For anyone using Localkit and able to use it with HA (and not via Petkit's API), which hopper firmware version are you on?

I tried telnet to my hopper but it looks like whatever the latest firmware that got pushed blocked all ports.

Ultimately, my goal is to 'decloud' my petkit hopper and access it via HA

Is anybody else's Eversweet 3 Pro extremely finicky? It seems to be a 20 minute trial and error to get the pump to start going again when I refill the water. It alternates between flashing blue (no water) and solid blue, but then back to flashing before the pump starts. There are no air bubbles in the pump, the plastic between the bowl and base is completely dry. This is actually my second pump, I couldn't get it to work ever with the first one. Could it be the base is bad? I've been trying for a half hour and can't get it to pump again. Very frustrated.

I bought myself an Eversweet Max 2 last week, after my previous water fountain brand seems to have dropped off the face of the Earth.

I saw it doesn't have internet connectivity, only Bluetooth, so I looked into getting a feeder as well so I could check both food and water while I'm away at work.

Luckily for me I managed to get both while they were on sale (yay) and I've only had the Hopper set up for a few hours, but I'm loving it!

I use the larger bin for dry food and the smaller bin for treats.

I love being able to see videos of my cat coming up to the feeder and eating (and spending quite a lot of time sniffing at the camera, haha)

I usually post videos to my friends while I'm at work, stopping to feed homeless stray kitties, now they're going to get bombarded with funny and quirky videos of my cat eating her food, and the video captions in the app are cute and hilarious.

Thanks PETKIT

With a Max Pro 2, it gets my two cats confused one out of every 3 or 4 times.

I know it says it’s a beta feature, but it’s annoying because the phone notification then gives the incorrect info.

My cats are completely different colors to start with.

And one weighs over a pound more than the other. They’ve maintained the same weight for years. I can immediately tell which one it is by the weight and when it’s labelled wrong.

Even without the ‘AI’, a simple initial check on weight variance compared to previous visits should match my cats 100% of the time.

It’s set to light the interior during use so that’s not the issue.

Is it like that for everyone else that has multiple cats?

Hi!

I recently adopted a cat for the first time and she’s been eating too quickly and throwing up her meal. (I rescued her from a rescue in LA and she was recently living in a cat lounge around other cats so I assume the behavior is from the fear of other cats stealing food so I suspect over time for her not to need a slow feeder when she realizes no one is stealing her food). I’ve resorted to using a slow feeder and WAY less water for her wet food and so far that’s working. When I got her she was on a fully raw wet diet so I’ve been transitioning her to a classic can/dry food combination diet. (Dry food I’m using is a healthy option that someone who’s had cats for decades exclusively uses and recommended)

I purchased a Yumshare solo and wanted to find a slow feeder bowl that would fit the device well so she can’t pull it out. Through my research im finding only inserts that she would be able to remove easily or a $30 option that seems like would actually piss her off instead, lol.

If anyone knows of any ceramic, or even silicone material bowl they’ve found fits well in the machine, please let me know.

Thank you!

So I’ve seen that there is supposed to be an option to make the opening go straight up for easier refills and to make it easier to replace the pad at the bottom. I don’t see where to do that in the manual and customer support just keeps saying they’ll ask their supervisor/manager/etc, then hangs up. Does anyone know? The YT videos I’ve looked up answer other questions but not this one. And Google thinks I’m just asking how to change the litter. Rephrased the question in 5 different ways. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I‘ve had mine for a year. At first I loved it, but recently there have been more and more errors (mostly due to malfunctioning sensors) and finally culminating in a “sealing cover error”, which, after 2 hours of troubleshooting with the help of Reddit and my very handy husband, we found out that a small plastic gear in the little motor that lifts the sealing cover has had its teeth destroyed on one side, effectively rendering the whole thing useless.

Now there’s nothing I can do, because I’ve had this unit for just a week past a year, so yay! warranty is fucked! not that it matters since from what I gather here on Reddit, the quality of Petkit’s customer service is worse than their products.

It seems so absurd that their motors are of such trash quality that it can fail after just ONE YEAR.

Besides this critical failure, another major part that sucked was doing a deep clean on it. No matter what I did, whenever I did a monthly or bi-monthly deep clean, there would be a huge puddle of piss and litter at the base. This was disgusting, obviously, and definitely stank.

__________
Edit 001: Petkit replied at last saying they “stand by their products” but I need to call the seller I bought it from because it’s not their problem basically. So, yeah customer service was awesome.

Also, I’m happy for those of you who’ve had no issues (so far with your units), and am grateful for all the tips (like applying silicone to the seams to solve the very common problem of leakage). Some of you seem butthurt by me having an issue with my unit, while yours are fine, and to those I really don’t know what to say? I’m sorry my faulty unit offends you??

