Do you hate having to get out of bed very early in the morning to feed your beloved cat?
Do you also travel a lot? You would worry about how your cat would fare in your absence. Do you also work all day long? You’re not alone, all these everyday issues may make it difficult to care for your pet. However, it can easily be solved if you get any one of the best automatic cat feeders.
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An automatic cat feeder dispenser and cat drinking fountains are highly recommended for households that have cats as pets. Even though you can personally feed your cats during your free time, and assign a spot to put the container of pellets, it is recommended that you use a cat feeder to automate this task. The reason is simple: you will not always have the time to feed your cat, so it’s a lot easier to automate the task.
There are so many different types of products on the market, and some of them can be programmed and configured using your mobile device. Although the availability of the cat feeders for multiple cats is great for users, it can be somewhat frustrating, especially if you can’t easily choose the best one to buy.
To help you simplify your shopping process, we have collected some information as well as tips on how you can find the best pet food dispenser based on cat type.
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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2024
Ready to see the top choices for 2024? see our best automatic cat food dispensers in the market based on reviews, features, and price.
1. Petsafe Healthy Pet Simply 12 meal feeder
As a pet owner looking for a programmable cat feeder, the Petsafe Healthy automatic cat feeder by weight may be a great choice.
This unit allows pet owners to customize the food servings for their pets, and schedule it properly. If you prefer to limit the cat’s food intake, then you can try the Petsafe unit.
Another great thing is The automatic cat feeder electronic device’s operations are made possible by a portion-control system. This is powered by the conveyor belt that can reduce food portions, from about 1/8 cup of food to four cups. Also, this unit works with moist or wet cat food, and can also be programmed for 12 eating cycles every day.
- Made from durable materials, easy to set-up.
- Allows customization of the food portions.
- It can be scheduled to feed the pet 12 times each day.
- Prevents speed-eating with its slow feeding option.
- It has a stainless steel bowl which is dishwasher-friendly
- Offers a pause feature to stops the feeding cycle
- AC adapter isn’t included in the box.
- Programming features are tricky for first-time
2. SureFeed Microchip Feeder
The best part is SureFeed uses a microchip to verify the cat, and give them the food serving based on your program. This chip is implanted in the cat’s collar tag. Immediately the sensor recognizes this microchip; the device will open the lid and allow the cat to have access to its food.
Overall, this automatic cat feeder works with RFID technology. It can track up to about 32 pets. This may be an excellent option for pets that have special dietary requirements.
- This pet feeder is relatively easy to use, with an easy to understand manual.
- It is built with solid materials.
- It can work with different microchips.
- Users can register at most 32 different IDs, and pets
- It is ideal for pet owners who intend to monitor their pet’s dietary intake.
- No AC adapter to serve as a backup power source.
3. CSF-3 Super Automatic Cat Feeder
One of the first things to notice is The CSF-3 Feeder allows your cats to feed using the same bowl, or different bowls. It has a Super Feeder option that dispenses food as well. This allows your pets to eat their meals in separate directions without bugging each other.
Another great thing is this cat feeder also automates the feeding process in varying amounts; it reduces from less than one cup to some cups of food daily. It may be a convenient way to feed your cats, because of its digital timer. The timer allows you to program all feeding cycles.
- Relatively flexible.
- Can customize feeding schedules.
- Power interruptions do not require reprogramming.
- Works better for small-sized pellets.
- Durable chute cover prevents cats from stealing their food.
- Works for two cats, with an 8 feeding time program
- Difficult to assemble.
- Doesn’t have any backup power supply.
4. LUSMO Automatic Pet Feeder
We liked that this Pet Feeder is attractive and portable as well. It is also easy to program so you can meet your pet’s specific needs. With this unit, users can program up to three meal times. Also, each meal can have separate portions.
Some notable features are its modern and colorful design, varying portions, 24-hour LCD monitoring clock and more. If you’re a busy cat owner, this device may be ideal for you.
- It permits pet owners to customize meal portions.
- Mealtimes can be changed at different times.
- A full supply can last for 10
- Built with an ear handle for stress-free
- Lockable cover
- Easy-to-read LCD monitor for time and battery status.
- Isn’t safe for the dishwasher.
- The unit doesn’t work with every type of kibble, particularly longer ones.
5. Honeyguaridan A36 Automatic Cat Feeder
We like this automatic cat food dispenser due to its stainless steel bowl, which is not only durable but can hold up to 3 cups of food.
