Thermo-electric cooling is very similar to standard refrigeration, except it does not use a compressor. Thermo-electric cooling is also known as a "Peltier" device. Peltier technology uses electricity to transfer heat from one side of a metal plate to the other side. The heat transferred is ejected (via a whisper-quiet fan), and the cooling is accomplished. It seems like magic, but it is not. It is the miracle of a solid-state refrigerator.
CATSOMAT II uses thermoelectric cooling technology to efficiently cool your pet’s food, keeping it at a safe temperature of 42.8 degrees fahrenheit. For comparison, your household refrigerator might keep food at between 42 and 47 degrees fahrenheit. Thermoelectric cooling is far more energy efficient than standard, compressor-based cooling technology.
Because CATSOMAT II has seven feeding compartments, you can easily serve dry food, too. You can choose to turn off the cooling whenever you want, or use it to serve wet food at one time, and dry food at another. All in one convenient setting.
If you have “chipped” your cat — the grain-sized
transponder inserted into most rescue pets today — CATSOMAT II uses that to automatically recognize each cat, individually. Each feeding bowl inside the CATSOMAT
II can be mapped to an individual pet’s transponder, and only the bowl you designate will be presented. This works for up to seven cats!
Older cats particularly require small food portions distributed throughout the day. For ill cats, regular and safe intake of their medication is crucial. In combination with our RFID technology, an intelligent locking mechanism ensures that the feeding bowls are automatically locked in and cooled after feeding.
This way, each cat can eat what they want and then come back to the same food later. CATSOMAT II ensures that only the food — perhaps containing medications — for a particular cat is presented to that cat, and that cat only.
CATSOMAT II ensures that your cats do
not overeat because they learn that they can eat whenever they want —
up to the portions you allow.
This is important because, unlike dogs,
cats stomachs do not “dilate” — they do
not expand to accept a lot of food all at once. Cats naturally prefer
several small meals, and CATSOMAT II makes it possible. There is some
evidence that feeding your cat in this naturally-occurring way leads to
better health.
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Do you also have a hungry dog in your household that nibbles at the kitty dish?
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No problem!
CATSOMAT II not only ensures that individual cats are fed
their designated meals, it also makes sure that Fido does not eat
kitty’s food. None but your RFID-identified cat will be able to eat your pet’s food.
Uneaten food is returned to be properly cooled after you cat eats only a portion — automatically!
One cat or many, CATSOMAT is definitely the right choice!
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Extremely easy to use — while at home or away! ![]()
The touch screen is incredibly easy to use.
You can choose to program the CATSOMAT II with the simple and intuitive
touch screen.
Other feeders can be defeated by clever cats. Not CATSOMAT. The touch-screen interface makes sure that not even the cleverest of
cats can modify the program.
Does your cat use a smartphone? Didn't think so. But CATSOMAT
II does: It is the ONLY wet food feeder in the world that allows you to control
it using a smartphone or tablet interface!
You
can rest assured that your kitty will be served food on the schedule you set.
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The WiFi-enabled CATSOMAT App
CATSOMAT II is the only cooled cat feeder in the world that can be controlled at any time and from anywhere in the world using an internet-connected desktop computer, tablet or smartphone.
The CATSOMAT II App that this campaign will help fund will allow you to control and reprogram every setting, from anywhere. This is especially useful for unexpected changes in your schedule. The only thing that must be done manually is refilling the device.
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For finicky cats who insist on just the right food![]()
Using seven 13.5 oz feeding dishes, you can present any one of them to your cat(s) at any time — from anywhere in the world (using your internet connected device and the smartphone app we will build with this campaign). The feeding tray is food-safe, acid-resistant, and dishwasher safe.
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We will make several standard, pre-programmed menus (e.g., the “weekend menu”) that quickly and easily ensures your pet is lovingly cared for while you are away. Your cat will be thrilled, and you will be confident you are showing them all the love they need until you are able to return.
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Knowing that everything is okay.![]()
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The integrated camera allows you to look in on your pet at any time, from anywhere. You can check in to make sure they are eating the food you provided.
The CATSOMAT II, using the funding from this campaign, will have real-time video recording (and single images) to let you know that your cat is feeding properly. You will also be able to receive a text message alerting you to when your cat feeds using the smartphone app. Or you could choose to look in on and even talk to your kitty when they are feeding.
