Putting A Fitbit on My Cat

Filed Under Gadgets & Hardware, Self Tracking on 2013-07-07, 21:34

I’ve been carrying a Fitbit around for 2+ years, generating all sorts of data as part of my ongoing preoccupation with self tracking. I’m not sure where the original idea came from, but somehow I got it into my head that my cat, Bunki, should join me on this quantified self journey. Perhaps it had something to do with her slight roundness. Due to a combination of factors (losing a Fitbit, buying a new one, having that one get run over a week later, Fitbit generously replacing the run-over one, and then me finding the lost one) I ended up with an extra Fitbit Zip that was perfect for Bunki.

I imagine some cats wouldn’t be too into the idea of lugging around a Fitbit, but I figured we’d give it a try. Luckily Bunki had worn a collar in the past, and she’s a 100% indoor cat, so there was a chance this could work without annoyance and without losing another device. I started out with just the collar to make sure she was still cool with that. Then I added just the silicone skin without the actual Fitbit. She didn’t even seem to notice it after the first minute or two, so a few hours later I added in the actual device and set up a Fitbit account of her own! A couple days later and there have been no complaints.

Since Bunki doesn’t have an iPhone she couldn’t just sync over Bluetooth Smart, so I used the tiny USB receiver that comes with the Zip. It’s plugged into a Windows machine that I have running 24/7. It just happens to currently be in the same room as her litter box right now, so it all happens automatically. When we inevitably move the litter box, I’ll have to figure out a new solution. I think treats will probably be involved. One of the big benefits of the Fitbit Zip, besides its smaller size, is that the battery will last 4-6 months, so Bunki doesn’t have to worry about charging anything.

I have no idea how accurate the step count is (you try calibrating that), I don’t know if she gets to double her score since she has four legs, and I’m sure there’s some cheating perhaps going on when she’s scratching. But all in all the data appears to be pretty good as long as you use it comparatively.

You’ll notice that somebody was taking a nap from 11am-3pm while we were out of the house. Proof that yes, the cat has not even moved from that spot since we left.

And it turns out Bunki is not the only cat with a Fitbit (and Twitter) account. Both @zzaps_cat and Tsunami (@Tsu_Cat) have them too.

Tagged: fitbit, Quantified Self

Comments

23 Responses to “Putting A Fitbit on My Cat”

archivelle on July 8th, 2013 12:28 pm

Fitbit on a cat http://t.co/DsPydh09ak
grlucas on July 8th, 2013 12:35 pm

A cool use for my old FitBit? http://t.co/rjdbGOP9SR #cat #fitness @AuLu
meilufay on July 8th, 2013 1:09 pm

As a data enthusiast, I sort of love this. http://t.co/ipc2hXe2qf
kellydna on July 8th, 2013 1:20 pm

http://t.co/MTGao5FVyV @someToast @arlo @Edubya @aaronh @sallypnut You all have used FitBit, right? And have cats.
Fun2Race on July 8th, 2013 2:55 pm

Putting A Fitbit on My Cat | Geeked Info http://t.co/x8JpaykaMT
cjammet on July 8th, 2013 2:56 pm

Hey @kate_motzer, just an idea… for your dog? ha! http://t.co/FvFaLQzJ9k
PumaMat on July 8th, 2013 3:26 pm

I’m actually surprised the cat wasn’t asleep more: Putting A Fitbit on My Cat http://t.co/OuV5qPlEmx
reags on July 8th, 2013 3:41 pm

Too funny…“@PumaMat: I’m actually surprised the cat wasn’t asleep more: Putting A Fitbit on My Cat http://t.co/c8YGAiNzcn”
blakesamic on July 8th, 2013 3:44 pm

RT @PumaMat: I’m actually surprised the cat wasn’t asleep more: Putting A Fitbit on My Cat http://t.co/OuV5qPlEmx
mmayernick on July 8th, 2013 5:05 pm

@Julesmarie http://t.co/jHSzKqGuiW
davechua on July 8th, 2013 6:29 pm

RT @lisiepeasie: Putting a Fitbit on a cat. http://t.co/dqw3AHrSCr
thesortedpixels on July 8th, 2013 7:03 pm

RT @PumaMat: I’m actually surprised the cat wasn’t asleep more: Putting A Fitbit on My Cat http://t.co/OuV5qPlEmx
zzaps_cat on July 8th, 2013 7:41 pm

The owner of @Bunki_cat has written a blog post about cats and Fitbits! http://t.co/IPJAHqFDFX Article briefly mentions me and @Tsu_Cat too.
NotMattBellamy on July 8th, 2013 7:49 pm

[Three] cats are wearing FitBits now. (Why? Are they supposed to walk 10,000 steps per day?) http://t.co/w5fDUqgED4 [ht @SparkerPants]
nikiverse on July 8th, 2013 10:32 pm

This guy put a FitBit on his cat. http://t.co/KK3j3ooHOA
dnisbet on July 9th, 2013 4:14 am

My cat would lose the fitbit in less than a day…. Putting A Fitbit on My Cat | Geeked Info http://t.co/TRlK21E0OB cc @kateniz
grimnorth on July 9th, 2013 4:48 am

RT @dnisbet: My cat would lose the fitbit in less than a day…. Putting A Fitbit on My Cat | Geeked Info http://t.co/TRlK21E0OB cc @kateniz
Cluett on July 9th, 2013 11:20 am

Via @bingofuel: A CAT USING A FITBIT. http://t.co/e04Xp8mfVG
dohanley on July 9th, 2013 11:27 am

RT @Cluett: Via @bingofuel: A CAT USING A FITBIT. http://t.co/e04Xp8mfVG
aliciamcauley on July 9th, 2013 11:37 am

Just how lazy IS your cat? Here’s one way to find out: http://t.co/NyRPFnssD0 (via
@dohanley) #fitbit
Claudia_Sahm on July 9th, 2013 4:18 pm

data on everything … cat tracking edition http://t.co/XkunvW9pAx h/t @purrsephone
LuukPl on July 10th, 2013 6:26 am

What to do with your leftover Fitbit? Why yes, put it on your cat! http://t.co/9K1V9t6L6w
Kailynnwriter on July 10th, 2013 6:54 am

Ah, the life of a cat. http://t.co/1RD442gYpv