Litter-Robot 5 & Pro: Motion in drawer

If your Litter-Robot 5 or Litter-Robot 5 Pro displays a Motion in Drawer notification, the unit has detected motion in the waste drawer. This guide will help you understand what the alert means and walk you through how to resolve it.

Before you begin

Make sure:

• Your unit is plugged in.
• Your unit is connected and online.
• Your firmware is up to date. (If the app does not give you the option to update, you already have the latest version.)

How motion detection works

Litter-Robot 5 is equipped with SafeCat® technology, which includes a cat presence motion sensor that monitors movement in the waste drawer. 

• If motion is detected inside the waste drawer, the unit will pause its current operation and display a Motion in Drawer notification.
• The globe will automatically rotate to the Dump position to allow any object to safely exit the drawer.

• A notification will also appear in the Whisker app.

This notification is most commonly triggered by:

• Recent cleaning or handling near the waste drawer.
• Quickly removing and reinserting the drawer multiple times.
• Debris or an object obstructing the drawer space.

Check the waste drawer

1. Remove the waste drawer and make sure there are no foreign objects or peeling seal strips that could be detected as motion.

2. Reinsert the drawer.

3. Short press the Cancel button to clear the notification.

Successful: The unit returns to the Home position with a solid white light, indicating it’s ready for use.

Unsuccessful: If you’re still seeing a Motion in Drawer notification, continue below.

Inspect the sensors

The dual pinch bars are located on either side of the waste port in the base and help detect obstructions in the waste drawer.

1. Turn the unit off and unplug it.

2. Use the handles on both sides of the bonnet to lift and rotate it upwards to its open position.

3. If you have a fence or other accessories installed, remove them from the bezel.

4. Lift the globe by the handle while holding the globe key in place to keep it from falling into the waste drawer. Set both aside.

5. Check that both sensor bars on each side of the dump port are free of debris.

6. Press gently on each bar; you should hear or feel a soft click to confirm proper function.

Reinstall the globe and bonnet

1. Ensure the globe key is installed in the back of the globe with the rectangular opening facing up. Hold the key in place, lift the globe, and set it back into the base so the key drops fully into the pocket.

2. Keep the globe handle and waste port oriented toward the top (Home position). The large black gear at the rear should easily engage with the smaller drive gear in the base.

3. Rotate the bonnet downward over the globe until it automatically latches into place. Press on top to confirm it’s secure. You should hear or feel the latches click into place.

4. Plug the unit in and press the Power button to turn it on.

5. Short press the Cancel button to zero the weight scale.

6. Short press the Cycle button to run a Clean Cycle.

Successful: The unit completes a full cycle and displays a solid white light.

Unsuccessful: If you continue to see a Motion in Drawer notification, there may be an issue with the cat presence sensor or base.

Need more help?

If you are still experiencing a Motion in Drawer notification, please  contact Whisker Customer Experience  for further assistance.