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Say "Hello kitty" - even when you are not at home![]()
Our trigger call function enables you to individually setup a trigger call for each cat through the integrated microphone that plays when it is feeding time. Cats love rituals and you will be amazed to see just how thrilled your pets will be when they hear your voice.
And we have even gone a step further!
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With the CATSOMAT II, not only can you individually call your pets during feeding sessions, you can also get to talk to them from anywhere through the integrated speaker and microphone function thanks to the WLAN connection. Through the integrated microphones, you can hear how relaxed your pets are and soothed to hear your voice.
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BATTERY BACKUP
In the event of a power failure, the integrated battery supplies power for up to 60 hours of operation (when fully charged). Although the cooling is deactivated when on battery power, the meals will still be presented according to your programmed schedule. The CATSOMAT II is well-insulated and will keep food properly cool for the limited duration of most power failures. Once power is restored, the cooling function automatically returns and food is then maintained at the temperature you have selected. Importantly, your program is preserved, so you will not need to reenter information after a power failure.
Important (and obvious) note: If there is no power for an extended duration, owners must replace perishable wet food in the tray at the earliest opportunity to ensure the health of your cat. Cats will not eat spoiled food.
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Form follows function - It works with 100% confidence and is stylish at the same time.![]()
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
In the best German way, our motto is “form follows function.” The main challenge was to be in the highest degree certain that the CATSOMAT II would work every time, all the time, exactly as you programmed it. The CATSOMAT II is made with tested, food-safe materials and safely operates so that you can be sure your pet can use this machine safely with absolute confidence.
Happily, the device turned out to be attractive thanks to its appealing and timeless design.
The first CATSOMAT IIs will be produced in an elegant shade of grey. Later, we will offer other designer colors — and perhaps even unique, one-of-a-kind colors that you choose!![]()
If you want a particular color, then you should take a look at our "Special Color PERK"!
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Technical specifications![]()
Rated voltage: |
12VDC |
Power rating: |
80 – 90 Watt |
Power supply/adapter: |
Input: 110V 60H / 230V 50H AC
Output: 12VDC 5A
(North American + European Standard) |
Protection class: |
II, double insulation |
Weight (netto) CATSOMAT: |
approx. 15 lb |
Capacity of the feeding bowl: |
approx. 7 x 13.5 oz |
Dimensions CATSOMAT (L x B x H): |
36 x 36 x approx. 7/8 inches |
Diameter of the feeding bowl: |
13 inches |
Display: |
Touch screen approx. 2.3'' x 3.1'' |
Color of the body / feeding bowl:
|
grey/white |
Power consumption: |
an average of approx. 0,1 KWh
|
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More benefits of the CATSOMAT II that you and your pet will love ![]()
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Flies cannot infest your pet’s food because the lid is tightly secured!
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You control your schedule instead of your kitty’s tummy: It's okay if you are running late.
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Your pet(s) can be safely and securely cared for in your temporary absence without burdening friends or relatives, or paying a pet sitter.
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Your privacy is intact: You do not have to invite people in to your home or give them your keys to care for your pet during short vacations or outings.
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The CATSOMAT I was the first thermoelectric-cooled pet feeder in the world when it was introduced 3 years ago. The CATSOMAT product is still unique. CATSOMAT I has given hundreds of people worldwide a safe solution to feed their pets.
We listened to our current customers, and now we want to take this wonderful device to the next level. That is the purpose of this campaign: To deliver on the promise of CATSOMAT by building an even better wet food feeder based on the valuable feedback of our current customers.
The 2011 CATSOMAT I, opened and filled![]()
The CATSOMAT I has been through many product tests and has completely satisfied many people, worldwide. We are known as the best feeder in the world.
Furthermore, in almost all of the current product tests, the CATSOMAT I still comes out on top.![]()
Currently, our device is rated the best also among the big cat feeders test on the “hundkatzemaus” show (lit. “Dog-Cat-Mouse”; German TV Program).
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Where we are today![]()
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Our campaign goal![]()
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We want to bring the CATSOMAT II to the world and especially to our friends in America. And not just the original, but a new and better product that incorporates all the best ideas we have learned. Join us to help us make this happen.
Through our experience and careful analysis, we believe it will take $550,000 to produce and deliver the Catsomat II. We will secure these funds from private investors as well as by this crowdfunding campaign.
As a young company, we
know we cannot realize our vision on our own.
