Top 6 Innovative Pet Tech Alternatives for Your Furry Friends

Pet Safe Products
Smart Tech
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  • Written by Richard Davis
1
Hive Fave
9.8
Honeycombs
The World’s Smartest Cat Litter
  • Monitors health (!!!), lightweight, and traps odors
  • Sign-up for monthly deliveries right to your door
  • Cleaner and safer for your pet than traditional options
2
9.6
Honeycombs
Book trusted sitters and dog walkers
  • Various services available for dogs and cats
  • Search. Book and Pay. Relax!
  • Sign-up to become a sitter or walker
3
9.4
Honeycombs
Effortless and Automated Grooming Tools
  • Pet grooming and home cleaning made easy
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • FREE shipping for all US orders
4
9.3
Honeycombs
The Smartest Self-Cleaning Litter Box
  • 90-day risk-free trial
  • Self-cleaning odor eliminating technology
  • Say goodbye to litter scooping and a smelly house!
5
8.9
Honeycombs
At-Home Pawdicures
  • Safe and painless nail grinder for pets
  • Pet safe products available for cats and dogs
  • Vet approved. Satisfaction guaranteed.
6
8.5
Honeycombs
Never scoop cat poop again!
  • NEW Litter Robot 4 ships in 1-3 business days
  • 17,000+ 5 Star Reviews
  • Save up to $75 on bundles with PetSpot

How does a self-cleaning litter box work?

The basic principle behind its operation is pretty straightforward. It involves detecting when a cat has used the litter box and then initiating a cleaning cycle to remove the waste. Here's how it generally works:

  • Detection: Most products use sensors to detect when a cat enters and leaves the box. These sensors can be motion detectors, weight sensors, or even infrared sensors. When the sensors detect that the cat has finished using the litter box, the cleaning cycle is triggered.
  • Delay Timer: Some models have a delay timer that gives the waste time to clump before the cleaning process begins.
  • Raking Mechanism: Once the delay timer has passed, the litter box's raking mechanism activates. The rake usually moves from one end of the litter box to the other, pushing the clumps onto a separate waste tray or into a waste receptacle.
  • Waste Removal: The scooped waste is deposited into a waste compartment, which is usually located at the end of the litter box. Some models use disposable waste receptacles that can be easily replaced.
  • Maintenance and Cleaning: While a self-cleaning litter box reduces the frequency of manual scooping, it still requires regular maintenance. The waste compartment needs to be emptied and cleaned as it fills up.

Should I invest in pet surveillance cameras?

They aren’t for everyone, but some pet owners love the peace of mind they provide when leaving their pets at home alone. Here are some other factors and benefits to consider…

  • Behavior Monitoring: Surveillance cameras can help you understand your pet's behavior when you're not around. This could be useful for training purposes or addressing any behavioral issues.
  • Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies such as fires, break-ins, or medical issues, surveillance cameras could provide early alerts.
  • Compatibility and Features: Look for cameras that offer features like real-time video streaming, motion detection, two-way audio, and remote access through a smartphone app. Make sure the cameras are compatible with your devices and home setup.
  • Setup and Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to set up and maintain the cameras. Some may require professional installation, while others are more DIY-friendly.
  • Alternative Solutions: If the primary reason for getting cameras is to monitor your pet, you might also explore other options like smart pet feeders, interactive toys, and automated pet doors.
1
Pretty Litter
The World’s Smartest Cat Litter
  • Monitors health (!!!), lightweight, and traps odors
  • Sign-up for monthly deliveries right to your door
  • Cleaner and safer for your pet than traditional options

This truly is litter box magic!

Introducing the World’s Smartest Cat Litter. Health monitoring cat litter that won’t break your back, or the bank.

The technology in your house changes with the times, so why hasn’t your cat litter? Upgrade your home with smarter, health monitoring cat litter.

  • Traps Odor - Silica gel crystals absorb moisture through millions of micropores, locking in odors.
  • Lightweight - Clay litter cements when wet, making it heavier to scoop and dispose of.
  • Convenient - We deliver to your doorstep, saving you the time and energy of shopping in-store.
  • Monitors health - Blood in urine is hidden by clay litter while PrettyLitter shows blood and pH levels.

Cats Are Notorious for Hiding Illnesses

PrettyLitter changes color to tell you when your cat has a potential health issue, so you can get them help before it becomes an urgent medical situation. If you are worried or wondering "how much does cat litter cost," we want to reassure you that our silica litter (crystal litter) could save you big money on expensive vet bills, not to mention it could save your cat's life. The soiled, color-changing litter will show the following:

  • Typical: Dark yellow/olive green indicates cat urine within the typical range.
  • Acidity: Orange may indicate metabolic acidosis or kidney tubular acidosis.
  • Alkalinity: Blue may indicate certain types of urinary tract infections or increased risk of stone formation.
  • Blood: Red may indicate bladder crystals, feline lower urinary tract issues, or certain types of kidney disease.

