Smart piano feeder trains cat to play keys for treats

A cat named Jeeves has been trained to interact with a smart piano feeder that dispenses treats when specific keys are pressed. The device, designed by a YouTuber, functions as an automatic feeder that provides enrichment for pets while allowing owners to limit food intake.

The Pet Piano features a training mode in its accompanying app that requires an increasing number of key presses to release food. The owner initially trained Jeeves by placing a treat on a key, causing the dispenser to release a treat when the key was swiped. This method helped the cat make the initial association between pressing the keys and receiving food.

Jeeves now plays sequences of up to eight notes to access food. The instrument has a limited range of slightly more than an octave and does not support chords. The cat often presses the same note repeatedly, indicating that she has not mastered an ear for melody, but the device allows for varied interactions.

The device is intended to provide enrichment for bored pets, giving them something to entertain themselves with. It also functions as a standard automatic feeder with scheduling capabilities. The owner notes that Jeeves is particularly food-motivated and trainable, which facilitated the process of teaching her to use the instrument.

The cat uses the piano for self-soothing when agitated, such as when disturbed from sleeping or when a vacuum cleaner is used. The owner interprets this behaviour as the cat consoling herself, although the primary motivation is likely the food dispensed by the device.

The Pet Piano is designed to be visually appealing, and guests entering the home have occasionally played the keys, discovering that they are being rewarded with cat food. The device represents a niche intersection of pet care technology and interactive enrichment tools.