Gadgets for Your Pets?
Does your dog need a cell phone? Does your cat need a translation dictionary? Some gadget makers clearly think so. Check out PC World's article rounding up the top of the dogpile (sorry) of gadgets made for your pets.
Some of these are pretty neat. I like the idea of a webcam attached to your pet's collar if you just want to see the kind of trouble he gets up to when you're not around. But some of these ideas I think need a little refining. For example, I can vouch that my neighbor friend's Litter-Robot makes such a racket when it's running that her cats are terrified to go near it. Frankly, I'm terrified to go near it. At seemingly random intervals it makes a noise that sounds like Sauron eating a car.
I can't be the only one who's noticed this.
Also not sure how much use I could get out of an emotional reader for my cat. She only has one mood: "peril".
--Aric A.
mhaithaca on January 20, 2009 at 04:29 PM
My friends Denise and Alex's three cats seem to have taken the Litter Robot in stride. I was afraid of it at first, even if the cats weren't, but I have to say it makes cleaning up after the cats easier! For a friend who goes and takes care of their kitties when the humans are away, that's handy.
Dantravels on January 21, 2009 at 01:17 PM
I have read that the trick with the Roomba and I suppose the Litter-Robot is to speak to the device in a demeaning way so that your animals realize they are higher on the seniority list. Isn't that precious?
Mark on January 21, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Ditto on the litter robot. Also, the new version is very quiet. We couldn't do without one.
Sarah on January 21, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Four of my cats love the litter robot. The twenty one year old insists on an old fashioned litter box.
You can't teach an old cat new tricks, I guess?
susan on January 21, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Sorry, I am really impressed with the litter robot. It makes about the same amount of racket as my blow dryer, and is twice as useful. I have 2 for 3 indoor cats and the amount of time it has saved me really adds up fast. No way will we go back!!
Ellen M. on January 22, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Methinks you doth use hyperbole a bit much. At least assuming I am said neighbor. Java seems to appreciate the noise, as it lets him know there's something new to investigate.