Interactive and smart toys for pets

Interactive and smart toys for pets

Digital applications are part and parcel of all aspects of our everyday lives. Not surprisingly, as pets are fast becoming part of the family, their world is also being impacted by ‘interactive’ and ‘smart’.

With rapid technological advancement, interactive and smart toys for pets are fast gaining traction among owners. Modern pet parents see the benefits of these kinds of toys and are willing to spend considerable amounts of money to keep their beloved pets happy and healthy.

Fun and convenient
At Pets Place, the largest pet store chain in the Netherlands, they have noticed an increased interest in tech-based pet products. Currently, they offer around 80 such products in their portfolio. Expectations are that the demand for more products will increase over the coming time, as pet parents discover that technological capabilities can make playing with and caring for their pet more fun and convenient.

In the US, Amazon tool product research Junglescout reports that interactive and robotic toys for cats were best sellers in the marketplace, achieving tens of thousands of sales every month. Similarly, Amazon sold more than 20,400 electric flopping clownfish every month in 2021.

The same goes for other high-tech pet products, like smart pet feeders and automatic treat-dispensers. Market research agency Technavio predicts that the global market for these products will grow by $2.28B (€2B) in the period 2021-2025 with North America driving the business.

What’s on the market?
Different studies have shown that a lack of mental and physical stimulation in pets can lead to apathy, stress and depression.

Toys are instrumental in providing pets with the stimulation they need. Smart pet toys can be especially beneficial in this regard, as they are often specifically designed to arouse the senses, engage problem-solving skills and stimulate physical exercise.

Some of the tech-based products that are currently being offered on the market include:

Interactive ball launchers – These allow a dog or a cat to launch its own ball. A product like the iFetch can be loaded with a tennis ball, which is then automatically launched for the animal to retrieve. Some ball launchers can be connected to a smart device, so owners can operate them remotely, manipulate the trajectory and angle of the ball or play certain games with their pets.

Treat-dispensing toys – These typically encourage pets to use their body and wits to unlock a treat. By tilting, rolling, biting, pecking or manipulating the device, a food treat is automatically dispensed. These toys can be used to train and maintain healthy eating habits and can often be operated remotely.

Aikiou – This interactive dog bowl forces a dog to work for its meal. The animal has to nose through each of the ‘toe caps’ on the paw-shaped bowl to reveal the kibble underneath. In this way, a dog’s natural foraging behavior is stimulated.

Digital apps – There are many apps available for smartphones that aim to entertain and mentally stimulate cats. For instance, Cat Alone or Game for Cats encourages cats to chase and catch birds, fish or rats. The apps can also project images, like laser beams, on walls and such that mimic the behavior of a cat’s prey animal.

What’s next?
Industry insiders see that smart pet toys with built-in cameras and sensors are becoming increasingly popular. ‘They allow owners to keep tabs on their pets while they are away, which is a great advantage for busy modern pet owners,’ according to Pets Place.

The best-selling product on Amazon is the Furbo, an interactive smart dog camera that allows owners to see, talk to and give treats to their dog, wherever they are.

Another popular smart product is the Wickedbone, a bone-shaped interactive gaming device for dogs operated from the phone. It can perform a wide range of movements, including spins, vibrations, rolls and flips.

Last but not least, while pet toys are still widely purchased in supermarkets, convenience stores and specialty shops, it’s expected that online sales will grow significantly in the coming years.