Selecting a Surveillance Camera

A surveillance camera is an invaluable tool when searching for an escaped indoor cat. There are now several different types of cameras available including Wifi, cellular or SD card cameras.

Surveillance cameras work best if you use at least 2-3 cameras
Cheaper cameras, especially among the cellular and SD card types, are more likely to miss taking photos of your cat

Selecting the Type of Surveillance Cameras to Use

The type of cameras that you select can depend on a lot of factors. including:

Wifi access
Cellular service
Your budget for cameras
Location where the camera will be placed

You can learn about the different types below and the pros and cons of each. It often makes sense to have more than one type of camera available.

For best coverage, I recommend:

A wifi security camera (one or more) for monitoring entryways around your home.
A cellular camera for checking sightings or monitoring traps away from your home. Of course there must be good cell service.
A SD card camera as a additional camera in your yard or for checking sightings. This is especially important if you buy a cheaper cell camera (under $400). A SD card camera in the $100+ range is much more likely to catch your cat on camera.

Wifi Security Cameras

Wifi security cameras are best for monitoring traps, entryways or feeding stations around your home. Many of these cameras work with a cell phone app.

When motion is sensed, the camera will record a video clip. Then a notification will be sent to your phone alerting you. You can also view live video though there may be a few second time lag.

As the name implies, wifi cameras require wifi to work. Therefore, most will only work immediately around your home. They are not a good option if you have unreliable wifi.

I recommend using a wireless outdoor security camera such as the Blink XT2 or Arlo Pro. These are weather resistant AND battery operated. These cameras are available at electronics stores such as Best Buy and some large department stores.

If you can't afford wireless outdoor cameras, an indoor-rated camera can still be used to monitor traps or doorways. BUT these have many of the limitations of a video baby monitor.

Pros

Available at electronics and department stores
Outdoor models are weather resistant
Records video and live viewing is also possible
Will send an alert to your cell phone
Wireless options are battery operated and easy to move around as needed

Cons

Limited wifi signal range. Will likely only work immediately around your house
Initial set up of some models are more complicated
May not detect cats if settings aren't set correctly
Often have a video lag time. This makes them unsafe to use for drop traps or house traps.

Conclusion:

Works best for monitoring traps, entryways or feeding stations around your home. Live monitoring of a humane trap or house trap increases speed and success of capture.

Since indoor cats may return home days, weeks or even months after they escape, this is also a great solution for longer-term monitoring.

IMPORTANT! Be careful when using wifi cameras for drop traps or house traps. There may be a video lag of one second or more. They can be useful for alerting you that your cat is present, but be sure to visually confirm that your cat is fully inside before triggering the drop trap or closing the door. A video baby monitor often does not have a lag time.

Examples of Wifi Cameras

Blink Outdoor

This model is outdoor and wireless.

Wyze Cam Outdoor

This model is outdoor and wireless.

Wyze Cam v3

This model is wired but can be used outdoors.

Where to Buy Wifi Cameras

Available online or at electronics stores such as Best Buy. May be available at some large department stores such as Target.

Cellular Wildlife and Security Cameras

Cellular wildlife cameras are best for monitoring traps or feeding stations farther from home. Many of these cameras work with a cell phone app.

When motion is sensed, the camera will record a video clip or take photos. Then a notification will be sent to your phone alerting you. You can also view live video though there may be a few second time lag. Some like Arlo Go offer live viewing.

As the name implies, these cameras will work anywhere with cell phone reception. Booster antennas are available to increase cell range. These also require purchasing a monthly service plan, which is usually $10-25/month.

Pros

Available at sporting goods or electronics stores
Works anywhere with cellular reception
Weather resistant
Records photos and/or videos when motion is detected
Will send an alert to your cell phone
Battery operated and easy to move around as needed

Cons

Requires purchasing a monthly service plan
Reliable models are more expensive ($200+).
Live viewing is not available on most wildlife cameras
Cameras are prone to technical problems, especially cheaper models

Conclusion:

Best option for monitoring traps that are not immediately around your home. Requires cellular reception and purchase of a monthly service plan.

Examples of Cellular Cameras

SpyPoint Link Micro

Muddy Manifest

Browning Defender

Reolink Go

Where to Buy Cellular Cameras

Cellular wildlife cameras are available online or in sporting goods stores such as Cabela's or Dick's Sporting Goods.

For an updated list of the best rated cellular cameras, check out TrailCamPro.com. They also offer a 2-year warranty, 90-day returns and fast shipping on most purchases.

Cellular security cameras like Reolink Go or Arlo Go are available online or at some electronics stores such as Best Buy. Arlo Go is best purchased through Arlo or an authorized provider to ensure activation of a service plan that works in your area.

SD Card Wildlife or Trail Cameras

These are your standard wildlife, trail or game cameras. While they have some limitations, I used these successfully to catch lost cats for many years.

When motion is sensed, the camera will record a video clip or take photos. The photos are stored to an SD card (or micro SD card) inside the camera. In order to view the photos, you need to visit the camera to retrieve the SD card.

You can view the photos on the SD card using your cell phone (with an adapter) or on a computer. Some cameras allow you to view the photos on a screen inside the camera.

Pros

Available at sporting goods or electronics stores
Works anywhere regardless of wifi or cell coverage
Weather resistant
Records photos and/or videos when motion is detected
Cameras start at just $50 to $100
Battery operated and easy to move around as needed

Cons

You need to visit the camera to view the photos on the SD card
Cheaper model cameras are prone to technical problems

Conclusion:

Best option for monitoring feeding stations that are not immediately around your home, especially in areas with no cellular service.

The SD card camera is also a good option if you cannot afford a good cellular camera. A $100+ SD card camera is usually much more accurate and reliable than a cheap cellular camera.

Examples of SD Card Cameras

Cheap SD Card Camera

Browning Dark Ops

Selecting an SD Card Trail Camera

When it comes to regular SD card cameras, there are LOTS and LOTS of options to choose from. Selecting a camera can be overwhelming!

Browning has been my favorite trail camera for many years. Having at least 2-3 cameras allows you to check multiple locations for your cat.

If cost is a big issue, then buy what you can afford. Check Amazon.com for cheap cameras and search for one with at least 4 stars.

Cheaper cameras are more likely to have technical issues. If you can afford it, then you are better off buying a few $100+ cameras rather than $50 cameras.

Where to Buy SD Card Cameras

SD card wildlife cameras are available online or in sporting goods stores such as Cabela's or Dick's Sporting Goods. They are also available in some super Walmarts.

For an updated list of the best rated cameras, check out TrailCamPro.com. They also offer a 2-year warranty, 90-day returns and fast shipping on most purchases.