Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#1

Post by ohhoe » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 6:42 PM UTC

Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js
github.com

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#2

Post by cing » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 7:40 PM UTC

Cool project, I'm a major fan of automated cat feeders but never attempted the DIY approach. On a related note, I got a laugh out of this insanely complex "review" about hacking a cat feeder: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3V5LAWRW84JF7/

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#3

Post by baldeagle » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 7:46 PM UTC

I backed a kickstarter for something like this, plus a wifi camera and laser pointer. It hasn't shipped yet, but does look like it might actually deliver (which is something for hardward KS).

http://kittyo.com/

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#4

Post by dominotw » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:20 PM UTC

cool. but I won't subject my cat to "kibble".

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#5

Post by justboxing » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:23 PM UTC

dominotw wrote: post #4

cool. but I won't subject my cat to "kibble".

What do you mean? What do you feed them instead? Curious. I have 3 cats and they are on the kibble. 1 of them has IBS. I always wonder(ed) if it's cos of this solid food full or "fillers".

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#6

Post by keehun » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:26 PM UTC

baldeagle wrote: post #3

I backed a kickstarter for something like this, plus a wifi camera and laser pointer. It hasn't shipped yet, but does look like it might actually deliver (which is something for hardward KS). http://kittyo.com/

Holy batman that scroll hijacking.

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#7

Post by ape4 » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:30 PM UTC

Sorry to be boring but a simple timer seems more sensible. Dispense the preset amount everyday at the same time. And kitty needs water.

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#8

Post by skunkworks » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:32 PM UTC

justboxing wrote: post #5

dominotw wrote: post #4

cool. but I won't subject my cat to "kibble".

What do you mean? What do you feed them instead? Curious. I have 3 cats and they are on the kibble. 1 of them has IBS. I always wonder(ed) if it's cos of this solid food full or "fillers".

Wet food is almost certainly healthier for cats. Less carbs, more moisture, fewer urinary tract issues, etc.

Kibble is great for when you need to get away for the weekend, however.

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#9

Post by dominotw » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:54 PM UTC

justboxing wrote: post #5

dominotw wrote: post #4

cool. but I won't subject my cat to "kibble".

What do you mean? What do you feed them instead? Curious. I have 3 cats and they are on the kibble. 1 of them has IBS. I always wonder(ed) if it's cos of this solid food full or "fillers".

raw food. checkout primal if you just want something simple to start out.

Re: Automated Cat feeder powered by Node.js

#10

Post by RankingMember » Mon, Nov 30, 2015, 8:59 PM UTC

I've envisioned something similar, but for wet food (dry food is better for our convenience than it is for cat health in my experience). You'd fill a (washable and refrigerated) cylinder with wet food, which would be forced out a heated tip by a piston (sort of like squeezing a toothpaste tube).

The refrigeration and heated tip are the complicating factors. The heated tip is used because cats don't tend to like cold food, and if you're going to go to the trouble of hacking something like this together, you might as well go all the way.