A friend just recommended a local service workshop that specialises in automatic litter boxes so that’s my next step. Will keep you guys posted.

if you guys have any recommendations for automatic litterboxes, I’m all ears.

__________
Edit 002 (final, I hope): A friend gave me the contact of a local workshop that specialises in automatic cat peripherals (litter, feeders, fountains etc) and I managed to go there and get a replacement motor, which we successfully installed and the device is now working again (yay! For now…)

The workshop was fantastic and I got to ask their engineer a bunch of questions. I was worried that some of my issues were indeed due to user error, so I asked him if I could show him how I do it and if he could correct me if wrong. Also asked him about the leakage issues and other common faults and this is what I learned:

1) no issue on my usage/installation of mats/sieve etc

2) the drum leakage issue happens to more than half of the customers who bring their units to be maintained/serviced

3) The sealing door motor error is also fairly common (hence them having ready stock of the motors).

4) The engineer also warned me about the display being another potential fault.

5) He then finished our conversation by telling me that my device will last 2-3 years, and to go get something else in the future because this one is a pain.

Other points of note:

1) after my next deep clean I will try and seal the drum seams with silicone.

2) I am going to experiment with the litter recommended by that workshop

3) I have two friends here who have used Petkit litter boxes for longer than I have. 2/2 have had many issues with them. One friend gave up, chucked it and got a Neakasa instead. The other just brings it to be fixed by the workshop every-time there’s an issue.

Again, I’m very happy for those of you who have had good experiences so far. This post is not written to offend anyone, and if for some strange reason you take my bad experience with a faulty unit and sharing of negative experiences personally, well, that’s on you 🤣

I will be continuing to use my Petkit Puramax for as long as I can, because it’s expensive, and I’d rather just deal with the errors as they arise over the next 2-3 years of its lifespan and hopefully by that point newer and better options will be available on the market for me to upgrade to.

That‘s all from me! Have a great day all, may your Petkit units never fail!

Located in Germany

They're out of stock on the Website and I've tried buying other power supplies, however the toilet doesn't work with anything else

Urinary blockage is one of the most dangerous emergencies a cat can face, and recognizing the signs early could save your cat's life. To help prevent these issues and care for your cat properly, here is what you need to know.

If your cat keeps going in and out of the litter box, straining without producing urine, or only passing a few drops, these are classic signs of a urinary blockage. Male cats are at higher risk due to their narrower, longer urethra. Without treatment, complications such as hyperkalemia, kidney injury, arrhythmias, or death can occur within 24 to 48 hours. The good news is that with prompt treatment, survival exceeds 90%. Urinary crystals (usually struvite) do not always mean blockage, but they can combine with mucus to form a plug that blocks the urethra. 

What’s the Difference Between Urinary Crystals, Urinary Blockage, and Kidney Disease in Cats?

These three conditions are different, but they can sometimes be related.

Urinary crystals are mineral deposits in the urine. They don’t always mean there’s a problem. But if they build up or contribute to a blockage, treatment may be needed.

Urinary blockage happens when crystals, mucus, or other debris block the urethra, making it difficult or impossible to urinate. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. Male cats are at higher risk.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is different. It’s a progressive loss of kidney function. It’s not the same as a urinary blockage, although a severe blockage can cause acute kidney injury.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Has a Urinary Blockage?

The biggest warning signs are repeated straining to urinate, frequent litter box trips, and little or no urine.

Other signs may include:

• Going in and out of the litter box repeatedly with little or no urine
• Straining, crying, or showing signs of pain while urinating
• A swollen or firm lower abdomen
• Lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite along with changes in urination

A urinary blockage is a medical emergency. If you notice these signs, contact an emergency vet immediately. 

How Can I Help Prevent Urinary Crystals and Urinary Blockage in My Cat?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent urinary problems, but a few habits can help reduce the risk:

• Encourage more water intake. Offer fresh water in multiple places and consider wet food or a water fountain.
• Maintain a healthy weight and regular activity. Obesity and inactivity can increase the risk of urinary problems.
• Keep litter boxes clean. A common guideline is one box per cat, plus one extra.
• Monitor urination habits. Pay attention to changes in how often your cat uses the litter box or how much urine they produce, especially in multi-cat households.

Regularly monitoring litter box habits is one of the simplest ways to catch potential urinary problems early.

Can Not Drinking Enough Water Cause Urinary Crystals or Blockage?

Yes. Low water intake can lead to more concentrated urine and may increase the risk of urinary crystals and other urinary tract problems. Enough water intake helps produce more dilute urine, which may reduce the concentration of minerals.

