Whether you are going out for the day, or just want to take the strain out of continually topping up the cat bowl, an automatic cat feeder can be a real lifesaver. Finding the right one is no easy task. There are plenty of basic options, but some even come with an app.
This is why it is important to read more so you can find the best automatic cat feeder for your feline friend. Depending on how many cats you have, the size will be important, as will the quality of the materials. You also have to consider how long you intend to be out for, so your feeder of choice can cope with the amount of food it will need to store. To help make your decision easier, here are the top ten automatic cat feeders available.
#1 SureFlap -Sure Petcare – SureFeed – Microchip Pet Feeder
The simple design means it will fit into any kitchen or home and blend in well. It is incredibly advanced thanks to its microchip technology that allows you to feed one cat at a time, to make sure all your pets are fed. It will also lift when it recognises a certain RFID collar tag and comes with one although more can be bought separately. The lift closes after feeding to help keep the food fresh, even wet food and prevents food-stealing as well as encouraging portion control. The handle makes it easy to carry and when closed, your cat can’t get in.
Pros: Microchip or RFID collar tag technology
Keeps food fresh
Controls portions
Cons: Not Wifi compatible
#2 WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Cats
An incredibly advanced automatic cat feeder, this has more useful features than most. You can schedule up to 4 automatic feedings a day meaning you can leave the house and know your cat is safe and well-fed at home. The LCD screen is easy to use, Andean dispense anything from a couple of teaspoons to 4.5 cups. There is a mic button that can be used to record a message at a scheduled time. This allows you to call your pet when you aren’t even in the building. It can be plugged into the wall bit also works with batteries and the large storage container holds up to 20 cups of dry food.
Pros: Holds up to 20 cups of dry food
You can record a message to alert your cat
Schedule up to 4 meals a day
Cons: Some products hold more food
#3 AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder
A highly-rated yet simple automatic cat feeder that allows you to leave the house and know your pet is well fed. It comes with both water and dry food dispensers making it a good option for those who spend a lot of time out the house. It has cut out handles on the base so it is easy to pick up when it comes to refilling and the containers are all easy too clean. It will not skid thanks to the rubber feet so there are fewer spillages. It comes in either small or larger sizes so you can get the right one to fit your pet.
Pros: 2-in-1 feeder and water dispenser
Non skid base
Easy to clean
Cons: Not as advanced as other options
#4 Cat Mate C20 Automatic Pet Feeder
One of the best automatic cat feeders for those who want to leave wet food, and not attract insects or rodents. It keeps the food fresh by covering it, only opening at your scheduled feed times. The lids and bowls are dishwasher proof making them easy to clean and there are even ice packs included to help keep food fresh. The timer is battery operated and can be scheduled for up to 48 hours at a time. Each of the dual compartments holds up to 450 g of food and represents good value at the price.
Pros: Easy to clean
Good for wet food
Cons: No low battery warning
#5 WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Cat
With a 6L capacity, this is an automatic cat feeder that you won’t have to keep topping up. You can schedule up to 4 meals a day and it disperses portions of around 10-12g a time. This can be selected on the easy-to-use interface, with every step being self-explanatory. It has a voice recorder with a length of ten seconds so you can call your pet for feed times and has an anti-locking feature that stops food from blocking. One of the most energy-efficient automatic cat feeders and the bowl is easy to remove and clean.
Pros: Schedule up to 4 meals a day
Voice recorder
Cons: Batteries not included
#6 JOYTOOL Automatic Cat Feeder
It looks futuristic, and the technology it uses is advanced but the Joytool automatic cat feeder is easy to use. The simple display is easy to navigate allowing you to schedule up to 4 meals a day, with a capacity of 39 portions. It automatically stops pouring when it detects the bowl is full which stops it from spilling. There is a voice recorder that allows you to personalise a message for your pets. This will make feeding time easier as it alerts them to the food, but also makes them more comfortable when you are not home.
Pros: Voice recorder
Holds up to 39 portions
Cons: Does not connect to WiFi
#7 DOGNESS Automatic WiFi Dog/Cat Smart Camera Feeder
This device looks a little bit like a coffee machine so it will fit into any household nicely. It holds a lot of food up to 6.5 pounds and can connect to WiFi. this means you can use your device to feed your cat and it even has a camera so you can check they are eating when they are supposed to. The camera even has night vision and there is a speaker for you to record a message to call your pet to feed time. With accurate portion control, it is a cat feeder with. plenty of features.