Besides, it even has an alarm so you can get notified when the dispenser has already filled the bowl too much. You can program the automatic cat feeder timer from 1 to 6 meals a day with the buttons on the controls. Since it is made with a stainless steel bowl that’s dishwasher-safe, cleaning it can be a breeze.
Or even better, the lid also locks in place so there’s little to no likelihood of your cat’s food spoiling (or your pet from hoarding the inside of the dispenser, for that matter). It even has an LCD screen for you to easily check out the settings.
- Dishwasher-safe pet bowl
- Can be scheduled to different feeding times
- Good capacity for food
- Has a food alert alarm
- The buttons may not be pet-proof
6. PETKIT Automatic Pet Feeder Cat Feeder
If you are looking for an automatic cat feeder wifi device for your feline friend, you might like this one.
The great thing is that you can control it using your iOS or Android phone, or you can use your Amazon Alexa to schedule your cat’s feeding. It can be programmed for up to 10 feedings a day with portions of 5 to 100 grams. The good thing about this dispenser is that you don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to continuously feed it – Wi-Fi is only needed for controlling the dispenser.
It also has a fresh lock system so that your cat food stays dry (and pet-proof). The parts of this dispenser can be easily detached for cleaning without much hassle. Silicone sealing ring helps to keep the food fresh and away from the mold when stored.
- Wi-Fi controls
- Up to 10 feedings a day
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- Doesn’t require Wi-Fi for continuous feeding
- The app may need to be improved
7. WOPET HD camera Automatic Cat Feeder
To begin with, this cat feeder also makes the use of Wi-Fi to work and you can adjust the portions from 10 to 12 grams.
You can even customize this programmable automatic cat feeder up to 39 portions on single scheduling. A unique thing about this feeder is that you can even record your own voice so that your pet will hear it and get notified (and chow down on the food).
What’s more, it even allows you to monitor and see your pet using the bundled app.
But that’s not all, The device has a 120-degree camera lens to help you see what’s going on, which could be helpful if you want to make sure that your cat is really doing fine or eating their food well.
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Up to 39 portions
- Monitor your pet
- Voice recording
- The app may need to be improved
8. TDYNASTY timed Programmable Auto Cat Food Dispenser Feeder
As compared to others, this one can be an affordable automatic cat feeder so it may be ideal for you if you are new to keeping cats.
The thing that we liked here is that this feeder has a fairly large pet dispenser size of up to 6.5 liters inside (can be used for multiple cats) with portion controls of up to 4 meals a day. To catch any stray food (which is commonly the problem for most pet owners), it even comes with a free pet food mat.
Besides, the food tray is also fairly simple to clean as it is detachable. The LCD panel allows you to set up the feeding schedule with a clear screen that’s easy to read. As with most cat feeders, it also has a voice recording function.
- Comes with a free pet food mat
- Affordable price
- Large size inside
- Detachable food tray
- The voice recording function has muffled playback
9. HICTOP Automatic Pet Feeder
Due to the large design, it can be an automatic cat feeder for two cats – it can house up to 6.5 liters or 28 cups inside.
You can record your voice to alert your cat every mealtime. The top design has a safe locking mechanism to keep the food contained and fresh (and to keep it away from cheating cats).
Additionally, the food tray can also be taken out when it’s dirty and time for cleaning. Its display and programming panel can also be beginner-friendly.
But that’s not all, you can also customize each portion using the meal size option for each of the 4 meals a day in the program list.
- Portion control
- Safe locking top
- Large enough for 2 cats
- Beginner-friendly control panel
- The food tray is easy to clean
- Can only dispense meals 4 times a day
10. PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder
You’ll be surprised to know that this cat feeder is made with smartphone control using your iPhone, Android or Amazon Echo, this one can help you schedule your cat’s meals up to 12 times.
The best part is that you can adjust the amount of each portion from 1/8 cup to 4 cups depending on your cat’s regular diet. It even has a battery backup in case you are on travel (but you can also use the power adapter).
Furthermore, the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t interrupt the scheduled feeding (it’s only for controls). The whole feeding machine can take up to 24 cups of cat food inside and you’ll be notified (via phone) when the food is low.
- Wi-Fi controls
- Adjustable portion amount
- Has a battery backup
- Low food notification
- The food drop noise could be startling for some cats
What to Consider Before Picking an Automatic Feeder
Before choosing any automatic cat feeder that’s battery-operated or otherwise, you need to consider how it will keep your precious furry companion fit, active and maintain their weight. Studies have shown that in the US, more than 56 percent of dogs and 60 of cats are overweight (this percentage is even higher among adult pets). When the feeders or bowls used in feeding aren’t of good quality and benefit to pets, there is a greater possibility of the pet becoming obese.
