Keeping your cat well-fed and happy is a priority for every pet owner. With busy schedules and the occasional weekend getaway, automatic cat feeders can be a game-changer. These devices ensure your feline friend gets their meals on time, even when you’re not around. Here’s a look at some of the best automatic cat feeders available today to help you choose the right one for your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Automatic cat feeders can help maintain a consistent feeding schedule for your cat, even when you’re not home.
- Some feeders are designed to handle both dry and wet food, ensuring your pet’s diet stays varied and fresh.
- Look for feeders with reliable power sources and long battery life to avoid any disruptions in your pet’s feeding routine.
- Certain models come with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app control for added convenience.
- Choosing the right feeder depends on your cat’s specific needs, such as portion control, feeding frequency, and dietary requirements.
Feeder-Robot Timed Automatic Cat Feeder & Food Dispenser
The Feeder-Robot Timed Automatic Cat Feeder & Food Dispenser is a top choice for pet owners who want to ensure their cats are fed the right amount at the right time. This feeder allows you to set portion-controlled meal schedules through an app or directly on the unit. You can easily add or remove days, pause meals, and resume them as needed. If you prefer, you can also use the gravity feeding mode to keep the bowl full at all times.
Key Features
- Portion Control: Set specific meal times and amounts through the app or control panel.
- Gravity Mode: Keeps the bowl full by checking the food level every six hours.
- Remote Control: Use the app to dispense food from anywhere.
- Backup Battery: Ensures the feeder works for up to 24 hours during power outages.
- Large Capacity: Holds up to 32 cups of dry food, or 25 cups with the Hopper Insert.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Multiple feeding modes
- App notifications for meal times and food levels
- Secure design to prevent tampering by pets
Cons:
- Plastic bowl is not dishwasher safe
- Additional cost for a glass bowl
The Feeder-Robot is a reliable and versatile option for pet owners who want to keep their cats well-fed and happy, even when they’re not at home.
PetSafe Smart Feed Electronic Pet Feeder
The PetSafe Smart Feed Electronic Pet Feeder is a top choice for pet owners who need flexibility in managing their pet’s feeding schedule. Its app integration allows you to schedule and monitor meals from anywhere, ensuring your pet never misses a meal. The slow feed option is ideal for pets that tend to eat too quickly, dispensing food in smaller increments to promote healthy digestion. The feeder’s ability to automatically reorder food via Amazon Dash Replenishment is a game-changer for busy households.
While the feeder’s top button for quick feeding is convenient, it might be problematic for curious pets. Cats, in particular, might accidentally trigger the button, leading to overfeeding. It’s advisable to monitor and adjust settings to prevent this issue. Additionally, ensure a steady Wi-Fi connection to fully utilize the feeder’s smart features.
Overall, 94% of Best Buy customers who purchased this feeder would recommend it to other pet parents, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Key Features
- App Integration: Schedule and monitor meals from anywhere.
- Slow Feed Option: Dispenses food in smaller increments to promote healthy digestion.
- Amazon Dash Replenishment: Automatically reorders food when low.
- 24-Cup Capacity: Holds a large amount of food, reducing the need for frequent refills.
- Stainless Steel Bowl: Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Considerations
- Top Button: Can be accidentally triggered by curious pets.
- Wi-Fi Connection: Necessary to fully utilize smart features.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 13 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Yes |
| Power Source | Electricity or backup battery (sold separately) |
| Max Capacity | 32 cups |
Customer Reviews
Overall, 94% of Best Buy customers who purchased this feeder would recommend it to other pet parents, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. One customer mentioned, "I’d recommend this feeder to anyone and everyone. If you are hesitating because of the cost, it is worth it. I drug my heels a little but decided to go for it."
Homerunpet Automatic Feeder for Cats
The Homerunpet Automatic Feeder for Cats is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s app-controlled, allowing you to feed your cat remotely and customize meal plans with ease. The feeder’s dimensions are 7.28 x 12.91 x 13.89 inches, making it a compact yet efficient choice for any home.
Key Features
- Maintains food freshness
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Sleek design
- 90-day trial period
- Dual power supply for reliability
What stands out about the Homerunpet feeder is its reliable food dispenser. Unlike other affordable feeders that often get jammed, this one has proven to be dependable. The porcelain kaolin bowl is another pleasant surprise, offering high quality and easy cleaning. The feeder’s triple silicone sealing and auto-closure features ensure that the food stays airtight, damp-proof, and pest-proof.
The feeder operates on 4 alkaline D-cell batteries, lasting over 6 months in power-saving mode. This ensures your cat gets fed even during power outages or WiFi disconnections.
