Ben Millam, a cat enthusiast who also happens to be a geek, has created an extraordinary device that takes cat feeding to a whole new level.
He thought it would be fantastic if he could educate his cat Monkey to seek for plastic balls concealed about the house and then put them into a machine that had been specifically designed for it.
Because the balls are RFID-tagged, anytime Monkey comes across one, he carries it over to the machine and puts it into a bowl on top, causing food to flow out of the feeder.
In order to teach Monkey, Ben used a technique known as “clicker” training, which involves connecting a good behavior with an unique click and a rewarding behavior. Even though it took a long time and a great deal of patience, Monkey soon understood that all of his hard work had been worth it.
“It all began when I read an explanation of why cats walk about constantly examining the same regions; it’s partially to establish and survey their territory, but it’s also to practice “mobile” hunting as well,” says Ben.
“Then, what if my cat, while on patrol, happens to come upon its prey? With any luck, this will put him one step closer to living a more contented and self-actualized indoor cat life.”
A brilliant concept, and Ben explained that he created the feeder so that Monkey may have a more full life in the future.
Check out the video below to see how it works:
