My Motion-Activated Neon Sign Ruined My Cats’ Bathroom Routine
▼ Summary
– The author’s partner installed a motion-activated “On Air” neon sign near the cats’ litter box, triggered whenever a cat enters, which was inspired by a spare sensor from the cats’ water fountain.
– The water fountain uses a USB motion sensor to activate water flow when cats approach, but it can malfunction if a cat sits on the sensor.
– The sign was purchased on Etsy, with similar ones available on Amazon, and was initially positioned poorly, causing accidental triggers and a glare on the TV.
– The cats, Noodle and Loaf, are unaffected by the sign and continue using the litter box normally.
– The author advises against replicating this setup due to the sensor positioning issues and the distracting reflection, and notes the cats’ lack of concern contrasts with human discomfort at such surveillance.
My cats have somehow managed to avoid the smart home revolution entirely. No robotic litter scooper, no Wi-Fi enabled feeders, no location trackers clipped to their collars. Noodle and Loaf live their lives free from the digital conveniences that clutter the rest of my household. That is, until they step into the litter box and a neon sign flickers to life above them.
The litter box itself is covered, so at least they retain a shred of privacy. The “On Air” sign, however, is a different story.
I should be clear that this was not my idea. The blame rests entirely with my partner, who floated the concept as what I assumed was a joke. That assumption crumbled when the package arrived at our door and I realized she was completely serious about this peculiar project.
The whole thing traces back to the cats’ water fountain. It’s a simple ceramic design with a pump that circulates water through a spout. Rather than running continuously, it includes a cheap USB motion sensor that activates the fountain whenever a cat approaches for a drink. The system works fine, aside from the occasional moment when one of them plops down directly on the sensor and stares at the dry spout with confusion.
The fountain shipped with a spare sensor, and my partner, armed with an endless supply of Instagram cat content, knew exactly how to repurpose it. One USB powered neon sign later, the setup was complete. Now, whenever Noodle or Loaf enters the living room litter box, the sensor trips and the sign illuminates, broadcasting their private business to anyone in the vicinity. I genuinely wish this was a joke.
The installation process proved trickier than expected. Our first attempt at sensor placement resulted in us accidentally triggering the sign ourselves simply by walking past. We adjusted it, but now the sign sits at an angle that casts an annoying reflection across the TV screen, which is less than ideal during a tense movie scene. The cats themselves remain unfazed. They use the litter box without hesitation, seemingly indifferent to their new celebrity status. But I can’t help thinking about how I’d feel if a glowing billboard announced my bathroom visits to the household, and I can confidently say it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.
The sign, which we sourced from Etsy, is certainly a conversation piece. Similar versions are readily available on Amazon if you’re tempted to recreate this setup. My advice? Think carefully before you do.
(Source: The Verge)