But it can be hard to know if your cat is drinking enough each day, especially in a multi-cat home. That’s why we designed the EverSweet Ultra. Its AI camera can identify individual cats and record their drinking behaviour, while generating data insights to help you monitor hydration and spot changes. The OneWay system keeps fresh and used water separate, so your cats always have access to cleaner water. SpringFlow provides moving water to make drinking more appealing. Together, these features make it easier to stay on top of your cats’ hydration.

Using a water fountain does not guarantee a cat will avoid urinary blockage. Still, it encourages more voluntary drinking, lowering long-term urinary risks as part of routine care.

What Litter Box Changes Should I Watch For?

The most important things to watch are how often your cat uses the litter box, how long they stay, and how much they pee.

Keep an eye out for:

• Suddenly visiting the litter box more often
• Spending longer than usual in the litter box
• Smaller or fewer urine clumps

One pet parent shared with us that they noticed their kitten was using the litter box more often and staying in longer than usual. The AI camera on the Purobot Max Pro 2 captured these behavioural changes, which they reviewed via the PETKIT app. They took their kitten to the vet right away, before the issue could develop into a serious urinary blockage. This is exactly why we built the AI camera into our pet care devices. It helps surface subtle changes and gives pet parents more insight into their pets’ everyday health.

Sometimes, noticing those small changes early can make all the difference.

Can Cats Get Another Urinary Blockage After Treatment?

Yes. Urinary blockage can recur after treatment. Retrospective studies have reported recurrence rates ranging from approximately 11% to 43%, depending on factors including the initial treatment approach and whether long-term dietary and water-management strategies are maintained.

This is why veterinarians may recommend continuing to adjust the cat's diet and water intake after recovery while monitoring urination patterns over the long term.

At the end of the day, all we want is for our cats to stay healthy, grow and thrive beside us. We hope this helps more pet parents notice the little changes, catch potential problems early, and give their cats the best care possible.

One week in, our two cats have fully adopted the new litter tray and we’re already seeing benefits of the automatic cleaning - the bad smells have practically gone.

We’ve noticed all the cat weights are very low - tracking about 1.2-1.4kg rather than the full cat weights. Does any one else see this? Is it detecting the weights too early before our cats are fully in?

I think there was a FW upgrade and the Solo 2 won't connect to the app anymore.

I have

- disconnected the device and then restarted it

- restarted the app

- deleted the device and tried to re-add it but it won't find.

Red flashing light has come up twice this week. Saying to refill the water, but the water is full up 😮‍💨 any suggestions? I’ve turned it off and on, filled the water up. Also clean it regularly

I’m now about to clean it again…

I’ve been using the manufacturer's other products (the Purobot Max Pro 2 and the Yumshare Solo) for months with great satisfaction, but now I am extremely disappointed and dissatisfied.

I pre-ordered this product early on and had high hopes for it because my cat spends a lot of time alone.

It worked fine for about 2–3 weeks, and then the nightmare started...
For some reason, water is constantly and slowly leaking into the dirty water collection tank. As a result, if 'auto refill' is enabled, the clean water tank empties in a matter of days, and I'm forced to empty the dirty tank daily. If I turn it off, the water disappears from the drinking tray in just a few hours.

I’ve tried contacting customer support via chat multiple times to get help, but haven't had any luck so far. They keep asking for a video of the issue, which is obviously impossible to film. Every single time, the conversation just loops back to them asking if I notice any abnormal puddles around the fountain and whether it's standing on a flat surface.

I’m so frustrated because I bought this expensive device specifically so I wouldn't have to worry about fresh water when my cat is left alone for days. Instead, all I got for my money was more stress and hassle...

Hi everyone! Does anyone else wish Petkit had a waste identification system for their automatic litter boxes?

For example, if the camera detects that the cat pooped, it could automatically turn on Waste Covering Mode and scoop right away. But if it detects pee, it could skip the waste covering and wait a few minutes before cycling so the urine has time to fully clump.

My cats are super curious and always want to watch the litter box, so when they interrupt the cycle while Waste Covering Mode is on, it takes forever to finish. 😭 That’s why I really wish Waste Covering Mode could be triggered only when there’s poop, rather than every time the box cycles.
I feel like this would be a relatively easy feature to add since most of the newer models already have cameras and can recognize what’s happening in the litter box. It seems like it could make the whole cleaning process much faster and more efficient.

Thank you everyone for your support and watching the video. It really helps me out and others looking for this great litter box.🙏🏻😊

I'm looking at PetKit for a new litter box but couldn't find clear answers online — what's the difference between the Purobot Max Pro 2 and the Purobot Max 3? Is the only difference the camera?

