Pet tech fails to curb weight of 20-pound cat
Despite eight years of investment in automated feeders and smart litter boxes, a 10-year-old cat’s preference for human interaction has rendered most gadgets useless in his ongoing battle against obesity.
A cat owner has detailed an eight-year struggle to use automated pet technology to help their 10-year-old, 20-pound cat, Pablo, lose weight. According to an account published by The Verge, the owner has invested in a range of smart devices, including automated feeders, water fountains, and exercise equipment, in an attempt to manage the cat’s health. Despite these efforts, Pablo has largely rejected the technology, favouring human interaction and a strict routine over the convenience of modern gadgets.
Vets have warned that Pablo’s weight places him at risk for diabetes, kidney problems, and urinary crystals. The owner notes that while the state of pet tech is advanced, it has proven to be "no match" for Pablo’s resistance to change. The cat is described as an "affection eater" who requires a human witness during meals, a habit that complicates the use of automatic feeders designed to enforce dietary discipline.
The conflict escalated after the household moved to a four-storey row home. The owner intended for the additional stairs to encourage activity, but Pablo claimed the top floor as his territory, refusing to use the Litter-Robot 4 located on the second floor. This territorial shift led to a three-week protest where the cat defecated on the carpet outside the owner’s office, eventually forcing the family to abandon the smart litter box for a traditional stainless steel alternative.
Other technological interventions have also met with disdain. Pablo has ignored a smart walking pad, a robot vacuum, and various interactive toys, often viewing them with "snooty disgust." The owner reports that the cat has even knocked over a Petlibro automatic feeder during a trip to Italy, necessitating a call to a pet sitter to restore order. While the owner has considered RFID feeders and fitness trackers, Pablo’s dislike of collars and the high cost of the devices have made these options less appealing.
Currently, only two gadgets have gained Pablo’s tolerance: a Petlibro cat fountain and an Eight Sleep smart mattress cover. The owner notes that the cat enjoys the warm surface of the smart mattress, leading to nightly staring contests over the bed. A younger cat, Petey, was adopted in the hope that he would encourage Pablo to exercise, but the affection remains unrequited.
The owner’s spouse has suggested that Pablo is "destined to be round," arguing that strict food control has not yet yielded results. The owner remains hopeful, speculating that a third kitten might be necessary to finally encourage the cat to move, though the weight loss plan remains unresolved.
