Pet camera review: PetCube cameras

Pet cameras are a great investment for cat owners, especially if you're away from home often. They give you a live look at what your cat is doing at any given moment, plus the peace of mind that they're doing OK in your absence.

Soon after I was adopted, my mom bought this set of PetCube cameras from Amazon. The two-pack was relatively affordable at about $55 for both. Alternatively, they also offer a one-pack and a three-pack, as well as a brand new 360-degree option that is more expensive but has the capability of rotating for a better viewing angle.

The cameras were very easy to set up across the living room, and they pair with an accompanying PetCube app. As long as Wi-Fi is available, my mom can access the app anytime she's gone and make sure that I'm safe and sound, no matter what time of day it is.

The cameras have two-way audio as well, meaning you can both hear your pet and they can hear you (if your mic is turned on). You can also capture photos and videos of your pet through the livestream.

Pros and cons to the PetCube cameras

Pros

• The cameras are fairly easy to set up and access through the app.

• They’re a cheaper option at just $55 for two (or about $27.50 each).

• The PetCube cameras are sold in packs of various sizes, so you can set up multiple cameras throughout your place.

• Decent picture quality

• They provide two-way audio.

• The cameras also provide peace of mind when you’re away from home, whether it’s just for work during the day or for an extended vacation.

• If you subscribe to their PetCube Care (optional), you can get additional services like 24/7 video history and alerts, such as if your cat is meowing. If you opt for the Premium tier, you can also chat with an online vet.

Cons

• Even with multiple cameras, your cat may hide under the couch and in rooms where they cannot be seen for hours at a time.

• You can’t zoom in or pan the cameras (unless you opt for their newer, more expensive option).

• These cameras, without the paid PetCube subscription, only provide a livestream. You cannot go back and access any recorded history.

• WiFi is required; sometimes mobile data isn’t enough for the livestream.

• Even if something is wrong on camera, you will still need to contact your pet sitter, neighbor, or someone else to check on your cat.

• Other cameras provide a higher resolution and better overall picture quality. It’s hard to see at night, unless a light is left on.

• The cameras require electricity, so if you are away from home and lose power or something happens to the cameras, you will need to contact someone to check on them while you’re gone.

Other great pet cameras to consider

Are my PetCube cameras the best option on the market? It ultimately depends what you are looking for. There are many factors to consider, such as affordability, number of cameras, picture quality, and useful features like rotation and video recording.

Below are some other highly reviewed options that I recommend if you're shopping around for a pet camera.