We will only succeed with your
help!
Be part of our campaign. Take
advantage of the unique opportunity to purchase the CATSOMAT II at these exclusive special prices.
All the funds that we collect with your support will
be used to...
- ... implement the complete technical drafts for the electronics, software and standard production details for delivery.
- ... contract with fabrication facilities.
- ... create production tools.
- ... tests and certify the pilot devices.
- ... certify the CATSOMAT II in accordance with American and European standards..
To get all this done, with your funding help, we will have all production conditions fulfilled to produce the first series of the CATSOMAT II from December 2015.
In the course of development, minor modifications to these features may occur. We reserve the right to modify the product as necessary to effect delivery. We will promptly inform you if fundamental features cannot be met, or if the delivery timeframe cannot be met.
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Risk information / conditions![]()
YOU CAN GET A FULL REFUND ON YOUR CONTRIBUTION WHETHER WE REACH OUR INDIEGOGO FUNDING TARGET OR NOT. SEE DETAILS BELOW.
In the unlikely event that the production conditions of the CATSOMAT II are not achieved by the end of 2015, you can get back your purchase price.
Regardless of whether we will reach our IndieGogo funding target or not.
The refund gaurantee excludes non-purchase donations (PERKS TINY HELP BIG & SMALL) and the $100.00 portion in PERK 'SUPER EARLY CAT'. Any other indemnity claims are excluded.
You like our project and want to recommend it? Perfect! Then help us by recommending our
campaign to your friends and colleagues through emails and social networks.
As a thank you, we
will award you credit up to $45.00 for each successful recommendation, when a supporter recommended by you purchases a PERK.
You can earn as much credit as you want. These IndieGogo purchase credits awarded for your successful referrals are not limited.
After the campaign is over, we will
transfer your total credit to your Indiegogo account and then either
retroactively compensate for the amount which you paid for a PERK or credit it
for the purchase of another PERK. Please note: You cannot recommend
yourself and no cash payout of the credit is possible.
The credit voucher must be received within a period of four months after product launch of CATSOMAT II.
Here are the credits you can earn:
| A recommender purchases a |
then you receive
|
Tiny Help Big Perk
|
$ 10.00 campaign credit |
Be the First Perk
|
$ 35.00 campaign credit |
Super Early Cat Perk
|
$ 40.00 campaign credit |
EARLY Cat Perk
|
$ 45.00 campaign credit |
| 10+1 Reseller Perk |
$ 400.00 campaign credit
|
How to participate on our referral program:
It is very simple. Create a free account on our INDIEGOGO homepage. Log into your account. After logging in, share our campaign video which is at the top of this page via the corresponding share-buttons and your personal URL.
This button shows your personal URL (please copy and save this link from the address bar)
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You can share our campaign video using these buttons. Your personal comments go a long way to encouraging people to buy their own PERK.
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You can always track the success of your recommendations in your account. In addition, the personal URL enables us to clearly determine which PERKS were purchased as a result of your recommendation to friends and colleagues.
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Other ways to help![]()
If you find our crowdfunding project to be a brilliant idea but are currently unable to support us financially, you can still help us by simply sharing our campaign video to your friends and family via the sharing buttons. Every recommendation will go a long way to bringing us a major step closer!
We cordially thank you for your support!
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About us - the story behind the story![]()
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As with many entrepreneurs and innovators, the idea that led to CATSOMAT came from the vision of one man: Donald R. Pilz (51). After more than 20 years as a successful manager in the transport and logistic industry, Mr. Pilz was looking for a new business challenge.
After the prototype of CATSOMAT was developed several years ago, Donald Pilz became determined to build and distribute it. He started the company.
Mr. Pilz knew that all products and options available in the market simply did not meet the needs of millions of pet owners.
With the support of his family and an engaged team of engineers and product designers, Mr. Pilz developed the first CATSOMAT and brought it to market.
On 17th June 2011 the first CATSOMAT was launched in Germany as part of “Maintier 2011” (German animal trade show) and was successfully marketed by the then newly established CATSOMAT GmbH & Co. Pet Products KG. ![]()
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Do you want to become an investor? ![]()
Are you looking for a future-oriented investment and wish to use your investment towards expansion of our company? If yes, simply write us a message at rp@catsomat.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Are you interested in a reseller partnership? ![]()
Are you a reseller and wish to be among the first ones who bring the CATSOMAT II to your country? The 10+1 reseller PERK secures you the exclusive ticket to our reseller partner program. You will hereby receive 10 devices + 1 for free before the official launch. Herewith, you will not just be supporting us, this will also secure you the pole position.
