Make Your Life Easier With Our Automatic Cat Feeder Reviews

What is an Automatic Cat Feeder?

Every pet parent acknowledges the importance of an automatic cat feeder at home. It is a must-have gadget if you want to keep your cat fed while you are away. An automatic cat food dispenser is essential for doling out exact food portions for your cat.

Also, it is useful for automating feedings at different times. This article highlights the eight best automatic cat feeders to make life easier. Keep reading to discover more.

Our Favorite Automatic Feline Feeder

Our favorite automatic feline feeder is Feeder-Robot by Whisker , which uses an AC (Alternating Current) adapter and battery power. With this feeder, you don’t have to worry about missed meals, thanks to its anti-jam technology. It has a large food tank serving up to eight meals daily. 

Additionally, it has WiFi connectivity that allows you to control the feeder remotely via its mobile app. Its robust settings make it easy to program accurate meal servings, times, and increments.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

1. Feeder-Robot by Whisker : Best for overall use
2. PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeders : Best value for money
3. WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder : Best with WiFi connectivity
4. Cat Mate C500 - 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder : Best for wet food
5. Faroro 7L Automatic Cat Feeder : Best for maximum food storage
6. PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats : Best for multiple cats
7. PetSafe 5 Meal Dog Food Dispenser : Best portable
8. PetSafe 6 Meal Programmable Pet Food Dispenser : Best battery-powered

The Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviewed

Feeder-Robot by Whisker : Best for Overall Use

Brand: Whisker

Color/s: White with smoke hopper, white with clear hopper, black with clear hopper, black with smoke hopper,

Food type: Dry kibble, semi-moist food

Weight: 12.1 Pounds (5.48 kilograms)

Capacity: 32 cups

Meals: 8 meals

Power source: AC adapter, battery

Product dimensions: 13 x 9 x 15 inches ( 33.02 x 22.86 x 38.10 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special features: Auto-locking hopper, tamper-proof lid, WiFi enabled

Breed recommendation: Cats, dogs

About the Product

The Feeder-Robot by Whisker is a smart electronic cat feeder with the most useful mobile app among other feeders reviewed. It has a wide range of valuable and convenient feeding options. 

The feeder has a cutting-edge design and a friendly interface. 

Despite its large size, it has a 9 x 15 inch (22.86 x 38.10 centimeters) base. Because of this, it feels a little top-heavy, but not enough to worry about cats toppling it over. Your cat won’t move it.

Setting it up is quite simple; it takes about 15 minutes. All you need is to plug it into the power source, press the power button and let it boot. Download the feeder’s app, which is available for iOS and Android, by scanning a QR code on the back of the feeder. After connecting to your home WiFi network, you can make most of the settings on the app. 

The software allows you to check food levels, create schedules, and tap a button to dispense a snack-size serving remotely. It also gives you alerts via a push notification at feeding times. The app’s more in-depth features offer unmatched insights for cat owners who love data: tracking feedings over time, calculating daily averages, etc.

Fortunately, the feeder is independent of the app. Whether you create a schedule using the app or the keypad on the control panel, the feeder stores your settings in its memory, executing it even when not connected to the internet. The feeder indicates a blue indicator light if there is a programmed schedule.

With the feeder-flexible robot’s settings, you can dispense a ½ cup of food as frequently as eight times daily. You can also set precise meal times and serving increments. This feeder comes with a dispenser that measures in 1/2 cup increments.

However, you can replace it with a 1/8 cup dispenser that offers more precise portion control (albeit it decreases the largest single serving to 1/2 cup).

An option also allows the feeder to dispense just enough food to keep the bowl full while monitoring its level every six hours. Its “gravity mode” ensures the feeder isn’t dispensing an overflowing mound of food while you’re away. Even if your cat overeats or you don’t often carefully check portions, it will distribute the right amount of food.

The reservoir of this feeder can hold up to 32 cups of dry food; nonetheless, anything other than small, spherical kibble probably needs the hopper insert provided in the package. It perfectly funnels small food into the dispenser. The insert’s overall capacity is about 32 cups, which is still a sizable amount of food for an average cat.

Its inbuilt backup battery can keep the feeder program running even if the power goes out for up to 24 hours.

