Ever wonder what your cat does when you’re away? Many owners are curious about their pet’s most secretive habits and are also concerned about their well-being. Fortunately, remote monitoring of your cat is now possible thanks to modern technologies like surveillance cameras or GPS and activity monitors. Discover the best methods and cameras to keep an eye on your four-legged companion, even when you’re not at home.
Why Monitor Your Cat Remotely?
Although cats are known to be independent animals, they don’t necessarily enjoy being alone for long hours. Your mere presence (without requiring physical contact) helps to keep them entertained. A cat left alone without access to the outdoors can develop behavioral issues such as:
- Inappropriate elimination, often related to stress,
- Redirected aggression towards a family member due to pent-up energy,
- Depression, with a cat spending all day sleeping due to lack of stimulation. Monitoring your cat remotely is also useful for maintaining their health and spotting early signs of potential illness.
Cameras for Remote Cat Monitoring
Webcams for the Curious
If your goal is simply to satisfy your curiosity and you don’t want to invest heavily, your computer’s webcam can suffice. With platforms like Skype, for example, you can monitor your pet’s activities for free. The only downside is that you’ll be limited by the camera’s angle.
Dedicated Surveillance Cameras
For more comprehensive monitoring, cameras specifically designed for pets have emerged on the market. Among the most popular is the Catit camera, featuring original design and night vision capabilities.
Other options include:
- The Xiaomi 360 camera, which, as the name suggests, offers a 360° view thanks to its rotating head;
- The Imou cat camera equipped with motion detection and speakers for communicating with your feline.
GPS and Activity Monitors for Cats
Beyond visual surveillance, another approach is possible for monitoring your cat. With GPS and activity monitors, you can track your feline’s movements and know how much time they spend sleeping, running, playing, etc. These indicators are useful not only for preventing your cat from getting lost when they go outside but also for ensuring they stay healthy. These trackers transmit all data about your pet through an app (accessible from your smartphone).
Few trackers have been specifically designed for cats, such as the Kippy Cat. Developed in partnership with the veterinary faculty of Milan, this collar features an anti-strangulation system and provides advanced monitoring for your feline companion:
- Live geolocation;
- 1-month travel history;
- Virtual barrier system (Geofence) to alert you when your pet leaves a certain area;
- Measurement of various daily activities (number of steps, jumps, sleep time, feeding time, grooming time, etc.);
- Comparison of activities with animals of similar profiles.
All these measures not only allow you to monitor your cat’s movements but also keep an eye on your pet’s health and therefore prevent the onset of diseases.
Whether it’s surveillance cameras, activity monitors, or both, the choice is yours!
This article might also interest you: 7 Easy Tips to Keep Your Cat Busy