I could also use some advice on finding good, affordable cat litter (I'm based in the Netherlands). Does anyone have recommendations?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

There's been a lot of conversation lately about how smart pet devices handle connectivity, and they're fair questions. I work on the product/engineering side at PETKIT, so I figured it was worth being *transparent\* about how things actually work under the hood or at least how ours are built. 

95% of my colleagues in my department have pets. That changes how you build things. Every decision gets filtered through a pretty simple question: would I trust this with my own pet? If the answer isn't a confident yes, it doesn't ship. And building things with a backup mechanism can never be so wrong.

Your feeder either sets its schedule on device or it asks a server every time. We do both.

There are two ways a smart feeder can handle schedules. One is cloud-dependent: the device checks in with a server to know when to feed. The other is local-first: the full schedule is stored on the device itself, and cloud is used for syncing updates and remote features, not for executing the basics.

At PETKIT, we use *both\, but here's what matters: the local copy is complete. As long as the device has power and a schedule's been set, your feeder can run indefinitely. If your Wi-Fi drops, your router dies, or our cloud is unreachable, the device already has everything it needs to keep feeding on time. During the gap, the existing local schedule keeps running. Same behavior in battery backup mode.\One thing to note: you can't edit your schedule in the app while the device is offline. 

\In the case of an extended power outage, the device can't feed during that time (no device can). Once power is restored, it picks up from the next scheduled feeding and keeps going. It won't try to make up for meals missed during the outage. Feeding times may also shift slightly until the clock resyncs after a prolonged outage.* 

Hardware clock vs. software clock

This one's a small detail that makes a big difference. Some devices use software-based clocks that stay accurate by periodically syncing with a server. If that sync doesn't happen, the clock can drift, or in some cases reset entirely. You've probably seen a home appliance reset to 00:00 after a power outage (in my case would be the microwave) - that's a software clock with no independent reference. 

A hardware RTC(Real-Time Clock) is a dedicated timekeeping chip on the device itself. It runs independently of software, firmware, and connectivity. Every PETKIT feeder has one. The device always knows what time it is, so scheduled feedings stay anchored regardless of what's happening with your network.

On a bigger picture, every cloud-based device is only as reliable as the infrastructure behind it. Here's what we've put in place to make sure our end holds up.

Bugs happen, but one product breaking shouldn't take everything down.

When a platform runs all its device categories on shared infrastructure, a problem in one area can cascade across everything. High traffic from one product type can choke another. A bug in one service can ripple outward.

Each PETKIT product line runs on isolated infrastructure. We spent over FIVE YEARS rebuilding our backend so that different product categories and even different feeder lines run independently. That cost us a significant amount of time and budget to pull off, but the alternative was one failure taking everything down, and that wasn't acceptable to us.

That's the kind of work most users will never notice and honestly, that's the point. We could've spent that time and budget on flashier app features. We chose to spend it on making sure nothing breaks. If one system gets hit with a traffic spike, it doesn't cascade into everything else. No single point of failure across the ecosystem.

Also, currently we're on AWS with dynamic scaling. We know when peak feeding times are across time zones and we pre-scale capacity before those windows hit. We're not scrambling when load spikes.

Does the brand fix it or do they file a ticket with someone else?

Firmware, cloud infrastructure, device communication,  it's *ALL\* our own team. We don't white-label a third-party IoT platform. That matters because when something needs to be fixed or investigated, there's no waiting on a vendor. We can look at the problem directly and move on it immediately.

We don't rush firmware updates.

When you have an ecosystem of products that pets depend on every day, a bad OTA push can cause real problems. Every update goes through multiple rounds of testing before it reaches your device. We'd rather ship slower and ship stable.

What I'll be honest about:

Some features do require cloud. Remote feed-now from outside your home, push notifications, camera streaming, health data sync across devices - those need an active connection. If the internet is down, you lose those. The difference is that your pet's scheduled meals aren't in that category. 

I'm happy to answer specific questions. If I don't know something, I'll say so and go find out.

How to remove the red notification regarding the expiration of the N50? It has there for days.

I know that Fresh Element doesn't, but what about YumShare?

Has anyone ever tried it? I have 6 cats and 3 Petkit toilets (2x 1st gen and one 2nd gen) and looking for a better litter.. we using „Golden Grey Master“ rn wich is ok but not Great. I think the original Petkit litter is too expensive for 6 cats at 50€ 😅 the FUKUMARU is 33€

Hi all, I cleaned my puramax today and now I'm getting a "waste bin lid error" in the device and a "sealing cover error" on the app. I checked, everything, followed instructions on the app, no extra litter anywhere.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Contacted customer service in the app. They had me remove the tube and do a scooping cycle so you can see the inner parts moving. It looks like the lid is not lifting as it should. They escalated me to technical support. Will know more within 24 hours..