Do pet cameras actually help with separation anxiety?

Yes — studies show that hearing their owner's voice through a camera speaker reduces stress indicators in dogs with separation anxiety. The treat-tossing feature provides positive reinforcement when the dog is calm. The camera also helps owners by confirming their pet is safe, reducing the owner's anxiety. It is not a cure for severe separation anxiety but is a genuine management tool.

Can cats use pet cameras with treat tossers?

Yes — cats respond to treat tossers as well as dogs. Use small, round cat treats that fit the tossing mechanism. Cats are often more curious about the camera sounds and treat-launching mechanism than dogs. The Petcube Bites 2 Lite works particularly well with cats due to its built-in laser toy feature in the full version.

Do I need a subscription for pet camera features?

Basic features (live video, two-way audio, manual treat tossing) work without a subscription on all cameras in this guide. AI-powered smart alerts, cloud video recording, and activity history typically require a subscription of $5-10/month. The Wyze Cam offers the most generous free tier with 12-second cloud clips.

How much internet bandwidth does a pet camera need?

Most pet cameras stream at 1080p, requiring 2-4 Mbps upload speed from your home internet. If your internet is slow, cameras downgrade to lower resolution automatically. For multiple cameras, ensure your router can handle the combined bandwidth. A strong Wi-Fi signal at the camera location matters more than raw internet speed.

Best Pet Cameras 2026