SALTZMAN: The newest technology for our furry friends is real fur

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Instead of indulging in a new gadget this summer, why not bring your beloved dog or cat a technological toy?

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In fact, there are several gadgets that will help you pamper, protect or entertain your favorite cat, dog or bird. From a treat dispenser and an “invisible fence” collar to self-cleaning cat litter and a light-up leash, here are some products that are perfect for a variety of needs and budgets.

Delicacies on demand

Keep an eye on your pet when you’re out and about and even hand out treats whenever you feel like it.

After connecting the Furbo ($108) to your Wi-Fi network and installing the app on your smartphone or tablet, place this high-resolution camera against a wall and go about your daily activities.

Now, wherever life takes you, launch the app, and when your dog or cat hears the familiar ringtone, they’ll likely run to the camera so you can talk to your pet, take a photo with your phone (and upload it to social media), and dispense a little treat for your dog or snack for your cat using the patented treat ejector.

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FUN WITH LASERS

PetSafe, the same people who once brought us the Automatic Ball Launcher ($228) that keeps your dog entertained for hours, comes out with another fun gadget – but this time, it’s designed for cats.

By stimulating his natural instincts to chase, stalk and pounce, the Bolt Laser Cat Toy ($39) can be a great way to keep your cat active and engaged with its random laser display. Placed on a flat surface or hung from a doorknob, for example, the toy has two play options: one that turns on for 15 minutes and the other that turns on at 15-minute intervals every two hours (say, if you’re going out for the day).

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The company claims it is a certified Class 1 laser that is safe for your cat. Three AAA batteries are required but not included.

GO THIS WAY

Be visible when walking your dog in the dark – that’s the purpose of the NiteDog Rechargeable LED Leash ($29) from Nite Ize.

Available in blue or lime green, these five-foot lanyards feature two built-in, ultra-bright LEDs that send light through an integrated optical fiber for up to 6.5 hours between charges. When it’s time to charge the leash, simply insert a micro-USB cable (not included) and plug the leash into your computer, wall outlet or power strip.

This eye-catching and waterproof lanyard has a soft grip, durable cable and can be used in continuous light or flash mode.

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AVOID THE ASTROPHY CAT

Just like a Roomba can vacuum your floor for you, there’s an automatic litter box that doesn’t require collecting, cleaning, or refilling for weeks.

PetSafe’s second-generation ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($229) uses disposable trays pre-filled with crystal litter, which is said to quickly absorb urine and dehydrate solid waste, providing less odor than a regular clumping litter box. The automatic rake sweeps solid waste into the waste bin 20 minutes after your cat uses the litter box, so you never have to see or touch it. If your cat re-enters the cage before the cleaning cycle begins, the sensors will automatically reset the raking timer.

Every few weeks, remove the litter box, cover it with a lid and throw it into the trash.

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The health counter records how many times your favorite cat has used the box.

SERVE AND PROTECT

Halo Collar 3 ($599 plus subscription) is a high-tech dog collar and wireless fence designed to keep your precious dog safe.

Approved by Cesar “The Dog Whisperer” Millan, Halo 3 allows you to create virtual fences anywhere (e.g. a park) by walking around the perimeter with a collar or using the app; If your dog approaches the boundary, customizable notifications (such as sound or vibration) will instruct your dog to turn around. Training video tutorials by Cesar are part of the package. If your dog crosses the fence, you will immediately receive a notification in the Halo app and you will be able to track your pet’s whereabouts using the GPS chip embedded in the collar.

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Recommended for dogs weighing over 20 pounds (with a neck over 11 inches). You can create up to 20 virtual fences.

To enable data storage for virtual fences, GPS location services, activity tracking and more, a companion Halo plan is required (starting at approximately $4.50 per month).

HUB GRUB

How many times have you had fun with friends, but you have to leave to come home to a hungry pet?

The aptly named Smart Feed Automatic Pet Food Dispenser ($249) holds up to 24 cups of dog or cat food, and then you can remotely plan, monitor and adjust your pet’s feeding schedule using a free smartphone app. PetSafe says the food conveyor dispenses most shapes and sizes of dry and semi-moist food.

You can use this Wi-Fi-enabled feeder in one of three ways: schedule times for it to dispense food whenever you want, up to 12 times a day; select the “Slow Feed” setting, which feeds meals in small amounts over 15 minutes (ideal for pets that tend to eat too quickly); and the “Feed Now” option allows you to serve a meal on demand at any time by pressing a (pet-proof!) button on the feeder, via the app or even via a compatible smart speaker (example: “Alexa, feed your dog”).

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TWEET ABOUT THIS

Bird lovers, you shouldn’t feel left out of the fun.

Bird Buddy: The Smart Bird Feeder (starting at $199) is the perfect outdoor gadget for bird lovers.

This weather-resistant bird feeder has a built-in camera and microphone for taking close-up photos of guests in the air, and is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that can recognize bird species based on image and sound.

The companion app keeps a real-time journal for you and automatically organizes genres into collections.

According to the company, the battery-powered device should last up to 30 days. After this time, remove the detachable module and take it home to charge using the USB-C cable (included). The solar model is also on sale for $70 more.

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