TRY PRETTYLITTER TODAY

2
Rover
Book trusted sitters and dog walkers
  • Various services available for dogs and cats
  • Search. Book and Pay. Relax!
  • Sign-up to become a sitter or walker

Book trusted sitters and dog walkers

Services for every dog and cat:

  • Boarding: Your pets stay overnight in your sitter’s home. They’ll be treated like part of the family in a comfortable environment.
  • House Sitting: Your sitter takes care of your pets and your home. Your pets will get all the attention they need without leaving home.
  • Dog Walking: Your dog gets a walk around your neighborhood. Perfect for busy days and dogs with extra energy to burn.
  • Doggy Day Care: Your dog spends the day at your sitter’s home. Drop them off in the morning and pick up a happy pup in the evening.
  • Drop-In Visits: Your sitter drops by your home to play with your pets, offer food, and give potty breaks or clean the litter box.
  • Dog Training through GoodPup: Private, virtual dog training through GoodPup. Train from the comfort of your home through 1-1 video chat.

Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family

  1. Search - Read verified reviews by pet parents like you and choose a sitter who’s a great match for you and your pets.
  2. Book & pay - No cash or checks needed—we make it simple to book and make secured payments through our website or app.
  3. Relax - Your pets are in great hands with a loving sitter. Plus, your booking is backed by 24/7 support and the Rover Guarantee

We believe everyone deserves the unconditional love of a pet—and at Rover, our mission is to make it easier to experience that love.

Founded in 2011, the Rover app and website connect dog and cat parents with loving pet sitters and dog walkers in neighborhoods across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe.

We empower our community of trusted pet sitters and dog walkers to run their own pet care businesses on Rover with the tools and security of a global company to back them.

3
Neakasa
Effortless and Automated Grooming Tools
  • Pet grooming and home cleaning made easy
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • FREE shipping for all US orders

Neakasa Fits Your Life

Scoop-free Days, Worry-free Ways

  • Self-cleaning: Self-cleaning mode making no more scooping.
  • Open-top design: Easy and safe access for cats of various sizes.
  • Pull & Wrap waste solution: Ensuring a seamless, odor-free and contactless litter disposal.
  • Multi-cat friendly: Accommodating felines of all breeds, ranging from 2.2 lbs to 22 lbs.

Pet Hair Health Solutions

Experience a fur-free haven with our innovative pet grooming vacuum Kit. Keep your furry friend's coat lustrous and your home allergen-free. Neakasa ensures a healthier living space for both you and your pet, fostering a harmonious bond that's free from shedding worries.

On-the-Go Solutions

On-the-go adventures with your pet are a breeze thanks to the F1 Pet Hair Dryer. Weighing only 1.2lbs, and powerful, it swiftly dries damp fur after outdoor escapades or baths. Neakasa enhances your pet's comfort and style wherever you explore, making memories together more delightful.

Household Cleaning Solutions

Elevate your living environment effortlessly with our robot vacuum cleaner. Neakasa embraces modern convenience, tirelessly sweeping away pet hair and dust. Enjoy a pristine home without the chore, leaving you with more quality time to share with your furry companions.

4
Casa Leo
The Smartest Self-Cleaning Litter Box
  • 90-day risk-free trial
  • Self-cleaning odor eliminating technology
  • Say goodbye to litter scooping and a smelly house!
Meet the smartest self-cleaning litter box!

Say So Long to Scooping

Get the Leo’s Loo Too and say goodbye to the least enjoyable part of cat parenting: scooping litter

  • Self-Cleaning
  • Smart Home App
  • Larger Waste Drawer
  • Whisper Quiet Sifting (~30 dB)
  • UV Light Treatment
  • Odor Elimination

A Giant Step Forward for Catkind

Leo’s Loo Too is the newest addition to the Casa Leo family. Featuring our most advanced set of features, the Leo’s Loo Too is a massive step forward for cat families looking for a better alternative to traditional litter boxes. With four fun colors, a modern design, a larger waste drawer and whisper-quiet motor, we know Leo’s Loo Too will improve life for you and your fur baby.

5
Lucky Tail
At-Home Pawdicures
  • Safe and painless nail grinder for pets
  • Pet safe products available for cats and dogs
  • Vet approved. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Hear Our Tale

Our pets are more than just animals—they’re our family. And that means that they deserve the absolute best. At LuckyTail, our goal is to celebrate the indescribable bond between pets and their companions. Let us help you show your pet how lucky you are to have each other!

Our mission is simple—Make every pet’s life a lucky one.

Enjoy our pet paradise where at-home care meets innovation. With our exceptional health and grooming products, we aim to inspire a sense of gratitude in every pet as they discover how lucky they are to have you in their lives!

