Cat Gadgets

Petcube Bites 2 Camera Review: Does It Work For Cats?

Petcube camera review featured image
Written by Clair Chesterman

Our cats can be sad whenever we have to go out of the house without them. That’s where these smart pet cameras come in! These smart cameras allow us to see our furbabies anytime we want. With different cameras out n the market nowadays, manufacturers have been innovative and have integrated pet cameras with useful gadgets, like a treat dispenser.

The Petcube Bites 2 is my most recent smart camera for cats (and dogs) and treat dispenser find. Fur parents have been raving about this gadget, so I didn’t hesitate to put it to the test with my feline buddies.

In this article, I’ll go over the fantastic features of Petcube Bites 2. We’ll also go through each of the primary features of this smart pet camera and treat dispenser.

Petcube Bites 2 Main Features

Petcube Bites camera on my TV stand

The Petcube Bites 2 boasts the following main features:

  • A wide-angle lens and HD video for excellent monitoring
  • High-quality two-way audio for hearing and speaking
  • Remote interaction with a built-in treat dispenser
  • Secured cloud storage
  • With built-in Alexa

Video and Audio Quality

Screenshot from live via app on Petcube pet cam

The Petcube Bites 2 smart camera has a 1080p resolution, a 160-degree wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom, and automatic night vision.

In comparison to the Lite version, which has a single microphone, Bites 2 includes a four-microphone array for improved audio quality while listening to your cats’ meows.

I can say that the video and audio quality of Petcube Bites 2 is at par with other leading smart camera and treat dispenser brands in the market. Even the camera’s night mode function is clear. Quality-wise, I find this brand is just worth the money I paid for it.

Setting Up 

Petcube suggests installing the Bites 2 near your internet router, at least three feet from the floor, and facing the direction in which your pet spends most of its time.

Initially, I placed mine on the TV stand in my living room, exactly across from the couch where my cat typically naps.

Although the device has rubber feet on the bottom for a firm hold, my energetic cat has knocked it over multiple times.

If there’s a chance your pet may knock the device over, Petcube suggests mounting it on the wall.

screwholes on petcube cam

Once you are done installing the unit in your preferred location, you can now download the Petcube app. The app is free and it is very simple to set up on iPhone and Android cellphones. iOS 11.1 and above, or Android 7.1.2 and up.

If you already have the app, you will have to create an account (if you don’t have one yet). After you sign in, the app will prompt you to create a profile for your pet. After setting up your pet’s profile, you may now power up the camera.

Simply wait for the status light to turn yellow before pressing the Setup button on the side until you hear the words “Ready for setup.” Then, open your app, tap Connect Your Device, and follow the on-screen directions to complete the setup.

Petcube camera app

Connectivity and Data Storage

Petcube Bites 2 also supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi connectivity.

If you are very particular about data-sharing, like me, this device is perfect for us since it prioritizes privacy. You no longer have to worry since your fur baby’s clips are securely stored in the cloud which is protected by 256-bit AES encryption.

Signed updates secure the firmware distribution. Everything on the camera and in the cloud is encrypted according to industry best practices.

Treat Tossing Ability and Capacity

treat dispenser petcube camera

Use crispy treats that are consistent in size and shape and have dimensions of 1 inch or less. Ideally, you should use the spherical-shaped treats for a better tossing function. 

Bites 2 takes a wide range of treat sizes. Three orange inserts allow you to restrict the number of sweets you toss at once. The dispenser has a capacity of 1.5 pounds of treats. It also includes a removable dishwasher safe (up to 130°F) container. You can wash it by hand though.

Material and Design

Petcube camera design

Petcube Bites 2 is constructed of metal and plastic. This distinction from the Lite variant makes it more sturdy and long-lasting. Bites 2 is elegant in design, similar to other brands of treat dispensers on the market today. The gadget is tiny enough to put on top of a table or shelf, measuring 5.7 by 3 by 10.6 inches.

Pros and Cons

If you’re contemplating whether to buy the Petcube Bites 2, here’s a detailed pros and drawbacks list based on our review.

Pros Cons
Treats are consistently distributed. Delayed app connection
The night mode is clear. When put on a table or shelf, the unit can be easily toppled over by your pet.
It can schedule or manually toss treats.
It has a built-in Alexa.
The camera is clear and has fine detail.

Conclusion

Overall, I must say that the Petcube Bites 2 is worth the purchase. So far I only experienced minor connectivity issues. Also, placing the unit on top of a table or shelf can be a bit chaotic. My cat toppled over the device several times so I ended up mounting it on the wall.

What I love most with this device is that Alexa is already built-in so there is no need for integrations. If you have the budget, Petcube Bites 2 is worth trying!

 

Author

  • Clair Chesterman

    Clair is a professional cat breeder having her own cageless CFA and CCA Registered cattery & fostering company FluffyMeowPaws in Eugene, Oregon. Clair knows everything about multiple cat breeds and how to use the latest technologies to make the cat's life better.

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  • Petcube Bites 2 Camera Score
4.7

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