diet. Following this, your doctor may follow a special Crohn's diet and take supplements. You also may need to take pain medication. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), as these can make Crohn's worse. Instead, ask your doctor if you can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may need surgery if your symptoms become life threatening. Around 67% to 75% of all people with Crohn's will eventually need surgery, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Surgery can't cure the disease, but it may help repair severely damaged tissues and remove blockages.
Health Line
a day ago
- Health Line
Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Deadly?
Key takeaways While ulcerative colitis itself is not fatal, it's a chronic disease that needs to be properly managed to prevent serious health complications. Potentially serious health complications that can result from UC include toxic megacolon, a perforation in your bowel, primary sclerosing cholangitis, colorectal cancer, and heart disease. UC is a chronic condition that, for most people, requires lifelong treatment, and the only way to cure the condition is by having surgery to remove your colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong condition that you need to manage. It's not deadly on its own, but it is a serious disease that can cause some dangerous and potentially life threatening complications, especially if you don't get the right treatment. UC is one form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in the inner lining of your rectum and your large intestine (also known as your colon). The other type of IBD, Crohn's disease, can affect any part of your digestive tract. When you have UC, your immune system mistakenly attacks your intestines, and these attacks lead to inflammation and sores, or ulcers, in your intestines. Treatments are available for UC. Most people with UC have a full life expectancy. However, according to one 2003 Danish study, complications can increase the risk of an early death. Ulcerative colitis complications While UC itself usually isn't fatal, some of its complications can be. Potentially serious health complications that can result from UC include: toxic megacolon a perforation (hole) in your bowel primary sclerosing cholangitis colorectal cancer heart disease Toxic megacolon The most serious possible complication related to UC is toxic megacolon, which is swelling of your colon that can cause it to rupture. This condition affects up to 10% of people with UC. Some studies show that the death rate among people hospitalized with toxic megacolon is around 6.5%. However, the death rate drops to less than 2% in people with IBD who receive an early diagnosis and prompt medical care. Bowel perforation A hole in your bowel is also dangerous. Bacteria from your intestine can get into your abdomen and cause a potentially life threatening infection called peritonitis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis Primary sclerosing cholangitis is another rare but serious complication of UC. It causes swelling and damage around your liver and in your bile ducts, which carry digestive fluid from your liver to your intestines. Scars can form and narrow your bile ducts, and this can eventually cause severe liver damage. In time, you can develop serious infections and liver failure. These conditions can be life threatening. Colorectal cancer According to a 2001 research review, people with UC have up to an 8% chance of developing colorectal cancer within 20 years of their UC diagnosis. In comparison, the review noted that the risk among the larger population was 3% to 6%. More recently, a 2023 review article noted that rates of colorectal cancer among people with UC are decreasing but are still higher than the rates in the larger population. Colorectal cancer can be fatal if it spreads to other parts of your body. Heart conditions According to a 2022 study, UC is associated with a greater risk of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. And a 2023 study suggests that people with IBD are at a higher risk of death from these types of heart conditions.
Health Line
4 days ago
- Health Line
6 Long-Term Complications of Uncontrolled Ulcerative Colitis
Key takeaways Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Severe or persistent inflammation can increase your risk of complications. For example, constant inflammation in your intestine may eventually cause cells to become cancerous. People with UC have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than people without the disease. UC symptoms come and go, but the condition is chronic. To lower your risk for complications, follow the treatment plan your healthcare team has prescribed. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It develops when the immune system attacks food, bacteria, and other substances in the large intestine (colon). This causes inflammation that can permanently damage the colon lining. Periods of UC symptoms are called flare-ups. Symptom-free periods are called remission. People with UC alternate between flare-ups and remissions. Taking medications can help manage the immune response and bring down inflammation in your colon before it causes damage and complications. Some people may need surgery to remove damaged parts of their colon. Osteoporosis UC increases your risk of developing the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis. Up to 60% of people with IBD have thinner than average bones. Severe inflammation in your colon or having part of your colon removed with surgery can make it harder for your body to absorb calcium and vitamin D. You need these nutrients to keep your bones strong. Inflammation can also disrupt the process your body uses to rebuild new bone. Having weak bones increases your risk of fractures. Taking corticosteroids can also contribute to osteoporosis. These medications reduce inflammation in the colon, but they can also weaken bones. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help protect your bones. Doing weight-bearing exercises like walking up stairs and dancing also strengthens bones. If a bone density test shows that you have weakened bones, your doctor can prescribe bisphosphonates or other medications to protect them. You may also need to reduce your use of steroids. Colorectal cancer Constant inflammation in the intestine can eventually make cells turn cancerous. People with UC have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer than people without the disease. Your likelihood of developing cancer does increase after you've had the condition for 8–10 years. But overall, your risk is low. Most people with UC will never get colorectal cancer. You're more likely to get colorectal cancer if you have: severe inflammation in your colon a family history of colorectal cancer It's important for people who have had UC for more than 8 years to get screened every 1–2 years with a colonoscopy. This test uses a long flexible tube to find and remove abnormal tissue in your lower intestine. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts. These tubes carry the digestive fluid bile from your liver to your small intestine. PSC is common in people with UC. Scars can make the bile ducts narrow. The narrowing causes bile to back up in the liver. Over time, the liver can become scarred and damaged enough to need a transplant. Swollen colon (toxic megacolon) Toxic megacolon is a rare but dangerous complication of UC. It happens when gas becomes trapped in the colon and makes it swell up. The colon can become so enlarged that it breaks open and releases bacteria into the blood. The bacteria can cause a serious blood infection called septicemia. If you suspect you have a swollen colon, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of toxic megacolon include: belly pain and swelling fever rapid heart rate Doctors treat toxic megacolon with medications to bring down swelling and prevent infection. If treatments don't work, you may need surgery to remove part or all of your colon. Perforated colon Inflammation and sores can weaken the colon wall so much that it eventually develops a hole. This is called a perforated colon. A perforated colon usually happens because of toxic megacolon. It's a medical emergency. Bacteria that live in your intestine can get out through the hole into the abdomen. These bacteria can cause a serious infection called peritonitis. If this happens, you'll need surgery to close the hole. Bleeding Damage to the colon can cause bleeding. You may notice the blood in your bowel movements. Bloody stools are a main symptom of UC. The bleeding can be severe enough to cause anemia — a drop in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. It causes symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