Cats tend to gain weight when they eat more calories than they can burn off during normal day-to-day activities. The causes of overweight include:
- Overfeeding,
- Low activity (or inactivity) levels,
- Reproductive status,
- Diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s disease.
- Age, and
- The method of breeding.
Other things to consider:
Number of Pets in Your Household
Before purchasing a feeder, you need to consider the number of pets you have. It is recommended that you buy separate automated feeders for different pets. Some could be overly aggressive when eating, and you wouldn’t want them to stop others from feeding.
Size and Strength of Pets
There are a lot of feeders out there; you need to be sure you are getting the right one. Some are made for big pets (allowing them to hold and dispense food the more) while some are suitable for, the smaller pets.
If you have a big and overweight pet, you have to invest in a good food dispenser, that has an automatic unit with a timer. It will allow your cat or your dog to eat at the right time and only the right amount of food. With this type of feeder, you can use it to feed the pet three times daily (morning, noon and evening). Considering this will help ensure that your cat remains nourished and healthy.
Is it Suitable for Dogs or Cats?
Some feeder models are specifically made for cats while others are designed for dogs. Those made for cats might actually work for dogs that are small, but you need to understand that the bodies of canines and felines are different in dietary requirements and dimensions.
Therefore, you must be on the lookout for which type of pet a feeder is made for, to be on the safer side.
Amount of Food
The automation unit of the feeder should be able to dispense a minimal amount of kibbles at any given time e.g. half a cup or thirty grams during each feeding time. With this, you can be sure your pets won’t be overfed.
The feeder should also have a protected nozzle system. Cats and dogs could be so creative that they will do everything to get more kibbles ahead of time. And there are some that eat too fast. When you have these types, get a unit that will give out kibbles and pellets a few pieces at each feeding time. You can find an automatic cat feeder with batteries on the market that will stop automatically or shuts down if it notices that your pet eats too fast.
Efficiency and Capacity of Feeder
What capacity can the feeder hold at a time? It is important to note this, so you won’t have to refill it now and then. It should be able to hold and dispense a suitable amount of food if you have multiple pets. An airtight hopper is necessary if the foods are going to be stored inside the feeder for a longer period of time.
A significant factor to consider is the shapes of your kibble. Certain feeders transmit foods through a tube before pouring it. If the kibble you use is too large to let it go through, there is every possibility of it getting stuck. A round-shaped feeder creates no problem, while a square (or other shapes) might get the kibble stuck inside the tube. Go for feeders with an adjustable feature; this is better for navigation.
What makes a good digital automatic cat feeder?
How efficient is the cat feeder? Is its capacity large enough, so you do not have to refill it so often?
The size of the feeder tank must able to dispense a good amount for your pet’s size and appetite.
Can the dispenser and container serve multiple pets?
What’s the kibble size? Some of the best automatic cat feeder for two cats transmit food through a tube and then pour it out. When the kibble too big, it might be stuck. Other feeders come with some adjustable parts for this purpose. Pay attention to the kibble shape because it is a weighty factor.
What should you get if your cat is overweight?
For an overweight cat, buy a food dispenser with an automatic unit that has a timer. Ensure that your pet eats on time, and eat only the recommended amount. The feeder can be set to feed your pet 3 times a day. A cat feeder for small portions may also help fix this problem.
Also, buy a unit that has a secure nozzle system. Most cats are creative and mischievous; they will do anything to get more kibbles before feeding time. The outdoor automatic cat feeder has good nozzle systems to prevent breaking in.
What to buy if your cat eats too fast
Look for a feeder that can dispense pellets and kibbles a few pieces every time. You can also get an automatic feeder that will stop automatically if it notices that your cat chews too fast.
Conclusion
From our best automatic cat feeder recommendations, we have picked the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder as the winner for the best automatic cat feeder. The device is simple to use and also dishwasher friendly.
It has an accurate digital timer and also allows the user to program meal schedules for their cats. It may be ideal for cats who have special dietary needs to prevent them from being overweight. The automatic cat feeders for sale that were reviewed alongside the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder lacked in some features when compared.
Some aren’t dishwasher friendly and expose food to contaminants. Some also lacked a backup power source and adjustable parts. Before picking an automatic cat feeder with stainless steel, consider the specific needs of your pet.
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