Nutracker — BLE Cat Safety System
Since Aug 2024 — Retired
A Bluetooth-based safety system for our kitten. Nutracker defined danger zones, tracked movement indoors, and sent alerts to iPhone and Apple Watch — an experiment in using IoT for peace of mind.
1. The Starting Point
When our kitten first explored the apartment, we worried about terraces and storage areas with potential toxins. We asked: could we use sensors and a collar tag to keep her safe without restricting her freedom?
2. What We Built
Nutracker was a BLE-powered system that:
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Defined virtual “danger zones” around risky areas
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Detected when the kitten entered them
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Sent instant alerts to iPhone and Apple Watch
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Logged movement indoors through a collar tag
It gave us real-time reassurance and proved how IoT could be both playful and practical.
3. How It Works
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Sensors: BLE beacons placed in restricted areas
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Collar: Arduino-powered BLE tag for location
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Logic: Alerts triggered when the tag crossed boundaries
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Frontend: iOS app with Apple Watch integration
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Hardware: Arduino + custom BLE modules
4. Status
Nutracker worked reliably, but as the cat grew older and learned the apartment, the system was no longer needed. It remains a retired prototype.