What We Liked

• It has an anti-jam technology that prevents missed meals
• It has multiple customizable feeding modes
• Easy to program and monitor feeding habits via mobile app

What We Didn’t Like

• It takes up a lot of space
• Not dishwasher-safe
• A metal bowl would serve better than plastic

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeders : Best Value for Money

Brand: PETLIBRO

Color/s: Black transparent, white opaque, white transparent

Food type: Dry food

Weight: 4 Pounds (1.81 kilograms)

Capacity: 1.05 gallons (4 liters), 1.58 gallons (6 liters)

Meals: 4 meals

Power source: AC adapter, battery

Product dimensions: 13.27 x 7.56 x 11.81 inches (33.70 x 19.20 x 29.99 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single, multiple (with converter)

Special features: Automatic feeding time, interactive voice recorder

Breed recommendation: All American shorthair, all British shorthair,  Maine Coon, Sphynx, Ragdoll, Persian, corgi, Scottish Fold, exotic, French bulldogs 

About the Product

The PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is a dependable automatic feeder with various setups. It is a fully functional automatic feeder at a very affordable price. It features both a power adapter and a battery backup. The LCD panel on the device’s front includes a functional interface for setting up a feeding plan.

This feeder lets you record a brief message to help get your pet to the feeding bowl. There is also a place for a desiccant bag to keep the kibble dry. However, unless you live in a highly humid area, it might not be worthwhile to continually buy filter refills, given that PETLIBRO suggests changing the desiccant every two weeks.

You can schedule up to four feedings daily and choose the serving amount for each. This feeder will operate on the same schedule every day; however, you cannot establish a different schedule for various days, such as weekends.

No Food Clogging: Your cat may starve if food particles clog up at the outlet. The inclination angle of the food outlet and bowl is well-modified by PETLIBRO to improve your cat’s feeding posture and prevent blockage.

The feeder has an extensive food reservoir with a tight lid designed to prevent your pet from accessing the kibble from the top. This feeder is also available in many possible configurations, such as a 1.58 gallon (6 liters), one with a greater capacity, and one with a semi-opaque reservoir, making it simpler to tell how much food is available.

What We Liked

• It has room for a desiccant food bag
• It has a backup battery
• Offers excellent value for money
• It is available in different models for specific uses

What We Didn’t Like

• It has a plastic bowl which is fragile
• Regular desiccant replacement can be expensive

WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder : Best with WiFi Connectivity

Brand: WOPET

Color/s: White, black

Food type: Dry

Weight: 4.75 Pounds (2.15 kilograms)

Capacity: 2.5 gallons (6 liters)

Meals: 15 meals

Power source: AC adapter, battery

Product dimensions: 14 x 7.6 x 14.2 inches (35.56 x 19.30 x 36.06 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special features: Portion control, feeding schedule, WiFi connectivity

Breed recommendation: Cats, dogs

About the Product

The WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder is a stylish, plastic feeder with plenty of modern features. Its semi-transparent hopper makes observing how much food is in the feeder’s large 2.5-gallon (6-liters) capacity reservoir simple. It only has three buttons on the front, one allowing you to dispense food manually. Most controls are on the WOPET app.

This smart automatic cat feeder with a timer is for anyone seeking an app-connected feeder for easy remote control. With a smartphone, you can manage your pet’s feeding schedule anywhere. The app can schedule up to 15 meals daily and offers precise control over feedings. 

Also, it enables you to feed your cat or dog outside of the typical meal window, aids in weight management, and helps create regular eating routines that will help them live a long and healthy life alongside you. The WOPET app has a user-friendly interface. You can make weekly routines and modify the portions in 1.76-ounce (50-gram) units.

For instance, you can program the feeder only to distribute meals from Monday to Friday. The app tracks when the feeder dispenses meals and will alert you if there is a food shortage. Or, if the bowl is still full, the feeder must dispense food.

The feeder can set up a personalized message for your pet. You can call your pet to eat by recording a spoken message. You can do this by pressing and holding the record button, and the recording will play as each meal gets dispensed. The pre-recorded voice message will play whenever you are away from home and wish to soothe your pet. 

This will help them associate your voice with security and comfort. For example, “Here, Fido! Boy, come and eat! Nice puppy.”

The WOPET pet feeder has a dual power supply that can be either wall- or battery-powered.

This enables your feeder to continue working during a power outage. The battery backup uses three D-size batteries to ensure your pet gets food (batteries not included). We advise combining the two power source modes to avoid feeding interruptions during power outages.

