The Top Pet Camera for Cats You’ll Actually Use

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: March 2, 2023
© Duet PandG/Shutterstock.com

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Have you considered a pet camera for cats? Those morning purrs and cuddles can make you want to stay in bed all day. Or, if your cat is the type to scream about not getting breakfast, then you know those shrieky meows are even better than any alarm you could set!

No matter what, you love your furry feline friend, and no one could replace him or her. When you leave, you trust their independence, but you know there are moments throughout your day when you wish you could just see them, maybe talk to them, and maybe give them a treat!

Modern technology has allowed all of this to happen even when you’re not at home. You can be in a movie theater, at work sitting at your desk, in the back of an uber—you name the scenario! With pet cameras, you have access to your favorite feline. Below, we share our top picks for the best cameras for cats—ones you’ll actually use!

Some are straightforward while others offer more interactive features. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to feel a lot better knowing your kitty is only an app away from you!

  1. Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera
    • Features motion and sound detection
    • Can be used indoors or outdoors
    • Has two-way audio
    • Comes with color night vision
    Check Chewy
  2. DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser
    • Comes with a treat dispenser
    • Use a wide-angle HD 2.4 G Wi-Fi camera
    • Features two-way audio
    • 165-degree wide eagle view
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. GULIGULI  Smart Pet Camera Movable Companion Robot for Pets
    • Features a full HD Wi-Fi camera
    • Mounted on a movable robot
    • High-quality images day and night
    • Comes with a treat dispenser
    Check Amazon
  4. LINKSUS Smart Pet Camera
    • App controls the robot
    • Built-in laser toy
    • Comes with full HD and night vision
    • Features a treat dispenser and two-way audio
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Pet Cameras for Cats

#1 Best Overall: Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera

Our selection as the best overall pet camera is the Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera which is also a budget-friendly option.

This camera is equipped with motion and sound detection and sends alerts right to your phone when either is detected. It records continuously 24 hours a day so long as you have a 32GB microSD card (sold separately). Otherwise, you are only privy to real-time video and audio.

Use this indoors or outdoors—it’s wired with an IP65 rating, which means you can be confident of its use even when it’s raining. The two-way audio allows you to greet your pets, remind them how beautiful and wonderful they are, and greet guests or pet sitters when you’re on vacation. It’s also equipped with a siren button so when unwanted guests approach, you can scare them off. Color night vision allows you to record nighttime video in full, vivid color. This camera is equipped with a starlight sensor that allows color to come through in environments up to 25x darker than traditional video cameras.

Use this camera with Alexa and Google Assistant—just give simple commands like “Alexa, show me the living room” or “Okay Google, show me the master bedroom.” The quality is unbeatable and even though this is a budget-friendly option, there is nothing cheap about this model!

Pros and Cons of the Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera

ProsCons
This camera sends an alert to your phone when motion or sound are detected.The SD card needs to be purchased separately.
It records continually for 24 hours per day and has color night vision.
It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
It features two-way audio.
There is a siren feature that can be used to scare off unwelcome visitors.
It can be used with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Best Overall
Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera
  • Features motion and sound detection
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Has two-way audio
  • Comes with color night vision
Check Chewy

2. Best Treat-Dispensing: DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser

If you’re looking for a camera that can also dispense treats then look no further than the DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser.

This Wi-Fi pet camera with a treat dispenser is the perfect addition to your pet-friendly home. It’s equipped with a wide-angle HD 2.4 G Wi-Fi camera (and that includes night vision). You can capture and record every precious moment when you’re away from home. You don’t have to miss when your pets snuggle together, when they do the oh-so-adorable big stretch, or when they greet the mailman. You get a 165-degree wide eagle view so you can keep tabs on your pets day and night.

The treat dispenser is the obvious special feature that allows you to keep your pet entertained for hours. All you have to do is fill it up with the best treats and go ahead and play a game of fun with yummy rewards. When they display good behavior, you can dispense treats at a whim. This is compatible with a variety of dried, crunchy treats that are less than 0.6 inches in diameter.

Use the two-way audio to keep in touch with your beloved feline or canine so they know that just because you’re not home doesn’t mean you’re not with them. This is especially helpful for animals that suffer from separation anxiety. You can soothe them when they’re restless as if you were right there. All those beautiful moments to capture can be shared socially. Just download the camera video recordings and snapshots to create a highlight reel and keep all those precious memories for a long time to come.

The only drawback to this product is that it can sometimes dispense more than one treat at a time which may not be suitable for pets on a diet.

Pros and Cons of the DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser

ProsCons
This product has a wide-angle HD 2.4 G Wi-Fi camera.Sometimes more than one treat gets dispensed at a time.
It features a treat dispenser which is compatible with dry treats that are less than 0.6 inches in diameter.
It has a 165-degree wide-angle view.
There is a two-way audio system so you can speak to your cat as well as hear them.
Best Treat-Dispensing
DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser
  • Comes with a treat dispenser
  • Use a wide-angle HD 2.4 G Wi-Fi camera
  • Features two-way audio
  • 165-degree wide eagle view
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Splurge: GULIGULI Smart Pet Camera Movable Companion Robot for Pets

If you’re ready to invest in a super high-quality pet camera, look no further than the GULIGULI Smart Pet Camera Movable Companion Robot for Pets which features a full HD Wi-Fi camera.

