Tech that’s Gone to the Dogs (and Cats)
Your dog might not be able to text you yet, but give them time. From AI-powered feeders that recognize each cat by face to crates that automatically open in a fire, technology is officially going to the pets.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, pet tech proved that our four-legged (and feathered) family members are getting just as many smart upgrades as we are. Here’s a look at the useful, surprising, and sometimes jaw-dropping technology poised to make life easier for you and for your animals.
Cheerble Match G1
A company known for the pet’s Wicked Ball and cat fountains, Cheerble unveiled the Match G1 at the Consumer Electronics Show. This device uses AI to visually identify the individual cats in your household (meaning they don’t have to wear a collar chip) and then feeds them their own mix of wet and dry food. And if another cat comes along and tries to horn in on the bowl, the Match G1 will cover it and not allow the thievery. Its wide and shallow entry eliminates whisker fatigue, and all computation is done locally using “edge” technology, ensuring privacy as no data goes to a cloud. Cheerble is expected to start taking pre-orders between about April and June, 2026. Cheerble.com
Petkit’s Purobot Crystal Duo
Available now is this self-cleaning cat litterbox that also features an AI enabled camera that monitors your pet’s health by detecting yowling, abnormal pH levels in urine, and loose stools. Its open-top design accommodates cats of all sizes, even up to Maine Coons. The Purobot Crystal Duo is available now. Coming soon are the Eversweet Ultra cat fountain and Yumshare Daily Feast that can handle wet food distribution. Together, you can monitor every aspect of your cat’s health through
the Petkit app. Petkit.com
TomBot Jennie
TomBot was born when founder Tom Stevens was faced with the heartbreaking decision to take his mother’s beloved canine companion from her for safety reasons when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. Jennie gives everyone the opportunity for companionship even when live animals are unsafe or impractical. They teamed up with Jim Henson’s workshop to design Jennie’s look and feel, and engineers crafted every detail, from the puppy’s expressions to fur, to be as realistic as possible. Jennie reacts to touch and voice commands and has a battery that lasts all day with an overnight charge. She’s not just a robot dog, but a companion. TomBot.com
Netvue’s Birdfy Bath Pro
If your “pets” include the birds that visit your yard, you’ll want to look into the Birdfy Bath Pro, an all-season birdbath available now made for birdwatching. Its thoughtful design prioritizes birds’ well-being, featuring a solar-powered fountain that attracts visitors with the pattern of moving water. A de-icer ensures water remains accessible through winter, while the multi-level shallow perches provide safe, easy access for birds of all sizes. It includes two cameras, a panoramic wide-angle lens for capturing all the action, and a 2K portrait lens that automatically tracks and zooms in on individual birds. These images are then AI identified in the Birdfy App. Built with recycled materials, Bath Pro is a sustainable and smart puddle for every bird. Birdfy.com
SATELLAI’s Collar Go
Think of SatellAI’s Collar Go as a Fitbit for your dogs. It’s a health activity monitor that first develops a baseline for your pet’s lifestyle, and then it can let you know any shifts from that baseline as indicators of their health. The companion app then can summarize findings and even give suggestions for treatment and when you should seek a veterinarian’s input. The collar also includes a light for night visibility, remote audio allowing for commands, and it’s fully waterproof. The app can share data with your vet. The collar is currently available. SatellAI.com
Clever K9’s Smart Dog Crate
Clever K9 is hoping to bring their Smart Dog Crate to market sometime later in 2026, but the prototype debuted at CES. The design’s main feature is the automated sliding door. It can be opened from your phone or set to open at a specific time. The glass on the front and top of the crate turns to privacy glass at bedtime so the dog is in a more cave-like environment. It monitors your dog’s anxiety and will let you know how they’re faring. Through the connected app, you can even control the crate’s climate and lighting, as well as communicate with your dog via an attached tablet. CleverK9.net
