Looking to spice up your kitty monitoring game when you’re away from home with a cat cam?
Can’t seem to find a suitable model for you or your cat?
All of that can change if you continue reading this article where we tried our best to review only the best ones out there. Apart from that, we made sure to review a variety of products in different categories with different properties and functions like cat home cameras, treat dispensers, and more.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The Summary
★★★★★
You can cover all corners of your house with this camera so you’ll always know where your cat is and what it’s doing due to the big pan and tilt.
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★★★★☆
You can truly interact with your cat whilst playing with the laser via an app since you can also talk to them using the microphone and speaker.
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★★★★☆
You can connect more cameras to one app and you can mount them all to a wall so that the camera is unreachable to your cat.
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How Do You Use The Cat Camera?
Cat camera is nothing else than a monitoring camera that you use on a daily basis or occasionally when you’re away. But how can you see your cat when you’re not at home? This model needs to have an Internet connection and a paired device on which you will download the app. By using the app you can have real-time video and see what your cat is doing.
What’s The Difference Between Cat Cameras And Other Pet Devices?
There is actually no big difference and most of the cat cameras are the same as, for example, dog cameras. You can use most of the pet cameras for cat monitoring, but for example can’t use all the collar cameras because there are differences in weight and size.
Type Of Camera For Cat Owners – Which One Will You Pick?
You can find a variety of models on the market and choose the one that will suit your and your cat’s needs. We listed the most used and popular ones down below.
- Home Camera – This includes all types of static or portable models for indoor use. Home cameras are used for monitoring your cat and checking activities through the day and night
- Collar Camera – A collar model is a high-definition camera which can be installed on a cat’s collar. This device is used to check how it looks from a cat’s perspective and follow activities that can discover a lot
- Laser Camera – This is the standard monitoring camera with additional features – laser. Laser cameras eject moving red lines which are one of the favorite interactive games for cats. If you have an active cat, you might consider buying this model
- Camera With Treat Dispenser – Imagine the possibility of feeding your cat while you’re away from home? With this type of model it is possible. Cat treat dispenser is actually a multifunctional device which ejects treats whenever you want
- Interactive Camera – Interactive devices include a two-way communication feature which allows you to speak with your cat using speaker and microphone
- Outdoor Camera – For cats that are allowed to be outside, it is recommended to buy an outdoor camera. Outdoor device allows you to monitor your cat and her activities
Why Other Cat Owners Bought Camera?
You’re not sure which are the benefits of having a cat camera and why many cat owners have cameras? You can find the list of benefits down below.
Monitoring In Any Moment
You can check in any moment what your cat is doing, where she is, is she making a mess around the house or just sleeping. This can help you find out how she behaves when no one is around. Also, monitoring can help you to check up on if your cat is sick at the moment so you can quickly react and call neighbors.
Catch Your Cat In Action
You can’t find some things in your house and don’t know where your cat is hiding them? Or how he sneaks out and where she goes? Having a home or collar camera can help you find hidden areas and all her activities during day and night.
Interact With Cat
Do you have a strong bond with your cat and love to talk with her while you’re away? Interactive models will allow you to say hi to your cat and hear her meowing you back. Interaction can help with separation anxiety, as well, so you can call her a few times a day to relieve her stress.
Entertaining Time
You think your cat is bored when you’re away and want to entertain her to shorten waiting time? Having a camera with interactive games can not only entertain cats but help to keep her active as we know cats sleep most of the day.
Use It As Anti-theft Device
Not only was the cat camera a great monitoring device, but many owners also used it as a security camera, as well. If you’re afraid of intruders, pick a model with great camera features so you can be sure your house and your cat are always safe.
Pick The Best Cat Camera By Following Our Guide
Those features and specifications are most important to check before buying a new cat camera, especially if you’re a new user. Choose the model with the best features that will provide easy daily use.
High-quality Model – Buy cameras only from reliable brands. Pick the camera made of sturdy plastic which will last you for a long time. Check the quality construction and how all parts of the camera are made. All parts need to be strongly attached.
