Amazingly, it’s only been just over 10 years since Apple launched their first iPhone and changed the way we use our phones forever. Although technically not the first smartphone, the iPhone definitely set the bar for a new generation of phones. It’s now been joined by phones running Android and Windows operating systems by all the phone manufacturers, and we’ve got used to the mobile internet.
We’ve gotten so used to having the internet in our pocket that we rely on our phones for information about all sorts of things. There are banking apps, personal fitness apps, and of course games which can keep us amused when we’re not using our phone to stay in touch. Nowadays, the first place many people look for information is online, so it stands to reason that developers would make pet care apps to help us look after our fur babies.
Now there are a whole range of apps for cat owners to enjoy, whether they are there to help us care better for our pets or just ways to spend a little quality time with them. Here are some of our favorites.
Pet Care Apps
One thing that apps do really well, is to deliver information to us exactly when we need it. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, or you need to know what to do in a crisis, then being able to pull up helpful information on your phone can be really helpful. And who doesn’t need another reminder when vaccinations or routine treatments are due? Here are some apps that will help you take better care of your cat.
PetDesk
This clever pet care app is all you need to keep organized and keep your cat’s health one of your top priorities. The Free app allows you to request appointments for a vet, groomer, and boarder all in one platform. You’ll receive appointment reminders and instant calendar integration so you don’t forget important dates. You can also opt-in for reminders about medications and repeating treatments– especially helpful for older cats.
But I also love how this app keeps you prepared for any appointments you have. You can instantly pull up your pet’s health history and any notes you’ve taken. Plus, adding photos to your app may not only make it feel more personalized but also be a key to keeping tabs on everything that’s happening in your cat’s life. Available for Android and Apple.
PetPro Connect
Sometimes you need to connect with your pet outside of appointment hours. For cats with chronic conditions, this is especially true. But always calling and trying to get a hold of your vet can be cumbersome and not very practical. That’s where an app like PetPro Connect comes in.
PetPro Connect provides instant access to your cat’s medical history and allows you to share records, including vaccination, instantly– perfect for new vet visits as well. In addition to appointment reminders and scheduling, you’ll be able to connect with your vet clinic using the instant messaging tool. You can even share pictures and schedule a face-to-face consultation with your vet. Available on Apple and Android.
AskVet
As a busy cat owner myself, I understand that sometimes you have questions that aren’t urgent– but you still want to know. This app helps you receive access to tips and advice without your vet.
Priced at $29.99 per month, you can instantly consult a team of expert vets, so you know you’re getting the best answers for your cat’s health. While not meant as a substitute for a vet, this app is handy if you’re traveling with your cat and unsure about something. It may also be helpful for new cat owners.
After you register, you’ll receive a complimentary home lab test kit. The app also helps you budget for possible pet emergencies. Plus, it’s highly rated by customers. Available on Apple and Android.
Cat Training Apps
Cat Clicker Training
Clicker training is nothing new– and for many, that’s a great thing. Clicker training has been used for other pets, including dogs. But this app is designed just for your cat. Helpful for kittens to older cats, this simple app costs just under a dollar.
If you’re not app savvy, no worries here. Simply tap the paw on the screen to play to clicker sound. The app comes with instructions on how to use the clicker, along with pictures for easy comprehension. While the layout isn’t beautiful, this lesser-known app is a gem for classic training. Available for Apple.
Pet Clicker Training
Want an android alternative to my last recommendation? This cat training app is for general pet training but comes with a more modern, cleaner interface. Free with ads, the app features an easy touch click, with three unique sounds and various settings to fit your needs.
There’s not much else to it, but it can supplement a training book. Available for Android.
Petsi- Cat and Dog Finder
This app could easily also follow under the cat care category, and it’s one of my favorite apps of all for your cat. Sadly, many cats and dogs go missing every day, and this app is meant to help your path be found quicker.
The app features pet face recognition and is easy to use. Start by posting your cat’s photo. You’ll be able to see if anyone has posted about your cat, and can send direct messages. The app connects to a pet lost and found community around your area, with powerful tools for gender, breed, and even collar color.
This is also a great tool to seamlessly share lost pet information via social media. You can help out by opting to receive notifications for other lost pets– or upload photos of a stray you’ve found. Free and available for Apple. For Android Users, I recommend using Cat Finder on your browser.
Apps for Play
But not all apps for pet owners are serious. In the same way that we might turn to our phones for a quick game of Candy Crush, your cat can find a way to idle away the hours on a smartphone or tablet too!
Why Cats Need to Play
Physical play is an important part of pet care. Kittens need to play so that they can develop their natural skills for hunting. You might not want to encourage your cat to hunt and kill other animals, but it’s in their nature to want to do that. Indoor cats get little opportunity to hunt, and that can lead to boredom, stress and weight gain. These apps can be a useful tool for helping your pet turn their instincts into a more positive direction.
Our Favourite Cat Game Apps
Here are just a few of the games you can play with your kitty:
Game for Cats
Is your kitty a sucker for a laser pointer? Then how about trying this iPad game. It’s a free download that includes the basic laser pointer game, but you can also upgrade to different pointers if you want to. You can even play 2-player, you take control using your smartphone and enjoy some R&R with your fur baby.
Available for: iOS
Cat Fishing 2
What’s more classic fun for a cat than fishing? This app is created in collaboration with Nestle and Purina with cats in mind. Even better, it’s ad-free and costs you nothing.
The updated app enjoys an average of more than 4 out of 5 stars across platforms. Special sound effects, new ways to play, and the ability to customize your play make this app an easy favorite.
To play, simply tap the “Play” button. Your cat will be able to tap the screen to scratch fish. You’ll have access to 10 unique fish types and ponds. A 30-second “meow” reminder helps retain your cat’s attention. A screen protector is a must. It’s recommended that you opt for a glass screen as opposed to a plastic add-on. Available for Apple and Android.
Paint for Cats
Are you looking for something a little more cultured to do with your kitten? Then how about knocking out some fine art? While your cat chases a rainbow mouse around the screen, this app creates a work of art from their movements which you can save to your camera roll for admiring later (or printing onto a giant canvas!)
Available for: iOS
Pocket Pond
If your kitty likes fishing, they may enjoy this app. You can show a calming pond, or add fish for them to bat at. You get to join in the fun, too, adding koi and feeding them to keep the pond in perfect order for your feline friend.
Available for: Android and iOS
Cat Playground
Variety is the spice of life, they say, and this app rolls several mini-games into one app. If your cat is the easily bored kind, then this could prove useful. There are chase games, variations on whack-a-mole and catch games like the fishing game that rewards a hit with a splashing sound.
Available for: Android
And that’s our round-up of some of the best apps for pet owners. Whether you’re looking for help and advice on how best to care for your pet day-to-day or in a crisis, or to get expert advice on a particular breed or behavior, there is something out there for you to download. Pet care apps are a great addition to your phone and can help dial down the drama in the event that something unpleasant occurs. Our choice of ‘must download’ app for pet care is the American Red Cross Pet Care App.
If you or your pet, aren’t as able to get around as you’d like, or you just fancy a change of pace, then the game apps are great fun. Whatever your cat enjoys pouncing on, there’s bound to be something for them in our selection, or you can cover all bases with the Cat Playground. Keep some of these playful apps on your phone for trips to the vet.
Either way, we hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of our favorite apps. If you have some more to add to the list, drop us a line!
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