This product features a movable robot camera that allows you to check your pet’s status at any time from your phone. Find your cat under the bed or discover your dog’s new secret hiding place with this camera on wheels. It’s an intelligent robot that delivers high-quality images both during the day and at night. When it’s pitch dark, the night vision has a range of up to 33 feet. Meanwhile, the two-way audio system means you can talk to your pets and coax them out of their favorite hiding spots so that you can find them more easily.

As if the movable camera design wasn’t enough, this device also dispenses treats to keep your pets engaged with you. Plus, you can also remotely control a red laser dot through your mobile phone to interact with your pets whenever you want. Even though you’re not home, your pets will feel like you’re there with them with this interactive pet camera.

Unfortunately, this product does have a fairly short battery life and requires regular charging. Also, the treats can sometimes get stuck as they are being dispensed.

Pros and Cons of the GULIGULI Smart Pet Camera Movable Companion Robot for Pets

ProsCons
This product features a movable robot with a full HD Wi-Fi camera.It has a short battery life.
It features night vision which has a range of up to 33 feet.Treats can sometimes get stuck as they are being dispensed.
It features a two-way audio system.
It dispenses treats.
You can remotely control a red laser dot to interact with your cat.
Best Splurge
GULIGULI Smart Pet Camera Movable Companion Robot for Pets
  • Features a full HD Wi-Fi camera
  • Mounted on a movable robot
  • High-quality images day and night
  • Comes with a treat dispenser
Check Amazon

4. Best Smart Camera: LINKSUS Smart Pet Camera

If you’re looking for a smart camera then we recommend the LINKSUS Smart Pet Camera which allows for manual control and smart interaction.

Use the app to control this pet robot and move it around at home so that you can track your pets for a fun game of hide and seek. You can play with all your fur babies with this pet camera that has a built-in laser toy. Use it manually or select auto control to keep your pet entertained when you’re away from home.

This camera is equipped with full HD and night vision. It has a wide-angle view so that you can track your pet throughout your home during the day when the sun is shining into your home and at night when all you have set up are a few nightlights. Save special captured moments for 10 hours at a time. This long battery life is complemented by additional features, including a treat dispenser and two-way audio. You can communicate with your pet and give commands or communicate with whoever is visiting your home while you’re away.

The treat dispenser works great but it does occasionally dispense more than one treat at a time. If weight control is an issue, make sure that you only add as many treats as your pet can handle in one day.

Pros and Cons of the LINKSUS Smart Pet Camera

ProsCons
You can control the movement of this robotic camera through a phone app.It can sometimes dispense more than one treat at a time.
It features a built-in laser toy to allow you to interact with your pet.
It has a full HD camera with night vision.
The two-way audio system allows you to talk to your pet.
It has a treat dispenser.
Best Smart Camera
LINKSUS Smart Pet Camera
  • App controls the robot
  • Built-in laser toy
  • Comes with full HD and night vision
  • Features a treat dispenser and two-way audio
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

There are two primary factors to consider when selecting the best pet camera. First, the features make a difference. If you’re looking for something simple, then a budget-friendly version is your best bet. However, if you are looking for a pet camera that does more than surveillance, then you will do well exploring some of the more high-tech versions.

Features

Stationary cameras are fantastic for keeping tabs on your pet in one location. For example, if your cat stays in a singular location while you’re out, then a stationary camera can keep an eye on him while you’re away. However, if your pets frequently hide while you’re away, then a movable robot camera will be a better option. Plus, these higher-tech models include options for treat dispensing so you can engage with your pet as if you were home.

Cost

Cost is, of course, an important consideration when deciding on the best pet camera for you. A budget-friendly option takes care of ensuring you keep an eye on your pet. Those cameras with more features allow you to engage with your pet, including two-way audio, movement, play toys, and treat dispensers. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to spend and to consider the value of the pet camera for your needs.

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Top Pet Camera for Cats You’ll Actually Use FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best cat camera?

That all depends on your needs! Sometimes, a cat parent just needs something to keep an eye on the home, especially in the room or rooms where your cat spends the most time. Having two-way audio allows for kitty-to-human communication. Only you know what that sounds like! Other cameras have more features, which allow you to dispense treats or even follow your kitty into her favorite cat caves!

Is there a camera you can put on a cat?

Yes, there are cameras you can put on your cat. Typically, these cameras are appropriate for outdoor cats that go on their own adventures away from home. They give you a sneak peek into what your kitty does when he leaves home

Do pet cameras record all the time?

They do, but you need a microSD card to ensure all recordings are saved. Otherwise, what you have is a real-time camera that allows you to check in when motion or sound are detected.

Should I talk to my cat through the camera?

Absolutely! The camera allows you to check in on your pet and when you have two-way audio, you can also soothe a skittish cat. Cats recognize the voices of their humans, just as they recognize their names, and having you speak through the camera can offer tons of comfort, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety.

Do you need Wi-Fi for a pet camera?

If you intend to monitor your pet while you’re away from home, yes. Wi-Fi is what allows you to stay connected with real-time images and video

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.