Top 13 'Automated-Amusement' Pet Gadgets to explore at home for the WFH Pet Parent
Working from home has been a game-changer, hasn't it? The commute is gone, the coffee is better, and our most loyal, fluffiest colleagues are always just a few feet away. For our pets, this new era has been a dream come true. More belly rubs, more midday cuddles, and more chances to stare at us with those impossibly cute "is it playtime yet?" eyes.
But let's be honest. As much as we adore our four-legged officemates, we can't play fetch during a crucial Zoom presentation or dangle a feather wand while trying to hit a deadline. This is where the notorious WFH pet parent guilt creeps in. You see them, bored and sighing in the corner, and you wish you could split yourself in two. One of you to handle the work, the other to handle the squeaky toys.
What if I told you that you could (almost) do just that? Welcome to the world of 'automated-amusement'—a brilliant intersection of pet care and smart technology designed to engage, entertain, and enrich your pet's day while you focus. These gadgets aren't about replacing you; they're about supplementing your love and attention with stimulating activities. They are the ultimate boredom busters for pets, ensuring your furry friend is happy and occupied, even when you're head-down in a spreadsheet.
Here are 13 of the top automated pet gadgets to help you master the art of being a productive and attentive WFH pet parent.
1. Smart Treat-Tossing Cameras
This is the quintessential smart pet gadget and a fantastic starting point. A treat-tossing camera is exactly what it sounds like: a stationary camera that lets you see, hear, and talk to your pet through a smartphone app, with the added magical ability to fling a treat across the room on command. It’s the perfect way to check in and interact without leaving your desk.
Think of it as positive reinforcement for good behavior. Is your dog being quiet during your team meeting? Tap a button and reward them with a treat and a "Good boy!" through the two-way speaker. It helps alleviate separation anxiety (even when you're just in the next room) and strengthens your bond by creating positive, interactive moments throughout the day. It’s a simple, effective tool for any modern pet parent.
- Top Tip: Use treats with a specific shape and size recommended by the manufacturer to avoid jams. Pre-load it in the morning so you're ready to reward good WFH etiquette at a moment's notice.
2. Automatic Ball Launchers
For the dog who believes "no take, only throw" is a life philosophy, the automatic ball launcher is a true game-changer. These clever devices launch standard tennis balls at adjustable distances and angles, providing your fetch-obsessed canine with hours of tireless fun. It’s the ultimate energy-burner for active breeds.
Most launchers have built-in safety features, like motion sensors to prevent launching a ball when your pet is too close. The real magic happens when you teach your dog to drop the ball back into the funnel themselves, creating a completely independent cycle of play. It’s an incredible tool for physical exercise, especially on days when back-to-back meetings keep you chained to your chair.
- Top Tip: Always supervise your dog during the first few sessions to ensure they understand how it works and maintain a safe distance. Use it in an open space, either indoors or in a secure yard, to avoid any ball-related mishaps.
3. Interactive Laser Toys
Cats are hardwired to hunt, and nothing triggers that instinct quite like the elusive, dancing red dot. Automated laser toys project random patterns across your floors and walls, sending your feline friend on a wild chase. They are a fantastic source of both mental and physical stimulation, encouraging pouncing, stalking, and acrobatic leaps.
These devices often come with timers and variable speed settings to keep things interesting and prevent overstimulation. They're small, quiet, and can be set to turn on automatically at different times of the day, providing a perfect distraction when your cat gets that sudden case of the "zoomies" right as you're trying to concentrate.
- Top Tip: To prevent frustration, always end a laser play session by switching to a physical toy your cat can actually "catch," like a feather wand or mouse toy. This provides a satisfying conclusion to their "hunt."
4. Electronic Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are a well-known tool for mental enrichment, but electronic versions take it to a whole new level. Instead of a static puzzle, these gadgets introduce elements of time and movement. Some are timed-release systems that reveal food at set intervals, while others are more complex games that require your pet to press buttons or move pieces to earn their kibble.
This form of "working" for food is incredibly satisfying for animals, tapping into their natural foraging instincts. It slows down fast eaters, which aids digestion, and provides a significant mental workout that can help curb boredom-related behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. It’s a fantastic way to turn mealtime into a brain game.
- Top Tip: Start with the easiest setting to build your pet's confidence before gradually increasing the difficulty. This prevents them from getting frustrated and giving up.
5. Self-Rolling Smart Balls
Imagine a ball that refuses to sit still. Self-rolling smart balls are rechargeable, durable spheres that use an internal motor to move in random, unpredictable patterns. They roll, they jiggle, they light up—anything to entice your pet to chase, pounce, and play. They are designed to mimic the erratic movement of prey, making them irresistible to both cats and dogs.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we love finding smart solutions to everyday problems, and a bored pet is a common one for the WFH professional. These balls are a perfect "set it and forget it" solution. Many models have an "intelligent companion" mode that automatically rests and reactivates to keep your pet engaged without becoming overwhelming.
- Top Tip: Look for a model made from tough, bite-resistant material if you have a powerful chewer. Also, check if it has features like automatic obstacle avoidance to prevent it from getting stuck under the couch.
6. Automated Flirt Poles & Wand Toys
The flirt pole or feather wand is a classic cat toy for a reason—it perfectly simulates the hunt. The automated version puts that power on autopilot. A motor spins or whips a wand with a feather, ribbon, or mouse toy attached, often hiding it under a piece of fabric and then zipping it back out.
This device is pure catnip for your feline's predatory drive. The hide-and-seek element keeps them guessing and fully engaged, providing a great workout that satisfies their instinct to stalk and pounce. It’s one of the best interactive cat gadgets for solo play, ensuring your kitty gets their energy out in a productive way.