Why Lucky Tail?
  • Premium Quality: Our products are top-notch, every time! We source the best ingredients for our chews and take care to ensure every product is perfect, with our quality control department inspecting each and every item before it ships.
  • Innovative Design: We believe every pet deserves the best—and we’re dedicated to creating the top products on the market. Our innovative designs, like our LuckyTail Nail Grinder, with whisper-quiet and ultralight vibration, are changing the game for at-home pet care.
  • All-Natural, Pure Ingredients: We believe that every pet deserves to feel lucky every day—and we’re dedicated to creating the top products on the market. Our all-natural chews are formulated to support your pet with pure, nutritious, wholesome ingredients.
  • Pet-Centric: We’re focused on making pets (and their people) happy. Every product is made with pets in mind—from our quiet, pet-friendly Nail Grinder to our delicious, nutritious chews.
  • Excellent Service: We want every pet and person using our products to LOVE them. In fact, we think of you as part of our LuckyTail family. Our team is here to help every step of the way. We provide top-notch customer service Monday-Friday 9am-5pm MST.
  • 100% Tail-Waggin Happiness Guaranteed: Our products are backed by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, we will do whatever it takes to make it right.
6
Litter Robot
Never scoop cat poop again!
  • NEW Litter Robot 4 ships in 1-3 business days
  • 17,000+ 5 Star Reviews
  • Save up to $75 on bundles with PetSpot

Litter-Robot makes cat-life easier by removing the chore of scooping.

The highest-rated self-cleaning litter box

Cats love it. Cat parents love it more.

  • Self-cleaning - Sifts out waste after every use so you never have to scoop again.
  • Odor control - Clumps automatically fall into a tightly-sealed drawer, keeping odors at bay.
  • Pet monitoring - Track your cat’s weight with SmartScale®, follow their bathroom usage and get waste level alerts.
  • Multi-cat friendly - One Litter-Robot is suitable for up to four cats–removing the need for multiple boxes.

Born out of a personal need, our founder Brad Baxter inherited two cats and saw first-hand how unsightly the traditional litter box was. Desperate to find a solution to scooping his cats’ litter boxes, Brad set out to solve the problem. Enter: Litter-Robot.

Fast forward 23 years, four generations of Litter-Robot and over 1 million customers, Whisker is leading the way for what pet parenthood should be. From Litter-Robot to Feeder-Robot to the Whisker mobile app, our team of 500+ are dedicated to shaping the future of pet care. We’re helping cat parents around the world remove daily chores and unlocking helpful insights into their pets. And this is just the beginning.

For 20+ years, our robots have been designed, assembled, and serviced right here in America—allowing us the ability to deliver the quality our customers deserve.

Is an automatic feeder the right choice for my dog?

Automatic feeders can be a helpful tool for managing your dog's feeding schedule, especially in certain situations. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if an automatic feeder is a good option for your dog:

Pros:

  • Consistent Feeding Schedule: Automatic feeders can help maintain a consistent feeding schedule, which is important for overall health and digestion.
  • Portion Control: Many automatic feeders allow you to pre-portion meals, which can help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
  • Convenience: If you have a busy schedule or need to be away from home during meal times, an automatic feeder can ensure your dog gets their meals on time.
  • Multiple Meals: Some feeders offer the option to program multiple meals throughout the day, which can be especially useful for dogs that need to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Slow Feeding: Some automatic feeders come with features that dispense food slowly, encouraging your dog to eat more slowly and reducing the risk of bloat or other digestive issues. Dogs with deep chests are at risk of stomach turning/flipping, so slow feeding is necessary for their safety.

Cons:

  • Behavioral Concerns: If your dog has food-related behavioral issues like resource guarding or overeating, an automatic feeder might not address these problems and could even exacerbate them.
  • Dependence on Technology: If the feeder malfunctions or you forget to set it up, your dog might miss a meal, which could be problematic if it happens frequently.
  • Freshness of Food: Depending on the type of food you use and the feeder's design, there could be concerns about the freshness of the food over time.

Should I switch out my cat's traditional clay litter?

Clay litter keeps odors at the surface while new and innovative forms of litter, such as PrettyLitter, absorbs and eliminates it for better odor control. Clay litter cements when wet, making it heavier and often messier to scoop and dispose of. Clay litter can produce a significant amount of dust, which can be harmful to both cats and humans when inhaled. It also tends to track easily, leaving a mess around your home. Although cheaper than newer methods, clay litter can be very harmful to the environment - the mining process for clay litter can damage ecosystems, and the disposal of used clay contributes to environmental pollution.

Considering these disadvantages, it might be worthwhile to explore alternative types of cat litter that are more sustainable, less dusty, and more environmentally responsible.

Richard Davis
Richard Davis
Passionate about sports, food, and my dog! I write about almost pretty much everything I find interesting. I’ll give my honest opinion, and do my best to lead you down the right path!