The Best Pet Cameras
If you're frequently away from your fur babies, a good pet camera can do a lot to put your mind at ease. These devices can monitor your pet throughout the day, and many of them include apps that let you access safety features that were unthinkable a decade ago. But not every pet camera is worth the money, which is why we've made this list of our personal recommendations. Read on and learn how you can keep a better eye on your furry friends.
What to Look For
We had a few questions that every pet camera had to answer in order to be on our list: Does the camera record images in high-quality resolution? Does it send footage consistently and without significant interruption? Is it easy to set up and troubleshoot? Every pet camera on this list met most or all of these criteria. Our favorite was the Kasa Smart pet camera, which features an excellent range of motion and seamless compatibility with Alexa. We also loved the Ebitcam camera, which boasts an excellent app that offers a robust suite of options. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Kasa Smart Indoor Pan and Tilt Pet Camera
For the kitty casa
Kasa Smart gave us the winning pet camera thanks to its well-rounded set of features and great range of motion. Its unique Patrol Mode feature focuses its line of sight on moving objects, meaning this camera can track your pet as they move around the space. It records in 1080p as well, so you’ll always get a clear view of what your cat is up to. Add in seamless Alexa compatibility and manual camera control via your phone, and you’ll see why it’s our favorite pet camera.
Pros
- It’s compatible with SD cards for extra storage, meaning no cloud subscription is required.
- This camera connects to wi-fi networks quickly and easily, making setup a breeze.
Cons
- The camera can pick up the sound of the motor as the camera rotates, which some may find annoying.
Wyze Cam v3 Pet Monitoring Camera
A wise choice
Wyze presents a pet camera that offers great features, especially for the price. Its audio-visual components are superb, with crystalline, full-colored night vision and two-way audio that lets you interact with your cat from afar. All this and more is in the Cam Plus app, which gives you three months upon purchase. This pet camera makes a great choice for owners who like to check in on their cats from afar.
Pros
- It’s one of the few pet cameras that can work well both outdoors and indoors.
- The motion detection feature vigilantly captures even small hints of movement.
- Setup and installation take a matter of minutes.
Cons
- Some may find the motion detection too sensitive after getting a bevy of alerts.
Ebitcam HD Pet Camera
Applied quality
Almost every pet camera has its own app, but this one takes security to another level. Aside from desirable features like clear 1080p vision and two-way audio, this camera also includes secure encryption that protects your data and image feed from hackers. Motion alerts are instantaneous, and the 8x zoom lets you see what’s happening. Your cat’s safety should always come first, and this pet camera provides that extra bit of security.
Pros
- We think it offers an excellent suite of features for this price range.
- The micro-SD card functionality lets you record more footage and save on expensive cloud storage.
- An alarm feature is available if you find them sneaking around places they shouldn’t be.
Cons
- You must switch your wi-fi from 5GHz to 2.4GHz for the app to work, which can be a pain for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Furbo 360° Dog Camera
Going full circle
While this may be marketed for dogs, we think Furbo’s camera is also perfect for cat owners. Cats are agile creatures, so we appreciate this camera’s ability to keep track of them. The total 360-degree view this camera provides also uses a special sensor that can send alerts if your cat is making noise. It also offers color night vision, two-way audio, and even a fun treat dispenser. Plus, keeping track of your cat has never been easier, thanks to the audio-visual surveillance combo this pet camera provides. What’s not to love?
Pros
- It isn’t uncommon for cats to see this pet camera as a toy due to its rotation abilities. They may even form a connection to it.
- This pet camera lets you record your voice; you can use it to call your cat for meals, comfort them, and more.
Cons
- The treat dispenser launches food somewhat aggressively.
Owlet Home Pet Camera
Bring snacks
We love the singular design and multi-use functionality of this pet camera. Its treat dispenser is a charming bonus that gives your cat a good reason to stay near its watchful eye. It’s remarkably easy to set up and use, with an app that lets you control everything from two-way audio to programmable sound alerts. Whether you want to give your cat a snack or just say hello, this pet camera will do the trick.
Pros
- This pet camera’s modern look visually sets it apart from other brands.
- It’s very compact, making it easy to move to different rooms as needed.
Cons
- It only runs on 2.4 GHz wi-fi, which can be difficult to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet camera also work as home security?
Many pet cameras feature most or all of the same features that traditional home security cameras have. Even people without pets can benefit from the recording and surveillance options that a pet camera provides.
Where is the best place to put my pet camera?
We find that the kitchen is typically the best room for a pet camera, as this is where your cat is most likely to get up to mischief while you’re away. We also recommend keeping it near the litter box if your cat has health issues.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.