When choosing an automatic pet feeder or a pet camera, skip the brand rankings and use a checklist instead. For feeders, look at backup power during an outage, offline schedule, kibble size range, capacity and how easy it is to take apart and wash. For cameras, look at storage method, two-way audio, night vision, Wi-Fi band and privacy settings. If a device has wireless functions, check for an NCC certification mark; if its power supply falls under the commodities subject to mandatory inspection (應施檢驗品目), check for the commodity inspection mark. This article does not give a recommendation list. It only cites manufacturer spec pages, the national laws and regulations database (全國法規資料庫) and Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) pages checked on 2026-11-07, explains how to read each item, and sets out how to arrange pet care during typhoon power outages and internet outages.
Automatic pet feeder: a seven-item spec checklist
Before buying, it is advisable to ask two things first: "what happens during a power outage or internet outage" and "food jams". The seven items below are things to confirm on the spec page, in the manual or with customer service before you buy. To show what a real spec page looks like, one manufacturer spec page is listed as an example. This only demonstrates how to read it and is not a recommendation. The example is a Petlibro page from its US store (prices are in US dollars and shipping is for the US), and the specs and certification status of the version sold in Taiwan may differ.
| Item to check | What to confirm | Example: Petlibro One RFID (model PLAF301, manufacturer's US-store page, the Taiwan version may differ, checked 2026-11-07) |
|---|
| Power and backup | Whether battery backup is supported; battery type and whether batteries are included; adapter specification | "Corded Electric; or backup power provided by 3 x alkaline D batteries (not included in the box)"; input "AC 100-240V 50/60Hz" |
| Schedule after internet or power loss | Whether the schedule is stored on the machine or in the cloud; whether meals are still dispensed when the internet is down; whether the time and settings are kept after a power outage | The page says "Scheduled meals continue even during network errors."; the page mentions battery backup but does not say whether the time and schedule are kept during a power outage |
| Usable kibble range | Upper and lower limits of kibble diameter; whether it is limited to dry food | "COMPATIBLE KIBBLE SIZE: 2-15mm" |
| Capacity | Food tank capacity; with several cats, whether a day's total food lasts as many days as you will be away | "FOOD TANK CAPACITY: 3 Liters(≈13 Cups)" |
| Jam protection | Whether an anti-jam design or jam alert is stated | The page does not state an anti-jam design |
| Taking apart and washing | Whether the tank, outlet and bowl can be removed for washing, and which parts can be washed with water | The page has no disassembly or washing instructions for this model |
| Wireless band | Whether it supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz; whether that matches your router | "WIRELESS FREQUENCY: 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi" |
In the table, "the page does not state" means this manufacturer page does not contain the item. It does not mean the machine lacks it, so ask the seller or customer service. This is also the first buying reminder: manufacturer pages often use words such as "smart" and "stable", but for outages and jams you need to see whether the conditions are written out clearly.
Power outage and internet outage are two separate things
An internet outage and a power outage are two different things. During an internet outage, some models keep the schedule on the machine and still dispense meals. During a power outage, whether the machine keeps the time and schedule depends on whether it has battery backup and whether the battery can keep the clock running. This differs from model to model. The example page above only says that the schedule continues during an internet outage and that it has D-size alkaline battery backup. It does not say whether the time and schedule are kept during a power outage, so how the machine actually behaves in an outage has to be checked in the manual or with customer service.
If you are going away, do not treat "the offline schedule will run" as a guarantee. A safer approach is to unplug the power and test it once before you leave, to see whether it still dispenses meals and whether the time is correct. Backup batteries should also be replaced regularly. Alkaline batteries left too long may leak, which is ordinary battery-use common knowledge; follow the machine's manual and the battery markings.
Jams and kibble size
The food passage in a feeder is mostly a screw or a rotating disc. Kibble that is too large or too crushed, or kibble powder that has absorbed moisture and clumped, can all jam it. The kibble range on the spec page (for example 2-15mm in the example above) is the boundary for choosing food. Do not go outside the range, and do not use food types beyond what the manual allows. For example, the example page does not say whether wet or semi-moist food is suitable, so do not put it in. It is advisable to test a small amount first each time you change food, and to clear the powder from the bottom of the tank regularly.