Shape And Size – Most of the interactive cat cameras are rounded or and those with treat containers have oblong shapes. Also, most of the cameras are small enough to fit in all the areas in your house. The smallest models measure about 5 x 5 x inches.
Internet Connection – So the camera can work properly it is important to have a stable connection with 2.4ghZ frequency. Some models connect by using WiFi and some have wires for the internet port.
Power Supply – Cat cameras can have a battery or electric supply. Most of the devices have a plug so make sure to place it near the socket. Battery models can be rechargeable or replaceable.
Camera Features – For daily use, we recommend a model with 720p image resolution. If you want a camera that can monitor in dark, choose 1080p with infrared vision. Also, to zoom the cat if she’s far away, pick a model with at least a 3x zoom option. Most cameras have 90° vertical and horizontal rotation which allows you to check every corner of the room.
Audio Settings – The speaker needs to have audio settings so you can customize volume especially if your cat easily gets scared. All of the cat cameras have pet-friendly sounds and an anti-noise filter which allows you to clearly hear the cat.
Storing Area Capacity – Check the storage capacity before buying a camera. Most models have local storage and support micro SD cards up to 128 GB. We recommend a model with supported microSD as the safest way to save and download files. Also, you can use cloud storage on the app but mostly it requires subscriptions.
Remote Device – Most manufacturers support smart devices for monitoring like smartphones, tablets, iPad and laptops. Before buying a camera check if your operating system supports the app.
Best 10 Cat Cameras
Tenvis Pet Camera
Camera Info
Since cats are nocturnal creatures, it’s important to have a camera that works at night. With infrared light, it has a view range of 32ft during the night. During the day, it records crystal clear 1080p HD quality videos. It has a pan of 355 degrees and a tilt of 120 degrees.
Placement Options
This pet camera for cats fits on a flat surface or be attached to a ceiling so that it’s unreachable to your cat. You can use its 2-way audio feature to talk to your cat and it even has motion detection sensors. If you’d prefer a camera with play features, you can read about other indoor cameras for pets next.
In Short:
- Can see up to 32 ft away during the night
- Record 1080p quality videos
- Has 2-way audio
- features motion detections sensors
- Sends notifications when motion is detected
- Can be hooked on a ceiling
- Has a 355-degree pan and 120-degree tilt
Vstarcam Cat Camera WIth Laser
Housing Shape And Connection
Its head is circular but it can be placed on flat surfaces because of the bottom casing. In the front, it features a laser, infrared light for night vision, and a camera lens that can record 1080p quality videos. It can connect to wifi and be controlled via an app but it doesn’t work with 5G network.
Rotating Head
The head rotates 355 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically. You can play your cat music, talk to them, and the app will send you notifications when motion is detected. It’s a cat camera with a laser that’s remote-controlled so if you’d prefer an automatic one, you can find them in the article linked below.
In Short:
- Has a 355-degree pan and 120-degree tilt
- Can live stream, 1080p HD quality videos
- Work with 2.4 GHz wifi
- Has night vision and a laser in the front
- The laser can be remote controlled
- Has a microphone and speaker
Arlo VMC3040-100NAS Camera
Wall Mounting
If your cat gets curious and loves to knock things off flat surfaces, you can rely on this camera to prevent that since you can attach it to a wall. It works with an app but you can connect it to Amazon Alexa to voice control its features like if you have more than one camera, it can show you a specific camera location.
Casing And Main Features
It connects to home wifi up to 300 ft away, it has a durable BPA-free casing and the camera records sharp 1080p quality videos. It features 2-way audio, night vision, motion detection and offers cloud storage. If you had different cat cameras for a home in mind, you can read about others in the home camera for pets article.
In Short:
- Can be hooked on a wall
- Records sharp 1080p HD quality videos
- The casing is durable and BPA free
- Features 2-way audio and motion detection sensors
- Can record at night
- Offers cloud storage
- Connects to Amazon Alexa
Zmodo Mini Pro Camera For Cats
More Cameras, Better View
You can get a clear vision of all the rooms in your house by purchasing more cameras and connecting them all through one app and account. It has a 26 ft vision range during the night and has a 130-degree view angle, live streaming 1080p HD quality videos. All of this and more for only around 30 dollars.
