Track Your Cat’s Habits with a Data-Driven Dashboard
▼ Summary
– A DIY project uses a programmable e-paper display to track cat statistics like weight and litterbox usage by pulling data from smart litterbox APIs.
– The system is built on a Seeedstudio ReTerminal device and can separately log data for up to four cats using services like PetKit and Whisker Litter Robot 4.
– The creator found the dashboard practically useful, as it helped quickly identify a medical issue in one of his cats by monitoring changes in the data.
– The project demonstrates how homebrew technology can enhance pet care by providing owners with actionable health and behavior insights.
– The article notes that similar cat-tracking projects have been featured before and encourages readers to share their own pet-related hardware creations.
For cat owners seeking a deeper connection with their independent pets, a new data-driven dashboard offers a unique solution. This project transforms everyday feline habits into detailed statistics, providing insights that go beyond simple observation. By leveraging smart technology, it creates a window into your cat’s world, turning routine activities into meaningful data that can strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
The system centers on a Seeedstudio ReTerminal E1001/E1002 device, which combines an e-paper display with a programmable ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This hardware serves as the visual hub, presenting logged information and graphs about your cat’s daily patterns. The data itself is sourced from modern smart litterboxes, with the creator developing methods to extract weight measurements and usage records through their application programming interfaces. Specifically, the dashboard integrates with PetKit equipment and the Whisker Litter Robot 4, pulling information directly from their respective online services once the appropriate account credentials are provided.
A standout feature is the system’s ability to monitor up to four individual cats separately, making it ideal for multi-cat households. Each pet’s data remains distinct, allowing owners to track behaviors and potential health indicators for every feline family member without confusion. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only the configuration details for the connected smart litterbox service to begin aggregating information automatically onto the centralized display.
Beyond mere curiosity, this project has demonstrated significant practical value. When one cat developed a health concern, the dashboard quickly revealed abnormal patterns in litterbox usage and weight, enabling the owner to seek veterinary assistance promptly. This early detection capability highlights how data tracking can directly support feline wellbeing, transforming a hobbyist build into a potentially life-saving tool for proactive pet care.
The concept of monitoring pets with custom technology continues to inspire creative projects within the maker community. From automated feeders to interactive toys, enthusiasts are constantly developing new ways to understand and engage with their animal companions. This particular dashboard exemplifies how blending consumer smart devices with custom programming can yield innovative solutions that enrich the daily lives of both pets and their people.
(Source: Hack A Day)
