If you have to leave your cat alone for an extended period, you may want a pet camera to keep an eye on them during the day. There are plenty of options out there on the market, but they vary in quality.
For instance, some are simply cameras. They enable you to watch your cat, but not much else. Others are extremely versatile. You can use them to throw treats to your cats or even talk through them!
Choosing the best option for your situation is important. Selecting a camera for a cat isn’t the same as selecting one for a dog because your cat is likely going to interact with the camera differently.
To get an idea of what cat camera to get for your household, read these reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Eufy Indoor Tilt Pet Camera
2K clarity
Two-way audio
Lens can tilt 360 degrees
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Best Value
Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera
Low-light recording
Comes with a free app
No subscription required
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Premium Choice
DOGNESS Camera Pet Treat Dispenser
Dispenses treads
Controlled via an app
Records video and takes pictures
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Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring
Vet chat
1080 HD video
Sends notifications upon noise detection
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Arf Pets Smart Feeder With Camera
Easy to clean
Dispenses food
Can work on a set schedule
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The 10 Best Pet Cameras for Cats
Features: Two-way audio
Compatibility: Android, Apple iOS, Wi-Fi
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When connected to these programs, the cameras provide straightforward security and keep an eye on your pet during the day.
Each camera records in 2K, which is much clearer than most cameras out there. Each lens can also pan 360 degrees horizontally and tilt 96 degrees vertically.
This camera also has two-way audio so you can speak to your pet during the day. You can also hear them, allowing you to identify problems easier.
Pros
2K clarity
Lens can tilt 360 degrees
Two-way audio
Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit
Cons
Requires an outlet
The Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera is likely the best pet camera for cats for the money. It’s the ideal choice if you’re on a budget or on the fence about purchasing a pet camera at all.
2K clarity
Lens can tilt 360 degrees
Two-way audio
Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit
- 2K clarity
- Lens can tilt 360 degrees
- Two-way audio
- Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit
Requires an outlet
- Requires an outlet
Features: Two-way audio
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
This camera connects to Wi-Fi and is compatible with a free app. It enables you to view the camera remotely and record high-quality videos. This camera is waterproof, so you can use it outside if necessary. It works in low-light conditions, so you should be able to check on your cat during all hours.
A special sensor allows all night-time activity to be monitored in vivid color. There’s no black and white here!
All these features are available without any subscription, further reducing the overall cost of this camera.
Pros
Low-light recording
Comes with a free app
No subscription required
Inexpensive
Cons
Can only view one camera live at a time
While the DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser is advertised for dogs, it is also a suitable option for cats. The 165-degree wide angle provides you with plenty of viewing room, enabling you to see your cats in most situations. It also comes with a speaker and a microphone, so you and your pet can talk to each other.
Low-light recording
Comes with a free app
No subscription required
Inexpensive
- Low-light recording
- Comes with a free app
- No subscription required
- Inexpensive
Can only view one camera live at a time
- Can only view one camera live at a time
Features: Treat dispensing
Compatibility: Android, Apple iOS, Wi-Fi
However, this camera is expensive. You’re mostly paying for the treat feature, which enables you to dispense treats out to your cat. It only works with certain treats, though, so it may not be a great option for picky cats.
This system can capture both pictures and videos of your feline. It does need to be plugged into an outlet because it is not battery-powered. This may restrict some of the places where you can put this camera.
Pros
Dispenses treads
Records video and takes pictures
Controlled via an app
Wide-angle lens
Cons
Must be plugged into an outlet
- Petcube Cam HD Monitoring With Vet Chat Pet Camera
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Features: Two-way audio
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
The Petcube Cam HD Monitoring With Vet Chat Pet Camera is a basic pet camera. If you just want to keep an eye on your pet, this may be a solid option because that’s all it’s designed to do. It is also quite inexpensive, given that it has limited capabilities.
Dispenses treads
Records video and takes pictures
Controlled via an app
Wide-angle lens
- Dispenses treads
- Records video and takes pictures
- Controlled via an app
- Wide-angle lens
Must be plugged into an outlet
Must be plugged into an outlet
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This camera has 1080 HD video. While this isn’t the clearest that you can purchase, it is clear enough to watch your feline. It also has a 110-degree wide-angle lens, and it works at night up to 30 feet.
It comes with a free app that enables you to talk to a veterinarian as necessary.
The camera will send a notification to your phone if your cat is noisy, so you can detect problems without needing to literally watch your cat all day. It has two-way audio so you can speak to your feline while you’re gone.
Pros
1080 HD video
Vet chat
Sends notifications upon noise detection
Free app included
Cons
Not waterproof
Doesn’t alert to movement
Depending on your needs, the Arf Pets Smart Automatic Wi-Fi Enabled Pet Feeder With HD Camera may be perfect for you. The main selling point is that it can dispense your cat’s food. You can set feeding times or dispense kibble on the spot. It also sets a feeding log so you can keep track of exactly how much your cat is eating and when. If you need to feed your cat while you’re out of the house, this is probably one of your best options.