Motion Detection And 2-Way Audio
You can customize in which areas the motion detection sensor works and it also features a built-in speaker and mic for 2-way communication. If you’d prefer a single live cat camera for all your needs, you can read about different ones in the wifi pet camera article.
In Short:
- Has a 26 ft night vision range
- LIve streams 1080p quality videos
- You can connect multiple cameras to one account
- Costs around 30 dollars
- HAs a 130-degree view angle
- Has adjustable motion detector range
- Features 2-way audio
Skymee Owl Robot Camera
Looks And Features
The device looks like an owl. Its two eyes act as cameras and the beak is there for decorative purposes. It features wheels on the left and right sides and can cruise your house by you controlling it manually via the app. It can zoom in 4 times, records 1080p quality videos,
Battery Life
It can also work if you turn on touch mode and it also dispenses treats. It features 2-way audio and can work fully charged for up to 8 hours of non-stop use. If you love this interactive cat nanny cam but would like to review all of your options, you can find others in the interactive pet camera article.
In Short:
- Has 2 cameras
- Looks like an owl
- Features 2 wheels and can be touch controlled or remote controlled
- Can work up to 8 hours fully charged
- Features 4x zoom and record 1080p quality videos
- Has a treat dispenser ability
- Has 2-way audio
Tt-Createch Camera For Collar
Small Size
Your cat won’t even notice that it’s wearing this camera that has a cube shape and it’s 0.87-in big in all dimensions. If you’d like to learn more about this and others and see why you’d even need one, you can read about others in the pet camera collar article.
Casing Features
This cat nanny cam records 30 frames per second and paired with the 1080p HD camera quality, you’ll get to see clearly where your cat is. It has a 150-degree wide recording angle, records at night, Has a memory card slot, connects through wifi, and has a USB charging port.
In Short:
- Has a cube shape
- It’s 0.87-in wide long and tall
- Records at 30 frames per second
- Charges with a USB
- Has a memory card slot
- Connects through wifi
- Records 1080p quality videos and has a 150-degree view
Furbo Cat Camera With Treat Dispenser
Treat Dispenser Info
The top bamboo cover can be removed since that’s where you’ll put the treats. It works best with treats with a 0.4-i diameter and can fill up with over 100 treats so you never run out of them. You can learn more about this and other cat camera treat dispensers in the linked article below.
Video Quality
It live streams 1080p FHD videos at a 160-degree wide-angle and a 4x zoom for both the day and night. It detects people, pets, and features 2-way audio as well. You can throw the cat a treat manually or schedule a time of day when the treat will be tossed.
In Short:
- Has a bamboo treat storage cover
- Works best with 0.4-in diameter treats
- Can hold up to 100 treats at a time
- The camera record FHD 1080p videos
- Has a 160-degree wide view angle
- feature 4 times zoom
- Works at night and has motion detectors
- Features 2-way audio
Pawbo Life Pet Camera
Play Features
The best way to calm and entertain kittens is to play with them. That’s why this camera features a treat dispenser and a red light laser to play with your cat. The laser is controlled manually through an app and you can also throw a treat from there. You can talk to your cat and listen to it as well.
Camera Abilities
You can zoom in to better see what your cat is doing. The camera records 720p quality videos at a 130-degree angle. You can also zoom in 4x times to better see what the cat is doing. If you’d prefer this kitten cam was something else, you can read about others in the cat camera treat dispenser article.
In Short:
- Has a treat dispenser
- Features a manually controlled red laser
- Can record 720p HD videos at a 130-degree wide angle
- Has 4x digital zoom
- You can talk and listen to your cat
Aiiyme Pet Security Camera
Casing Shape And Record Range
The camera has a round head and a circular stand. In the front, you’ll find a lens that records 1080p videos and below it, you’ll find a red laser. You can control the camera with a pan of 355 degrees and a tilt of 120 degrees. It can also record clearly at night with its 39ft range.
