# Smart Pet Feeders Are Getting Smarter: What It Means for Your Connected Home > A new auto-pet feeder that CNET compares to an "Instant Pot for cats" signals a bigger trend: smart devices are creeping into every corner of the home. Here is what that means for your household's connectivity and security. - URL: https://vivint.security/resources/smart-pet-feeders-are-getting-smarter-what-it-means-for-your - Category: Industry News - Author: Tyler Jackson, Doorbell & Entry Security Writer - Published: 2026-09-04 - Reading time: 2 min - Keywords: smart home devices, smart pet feeder, home automation, connected home security, smart home network --- ## A Pet Feeder That Cooks Up Convenience CNET recently spotlighted a new automatic pet feeder that works a lot like a small kitchen appliance. According to the outlet, the device uses a pressurized, programmable approach similar to an Instant Pot, letting owners schedule precise meals, monitor portions, and manage feeding routines right from a smartphone app. It is a clever example of how everyday household gadgets are borrowing ideas from other categories of tech to become more automated and more connected. We think this story is worth a second look, not because Vivint sells pet feeders, but because it is a good snapshot of where the entire smart home is heading. ## The Bigger Trend: Everything Gets an App A decade ago, "smart home" mostly meant thermostats and door locks. Today it includes coffee makers, litter boxes, grills, and now apparently cat food dispensers. Each of these devices connects to your home Wi-Fi, talks to an app, and often taps into cloud services to send you notifications. That is great for convenience. It also means the average home now has more connected endpoints than ever before. Every smart plug, feeder, or camera is a small doorway into your home network. The more doorways you have, the more it matters that your core security and automation system is built on a stable, well-managed foundation. ## Why This Matters for Home Security At Vivint, we look at gadgets like this smart feeder as a reminder of two things: 1. **Homeowners want automation that actually simplifies life.** Nobody wants to fuss with five different apps to check if the dog was fed, the door is locked, or the porch light is on. A unified [home automation](/home-automation) platform lets you control lighting, locks, thermostats, and yes, even compatible smart accessories, from one dashboard instead of a scattered collection of single-purpose apps. 2. **More connected devices means security needs to scale with convenience.** A professionally installed system with [security cameras](/security-cameras) and a monitored [home security](/home-security) plan gives you a backbone that other smart devices can plug into safely, rather than a patchwork of disconnected gadgets each with their own login and their own vulnerabilities. A smart pet feeder is a fun, low-stakes example. But the same principle applies to higher-stakes devices like door locks, garage door controllers, and entry sensors. When those pieces are professionally installed and monitored, you get the convenience of automation without leaving gaps a bad actor could exploit. ## Keeping an Eye on Home While You're Away One detail in the original CNET piece stands out: pet owners like these feeders because they offer peace of mind while away from home. That is the exact same reason people invest in a video [doorbell camera](/doorbell-camera). Whether you are checking that the cat got fed or confirming a package was delivered safely, the underlying desire is the same: visibility into your home from wherever you are. ## Vivint's Take We love seeing innovation trickle into everyday products like pet feeders. It shows how normal automation has become. Our advice for homeowners exploring these gadgets is simple: make sure your home's core security and smart systems are solid before you start layering on convenience devices. A strong foundation makes every new gadget you add safer and easier to manage. Curious how a professionally monitored system can anchor your smart home? Check out current [Vivint pricing](/vivint-pricing) or call 866-417-1540 to talk to a specialist. You can also reach out anytime through [Contact Vivint](/contact-vivint). _Source: [www.cnet.com](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/this-new-auto-pet-feeder-is-basically-an-instant-pot-for-cats/)_ ## Get a Free Vivint Quote Ready to protect what matters most? Get a free, no obligation quote on a Vivint smart home security system, complete with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring. [Request your free quote](/contact-vivint) or call [866-417-1540](tel:8664171540) to talk with a Vivint security specialist today. ## FAQ ### Does Vivint sell smart pet feeders? No. Vivint focuses on professionally installed home security, cameras, and smart-home automation such as locks, lighting, and thermostats. We mention pet feeders here as an example of broader smart-home trends. ### Can Vivint's system work alongside other smart gadgets like pet feeders? Vivint's platform is designed around core security and automation devices. Many households run additional single-purpose smart gadgets on the same Wi-Fi network, so it's wise to make sure your network and core security system are strong and well managed. ### Why does adding more smart devices matter for home security? Every connected device is a potential entry point on your home network. A professionally installed and monitored security system gives you a stable foundation, which matters more as you add convenience gadgets over time. ## Sources - CNET: This New Auto-Pet Feeder Is Basically an Instant Pot for Cats: https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/this-new-auto-pet-feeder-is-basically-an-instant-pot-for-cats/ --- Vivint.Security is operated by Plondo, an independently owned authorized dealer of Vivint Smart Home products and services. This website is not Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s corporate website. Product availability, pricing, promotions, financing, installation, monitoring, and service terms are provided or approved by Vivint and may vary by location and qualification. Existing Vivint customers should use Vivint's official support channels at vivint.com. Authorized-dealer sales & quotes: 855-848-4681. Canonical: https://vivint.security/resources/smart-pet-feeders-are-getting-smarter-what-it-means-for-your