If you’re the proud owner of a dog or cat, chances are you need all the help you can get. Sure, we love our furry friends more than words describe, but they can be quite a handful.
Given the incredible benefits of pet ownership for both humans and animals alike, we figured it’d be a good idea to cover some of the more interesting types of technology available to pet owners in 2021:
1. Smarter cat litter
Did you know there’s now a cat litter that detects crystals in cat urine and changes color? Cats are masters of disguise, and one of the most important things to hide for them is health issues. Pretty Litter helps put your mind at ease by changing different colors to alert you for things like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or metabolic acidosis, all while being light, clumping litter up to 80% lighter than traditional crystal litter.
2. GPS tracking collar
If you have a dog that you swear is part ninja, then it’s worth looking into the Whistle 3 GPS collar. The Whistle 3 works with an app on your phone that allows you to set safe zones and automatically alerts the moment Fido breaks free for that impromptu jog. It also doubles as an activity tracker, just like your FitBit. This can be handy in helping to keep track of your pet’s activity, such as calories burned or distance they’ve traveled.
3. Smart Feeders
Portion control is just as crucial for our pets as it is for us. Several companies now offer smart feeders for both cats and dogs that keep track of the time for you and dole out the right portion for your precious pet at the same time every day. If you have more than one pet in the house, there are even feeders with plastic coverings that open up using a magic key that you attach to your pets’ collar. This way, you can be sure that any dietary restrictions are being followed, anyone on a diet stays on a diet, and bullying is kept to a minimum.
4. Electronic toys
Mental stimulation and playtime each have pivotal roles in the health of our pets. If a cat isn’t getting enough exercise, it can become destructive or overweight. Does your cat ever knock things off of counters or shelves? What about digging in your potted plants or terrorizing the household at four in the morning? Many of us don’t have the time required to play with our pets to exhaustion, even if we don’t work a full-time job, and that is precisely where electronic toys come into play. For cats, many different toys entice kitty to chase, hunt and attack, all while keeping your fingers safe. For dogs, there are ball launchers, balls that move around like prey to catch their attention, and even a bone that can be controlled remotely via an app so you can play with your dog even from the office.
5. Self-cleaning Litterboxes
The absolute worst part about owning a cat is scooping the cat litter. It can be so bad that maintaining a litterbox can be the make-or-break reason for potential pet adopters to back out of deciding to get a cat. Enter the self-cleaning litterbox. Litter-Robot, CatGenie, and Premier Pet Auto-Clean are just a few options available on the market but don’t be alarmed at the initial investment. With proper setup and introduction, these litterboxes can save you hundreds each year by not having to buy litter for your fluffy baby.
These are just a tiny sampling of the incredible technology designed to help you keep your pet healthy, safe, and entertained. As advancements in technology continue, expect to see many more exciting things being released.