The Homerunpet feeder is designed with your pet’s health in mind, featuring an anti-clog system to eliminate the frustration of jammed food. Manage meal times, number of meals, and portion sizes easily with the Homerunpet App, ensuring your pet is fed even when you’re not around.
Considerations
While the feeder offers many benefits, understanding portion sizes can be a bit confusing, and the app isn’t the most user-friendly. However, the convenience it offers makes it a worthwhile investment for any cat owner.
SureFeed Microchip Automatic Pet Feeder
The SureFeed Microchip Automatic Pet Feeder is a top choice for pet owners with multiple pets or those with special dietary needs. It undeniably works by using your pet’s microchip to control access to the food, ensuring that only the designated pet can eat from the bowl. This feeder is compatible with all 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA), and 15 (FDXB) microchips.
Key Features
- Microchip Compatibility: Works with various microchip types to ensure only the right pet gets access.
- Airtight Neoprene Lid: Keeps food fresh by sealing it in an airtight space.
- Battery-Operated: Runs on 4 C-cell batteries, making it easy to place anywhere.
- Easy to Clean: The bowl and lid can be removed and are dishwasher safe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Microchip-compatible feeding
- Easy to program and operate
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not designed for larger breeds
- Geared toward cats
- Expensive
The most glaringly positive aspect of the SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder is the fact that it undeniably works; there’s just no way around it. It’s simple, and it gets the job done.
User Experience
Many users have praised the feeder for its effectiveness, especially in households with multiple pets. One Reddit user mentioned, "I’d recommend it to anyone with cats on opposite ends of the food motivation scale (or one cat with a special diet)." However, some clever cats have found ways to trick the system, so it’s essential to monitor feeding times initially.
Final Thoughts
If you have pets with different dietary needs or one pet that tends to overeat, the SureFeed Microchip Automatic Pet Feeder is a reliable and efficient solution. While it may be on the pricier side, its features and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for many pet owners.
Petlibro Polar Wet Food Feeder
The Petlibro Polar Wet Food Feeder is a standout choice for pet owners who prefer feeding their cats wet food. This feeder keeps wet food fresh for up to three days using semiconductor cooling technology, which acts like a mini refrigerator. This means you don’t have to worry about your cat’s food spoiling or drying out.
Key Features
- Keeps wet food fresh: The feeder can keep wet food fresh for up to three days.
- Customizable feeding schedule: You can set up a feeding schedule using the Petlibro app.
- Easy to clean: The feeder is designed for easy cleaning.
- Anti-pinch infrared lid sensor: Prevents the feeder from closing mid-feeding.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Keeps wet food fresh and cool
- Easy to set up and clean
- Customizable feeding schedule via app
Cons
- Very large device
- Needs to be connected to Wi-Fi
- Feedings need to be rescheduled every three days
The Polar Feeder can keep wet food fresh for up to three days and connects to an app to customize feeding schedules. It is a relatively large device and needs to be connected to Wi-Fi for full functionality.
Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder
The Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder is a versatile and reliable option for pet owners. This feeder is designed to handle both wet and dry food, making it a great choice for various feeding needs. One of its standout features is the inclusion of two ice packs that help keep wet food fresh for up to 24 hours. This is particularly useful for pet owners who need to pre-load meals.
Key Features
- Five Meal Capacity: The C500 can be programmed for up to five scheduled mealtimes, with each compartment holding 1.25 cups of food.
- Dishwasher Safe: Both the top cover and the food tray are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
- Battery Operated: The feeder runs on batteries, so you don’t have to worry about finding a nearby outlet.
- Easy Programming: Setting up the feeder is straightforward, but make sure to distinguish between a.m. and p.m. to avoid missed meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ice packs keep wet food fresh
- Suitable for both wet and dry food
- Easy to clean
- Can schedule up to five meals
Cons
- Batteries only, no outlet plug
- Ice packs may not keep food fresh beyond 24 hours
This cat mate self feeder works great. I also ordered the stainless steel trays to help keep the food colder, and I thought the stainless steel would be easier to clean.
Overall, the Cat Mate C500 is a solid choice for pet owners looking for a flexible and easy-to-use automatic feeder.
HoneyGuardian 6L Smart Cat Feeder
The HoneyGuardian 6L Smart Cat Feeder is a top choice for pet owners with multiple cats. Its sleek design and large 6L hopper make it both stylish and practical. The feeder is equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to control feeding times through a dedicated app. This feature provides flexible scheduling options, ensuring your pets are fed on time, even when you’re not home.
A desiccant bag in the lid keeps the food fresh, and the anti-tamper lid prevents curious cats from accessing the food. The feeder also includes a voice recording option, so you can record a 10-second meal call to let your pets know it’s dinner time.