Pet camera: a seven-item spec checklist
For a pet camera, what matters is "can you see clearly, can it be saved, and how is privacy protected". The table below uses the Tapo C210 (V1) on the TP-Link Taiwan website's comparison page as an example of how to read specs. This is only a demonstration and not a recommendation. That comparison page covers only this one model and the V1 hardware version, and other models and versions may differ.
| Item to check | What to confirm | Example: Tapo C210 V1 (TP-Link Taiwan comparison page, this model and version only, checked 2026-11-07) |
|---|
| Local storage | Whether there is a memory card slot; maximum capacity; how recordings are overwritten | microSD card slot, "Up to 512 GB" |
| Cloud storage | Whether the cloud needs a separate subscription; what happens to footage after the subscription stops | The page shows "Tapo Care Cloud Storage Services (Subscription required)", meaning a subscription is needed |
| Night vision | Night-vision method and range; whether the infrared fill light is disturbed by glass reflection | "850 nm IR LED up to 30 feet (about 9 meters)" |
| Two-way audio | Whether a microphone and speaker are built in; whether it soothes the pet or makes it nervous | "Two-way audio" (Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation) |
| Detection features | Motion detection, person detection and so on; whether they give false alarms when the pet moves | Lists Motion Detection, Person Detection, BabyCry Detection |
| Wireless band | 2.4GHz only or dual band | "2.4 GHz" (802.11b/g/n) |
| Power and markings | Adapter specification; certification marks on the body and packaging | "9V DC Power Adapter", input "100-240 V, 50/60 Hz"; the regulatory certification field reads "CE, NCC,BSMI" |
Privacy mode is not listed on this comparison page, so whether to use it and how to set it up must be checked in the manual. The security fields on that page list "128 bit AES encryption with SSL/TLS" and wireless security "WPA/WPA2-PSK", but these are the manufacturer's spec fields and do not equal actual protection, and this article does not evaluate them. The comparison page also has one line, "TP-Link takes your privacy seriously." What you can do is change the default password, turn on two-factor authentication (if available), turn off remote sharing you do not need, and place the camera where it will not film a bedroom or bathroom (these are general suggestions, not quotes from a source). For the details of these settings, see the on-site article home network camera security settings.
Where to put it and what to film
The most common problems with pet cameras are that the picture is backlit by window light, blocked by a pet in front of the lens, or knocked over by a cat. It is advisable to place it up high with the lens pointing at the area where the pet is most active, and to avoid filming glass, mirrors or spaces where people are regularly active. When night vision uses infrared fill light, the eyes of cats and dogs will reflect it. This is normal and does not mean a fault. These points are general user experience, not quotes from a source.
NCC and BSMI marks: how to recognize them
If a feeder or camera has wireless functions such as Wi-Fi, it may count as telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment (電信管制射頻器材), and a power adapter may be a commodity subject to mandatory inspection. The two kinds of marks are two different matters:
| Mark | Competent authority | What the regulation or official page says (checked 2026-11-07) |
|---|
| Certification-passed label or declaration-of-conformity label (審驗合格標籤或符合性聲明標籤) | communications regulator NCC (國家通訊傳播委員會) | Article 18 of the certification management measures for telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment (電信管制射頻器材審驗管理辦法): the certification-passed label or declaration-of-conformity label and its model must be marked in a conspicuous place on the body, and the competent authority's mark must be marked on the packaging box. Article 19: those selling on the internet must show the model and the certification-passed label or declaration-of-conformity label information on the web page |
| Precondition for sale | NCC | Article 10 of the management measures for telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment (電信管制射頻器材管理辦法): "telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment that has not passed type approval or certification may not be manufactured, imported, sold or publicly displayed", with exceptions such as academic research |
| Commodity inspection mark (商品檢驗標識) | Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) | FAQ of the Kaohsiung Branch (高雄分局) of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI): qualified commodities subject to mandatory inspection carry a "commodity inspection mark", which includes a graphic, a commodity inspection identification number (BSMI number, series prefix plus designated code) or a serial number; series prefix R means verification registration, D means declaration of conformity, T means type approval, Q means quality management, and M means surveillance inspection |
A practical way to look at it:
- When buying a physical product, check whether the certification-passed label and model are in a conspicuous place on the body, and whether the packaging box has the competent authority's mark.
- When buying online, check whether the product page lists the model and the certification-passed label information (Article 19 requires internet sellers to show it on the web page).
- If an adapter or the whole unit is a commodity subject to mandatory inspection, check for the commodity inspection mark and number. The BSMI FAQ says that commodities subject to mandatory inspection cover many categories such as home appliances and information products, and that when you cannot tell, you can confirm with the "item lookup" (品目查詢) on the BSMI website. This article does not judge whether a pet feeder itself falls under an item subject to mandatory inspection.
- The BSMI FAQ also warns that using someone else's number or inventing a number when you have none will be penalized; if you buy a product whose number looks odd, you can check with BSMI.
As for the last amendment date of the management measures themselves, the national laws and regulations database page shows 14 March 2017; the certification management measures page shows a promulgation date of 8 July 2020. The articles may be amended again, so use the current version in the national laws and regulations database as the standard. The names and positions of the marks follow the original text of the regulations.
