Pet technology for dog and cat owners

While nothing can replace the time you spend with your cat or dog, pet technology can make your life a little bit easier.

From electronic dog toys to a microchip cat flap, here’s some of the most popular pet tech

Pets love routine, so a smart feeder is a great way to make sure they can access their food on a set schedule – perfect if you need to leave early for work or are away for the day. Some smart feeders can even be operated with an app, so you can control exactly when your pet can eat their food.

Similarly, many cats enjoy drinking from water fountains. A lot of these now work with apps that can monitor how much and how often your cat is drinking – especially important if your cat has renal disease or diabetes.

Pros:

• Can help with portion control
• Helpful for owners with busy schedules

Cons:

• Isn’t always suitable for wet food
• Not as suitable for multi-pet households

Pet activity trackers attach to your pet’s collar and monitor their activity. Using an app, you can track how much movement and rest your pet gets each day.

Pros:

• Helps you to monitor and adjust your pet’s activity, if needed
• Useful for spotting changes to your pet’s sleeping habits or routine

Cons:

• Needs regular charging
• You may need to sign up for a monthly paid subscription
  

If your cat loves to explore, or your dog’s recall isn’t the best, a GPS collar is the perfect way to track their location. These collars connect to an app so you can see where they are in real time. Some trackers have an alert feature, which sends a notification if your pet goes outside a predetermined zone.

Even if your pet wears a GPS tracker, make sure the information on their ID tag is up-to-date, and remember that microchips are mandatory for cats and dogs in the UK.

Pros:

• Helps quickly locate missing pets
• Offers peace of mind for outdoor pets

Cons:

• Needs frequent charging
• Usually requires a monthly paid subscription
  

Most owners worry about their pets when they’re away from home. A pet camera is the perfect way to check in and see if they’re OK. If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, a camera is also a great way to monitor their behaviour while you’re out of the house.

Some cameras offer a basic image stream, while other interactive versions allow you to talk to your pet and even dispense treats. These interactive cameras aren’t typically recommended by behaviourists, as they may cause anxiety or confusion.

Pros:

• Helps monitor your pet’s behaviour
• Offers peace of mind when you’re away from home

Cons:

• Only shows activity when your pet is in the same room as the camera
• Some pets may get confused if they hear your voice but can’t find you in the house
  

Pet health monitors are a step above activity trackers, and monitor a wide range of your pet’s vital statistics.

While they’re a great way to monitor your pet’s health, they aren’t a substitute for regular vet care. If you notice any changes to your pet’s health, always speak to your vet. If you have cat or dog insurance with Petplan, use our Pet Expert Chat feature to talk with vet professionals, 24/7. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.

Pros:

• Early insights into any health changes
• Allows for long-term tracking of your pet’s health

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Usually requires a monthly subscription
  

For cat owners, cleaning the litter tray is an everyday part of responsible pet ownership. But self-cleaning litter trays detect when your cat has used the tray and sweep any waste into a separate compartment, reducing the need for daily scooping.

Some even come with an app so you can monitor your cat’s bathroom habits, but – like interactive pet cameras – they’re not always recommended by behaviourists.

Pros:

• Keeps smells to a minimum
• Makes cleaning the litter tray much easier

Cons:

• Harder to monitor the health of your cat’s poop
• Some cats are noise sensitive and don’t like using self-cleaning litter trays

In areas with a lot of cats, you might worry about other cats gaining access to your house. In this case, an electronic cat flap is a great idea.

But how do microchip cat flaps work? They scan your cat’s microchip, and only allow access to specific cats. They’re also the perfect way to monitor your cat’s routine and pick up on any changes to their habits.

Pros:

• Helps to maintain a safe indoor territory for your cat
• Usually offers timed access so you can keep your cat in at night

Cons:

• More expensive than other cat flaps
• Some cats need to be trained to use them
  

Electronic dog toys – such as ball launchers – can be great fun, but should always be used in moderation. They’re a great option for high-energy breeds such as Border Collies and Golden Retrievers, but can over excite some dogs and cause frustration in others.

Some cats enjoy playing with electronic pet toys that allow them to mimic their natural instincts, such as remote-controlled mice, bird chasers, and gadgets that encourage them to work for treats. However, these are no substitute for play sessions between you and your cat.

Always avoid electronic laser pen toys, as these can cause frustration.

Pros:

• Provides physical exercise
• Encourages short bursts of solo play

Cons:

• Can over-excite or frustrate some pets
• Not a substitute for interaction between pets and their owners

Petcare technology can be a great addition to your life, helping with everything from monitoring your pet’s activity to keeping an eye on them while you’re away from home. But technology should never be used as a replacement for quality time together. If you’re wondering whether a gadget is a good idea, it’s always best to speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.