Like many cat owners, I’ve often pondered the mysterious escapades of my feline friend when they venture beyond the familiar walls of our home. While my cat, Mervin, doesn’t roam far from our yard, the question of what exactly occupies his time when he’s out exploring always lingered in my mind. Inspired by a recent article in the New York Times detailing how other cat lovers were using cameras to track their pets’ adventures, I decided to embark on a similar experiment using a Cat Collar Camera.
Serendipitously, I had an Insta360 Go 2 on hand from a previous tech review. Its diminutive size seemed perfectly suited for Mervin, a seasoned tech reviewer himself, having previously assessed gadgets like the PetCube Bites and Petzi Treat Cam for Tom’s Guide. Later, I even upgraded to the Insta360 Go 3 to further enhance our feline filming endeavors.
One of the standout features of the Insta360 Go 2, especially for this purpose, is its incredibly small form factor. Significantly smaller than my thumb, this action camera still manages to capture surprisingly high-quality video. Its built-in motion stabilization is a boon, and the accompanying Insta360 app provides a suite of editing tools to refine the footage. Intrigued by videos showcasing cats with seemingly bustling social lives, I was eager to uncover whether Mervin shared the same zest for life beyond our doorstep.
The Insta360 Go 2 comes with a convenient clip designed for attaching the camera to clothing. I discovered this clip also works remarkably well for securing the camera to a cat collar. The clip’s strong magnet provided a secure hold, giving me confidence that the camera would stay in place throughout Mervin’s explorations.
However, my primary concern shifted from the camera detaching to Mervin deciding to ditch his entire collar, a habit he occasionally indulges in. The thought of losing a $300 piece of technology was definitely unsettling.
Insta360 Go 2 securely attached to a black cat collar, showcasing its small size and secure magnetic clip.
(Image credit: Future)
So, what did Mervin’s perspective reveal? Well, a significant amount of lounging. It turns out my suspicions were correct; he’s just as laid-back as I imagined. The most action-packed moment was when he scaled a tree to jump over our fence, pausing mid-climb to exchange chirps with a nearby bird. Despite the overall tranquility, it was undeniably charming to observe his whiskers swaying in the breeze from the camera’s vantage point and catch glimpses of his paws in action.
One limitation I encountered with the Go 2 was its 15-minute recording limit per clip, without automatic continuation. While a 30-minute setting exists, it’s recommended only for well-ventilated environments to prevent overheating, like on bike or ski helmets. To circumvent this, I utilized the timelapse feature. Although audio was sacrificed, it allowed me to observe Mervin’s activities over extended periods. The overarching theme remained consistent: my cat is a professional relaxer.
Stepping Up the Adventure with the Insta360 Go 3
Since Mervin’s initial forays into the world of cat collar camera recordings, Insta360 released the Insta360 Go 3. This upgrade addressed the recording constraints of its predecessor, allowing for continuous recording until the battery depletes, albeit in 30-minute segments.
Similar to the Go 2, the Go 3 does generate warmth during operation. However, the collar clip design ensured sufficient separation from Mervin, mitigating any concerns about discomfort or injury. The Insta360 Go 3 also introduced the innovative Action Pod, a detachable case with a flip-up touchscreen, effectively transforming the camera into a more versatile, GoPro-like device.
I intend to equip Mervin with the Go 3 for further expeditions, hoping to capture more captivating footage of his outdoor life. For pet owners curious about their adventurous cats or dogs, and willing to take a calculated risk with a small camera, a cat collar camera offers a fun and insightful way to glimpse the world through your pet’s eyes. It’s a unique method to understand their behavior, ensure their safety (by understanding their usual routes), or simply for entertainment. Why not try attaching a camera to your cat’s collar and see what hidden world you might uncover?
