ARTICLE · 17 MAY 2018

Cat Flap So Clever It Can Also Save Us From Armageddon

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Cat flaps that detect radiation to exclude non-gingers and drones that can scold your sofa-chewing dog could be the "pet-tech" of the future.

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Cat flaps that detect radiation to exclude non-gingers and drones that can scold your sofa-chewing dog could be the "pet-tech" of the future.

Haseltine Lake, the trademark attorneys, trawled through the reams of pet-related patents filed by big businesses and eccentrics to identify the most intriguing and bizarre ideas. Their list includes a pet-sitting drone dreamt up by IBM. It observes your pet's behaviour, selects activities and takes on obedience training in your absence. It connects wirelessly to smart-home devices to activate a ball-thrower or dispense treats, meals and water.

Other patents include a collar allowing snake owners to walk their pets and a "pet sunglasses system" to provide shades not only to dogs but to all "small animals".

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