# Cardboard Cat Feeders This Low-Tech Device Makes It Easier for Consumers to Feed Their Pets By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-09-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowtech-device References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/23/catfi-box/) & [catfi](http://catfi.com/) 'Zillians' recently launched a low-tech device that consumers can use to feed their pets. Earlier this year, Zillians released a [smart cat feeder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petlibro-granary) that features a built-in [facial recognition camera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-feeding-station). Since then, the company has released a more low-tech option for consumers that need a [simple pet-feeding solution](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-automatic-pet-feeder). The 'CatFi Box' is a low-tech device made entirely from cardboard. Consumers can assemble the device themselves after downloading the instructions from the CatFi website. Once the cardboard feeder is assembled, users must add the CatFi app to their phone. The phone is then inserted into the feeder so that it can transmit feeding activity to the cloud. The low-tech gadget thus provides a simple way for consumers to track their pet's feeding habits. The CatFi Box is a great alternative for pet owners who are not interesting in purchasing high-tech feeders. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Low-tech Pet Gadgets:** Creating low-tech devices like the 'CatFi Box' provides customers with a simpler and more affordable option for pet feeding. - **DIY Pet Gadgets:** Offering pet owners the opportunity to assemble their own devices, such as the cardboard cat feeder, allows for customization and engagement in the pet care process. - **Tracking Pet Habits:** Developing gadgets that track and monitor pet feeding habits, like the CatFi app, provides valuable insights for pet owners to ensure the wellbeing of their animals. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Pet Care:** Low-tech and DIY pet gadgets present disruptive innovation opportunities in the pet care industry, catering to different customer needs and preferences. - **Consumer Electronics:** The creation of low-tech and customizable gadgets like the CatFi Box introduces disruptive innovation opportunities in the consumer electronics industry by providing alternative options to high-tech products. - **Mobile Applications:** Developing apps like the CatFi app that allow users to track and monitor pet feeding habits has the potential to disrupt the mobile applications industry, offering new services and functionalities for pet owners. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-in-One Cat Care Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teendow-xlym.md) - [Fridge-Free Pet Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bistrocat-feeder.md) - [Artificial Intelligence-Powered Pet Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-pet-feeder.md) - [RFID-Enhanced Pet Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-rfid-pet-feeder.md) - [Tech-Driven Pet Care Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auto-pet-feeder.md) - [Cat-Identifying Smart Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catlink-automatic-feeder.md) - [Programmable Feline Feeder Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-dry-food-feeder.md) - [Vacuum-Sealed Automatic Pet Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petlibro-space.md) - [Programmable Microchip Pet Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-microchip-pet-feeder.md)