Lens And Cat Interaction
The lens has a 160-degree wide-angle and everything, even the 2-way audio features are controlled via an app. You just have to connect it to your 2.44 GHz wifi and you’re all set. If you’d like to entertain your cat with a camera, you can read the article about cat cameras with lasers.
In Short:
- Has a rounded head and a stand
- Has 120-degree tilt and 355-degree pan
- The less record at a 160-degree wide-angle
- Connects to 2.4 GHz wifi
- Has 2-way audio
- Features a red laser pointer
- At night, it records with a visibility of up to 39 ft away
Ring Floodlight Camera
Devices It Works With
If you connect the camera to your Alexa, you can get smart notifications when motion is detected. You can also voice control it to activate its 2-way audio feature. It connects to PCs, tablets, and smartphones. If you’d like the one that doesn’t work with Alexa, you can read about other outdoor cat cameras in the outdoor pet camera article.
Outdoor Works
It has 2 overhead lights and even features a manually activated alarm. It can detect motion up to 30 ft away and features night mode. It works from temperatures of -22 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 140-degree horizontal field o view and a 78-degree vertical field of view.
In Short:
- Can connect to Alexa
- Can work with tablets, PCs, and phones
- Detects motion up to 30 ft away
- Has 2 LED overhead lights
- It’s weather-resistant
- Has nigh vision mode
- Features a remote alarm
Set Up The Cat Camera In Few Steps
Most of the cat cameras can be set up in 10 minutes by following instructions that come in the box.
Step 1 Connect all the pieces by following assembly steps. Most of the cameras don’t require assembly only to place the lid, antenna or other functional piece.
Step 2 Plug the wire into the socket or place the charged battery inside the device, depending on which power supply the camera uses. Most of the cameras have a green indicator which will show you the camera is working properly.
Step 3 Turn on the WiFi button and connect the camera with the home network. In the instructions, you can check how to know the device is connected to WiFi. If your model has an internet port, plug the wire into it and wait for a few seconds to connect.
Cats And New Camera – Adapt Her To The Device
Some breeds can easily get scared of new objects, and you will need some time to adapt your cat to the camera. By following our steps you will easily do it in a short time.
Step 1 Turn on the camera and allow your cat to sniff around. Don’t worry, cat cameras work very quietly and are pet-friendly.
Step 2 After she explores a new object in the house it is time to try different camera settings to get her reaction. Turn on the speaker and microphone and monitor from the other room how she reacts when hearing your voice from the camera. Maybe she will be suspicious or afraid in the beginning. Also, you can expect loud meowing.
Step 3 If you decide to buy an interactive model, especially a moving one like a robot, see how she reacts when the device ejects treats or will she play with laser rays. You can expect she will get scared at first, so don’t force her to use it if she won’t come closer.
Step 4 Repeat the actions for few times a day at least 3 days in a row, so you can decide whether this model is suitable for your cat and can she easily adapt to it.
Cats Can Be Scared Of Interactive Cameras
Not all interactive models like robots, cameras with treat dispensers, or lasers are suitable for cats, because they naturally easily get scared, and comparing it to the dogs they are much harder to adapt to interactive devices. If you tried to adapt but she has separation anxiety, it is the best choice to buy a monitoring model and not use any interaction.
Avoid These Models When Buying New Cat Device
Most cat cameras are specifically made for all cats, but some of them have specifications which are better to avoid. For example, if you’re buying a laser camera, avoid models that directly beam out the rays. That can irritate a cat’s sensitive eyes, rather pick angled lasers. Also, too big or heavy collar cameras are not suitable for cats and it can hurt their neck.
Avoid cameras with treat dispensers with fast ejection because treats can easily hit the cat and scare her. Rather pick a model with adjustable ejection or the one with a downturned hole. Also, avoid buying models with small parts that cats can easily swallow which can be dangerous.
What Can You Use As an Alternative?