This feeder is only suitable for dry food, with food pellet sizes between 0.19 and 0.59 inches (5 and 15 millimeters). You can load up to 2.5 gallons (6 liters) of dry food in the main storage container. The container is detachable for simple cleaning and replenishment.

The WOPET app is compatible with Android smartphones running version 4.4 or newer or iOS devices running version 9.0 or newer. Your home WiFi network must operate at a 2.4GHz frequency for the pet feeder to function. This app allows it to perform food control remotely, oversee food dispensing, and moderate your pet’s feeding habits.

Additionally, with the smart pet feeder app, family members can access the same account; thus, allowing you to share your favorite moments with loved ones. Use the WOPET dog feeder to give your pet a constant, secure, safe, and healthy life.

What We Liked

• Operates on both AC adapter and battery power
• It has a large capacity food tank
• It has a mobile app for controlling remotely

What We Didn’t Like

• It has a breakable plastic bowl

Cat Mate C500 - 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder : Best for Wet Food

Brand: Cat Mate

Color/s: White

Food type: Wet, dry

Weight: 14.8 ounces (419.57 grams)

Capacity: 0.45 gallons (1.7 liters)

Meals: 5 meals

Power source: Battery

Product dimensions: 12.2 x 11.89 x 3.7 inches (30.98 x 30.20 x 9.39 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special features: Removable cover and bowl, battery status indicator, 

Breed recommendation: Cats, small dogs

About the Product

The Cat Mate C500 is an automatic cat feeder for wet food. It uses a rotating, multi-compartment tray to expose portions of food for your pet. It’s perfect for wet cat food. It contains two ice packs underneath the revolving tray to keep your cat’s food fresh.

Each of the five food compartments can keep up to 11.5 ounces (330 grams) of wet food and will stay fresh for up to 24 hours (ambient temperature dependent). The close-fitting lid means you can prepare your cat’s food for later without worrying about it becoming stale from air exposure.

This feeder has a built-in LCD screen making it simple to set the time allowing your pets to feed at specific times. Additionally, it has a tight-fitting, tamper-proof top to prevent even the most aggressive cats from getting an early meal. It requires three AA batteries, which generally can power the feeder for up to 12 months of daily use.

The top cover and the food tray of the Cat Mate C500 are dishwasher-safe, making them even easier to clean. And its deep-dish design is essential for keeping your cat’s food inside for less mess. 

What We Liked

• It is easy to clean
• It has a close-fitting cover to keep the food fresh
• It has two cooling ice packs

What We Didn’t Like

• No AC adapter power option

Faroro 7L Automatic Cat Feeder : Best for Maximum Food Storage

Amazon’s Choice in Small Animal Automatic Feeders by Faroro

Brand: Faroro

Color/s: White and black

Food type: Dry kibble

Weight: 4.45 Pounds (2.01 kilograms)

Capacity: 1.84 gallons (7 liters), 1.05 gallons (4 liters)

Meals: 4 meals

Power source: AC, battery

Product dimensions: 9.65 x 8.27 x 15.12 inches (24.51 x 21 x 38.40 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special features: Automatic feeding schedules, customizable meal calls

Breed recommendation: Cats, small and medium dogs, small animals

About the Product

The Faroro 7L Automatic Cat Feeder is ideal if you wish to refill your feeder as infrequently as possible because of its large capacity food reservoir. Setting up this feeder is straightforward, thanks to its multi-lingual manual and functional LCD interface.

Besides its simplicity, it has an intuitive control panel that makes setting up feeding schedules and portions a breeze. A tight top cover above the control panel creates a solid seal to keep food fresh, making it difficult for your naughty friends to touch the buttons on this feeder.

The programming buttons are at the top of the feeder, underneath the secure top lid. Its transparent cover makes it possible to see how much food is available. This feeder is dependable regarding timing and quantity levels throughout several feedings.

It can serve servings of as little as two tablespoons and enables the precise scheduling of up to four meals daily. Also, it has features like a power backup so you can be confident your cats will feed when you leave them alone at home.

With its dual power supply, this cat food feeder uses three D batteries (not included) as a backup in case of power outages, ensuring a consistent food supply for your loving kitties and giving you peace of mind. It also includes a power converter and a USB cable.