1080 HD video
Vet chat
Sends notifications upon noise detection
Free app included
- 1080 HD video
- Vet chat
- Sends notifications upon noise detection
- Free app included
Not waterproof
Doesn’t alert to movement
- Not waterproof
- Doesn’t alert to movement
Features: Meal dispenser
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
It works alongside an app so you can dispense food as necessary. It’s available for both Android and Apple devices.
The whole system is easy to clean and can hold a large amount of food. Of course, it only works with kibble, not wet food. The lid is designed to be break-in-proof, so your cat can’t access their food early. It also comes with a backup power source in case your house’s power goes out.
Pros
Dispenses food
Easy to clean
Can work on a set schedule
Backup power
Cons
Expensive
Only works with kibble
The Wyze Cam Pan V2 Pet Camera has colored night vision like most of the cameras made by this brand. It also has enhanced audio quality, so you can hear exactly what is happening in your home. To use it, simply place it in the desired location and connect it to the company’s free app on your phone.
Dispenses food
Easy to clean
Can work on a set schedule
Backup power
- Dispenses food
- Easy to clean
- Can work on a set schedule
- Backup power
Expensive
Only works with kibble
- Expensive
- Only works with kibble
Features: Two-way audio
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android, Wi-Fi
This specific camera has a pan-and-tilt feature, enabling you to see a wide area. Therefore, you’re more likely to spot your cat every time you hop on the app.
Two-way audio enables you to hear what’s going on and talk back to your feline.
This camera does need to be plugged into the wall, so you may be somewhat limited in where you can place it.
This camera does require a subscription. While it’s cheaper than most other options out there, it is still more money out of your pocket.
Pros
Good audio and visual quality
Pan-and-tilt feature
Two-way audio
Cons
Requires a subscription
Must be plugged into the wall
- Pawbo+ Wi-Fi Interactive Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser
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Features: Treat dispenser, two-way audio, laser toy
Compatibility: Android, Apple iOS, Wi-Fi
The Pawbo+ Wi-Fi Interactive Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser is designed to work similarly to other treat-dispensing cameras on the market. It can shoot certain treats out at your cat, enabling you to interact with them during the day while you are gone. It also has a laser toy, letting you play with your cat too.
Good audio and visual quality
Pan-and-tilt feature
Two-way audio
- Good audio and visual quality
- Pan-and-tilt feature
- Two-way audio
Requires a subscription
Must be plugged into the wall
- Requires a subscription
- Must be plugged into the wall
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Features: Treat dispenser, two-way audio, laser toy
Compatibility: Android, Apple iOS, Wi-Fi
However, the video is a bit lacking at only 720p. While this is technically HD, it is lower quality than most other options on the market.
This system has two-way audio so you can talk with your cat whenever you want.
The whole thing is controlled through a free app on your phone. The dispenser itself connects to Wi-Fi and then to the app on your phone.
That said, this dispenser has a few problems. Many people reported that it simply didn’t work. The sound is also awful quality, and the picture could be way better for the price.
Pros
Two-way audio
Free app
Treat dispensing
Cons
Doesn’t always work
Poor sound quality
- Petcube Bites 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera & Treat Dispenser
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Features: Treat dispensing, two-way audio
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
Like many expensive pet cameras, the Petcube Bites 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera & Treat Dispenser also dispenses treats. Much of the money that you’re spending is going toward this feature.
Two-way audio
Free app
Treat dispensing
- Two-way audio
- Free app
- Treat dispensing
Doesn’t always work
Poor sound quality
- Doesn’t always work
- Poor sound quality
Features: Treat dispensing, two-way audio
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
This camera has decent video at 1080p, which is about average for pet cameras today. It has a wide-angle view to help you see more of the room, and it has night vision, so you should be able to see your cat even at night. With a four-microphone array, the audio is pretty good compared to other options.
That said, this system requires a subscription to see new videos. Otherwise, it simply doesn’t store anything. The video quality also isn’t as good as we think that it should be for the price — 2K was expected.
It also doesn’t work for long and must be reset often. Many people complained that it wouldn’t even work for a full day before malfunctioning.
Pros
Wide-angle view
Dispenses treats
Video timeline
Cons
Subscription required
Expensive
Doesn’t work for long
- PetSpy Interactive Dog Treat Dispenser Camera
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Features: Treat dispensing
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android
Compared to most other treat-dispensing cameras out there, the PetSpy Interactive Dog Treat Dispenser Camera is similar. It has night vision, two-way audio, and a decent camera. The system functions via an app that enables you to control up to eight different cameras at a time. This app can be used on both iPhones and Androids. As long as you have a smartphone, you should be able to utilize this camera with ease.
Wide-angle view
Dispenses treats
Video timeline
- Wide-angle view
- Dispenses treats
- Video timeline
Subscription required
Expensive
Doesn’t work for long
- Subscription required
- Expensive
- Doesn’t work for long
Features: Treat dispensing
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android
This camera will take videos and photos of your cat on command. The camera can see 170 degrees, which is a rather wide angle.