Typhoon power outages and internet outages: how to care for pets
A power outage affects the feeder, camera, router, air conditioner and water equipment all at once. A more practical arrangement is to use "layers of backup" rather than rely on a single device:
| Situation | What may happen | What to do beforehand |
|---|
| Power outage but with battery backup | The feeder may still dispense meals; the camera and router mostly stop, so you cannot see the picture | Replace batteries regularly; unplug and test before going away; give a neighbor or relative your contact details |
| Power outage and no backup | The feeder may not dispense meals, and the time setting may reset | Leave dry food and water that can be taken out manually; ask someone to check in person |
| Internet outage only | Remote control stops working and the camera cannot be viewed; whether the local schedule continues depends on the model | Confirm the offline schedule; do not rely on remote feeding |
| Long power outage | Temperatures rise, and water equipment and food in the refrigerator are affected | See the on-site article on food during power outages and the power outage lookup tool |
You can first use the on-site tool will there be a power outage today to look up possible power outage information, and refer to refrigerator food safety and backup power during a power outage, so that your pet's water and food are covered in your outage preparation together with the food in the refrigerator. If you use a smart plug to manage the power of a feeder or camera, pay attention to the plug's load limit; see smart plug energy monitoring and load limit. If you also have an automatic cat litter box, see automatic cat litter box safety and anti-pinch guide to confirm its state during a power outage.
The owner's basic responsibilities
Article 5 of the animal protection act (動物保護法) provides that an owner must give the animal under their control "appropriate, clean and harmless food and sufficient, clean drinking water 24 hours a day". It also provides that the owner "may not leave a pet in an enclosed space for a long time, and must open ventilation holes for it to breathe", and, except when delivering it to a shelter, "may not abandon" it (the national laws and regulations database page shows the consolidated data as of 30 October 2026). Automatic equipment is only an aid. When you go away, someone still needs to check regularly, and you cannot leave the animal entirely to machines. The level of arrangements should also differ between a short trip and a long absence.
Frequently asked questions
What are the drawbacks of an automatic pet feeder?
What it is advisable to ask before buying is how it behaves during power and internet outages, and how jams and moisture-clumped kibble are handled. These two points should be asked about before buying, and the tank and outlet should also be checked regularly in actual use; for items the spec page does not state, confirm with the seller.
Can feeders for cats and dogs be used interchangeably?
It depends on portion size, tank capacity and kibble range. This example page only gives the kibble diameter range and the capacity, and does not label the feeder "for cats" or "for dogs"; for other models, see their own spec pages; please convert against the spec page according to your pet's daily food amount and the size of the food.
Can several cats share one feeder?
Sharing requires considering each cat's food amount, whether they snatch food from one another, and whether individuals need to be identified. The page states that this model identifies by a collar tag (the page states it is not a microchip), and notes "The feeder can only sync with a single collar tag.", which means one feeder can only be bound to one tag. A household with several cats should confirm the number of tags and the limits for each cat, and try it with a small amount first to see whether food intake is balanced.
Does a pet camera always need a paid cloud service?
Not necessarily. A model with a memory card slot can store locally, and the example model lists a microSD of up to 512 GB at most; the example page lists Tapo Care cloud storage as requiring a subscription (Subscription required), which applies only to this one model; for other models and the terms of service, confirm before buying.
How can I tell whether an NCC mark is genuine?
First check whether the model matches the certification-passed label, and when buying online check whether the product page lists it; the regulations also have exceptions for warning statements and on-screen display, and the rules for importing for personal use are different, so follow the original text of the regulations; for products from doubtful sources, you can check with the NCC or the seller. This article does not explain how to operate the certificate number lookup system.
Sources
- Petlibro: One RFID Pet Feeder manufacturer US-store page (the Taiwan version may differ, checked 2026-11-07): model PLAF301's capacity, kibble range, collar tag identification and single-tag limit, power and battery backup, schedule during network errors, wireless band.
- TP-Link Taiwan: product comparison page (Tapo C210 V1, checked 2026-11-07, in Chinese): covers only Tapo C210 V1, including microSD capacity, night vision, two-way audio, band, security fields, cloud subscription and certification field.
- National laws and regulations database (全國法規資料庫): certification management measures for telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment (checked 2026-11-07, in Chinese): label and web page marking rules in Articles 18 and 19.
- National laws and regulations database: management measures for telecom-regulated radio-frequency equipment (checked 2026-11-07, in Chinese): Article 10 and the last amendment date.
- Kaohsiung Branch of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI): FAQ on selling commodities subject to mandatory inspection online (version 1.0 of November 2025, checked 2026-11-07, in Chinese): commodity inspection mark, numbers and series prefixes, item lookup, and liability for using someone else's number.
- National laws and regulations database: Article 5 of the animal protection act (checked 2026-11-07, in Chinese): owner's duties on food and water, enclosed spaces and abandonment.