What We Liked

• It is easy to set up and program
• It has a dual power supply

What We Didn’t Like

• It has small and mushy buttons
• It has a plastic bowl

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats : Best for Multiple Cats

Brand: PETLIBRO

Color/s: Black, white

Food type: Dry

Weight: 5.16 Pounds

Capacity: 1.32 gallons (5 liters)

Meals: 6 meals (50 portions)

Power source: AC adapter, battery

Product dimensions: 13.6 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches (34.54 x 19.05 x 19.05 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Multiple

Special features: Adjustable portions, personalized meal calls, 

Breed recommendation: Cats, dogs

About the Product

The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder stands tall like a granary, sporting a rounded silo shape that one reviewer compared to an air filter. It is the best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats. It is ideal for pet owners with two cats who prefer a feeder with a separate bowl for each cat. Made from stainless steel, it is very durable and of superior quality.

The feeder features a locking top to keep cats out of the food reservoir. Setting up the feeder is easy, with simple programming on a digital display that clearly shows valuable information. You can schedule up to six meals daily, with the largest meal serving being more than four cups of dry food. You can also customize portion size down to a tablespoon.

Other helpful features of this dual automatic cat feeder include an option to record a brief “come and get it” message for your kitties and a backup battery. If there’s a danger that high humidity would taint the food you’ve kept for your pet, you can insert a desiccant bag in the kibble reservoir.

It has a meal splitter, which you can use to set the feeder to distribute different-sized servings to the bowls.

What We Liked

• It is easy to set up and program
• It has a dual power supply
• Feeds multiple cats at once

What We Didn’t Like

• Adjusting the meal splitter can be a challenge

PetSafe 5 Meal Dog Food Dispenser : Best Portable

Brand: PetSafe

Color/s: Taupe

Food type: Dry kibble, semi-moist

Weight: 3.96 Pounds (1.79 kilograms)

Capacity: 5 cups (1 cup per compartment)

Meals: 5 meals

Power source: Battery

Product dimensions: 12.63 x 4.44 x 16 inches (32.08 x 11.27 x 40.64 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special feature: Scheduled meal times, auto-rotating food tray

Breed recommendation: Cats, dogs

About the Product

The PetSafe 5 Meal Cat and Dog Food Dispenser uses four D-cell batteries rather than a wall outlet. Contrary to the bigger PetSafe 6-meal feeder (mentioned below), this one offers several features that make it the ideal option for anyone planning to take their cats on the road.

This feeder has an ingenious all-in-one design that rotates to reveal the portion of food on a preset time interval rather than dispensing food into a detachable bowl. This makes it easy to pick up and carry around. It also means you can’t clean the bowl separately from the five-portion carousel. You can lift the lid to access the five food compartments and controls.

The simple software interface employs a small LCD screen to specify precise feeding intervals. It rotates up to five fresh meals daily, with the routine repeating the following day. Without disrupting your pre-planned schedule, you can also stop or resume eating.

This feeder can hold enough kibble for one or two days before refilling. However, you must pre-portion meals before programming them. This makes it unsuitable if you go on extended trips. While this five-meal feeder doesn’t offer many sophisticated features, it is best for pet owners who follow a consistent daily feeding plan. 

The BPA-free plastic used to construct the five-section carousel is dishwasher-safe.

What We Liked

• It is convenient; you can feed your pet instantly or schedule a meal
• Its food tray is dishwasher safe
• It is quick and easy to set up

What We Didn’t Like

• It has few programming options
• It has plastic food compartments, which are delicate
• No power adapter option

PetSafe 6 Meal Programmable Pet Food Dispenser : Best Battery-Powered

Brand: PetSafe

Color/s: Blue

Food type: Dry kibble, semi-moist

Weight: 2.85 Pounds (1.29 kilograms)

Capacity: 48 ounces (1,360.78 grams)

Meals: 6 meals

Power source: Battery

Product dimensions: 15.7 x 9.6 x 6.4 inches (39.87 x 24.38 x 16.25 centimeters)

Single or multiple cats: Single

Special features: Portion control, sleep function, LCD, multiple feed options

Breed recommendation: Cats, dogs

About the Product

The PetSafe 6 Meal Programmable Pet Food Dispenser is a battery-powered cat feeder. It runs exclusively on four D-cell batteries. You can place it anywhere in your house without restrictions on places with a power outlet.

Also, there is very little chance of losing power while you are gone, thanks to batteries with a life of up to nine months, especially if you put in new batteries before a trip. Although we generally prefer a feeder with both AC and battery power options, this particular feeder offers great flexibility in terms of positioning.

