Tackling Pet Care Challenges with Automated Feeding Solutions for Multi-Cat Households
The Problem: Pet Care in Multi-Cat Households
Managing food portions and dietary needs for multiple cats can be challenging for pet owners. Without a tailored solution, cats may overeat, leading to health issues like obesity, or not get their fair share of food, causing nutritional deficiencies.
The Solution: NekoFeeder Smart Cat Feeder
The NekoFeeder is a smart, NFC-enabled feeding solution designed to provide controlled and customized feeding for multi-cat households. Each cat wears a designated NFC tag on its collar, which the feeder recognizes to grant access. This ensures:
- Controlled Feeding: Only the designated cat has access to the food.
- Convenience: Automated operations for busy pet owners.
- Freshness & Cleanliness: Covered feeding mechanism to prevent spoilage and mess.
Innovation: Smart Technology for Healthy and Happy Cats
The NekoFeeder uses NFC technology to identify individual cats. This innovative solution not only helps maintain cats’ health but also simplifies pet management.
Problem Definition: 5WsH Framework
- Who? Multi-cat household owners struggling to control food portions and dietary needs.
- What? Overeating, underfeeding, and allergy risks .
- Where? Primarily in homes with multiple cats, particularly when owners are not present.
- When? Anytime food needs to be regulated for optimal health.
- Why? Existing feeders lack customization for multi-pet households.
- How? By leveraging NFC technology and smart automation for personalized feeding.
Empathizing with Our Users: Personas & Empathy Maps
Emma (Busy Professional, Multi-Cat Owner(Cat Lady))
- Says: “I’m always worried about my smaller cat not getting enough food when I’m at work.”
- Does: Works long hours and often returns home to find her smaller cat hungry even though she left enough food for him.
- Feels: Frustrated, worried about her cats’ health.
- Thinks: “I need a way to insure my cat does get his food stolen.”
- Goals: Maintain her cats’ health without constantly monitoring them.
- Pains: Inconsistent feeding routines and concern over their well-being.
Defining the Core Issue: The Problem Tree
- Core Issue: Inadequate feeding management for multi-cat households.
- Causes: Limited automated solutions for multiple pets, owners’ busy schedules.
- Effects: Health problems like malnutrition, stress for owners.
Ideation: The Walt Disney Method
Dreamer Phase
- Smart Cat Feeder: An NFC-enabled automatic feeder that customizes access.
Realist and Critic Phase
- Feasibility: Developing an affordable product with high-quality materials and reliable technology.
Business Strategy: The Business Model Canvas
- Value Propositions:
- Personalized feeding for each cat.
- Maintains food freshness and prevents contamination.
- Key Partners:
- NFC tag suppliers (e.g., TechTag Co.).
- Electronic component manufacturers (e.g., ElectroBits Inc.).
- Manufacturing & assembly partners (e.g., PetTech Manufacturing).
- Retail and online platforms (e.g., Amazon, Chewy).
- Customer Segments:
- Multi-Cat Households.
- High-Income Pet Owners.
- Busy Professionals.
- Tech-Savvy Pet Enthusiasts.
- Revenue Streams:
- Product Sales: Selling units at €80 per unit.
- Accessories: NFC tag sets and add-ons.