The HoneyGuardian feeder uses mains power but has a battery backup to keep it running during power outages. The stainless steel bowls are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy. If you don’t need the dual feeding function, you can switch to a single bowl setup.
This feeder is pretty tamper-proof for most cats, thanks to its well-designed control panel that illuminates when navigating settings.
Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder
The Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder is a simple and affordable solution for feeding your cat. It features two compartments, each capable of holding up to 1.5 cups of wet or dry cat food. This feeder is so quiet that it won’t disturb your household, making it a great choice for sensitive pets.
Key Features
- Two Compartments: Each can hold up to 1.5 cups of food.
- Battery-Powered: Requires just one AA battery, so you don’t need to worry about power outages.
- Ice Pack Compatibility: Keeps wet food fresh for longer periods.
- Simple Timer: Easy to set, though not as precise as some other models.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable and easy to use.
- Compatible with both wet and dry food.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
- Timer lacks precision.
- No battery indicator.
The Cat Mate C200 is a reliable choice for maintaining a feeding schedule while traveling with a cat. Its design is intuitive, and the setup process is quick and easy.
Overall, the Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder is a practical and budget-friendly option for pet owners looking to keep their cats fed and happy.
AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder
The AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder is a simple and budget-friendly solution for feeding your cat. This feeder uses gravity to ensure a continuous supply of dry food, making it ideal for pets that can regulate their own eating habits.
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Daily meals: N/A
- Battery life: N/A
- Battery Type: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: No
- Suitable for: Some cats
Pros
- Cheap and easy to use
- Provides a ready supply of food
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for over-eaters
- Some irregular-shaped food may get stuck
If your pet is a happy grazer and can regulate their own overeating, Amazon’s cheap-and-cheerful feeder might be all you need.
This feeder is easy to disassemble for hand cleaning and has handy cut-outs on the bottom to make it easy to lift. However, it may not be the best choice for pets that tend to overeat or for those who need a more controlled feeding schedule.
Petlibro Automatic Feeder for Two
The Petlibro Automatic Feeder for Two is perfect for households with multiple pets. This feeder comes with a 5-liter capacity and two stainless steel bowls, allowing two cats or small dogs to eat simultaneously. The black plastic design helps hide dirt, making it easier to maintain.
Key Features
- Adjustable Food Splitter: Customize the amount of food dispensed into each bowl.
- Touchscreen Controls: Easily set up to six meals per day, with up to 50 portions per meal.
- Voice Recording: Record a 10-second message to call your pets when it’s mealtime.
- Manual Feeding Option: Press a button to dispense an extra portion whenever you like.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Touchscreen for easy programming
- Adjustable food splitter for customized portions
- Black design hides dirt
Cons
- Larger kibbles may not fit
- No Wi-Fi-enabled features
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 liters |
| Number of Bowls | 2 stainless steel bowls |
| Meal Settings | 1 to 6 meals per day, up to 50 portions each |
| Voice Recording | 10 seconds |
| Manual Feeding Option | Yes |
| Power Source | Plug-in and battery backup |
This feeder is highly recommended for pet owners with multiple cats or small dogs. Its adjustable food splitter and easy-to-use touchscreen make it a convenient choice for busy households.
Conclusion
Automatic cat feeders are a fantastic way to ensure your furry friend is well-fed and happy, even when you’re not around. These devices offer convenience, especially for busy pet owners, by providing scheduled meals and portion control. Whether you need a feeder for wet or dry food, or one with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, there’s an option out there to meet your needs. Remember, while these feeders are great tools, they don’t replace the love and attention your pet needs. Choose the right feeder for your cat, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an automatic cat feeder work?
Automatic cat feeders dispense food at scheduled times. You can set the timer to release a specific amount of food at certain intervals, ensuring your cat gets fed even when you’re not home.
Can automatic cat feeders be used for wet food?
Yes, some automatic feeders are designed to handle wet food. Look for models with good seals and cooling features to keep the food fresh.
How do I choose the best automatic cat feeder?
Consider the type of food (dry or wet), the feeder’s capacity, and any special features like timers or smartphone connectivity. Ensure it suits your pet’s eating habits and your schedule.
Are automatic cat feeders safe for my pet?
Most automatic cat feeders are safe if used correctly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and regularly check the feeder for any issues.
What happens if the automatic feeder runs out of food?
Some advanced models have sensors that notify you when the food is running low. However, it’s always a good idea to check the feeder regularly to ensure it doesn’t run empty.
Can I use an automatic feeder for multiple pets?
Yes, some models are designed to feed multiple pets. Look for feeders with larger capacities or those that can dispense food into separate bowls.