You can’t find a cat camera that suits your needs? The best alternative is definitely a spy or security camera. Device needs to have a great camera resolution, not above 720p, wide-angle and zoom feature so you can check all the corners of the room. Also, make sure it is compatible with your phone or monitoring device you’re planning to use. If there is no app in the store, you won’t be able to use it for monitoring, only for recording.
Safety Tips For New Users
Down below you can find all the tips and recommendations on how and where to install the camera for maximum safety.
Safe Spot
It is very hard to find the safest area to install the camera because cats can jump everywhere. We recommend placing the camera in the corner of the shelf or desk. Always make sure the surface is flat and the model can stay stable on it.
Hide All Wires
If you’re buying a camera with wire such as a plug or internet cable, you need to hide it to prevent any dangerous action if the cat starts biting it. We recommended hiding it behind the furniture or placing it inside the cable management box with a lid that the cat can’t open.
Wall-mounted Option
It is always advanced if the camera can be installed on the wall so your cat can’t knock it down. Some of the models can be used both, as portable or static devices.
Cleaning And Maintenance – Which Models Require It?
Most of the cat cameras only need to be cleaned from the dust from time to time, but cameras with treat dispensers request detailed cleaning. The container will be full of crumbles because of treats. Use a damp or dry cloth and wipe out the leftovers. Also, clean the ejecting hole so it won’t get clogged.
What To Consider When Buying A Model That Requests Cleaning?
Dust is mostly visible on black cameras, so we recommend picking models in a lighter shade or those with wooden lids. Also, we recommend models with rounded lenses so the dust doesn’t stay on the surface and makes the picture blurry. If you’re buying a model with a container, make sure it is detachable so you can quickly clean it.
Questions And Answers For Cat Camera Users
If you didn’t find all the answers about specifications and features, here are all needed answers to frequently asked questions from pet camera owners.
Are Cats Afraid Of Cameras?
Cameras for indoor use are not loud when working and have pet-friendly sounds. However, cats can get scared from interactive models which can move around the room. Also, cats can get scared from the sound from the camera when you call them, especially if it’s too loud.
Are Cameras Scratch Proof?
Cat cameras are not fully scratch proof even if most of them are made of sturdy plastic. Make sure to keep your cat’s nail short to not damage the device if she can reach it easily.
Do Cameras Require Mounting Tools?
Cameras usually come in one piece and don’t require mounting tools unless the model can be wall-mounted. In this case, you will need a drill to attach the screws to the wall.
Are Collar Cameras Heavy?
No, most of the collar cameras are less than 1 inches wide and tall and have only a few grams so it won’t hurt your cat’s neck. Before buying a collar camera check the weight and dimension and recommended models depending on the size of your cat.
Are Collar Cameras Suitable For Long Use?
Although collar cameras for cats are not heavy they’re not recommended for using them all day. They are predicted to be used occasionally like going on a hike with a cat or exploring her activities. When your cat is sleeping, remove the collar camera so she can lay comfortably.
Which Treats Are Suitable For Treat Models?
For cameras, with treat dispensers, you can only use dry treats. Most of the models are suitable for more than 100 different treat brands from the market. Canned food is strongly forbidden because it can’t stay open as long as dry food and can easily clog the device hole because of the wet structure.
How Many Treats Can Fit In Containers?
It depends on the capacity of the container, but most models can fit up to 100 treats.
Do Cat Cameras Have Motion Detectors?
Yes, most multifunctional devices come with motion and sound detectors. This feature will send you an alert notification to your monitoring device every time it detects a bigger, human-sized object. This can help you check if there are intruders nearby.
To Sum Up
If you’ve read most of the reviews, you will have realized by now that each cat camera serves a different purpose due to the feature and ability variety. For that reason, we won’t recommend one but we will say this: Think about what motivates your cat and what areas of your house you need to be covered. If you’d prefer to read about dog cameras or treat cameras, you can do it in the pet camera treat article or the dog camera article. If you’d like to read brief reviews of all the possible camera varieties, you can do that by reading the post on the best pet cameras.
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