The 9 Best Devices for Your Pets

In Slack channels, conversations about our pets are very common, being one of the most popular topics right behind work-related technology, current events, video games, and food. Over time, we have acquired a variety of products, both high-tech and low-tech, to keep our furry friends fed, entertained, safe, and happy. Below is a selection of the best items we have tried.

A favorite spot for my cat is undoubtedly anywhere there’s a Berkshire blanket. Fortunately, I’ve accumulated several over the years, so he always has a place to rest. The VelvetLoft line blankets are extremely soft, with a touch that’s almost velvety and a subtle sheen that gives them a luxurious look. During the fall and winter, I placed them around the house, and if I can’t find my cat, I know to just check those. They come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits the recipient's style. However, be careful, you might end up keeping the blanket for yourself or buying another in a different size after feeling how comfy and warm they are.

Recently, my family adopted a high-energy puppy. During his training course, the trainer recommended the Bob-a-Lot treat dispenser to keep him engaged both mentally and physically. You simply fill it with kibble or any dry treat the size of a pellet. Its design, similar to a Russian doll, makes it wobble and not fall over, allowing one or two treats to come out at a time. It can entertain my dog for anywhere from a few minutes to twenty. It’s important that the recipient supervises the dispenser to prevent it from becoming a toy.

After a long period, I decided to buy a smart water fountain for my cat. Previously, he used a gravity model that didn’t interest him much, but this new option has significantly increased his water intake. The fountain connects to an app that allows me to track how much he drinks, which was very useful when my cat fell ill. It also alerts me when it’s time to change the filter or clean the device, making it an excellent gift for any cat lover.

Apple’s AirTags are a great option for tracking more than just keys. Although the company doesn’t officially promote them for pets, their use has become quite popular. Among all the trackers I’ve tried, these work best for moving objects. GPS tags offer higher precision but are generally more expensive and require subscriptions. AirTags, while Bluetooth, have an impressive range and triangulation is surprisingly accurate, allowing for easy location of a lost tag. An acquaintance who runs an animal shelter uses these tags on dogs that are prone to escape during transport.

The Petcube Cam is a good option for those looking to monitor their pets without advanced features. Its design allows it to be placed on a countertop or mounted on the wall, capturing a wide 110-degree angle. I’ve been using it to monitor my ferrets, and the video quality is better than I expected for the price. The camera also has two-way audio and allows for specific activity alerts.

A suggestion from the puppy training class was a snuffle mat. While some people opt to make one at home, I chose the square one from Messy Mutts. This mat allows the dog to sniff and search for hidden food, stimulating his mind, which is just as important as physical exercise. It’s not really a feeding method but a game for the dog to enjoy.

For those looking for a pet monitor, I’ve tried the Blink Mini 2, which combines ease of use with customization options. It’s comforting to be able to check in on my pets while I’m away from home. Although the audio functionality might complicate things for my dog a bit, I mainly use it in visual mode.

Where there are pets, there’s inevitably fur. Although a vacuum cleaner may not seem like the most exciting gift, a good model is very useful. Cordless vacuums are ideal for keeping the home fur-free, and among those I’ve tried, the Tineco Pure ONE S15 stands out for its powerful suction and ease of use. There’s also the Pure One Station FurFree, which is a more advanced model that empties and cleans itself at its charging base.

Finally, when dealing with the issue of cat litter odor, we decided to try Pretty Litter, which not only efficiently traps odors but also changes color if there are urinary issues. Although it doesn’t replace a vet visit, it helps us stay more alert to our cat's health. Plus, the subscription service offers convenience by delivering a new package every month.