Pros: Holds a lot of food
WiFi compatible
Comes with a camera
Cons: Can be expensive for some people
#8 PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
One of the smartest automatic cat feeders on the market, this one is compatible with WiFi making it easy to leave your cat, knowing it will be looked after. You can use your phone to feed your cat, just download the app and connect it to the device. It allows you to schedule up to 12 meals a day, this is more than most. You can even choose to dispense food for up to 15 minutes. this slows down their eating which is good for their well-being. You can use batteries as a backup so if the WiFi goes down, your pet is still fed. It holds up to 24 cups and the stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe.
Pros: WiFi compatible
Schedule up to 12 meals a day
Cons: Can be expensive for some people
#9 PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder for Dogs and Cats
This fun wheel design helps to make mealtimes easy, so when you are going out for an extended period, you know you can rely on it. It can hold up to 5 portions and you can choose different recipes in each section. There is a Digital clock and LCD display for you to change the settings and schedule feeding times for it to open. If your cat eats to fast, it can cause health problems. This is one. of the best automatic cat feeders as you can make sure the portions are smaller. Powered by batteries, it rotates to unveil one meal at a time.
Pros: Can choose different foods
Controlled portions
Cons: No voice recorder
Automatic Cat Feeder Guide
When leaving your pet at home, you need to be sure they are going to be comfortable, and well-fed. This is particularly important if you are not sure about your return time so leaving in the morning doesn’t leave you rushing home early afternoon, cutting your day short. A quality automatic cat feeder takes the stress out of leaving your feline friend and ensures they are well looked after.
The problem is, some products are more reliable than others, and the last thing you want is a product that fails to do the job. To give your cat the food it needs, the following automatic cat feeder guide will help you make an informed decision.
What To Consider When Buying An Automatic Cat Feeder:
Meal Size
When buying an automatic cat feeder, you need to make sure you are keeping your cat safe. When used incorrectly, a cat can often be overfed which results in its own problems.
The better products will allow you to portion the servings so they are getting a usual sized meal.
Cat Size
Whilst some universal cat feeders that can be used to feed cats of all shapes and sizes, some are better suited to larger pets. Always check the feeding capacity of the product before you purchase so it can keep up with your pets’ needs.
How May Cats You Have
Of course, the more feline family members you have, the more automatic cat feeders you have right? Not necessarily true. Some products allow you to feed two different pets at once, however, it is usually recommended that you buy separate feeder to prevent any eating aggression and to make sure they eat their fill.
Settings
The better automatic cat feeders will be able to feed your cat at different times. This means they can get a proper breakfast, lunch, and dinner if necessary. You need to find a product that has a reliable timer function, so the feed is available at certain times of the day. Cats like to know when their next meal is coming and the regular timekeeping will benefit fussy eaters.
Cat Specific Feeders
Whilst some automatic pet feeders will be universal and advice they can feed both cats and dogs, it is often better to find one specifically designed for cats. Because their needs and size are very different, you want to be sure you get one that is tailor-made for felines.
Reliability
The better quality the automatic cat feeder, the more likely it is to work consistently. The last thing you want is to come home and find your cat hasn’t been fed. Low-quality products are prone to jamming, unreliable timers, and dispensing of the food. It is always best to purchase from a reputable brand.
Automatic Cat Feeder: Electric Vs Battery
This is one of the few things you need to consider and both of them have their benefits.
An electric cat feeder is great because they often have more settings but a battery-powered product should still be reliable in that it will warn you when the battery is getting low. Of course, an electric feeder will not work in a power cut.
Other Things To Consider:
Added Extras
This is where automatic cat feeders get interesting. There are all sorts of added extras you can get that include the ability to connect to a wireless network. Sometimes, they come with cameras so you can see what your pet is up to or speakers so you can call them to the food from wherever you are.
With some automatic cat feeders, you can record a message that sounds when the food is dispensed and others come with both food and water dispensers.
Capacity
Some feeders split the food into different sections and release them at various times, whilst others distribute kibble from a larger food storer. Depending on how much your cat eats, and how often you wish to refill it, a larger capacity feeder is not always ideal as it means the food is not as fresh if left for a few days.
A lot of automatic cat feeders will have adjustable settings and will be easy to program, often via an LED display that ensures you know exactly what your cat is getting, and at what time.
