Pets

Most dogs are lucky enough to get a regular walk in the great outdoors, but cats miss out. Looking like a giant hamster wheel, the Little Cat is an app-driven machine designed to give our feline friends some much-needed exercise – although whether they’d actually use it remains to be seen.

​While we may think that it's only irresponsible, negligent people who leave infants or pets in hot cars, it can also sometimes happen to preoccupied folks who simply forget that they've got an extra passenger on board. Payton's Charm is designed to alert them, should that happen.

​It can be tough on both you and your pet, leaving them home alone all day. That's why we've seen camera-equipped gadgets that let you check in on and interact with them … but what if the pet isn't in the same room as the device? Well, that's where the VAVA Mobile Pet Cam is intended to come in.

​​Our canine friends are not as exceptionally intelligent as we think, according to a newly published study that sought to place the brain power of our canine companions in the context of other members of the animal kingdom.

​The consumer tech giant decided to revive an old favorite last year, when it announced the Japan-only release of a new aibo robotic companion. Now a "First Litter Edition" of the cutesy pup will be making its way to US shores as a limited bundle.​

Pet pharmaceutical company CannPal is working with the CSIRO to develop better ways to safely administer medicinal cannabis to a variety of pets. The research is developing microencapsulation techniques to make sure the cannabis oils can be delivered to each different animal precisely and safely.

When Sony first released a cute robot dog back in 1999, the world went crazy for it. But all good things must come to an end, and the bots were discontinued in 2006. Now Sony's bringing the aibo back, and it looks better than ever. It's also quite a different beast to its playful ancestors.

You may love your cat, but would you design your home around its needs? That's the case with El Gato (or The Cat). Designed by Alpine Tiny Homes, the firm behind the Tiny Giant and Brown Bear homes, the dwelling includes some cat and dog-friendly additions, and has an unusual layout.

​​Today's fitness junkies have all kinds of monitors to choose from, and who says dogs couldn't do with a little activity tracking themselves? Bringy is a connected ball with a sensor inside to track things like speed and distance, so you can make sure they're on a path to good health.​

If you've ever felt bad at how uncomfortable your dog looks in your car, perhaps the new Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs will appeal to you. This specially equipped crossover concept creates a cozy space for two four-legged friends, packing a dog bed, treat dispenser, wash-n-dry system, pet cam and more.

The all new Dogscamper van hits the long road and makes man's best friend a priority. Its modular interior includes a flexible kennel system that fits dogs large and small, ensuring that the whole family can ride and sleep comfortably.​

Dogs may be man's best friend, but any type of pet quickly becomes part of the family. And why should any family member miss out on the joy of getting gifts? We round up some of the best presents to pamper your pooch, and gift ideas for the cat ​crazy lady in your life.