The PetSafe automatic feeder isn’t the most feature-rich in this comparison, but it is a solid, dependable choice because of its simple programming, practical functions, and tactile buttons. You can easily schedule up to six different feeding times each day (in 15-minute intervals).

Or, if you choose to set a single feeding time, the PetSafe carousel will automatically dispense one of its six meals into the bowl each day at that time. Moreover, there is a separate button for immediately dispensing a meal. You choose the portions since you fill each of the six compartments individually—up to one cup every meal.

This feeder may not be compatible with particular food programs, despite its easy programming options. For instance, since it dispenses at the same time (or times) every day, there is no way to feed cats at different times throughout the day. Although this feeder is suitable for dry food, it works with semi-moist kibble.

Overall, the feeder is a simple, portable, and user-friendly product with features that make it a good choice for anyone seeking a basic feeder. It is one of the simplest automated feeders to clean because of the dishwasher-safe food carousel and BPA-free bowl.

What We Liked

• It has multiple feed options
• It is easy to clean
• It is portable

What We Didn’t Like

• It has limited programming options
• It has a breakable plastic bowl

Advantages of Automatic Cat Feeders

Automatic cat feeders have numerous benefits that make feeding your pet easier and more enjoyable. Such benefits include:

• Automatic cat feeders help keep extra food safe from pests and an uncontrollable pet’s appetite by storing it in the food reservoir or container.
• These feeders are perfect for long work days, weekend outs, and traveling, allowing for scheduled meal times even if you are not home to feed your pet.
• They allow giving your cat smaller, more frequent meals, which is crucial for controlling diseases like diabetes or assisting pets in losing weight.
• Even with aggressive eaters, most feeders’ sturdy size and structure prevent food containers from toppling over, thus preventing food waste.
• Outdoor automatic feeders enable proper and consistent feeding for outside pets, not leaving any extra food out for wildlife or pests to get to.

Disadvantages of Automatic Cat Feeders

Despite their advantages, automatic cat food dispensers occasionally cause problems. You should carefully consider these drawbacks before purchasing an automatic cat feeder.

• Lack of sensors in most cases causes the feeder to dispense meals as preprogrammed even if there is uneaten or leftover food in the bowl.
• If multiple cats share a feeding location and may consume one another’s food, there is no way to track which animal is eating which meal.
• Dispensing activity can be noisy and upsetting to sensitive animals, preventing them from eating even when starving.
• Most automatic cat feeders may not be sufficiently adaptable for every pet’s diet because they typically only operate well with dry food and kibbles of specific sizes.
• In more complex designs, cleaning can be challenging; therefore, you may have to disassemble the feeder to clean its moving parts adequately.
• If the batteries run out or the power goes out, the feeder won’t work, which could result in missing meals and interrupted feeding.

FAQs on Automatic Cat Feeders

How Did You Test the Feeders?

We researched and examined eight different automatic cat feeder models from different brands. We looked at size, material, and power source. We also tested portion control, accurate timing, ease of use, software, and other key features. Here are some key features we tested:

Ease of Assembly

While some feeders came almost entirely put together, others required additional work. We evaluated whether we needed batteries and how fast and efficiently we could set up each feeder. We also assessed how fast and effortlessly the feeder linked to WiFi and its mobile app for smart-enabled devices.

Ease of Programming 

Each device’s control panels differ significantly. Programming each of them to deliver three meals daily made us think about how difficult they were to use. We also considered if meal sizes could vary from feeding to feeding.

Capacity

Although the automatic feeders we evaluated served various purposes, we kept track of how much food each device could hold. Concerning the large-capacity feeders, we also checked to see if the device or, in the case of smart feeders, the app alerted us when there was less food available.

Noise and Volume

When the machine dispensed food, we listened keenly to how loud they could get. Several feeders were noisier than others, and some even caused the cats to panic. We also tested for personalized message volume. Some feeders had a low volume that most cats couldn’t hear when called for a meal. 

Power and WiFi

Because a feeder must consistently provide food even while you’re away from home, we examined each device’s power supply. While some feeders are battery-powered alone, others depend on an electrical outlet and, at most, have a small backup battery. 

We also wanted to know how long it took for a feeder to return online and if the smart feeders would still function if the WiFi went out. We tested by repeatedly turning off the WiFi for time lengths ranging from five minutes to twenty-four hours.

