So, the title says it all! We recently added a third cat to the family, and now one of them (either one of the older cats or the new guy) has started peeing in my closet. I even closed the closet door tonight, but it somehow popped open, and it happened again. I have a tiny Geeni camera, but it’s just not catching the motion.
Looking for a camera that’s motion-activated, can continuously record, uses WiFi, has SD card storage, and can be plugged into an outlet. Any suggestions?
I’d recommend the Reolink E1 Pro. I have a few of them and they work well. I haven’t used the SD card recording or motion detection since I use Blue Iris for that, but they do have pet detection which might help for what you’re dealing with. However, if you want continuous recording, you’d need an NVR.
In your situation, I’d set up the camera close to the floor (at cat level) facing the door, and use the pet tracking feature so it can follow the cat around in the closet. The tracking is adjustable and can pick up both people and animals.
I’ve been using the Wyze Cam V4 and it’s been solid so far.
Another vote for the Reolink E1 Pro.
It meets all your requirements and is only $38 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/REOLINK-Security-E1-Tracking-Detection/dp/B07THQDSBD?th=1
I’d suggest looking at the Tapo C120.
I use the Eufy Tilt and Pan camera because it records 24/7. That’s important because sometimes a camera’s motion detection can trigger and then stop recording too soon. With 24/7 recording, you can look back at any time to catch what happened. I’d recommend getting a few cameras.
Also, keep an eye on the litter box situation—make sure one of your cats isn’t getting bullied. I had a cat that refused to use a box another cat had used unless it was cleaned often. If this behavior is new, consider a vet check to rule out any health issues. A cat that isn’t spayed or neutered may also mark their territory. I had to put one of my cats on medication for behavioral issues with urinating.
@Drake
I’ve got six litter boxes for three cats, so it’s definitely more of a territorial thing. The new cat might be the one causing trouble, but I’ll need to catch them in the act before making changes. Thanks for the camera suggestion!
@Doug
Yeah, litter box issues can be tricky! I used to foster, so I’ve had my share of these situations.
If you add a box in the bedroom, they’ll all want to use it. It seems like cats always pick the most inconvenient spot! I ended up placing a box in the bathroom and then closing the door so only the bullied cat could access it. She started letting me know when she needed to go in there.
@Drake
I’d try that, but I’m not home during the day to let her in! It never happens when I’m around.
Doug said:
@Drake
I’d try that, but I’m not home during the day to let her in! It never happens when I’m around.
Mine started going at set times eventually. I work from home but can’t always break away for litter box duty. Luckily, it worked out without issues like a UTI, but that’s always a risk with cats.
@Drake
She did eventually go back to using the other boxes for the most part.
@Drake
I’ve been using these cameras—they might go on sale around Black Friday: https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-Assistant-Compatibility-Tracking/dp/B0856W45VL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1M0L87MZWKTL0
Are you sure it’s a cat? Can they open the closet door? I ask because I remember seeing a show where someone kept finding wet spots, and it turned out to be a person, not the pet!
If it is a cat, it could be the new one, since they’re choosing a quiet spot like the closet. Protests from your other cats would probably happen somewhere more noticeable. Consider placing a camera in other areas, too, to see if there’s any bullying going on. Or maybe add a separate litter box for the new cat, starting in the closet and slowly moving it to a different spot once the cat gets used to it.
@LizCampell
Pretty sure it’s my older, timid cat. The bedroom has always been her safe space. The new guy is happily using all the litter boxes in the basement and bathroom, so I’d rather not add one in my bedroom if I can avoid it.
And I’m not the one peeing on the floor, so it’s definitely one of the cats! 