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FAQ![]()
Q: Why is the CATSOMAT so expensive compared to other feeders?
A: For a device to operate independently and safely in your home there is a whole host of safety criteria, regulatory standards, and design specifications to be engineered. CATSOMAT has done the engineering, regulatory compliance, and safety studies for you -- and then manufactured the device to those specifications.
What else do you own to make your life easier? iPhones? Expensive kitchen appliances? How about a gorgeous flat-screen TV? All these things serve to make our lives easier and enjoyable. Catsomat will make your life easier, too -- and help keep your cat healthy!
Q: Is the CATSOMAT safe to operate when I am not home?
A: Yes. The entire purpose of the CATSOMAT is to provide hygienically-cooled wet food to your pet, safely, when you are away.
Q: How long will food stay fresh?
A: Wet food is a perishable item. The CATSOMAT will maintain food freshness for the same amount of time an opened can of food can be safely stored in a household refrigerator (6°C). In general, up to 3-5 days for canned food. Up to 3 days for pre-frozen raw pet food.
Safe food handling (for humans and pets) is something we cannot answer here. But suffice it to say that safe food handling practices should always be observed.
Q: Can I use CATSOMAT with "raw food"?
A: Yes. Please note, however, that raw food has not been pasteurized nor treated, and is thus even more perishable than canned food. CATSOMAT strongly recommends pre-freezing raw food placed in the device so that it thaws for presentation in a cooled environment. Pre-frozen raw food should never be left in the device for longer than 3 days.
Q: Is the CATSOMAT expensive to operate?
A: Not at all. It is equivalent to a 90-Watt lightbulb in power consumption. Energy consumption is a mere fraction of standard, compressor-type refrigeration.
Q: Aren't plastics harmful to use in storing food?
A: Not all plastics are the same. The plastic we use is polycarbonate, a stable form of plastic that is exceptionally durable. It is dishwasher safe, and food safe.
Q: Doesn't plastic harbor bacteria?
A: The feeding tray is scratch-resistant, food-safe polycarbonate, and thus does not develop micro-scratches that can harbor bacteria. We have studied this in real-time deployments for three years on the CATSOMAT I. The feed tray material is safe.
Q: Is the CATSOMAT II self-cleaning and self-filling?
A: No. We asked our engineers to accomplish this. Sadly, they have not. You must fill and maintain the CATSOMAT. Happily, the CATSOMAT dish can be run through an automatic dishwasher.
Q: Will the CATSOMAT II smartphone app work if I do not have internet connectivity and a WiFi-enabled router at my home?
A: Nope.
Q: Will the CATSOMAT II smartphone app alert me about any issues, such as power failures?
A: Yep.
Q: Will I be able to track whether my cat is eating?
A: Yes. We think, particularly for cats with special health concerns, this is a marvelous advance. You will be able to configure smartphone alerts that tell you your cat is feeding, and view your cat feeding via the FREE smartphone app.
Q: Will I be able to review the history of my pet's feeding habits?
A: Yes.
Q: What about internet security protocols and privacy?
A: You are a smart consumer. Everyone should be aware of devices that connect to the internet, and whether they are deployed with encryption and security. The CATSOMAT II internet-connected functions will have encryption and security built in.
Q: I do not know if my cat has an RFID chip in place, yet. How do I tell?
A: If you adopted your cat through a rescue shelter, it is very likely that the RFID chip is in place. The surest way to find out is to take your pet to a shelter or veterinarian and determine if the RFID signal shows up on the monitors there.
Or, if you get the CATSOMAT II (and we think you should), you will be able to see the RFID unique identifier via the CATSOMAT II display and interface, if one is there.
Q: What if my cat does not have an RFID chip? Or if I do not want to insert one?
A: There are readily-available RFID collars on the market. But we do not recommend them.
Q: I do not want to add an RFID chip to my pet, via collar or insert. Will the device work?
A: The device can be programmed to work on an automated schedule that does not rely on RFID recognition. But using the CATSOMAT II in this way defeats many of the values and purposes of the device. We think you should reconsider.
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask one of our project creators directly.