Mobile App 

Even the least tech-savvy person should be able to use an automatic feeder’s mobile app. We experimented with the applications for each smart feeder to see how difficult it was to send a snack, plan meals, and monitor your cats’ eating patterns. 

We also looked at if a feeder had a control panel that could be set and adjusted without internet connectivity because an app won’t connect to the smart feeder when the WiFi is down.

Ease of Cleaning

After putting these automatic cat feeders to the test, we thoroughly cleaned them all, noting which pieces were dishwasher safe and which needed hand-washing or simply wiping off with a damp cloth.

What Type of Food Should I Use in My Cat Feeder?

The best automatic cat feeders are excellent for dry cat food and usually are pretty well sealed to prevent dry food from spoiling over time. Every size or shape of kibble should fit comfortably inside the feeder and dispense effectively from it without clogging or overflowing.

Most automatic cat feeders are not ideal for dispensing wet or semi-moist food, which can spoil quickly in hours. This is because the nature of an automatic pet feeder depends on the assumption that cat food will stay out for a long time. Certain pet feeders have a cooling mechanism (ice packs) to make it possible to supply wet food.

Before buying an automatic cat feeder, note the kind of food you intend to use on it and think about your cat’s preferences.

How Does an Automatic Cat Feeder Work?

Automated cat feeders use either batteries or electricity and store and release cat food at specific periods of the day. Automatic cat feeders include programmable settings that allow cat owners to customize mealtimes, much like an automatic coffee maker.

Tank-style feeders have a timer inside that activates a door and pours a predetermined amount of food from a container into a dish below. Once the predetermined amount of food falls into the bowl, this tiny door closes, locking the leftover food inside the container.

Some feeders include round trays with multiple small sections and a lid that can only open one compartment at a time. The tray rotates to the next compartment at the predetermined time. Both styles help keep the food fresh until mealtime by preventing your cat from accessing it.

How Do I Train my Cat to Use an Automatic Feeder?

A cat of any age should adapt reasonably well to an automatic cat feeder; however, it will probably be easier to train a kitten to do so. Even though they are wary of the sophisticated new robot standing out in their feeding location, they will eventually get used and eat when they become sufficiently hungry since it is food.

Nevertheless, there are a few pointers and strategies to make the procedure quicker:

• Remember that cats enjoy routine and familiarity, so don’t get shocked if your cat rejects the new gadget. Allow them to sniff and investigate the automated feeder for however long they require to feel at ease. This is especially important if it produces noise.
• Try introducing your cat to a regular feeding schedule if they haven’t already done so. An automatic cat feeder with scheduled food dispersion will be a shock if your pet always has food available throughout.
• Keep your cat’s current food bowl near the automatic feeder rather than moving it so they can still eat some food, even if they are wary of the new gadget. Keep the new feeder and the old bowl out together for a few weeks while increasing the amount of food in the automatic cat feeder.
• Observe your cat’s behavior near the food bowls as close as possible. You can permanently remove their old pet food bowl once they start eating, mainly from the automatic feeder.
• Placing some of their preferred treats in the automated feeder is a sure way to entice your cat to use it.

The most important thing to remember while teaching your cat to use an automatic cat feeder is that you can’t just set it down in front of your cat and leave it for the weekend. Plan ahead and offer them plenty of assurance and cuddles because this procedure will require time and patience.

Despite the sophistication of these robotic pet food dispensers, human intervention is still necessary. Leaving your pet alone for a long time is not in their best interests. Even with the greatest automatic cat feeders, if you’re going on vacation, you should still use a boarding facility or pet sitter to watch your pet.

How Much Food Can an Automatic Feline Feeder Hold?

While some automatic cat feeders have a capacity of several pounds, others have a capacity of a few cups. More expensive variants may carry over 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) of food, while less expensive models often only contain a few meals’ worth.

We have different models and brands of feeders listed above with their maximum capacity (in cups or liters) to make comparing them easier. Even though it could appear preferable for a feeder to carry more food, smaller containers may keep food fresher because you must replace them regularly.

Can Multiple Cats Share the Same Feeder?

Sharing a dish that is always full may not be a problem for numerous cats, but sharing a bowl on an automated feeder can be difficult. One cat can consume the entire meal because only a limited amount of food is available at each meal, leaving the other cats without any. 

Slower cats may lose meals if a faster cat reaches the bowl first because not all cats will be as eager to eat as soon as the food comes out of the feeder.