- Top Tip: Rotate the attachments (feathers, ribbons, etc.) every few days to keep the toy novel and exciting for your cat.
7. Smart Pet Doors
While not a toy in the traditional sense, a smart pet door is a gateway to automated amusement. These high-tech doors use a sensor that reads your pet's unique microchip or a special collar tag, only unlocking when your pet approaches. This gives your dog or cat the freedom to access a secure backyard or "catio" whenever they please.
For the WFH parent, this is liberating. No more getting up to let the dog out for a potty break in the middle of a call. It gives your pet autonomy over their environment, allowing them to chase a squirrel, sunbathe, or simply get some fresh air on their own schedule. It reduces restlessness and gives them a whole new world of self-directed entertainment.
- Top Tip: Ensure your yard is fully secure before installing a smart door. For cats, consider a "catio" (an enclosed outdoor patio) to provide safe access to the outdoors.
8. LickiMat & Soothing Feeders
Sometimes, the best "automated" amusement is low-tech. LickiMats are textured silicone mats designed for you to spread a soft treat—like pet-safe peanut butter, yogurt, or pureed pumpkin—across the surface. The act of licking is a naturally calming behavior for both dogs and cats, releasing endorphins that help reduce anxiety.
This is my personal go-to for calming my dog down before an important meeting. It keeps him occupied, focused, and relaxed for a solid 15-20 minutes. He’s not just getting a treat; he’s engaging in a self-soothing activity. It’s an inexpensive, simple, and incredibly effective tool for managing pet anxiety and boredom.
- Top Tip: Pop the LickiMat in the freezer for 30 minutes after spreading the treat on it. This makes the snack last much longer and provides a refreshing treat on a warm day.
9. Companion Robots
For the ultimate tech-loving pet parent, the companion robot is the pinnacle of automated amusement. These are essentially treat cameras on wheels. You can drive the robot around your house using a smartphone app, see your pet through its camera, talk to them, dispense treats, and even play with a built-in laser pointer.
This is the most interactive way to engage with your pet when you can't be in the same room. You can "find" them napping in the sun, initiate a game of laser-chase, and reward them with a treat, all from your office chair. As Goh Ling Yong might say, it’s about leveraging technology to create more meaningful connections, even with our pets.
- Top Tip: Companion robots can be a significant investment. Consider your pet's personality—a timid pet might be scared by it, while a bold and curious one will love it.
10. Interactive Water Fountains
Never underestimate the entertainment value of running water. Many pets, especially cats, are fascinated by it. A pet water fountain not only encourages better hydration by providing fresh, filtered, moving water but also serves as a subtle source of amusement.
The gentle gurgling sound and the mesmerizing flow of the water can be captivating for a curious pet. They might bat at the stream, watch the bubbles, or simply enjoy the sensory experience. It’s a health-promoting gadget that doubles as a low-key, all-day source of enrichment.
- Top Tip: Choose a fountain that is easy to disassemble and clean, as regular cleaning is crucial to keep the water fresh and the pump working properly.
11. Electronic Scent Games
A pet’s most powerful tool is its nose. Electronic scent games and puzzle feeders are designed specifically to engage this incredible sense. These devices have hidden compartments that hold treats and are programmed to open at different times or after a pet interacts with the toy in a certain way.
This type of play, known as "nose work," is incredibly enriching and mentally tiring for pets in the best way possible. It forces them to problem-solve and use their natural instincts. A 15-minute session with a scent-based puzzle can be more exhausting than a 30-minute walk, making it a perfect activity for a rainy WFH day.
- Top Tip: Start by using high-value, extra-smelly treats to help your pet understand the game and get them excited to use their nose.
12. Remote-Controlled Mouse Toys
Take the classic cat-and-mouse game into the 21st century. A remote-controlled mouse allows you to be the "director" of your cat's playtime from across the room. You can make the mouse scurry under furniture, pause, and then dart out, mimicking real prey and driving your cat wild.
This is a fantastic way to have an interactive play session while you're taking a short break or listening in on a conference call with your camera off. It gives you control over the pace of the game and allows you to tailor the "hunt" to your cat's energy level, ensuring they get a truly satisfying and engaging workout.
- Top Tip: Let your cat "win" frequently by allowing them to pounce on and "capture" the mouse. This builds their confidence and keeps the game fun and rewarding.
13. Interactive Tug Toys
For the dog that loves a good game of tug-of-war, an interactive tug toy provides a tireless partner. These gadgets can be mounted to a stable surface like a wall or doorframe, or anchored in the yard. They typically use a bungee or spring system that provides resistance, pulling back as your dog pulls.
This allows your dog to engage in their favorite game whenever they feel the urge. It’s an excellent way for powerful breeds to release pent-up energy and satisfy their natural desire to pull and chew. It’s a simple concept, but it provides a powerful outlet for solo play.
- Top Tip: Safety is paramount with this type of toy. Ensure it's mounted securely and is made of durable, dog-safe materials. Regularly inspect the toy for any signs of wear and tear.
Your Partner in Pet Parenting
These automated-amusement gadgets are more than just toys; they are tools that help you create a more balanced and enriching environment for both you and your pet in the WFH era. They are not a substitute for your love, walks, and one-on-one playtime, but they are an incredible supplement to keep your furry coworker happy, engaged, and mentally stimulated while you conquer your workday.
By investing in the right pet tech, you can ease your guilt, reduce boredom-induced mischief, and ensure your best friend is living their best life, even when you're on your tenth video call of the day.
What are your go-to gadgets or tricks for keeping your furry coworker happy and entertained while you work? Share your favorites and success stories in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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