If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you may have noticed that the world of cat tech has exploded on to the scene in a big way in 2026. From GPS-enabled collars to self-cleaning litter trays that track your cat’s toilet habits (yes, really), gadgets that claim to make life easier for cat owners are never more abundant.
But what would your vet think about these bits of new-fangled tech? Are they welfare friendly, or just a gimmick? Worse still, are any of these trendy accessories actually harmful? Let’s take a look.
GPS cat trackers
These devices clip onto your cat’s collar and let you follow their movements in real time through an app on your phone. If your cat loves to roam, a GPS tracker allows you to stalk their movements and see exactly where they’ve been. Some trackers also allow you to set up a safe zone and you’ll get an alert if they wander somewhere unexpected.
Vet’s verdict:
Lost cats are one of the most heartbreaking things I deal with in practice. Many owners wonder whether a GPS tracker will protect their cat from going missing. But I would always stress to cat owners that a tracker can’t replace microchipping, which is a legal requirement for cats in England. Microchipping is a safe and permanent way of protecting your cat should they get lost. It is your cat’s best chance of getting home if they lose their GPS tracker. Some devices can be quite heavy and bulky for your cat to wear, and a chunky tracker on a small cat is a definite no.
Smart feeders with cameras
Imagine being at work and being able to watch your cat eat their lunch via a live stream. You even talk to them through a built-in speaker! Smart feeders can dispense exact portions at set times, monitor how much your cat is eating, and some newer models read your cat’s microchip or even use facial recognition to tell multiple cats apart and feed them separately. And they don’t just cater for dry diets anymore. Some are now able to seal or refrigerate wet food before it is dispensed.
Vet’s verdict:
As someone who regularly asks: “how much is your cat actually eating?”, I think these are a great concept. Changes in appetite are often the very first sign that something isn’t right, and having a smart feeder gives you real data to share with your vet. Make sure your cat is happy to use the feeder first though, as if they find it scary, they may go hungry. Also, don’t use smart feeders as a substitute for spending quality time with your cat. Cats need social interaction and a screen is no replacement for your presence.
Smart litter boxes
Self-cleaning litter boxes have been around for a while, but the 2026 versions are something else entirely. The best ones track your cat’s toilet habits, record their weight every time they step inside. They can alert you that your cat is making more frequent visits, which can be an early warning sign of cystitis, kidney disease or diabetes.
Vet’s verdict:
In theory, these sound great, especially for owners with mobility issues who may struggle to clean their cats litter tray daily. However, many animal welfare organisations have yet to be convinced about smart litter boxes, including PETA: 3 Reasons Not to Buy a Self-Cleaning Litter Box | PETA. There have been reports of cats getting harmed by robotic mechanisms, and if waste is cleared away automatically, owners may miss crucial changes in their cat’s pee or poo that could indicate a health issue. Also, cats can be very picky about where they toilet, and they may find these devices too claustrophobic.
Cooling mats and summer accessories
With hotter summers now a fact of life, keeping cats comfortable in the heat is an important concern for cat owners. Gel cooling mats, cooling pads for beds, and even clip-on fans for cat carriers are selling fast.
Vet’s verdict:
Although much rarer in cats than in dogs, heatstroke is a real emergency, and anything that helps them stay cool when the temperatures soar is worth looking into. Cooling mats are safe and effective for most cats. Just check that any product you buy is made from non-toxic materials and has no small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. It’s also worth noting that cats are notoriously particular about texture, and they may take a dislike to the squishy or crinkly sensation of cooling mats or pads. It’s important to give cats a choice about whether they want to be on a mat or under a fan. And please, please never leave your cat in a hot car, a greenhouse, or a glass conservatory. Even on a mild day, these spaces heat up terrifyingly fast. Cats Protection has some excellent tips on how to keep your cat cool here: Cats and Warm Weather | Help & Advice | Cats Protection.
Interactive Tech Toys
These include app-controlled laser pointers, robotic feather wands that move in unpredictable patterns, and remote-controlled toys to capture your cat’s attention. Some can even be operated when you are not at home, so you can play with your cat while you’re away.
Vet’s verdict:
Bored cats become stressed cats, and stressed cats develop all kinds of health and behaviour problems. Inactivity is also a problem for today’s domestic cat, and cats of all ages should be encouraged to play and explore. That said, all play should be supervised. I’ve seen too many accidents involving fishing rod string or pieces of toy that have been accidentally swallowed. I am not a fan of laser pointers as a toy, as they can lead to frustration. Cats prefer like to get hold of something physical at the end of a chase when they are playing hunting games. And again, these types of toys shouldn’t replace your own interactions with your cat. The social interaction that comes about with playing with your cat is really important for both of you.
Cat Backpacks
Perhaps you’ve spotted those bubble-windowed backpacks on social media, where cats can peer out at the world like a tiny astronaut. Many people seem to be keen to give these a try and they seem to be trending at the moment.
Vet’s verdict:
Cats are prey animals for other larger predators. In the wild, being visible from all angles with no way to hide is genuinely dangerous. A see-through bubble pack puts your cat on full display, in a cramped space, with no ability to retreat, while the world moves and shifts around them unpredictably. Most cats are also poor travellers at the best of times, and a small, poorly ventilated pod with limited airflow makes things worse, especially in summer. If you genuinely need to travel with your cat, a solid-sided carrier with a familiar blanket inside is far kinder. Check this out for advice on finding the best cat carrier: Cat carry boxes – what to look out for – Vet Help Direct.
In conclusion…
We are living in an exciting and evolving time for pet technology. Some of these innovations offer a genuine glimpse into a future where we can monitor our animals’ health and safety more closely and understand their needs better than ever before. But at the end of the day, what your cat wants most is you. Technology can support good pet ownership, but it can never replace it. The best thing you can give your cat this summer costs nothing at all.
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