If your cats’ eating habits prevent them from sharing a dish, consider getting a separate feeder for each cat or an automatic cat feeder for multiple cats. These feeders have meal splitters and two individual feeding bowls. So your cats can enjoy their snack in separate bowls without fighting.

Can You Leave Your Cat Unattended With an Automatic Feeder?

Yes! If you anticipate being gone for longer than eight hours, you definitely need an automatic feeder for your pet. Thanks to these feeders, your cat can continue eating as it should, even when you’re not home. Before you leave, make sure the automatic feeder is full, and always have your pet sitter make sure it is functional before they depart.

Your Automatic Feline Feeder Shopping Guide

Size

Regarding automatic feline feeders, capacity and footprint are the two key size factors to consider. If you wish to use an automatic cat feeder to keep your cats fed while you’re away, consider the huge variations in overall capacity amongst feeders.

While the number of dry foods cats consume can vary depending on their particular diet, a half-cup per day is generally considered the norm. You can feed a single cat using some of our top picks for up to five liters or more of dry food, which would last longer than a month before refilling.

The overall capacity of other feeders with distinct compartments you load beforehand is often substantially lower. Another thing to consider is how much space you want to give an automatic feeder. Our best choice is pretty substantial and would be difficult to miss in a kitchen. Other suggested feeders will require less room on the floor.

Features

Our list of suggested feeders includes everything from basic versions with rudimentary capabilities for planning meals to fully functional gadgets with phone apps and WiFi connectivity.

Battery backups, stainless steel bowls (dishwasher safe and suitable for cats with plastic allergies), and translucent reservoirs that let you quickly see how much kibble is available are some of our favorite features to check for. Some features, like the option to record a voice message, weren’t as crucial to our testers or even seemed like a gimmick.

Our observations show cats quickly determine when they get their food and seldom require prompting.

Ease of Use

We have made every effort to convey as accurately as possible how simple or difficult it was to program each feeder because the interface differs significantly from feeder to feeder. An easy-to-use interface and beneficial information display work together to make something simple.

Most feeders have physical buttons for programming and a small LCD screen for this, but a few of our top picks also have phone apps. For ease of use and convenience, always go for feeders that provide both options.

Type of Food

Which food does your cat prefer to eat—wet, semi-moist, or dry? Wet dispensers will need more maintenance and cleaning daily than dry food feeders.

Your Cat’s Needs

Although automatic cat feeders should not substitute human interaction with pets, consider your cat’s routine. Would the feeder be handy on days when you have a lot of meetings or if you had plans to spend some time away from home?

Choosing one that best meets their demands is crucial since your feline companion can experience separation anxiety if it’s the latter. For example, you can choose one that allows you to leave voice recordings.

General Functionality

If you have a dishwasher and intend to use the feeder frequently, opt for one with dishwasher-safe bowls or containers. This will be helpful since you won’t have to wash them by hand every week.

Use a programmable feeder that will remember if you tend to forget times. Use a feeder that delivers a set amount of food instead of a gravity feeder if your cat wants to eat throughout the day.

Final Musings

Imagine working overtime without worrying about missing your cat’s lunchtime. Or sleep late without having cats scratching your face because they are hungry. You can make it a reality with one of the best automatic cat feeders, and your cat will unquestionably appreciate it.

Having an automatic cat feeder with a camera makes things even more interesting since you’ll be able to see how your cat feeds. We hope this article makes it easier for you to pick the best feeder for your pet.

If you’re looking for a superior automatic cat feeder with cool features, including WiFi connectivity, Feeder-Robot by Whisker  is most likely what you need. This feeder is ideal for both cats and dogs. It is a pet-friendly smart feeder with remote monitoring and control via an app. It also has a battery backup, so your pet will never miss a meal during a power outage.

Even if you feed your cat from a feeder, hiring a pet sitter is still a good idea since they can check that the feeder is operating correctly, replace it if it jams, clean the litter box, refill your cat’s water dish, and interact with them. Also, they can hasten your pet to medical care in the event of an accident.

Ultimately, it would be best never to use an automatic pet feeder as a substitute for a reliable pet sitter. The most basic automatic feeder models don’t have enough food storage for a weekend excursion. Moreover, models with bigger storage tanks and more sophisticated programming features can jam and dispense food inconsistently. 

Always have a pet sitter on call when you are away.

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