That said, the camera does not always work properly. Many people reported that it doesn’t work easily or at all in some cases. There are also many reports that it’s difficult to connect it to Wi-Fi, which is necessary to make the system work at all.
Pros
Wide-angle camera
Decent app
Treat dispenser
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t always work properly
Trouble connecting to Wi-Fi
- Eyenimal Vision Live HD Pet Monitor
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Features: Two-way audio
Compatibility: Wi-Fi
At first glance, the Eyenimal Vision Live HD Pet Monitor may seem like a cheap, effective solution for viewing your cat during the day. However, many of the reviews are poor. The camera is low-quality, especially for the price. You can’t see much of anything, and any videos that you purchase are going to be low quality.
Wide-angle camera
Decent app
Treat dispenser
- Wide-angle camera
- Decent app
- Treat dispenser
Expensive
Doesn’t always work properly
Trouble connecting to Wi-Fi
- Expensive
- Doesn’t always work properly
- Trouble connecting to Wi-Fi
Furthermore, the instructions are unhelpful. The camera can be difficult to get to work. Many people had trouble getting it to move, for instance.
This camera isn’t cheap either, so these downsides are disappointing.
This camera does support up to 10 online users viewing at the same time. This is a unique feature, but it likely won’t be helpful for most users. The camera also has a wide angle of 270 degrees, so you should be able to see your cat most of the time with this camera.
Pros
Night vision
Supports 10 viewers at a time
270-degree camera
Cons
Poor instructions
Poor quality
Expensive for what it is
Night vision
Supports 10 viewers at a time
270-degree camera
- Night vision
- Supports 10 viewers at a time
- 270-degree camera
Poor instructions
Poor quality
Expensive for what it is
- Poor instructions
- Poor quality
- Expensive for what it is
Buyer’s Guide: Purchasing the Best Pet Camera for Cats
Pet cameras are not cheap. Therefore, it is essential that you make the right buying decision, or you could end up wasting money.
To prevent this, we developed this complete buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision.
Camera Quality
The main purpose of a pet camera is to help you see your pet. Therefore, having a good-quality camera is essential.
We recommend getting a camera that is at least 1080p. Technically, 720p is also HD. However, this is lower quality than what most modern users want. Of course, 2K is also a great option, especially if you plan on spending a great deal of time looking at your pet or if you need to see careful details.
Camera Angle
Most pet cameras on the market are designed to turn so they can get you a better look at your cat. The larger angle that a camera can turn, the better chance that you’ll see your cat when you log in.
Of course, the size of your space also matters. Sometimes, your room is so small that you don’t have to worry about a wide angle. If your cat is in the room, you’ll be able to see them. But a wide angle will matter more in a large room, where your cat could hide farther away from the camera.
Treat-Dispensing
Some pet cameras dispense treats. These only work with certain treats because they must move through the dispenser without clogging it. If your cat is picky about their treats, this may be an issue because your cat won’t eat them. If your cat is on a diet, then extra treats probably aren’t recommended.
If your cat falls into one of these categories, we recommend not purchasing a treat dispenser. These are often quite expensive, and if your cat won’t or shouldn’t eat the treats, there is little reason to have this feature.
Ease of Use
Some cameras are easier to use than others. Preferably, you want to quickly set up the camera and not have to mess with it again. However, this isn’t always the case. There are many occasions where the camera may not be set up easily or won’t work without assistance from you.
You’d be surprised at how many customers have had to return cameras just because they couldn’t get them to work!
Therefore, you should only select a camera that works reliably and that is easy to set up. No one wants to spend hours setting up a camera, after all.
Price
The price of a camera can vary widely. If you just need a basic camera, you’ll likely be spending around $30. However, if you need a treat dispenser, you may be spending more than $100. It all depends on the features and brand of the camera. Some brands tend to cost more than others because of brand reliability.
You are the only one who knows how much you can spend on a camera. However, you should have reasonable expectations for what you can get on your budget. You can find nice cameras for $30, but that is all they are: cameras. They don’t have many other features.
If you want more features, you’ll have to pay more money. Therefore, you should plan on having a decently large budget.
Compatibility
Most cameras require an app of some sort to work. So, if you want to use the camera, you need to ensure that your smartphone is compatible with the app. Most apps work with both iPhone and Android. However, there are a rare few that only work with one system.
For this reason, it is always essential to check. Otherwise, you may end up with an unusable camera.
Conclusion
Pet cameras have recently grown in popularity, so there are many new options out there on the market. Sadly, many companies are trying to make a quick buck with poor-performing cameras.
For this reason, we recommend that you do plenty of research before buying anything. If you’re just looking for a camera, we recommend the Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera. It has a wide angle and isn’t too expensive. As a pure camera, it is one of the better options out there.
The Wyze Cam v3 Pet Camera is a solid option that is much less expensive than most others on the market. However, it is only a camera — it doesn’t include any extra features.
Featured Image Credit: Jinning Li, Shutterstock
