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15 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Available

Automatic cat feeders are a practical, cost-effective, and time-saving way to feed your cat. Kitties are creatures of habit, and these feeders ensure that your cats get their meals on time!

Automatic feeders are also a good investment if you're going to be gone for a few days — you'll be able to relax knowing your cat is being fed.

Aside from convenience, automatic cat feeders give your cat precise portions and give you complete control over their food.

An estimated 60% of cats in the United States were overweight or obese in 2018. Obesity can cause a variety of major health problems, therefore it is critical to keep your cat's weight under control.

An automatic feeder can assist you by letting you to provide your cat with precisely metered portions throughout the day.

Not all automatic cat feeders are created equal, and some include features and settings that you may or may not require.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) put them to the test and compiled this list of the %product_count% best automatic cat feeders available we could discover to assist you in making the best option for you and your feline companion.

Reviews

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder – Overall Winner
 

The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder is a trustworthy feeder. It can hold up to 4 liters of dry cat food and features an anti-clogging technology to prevent food from being backed up inside the dispenser.

This automatic feeder comes with a handy software that lets you to schedule intermittent feeding as well as execute remote control feeding. This way, even if you can’t get home in time for dinner, your cat will never go hungry again.

You can record your voice and play it automatically to notify your cat that fresh food has been dispensed and it is time to eat. The feeder also features a key lock to keep your cat from overeating.

All you have to do is ensure that this feeder is connected to a dependable power supply. It should be noted that it lacks backup batteries in the event of a power loss, and it is not the greatest feeder for outdoor use.

Overall, we believe that this feature-rich auto feeder from Hepper is the greatest automated cat feeder.

Pros

  • System to prevent clogging
  • The software enables for scheduled and remote feeding.
  • System for recording voice
  • Avoids overfeeding

Cons

  • There are no backup batteries.
  • Not intended for usage outside.

 

Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Cat Feeder – Best Value
 

The Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Feeder for Cats is the best automatic cat feeder for the money if you want an economical and simple automatic cat feeder (according to our reviews).

The feeder feeds your cat using tried-and-true gravity dispensing, the food storage hopper has an extra-wide mouth for simple filling and cleaning, and the container and base are detachable for easy cleaning.

A simple yet functional feeder that can store up to 24 cups of dry kibble at an affordable price. Depending on the food you put in this feeder, the kibble may become lodged in the opening and require shaking to dislodge.

If you have little kibble, it may come out too quickly and produce a mess. This little design error prohibits this feeder from reaching the top.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • The battery-free gravity design
  • Simple to fill and clean
  • Holds up to 24 cups of kibble

Cons

  • Large kibble can quickly become clogged.
  • Small kibble may fall out prematurely.

 

Premium PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 Auto Cat Feeder
 

Look no further than the PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 Automatic Cat Feeder if you want a premium automatic cat feeder with all the bells and whistles.

With Wi-Fi capabilities and unrivaled technology, this cat feeder elevates cat feeding to a whole new level.

The feeder is compatible with the Amazon Echo, so Alexa can feed your cat while you are away; it will also notify you when the feeder is empty and can even reorder food through Amazon Dash.

To effortlessly arrange, monitor, and alter your cat’s feeding schedule, simply download the free smartphone app!

The feeder comes with a premium stainless steel bowl and a dishwasher-safe upper container that can hold up to 24 cups of dry food, and you can program it to dispense food up to 12 times per day or on-demand via the app.

It’s impossible to criticize this feeder, but some customers complain that it doesn’t perform as well with smaller-sized kibble, dispensing out irregular portions.

This, combined with the hefty price, keeps it out of the top two rankings.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi capabilities for hands-free, automatic operation
  • Compatible with Amazon Echo and Dash
  • Stainless-steel bowl included
  • Dishwasher friendly
  • It can hold up to 24 cups of dry food.

Cons

  • Unpredictable portion size
  • Expensive

 

Dry Cat Food Feeder Cat Mate C3000 Programmable
 

The Cate Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Cat Food Feeder is a simple feeder that can be programmed to serve up to three meals each day.

The feeder can also be used manually if necessary, or in a “frequent mode” for cats with unique dietary needs. It boasts a bright LCD screen that is easy to program and a long battery life of 6-9 months, which eliminates the need for tangled cords.

The feeder can contain 26 cups (6.5 pounds) of dry kibble and properly dispensing food amounts ranging from 2 teaspoons and above. All of the pieces are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

This feeder has few flaws, but determined cats can readily open the storage cap container, thus you may need to secure it in another way.

Smart cats will quickly discover out that they can sneak a few bits of kibble by just sticking their paws up the dispenser.

Pros

  • Can schedule up to three meals per day
  • The LCD panel is clear and simple to program.
  • Battery life is extended.
  • It can hold up to 26 cups of food.
  • Simple to build and clean

Cons

  • The lid is readily forced open.
  • The dispenser is not completely cat proof.

 

Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder by PetSafe
 

There are numerous intricate automatic feeders available on the market, and sometimes simpler is better. One of our top picks is the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder, which perfectly balances simplicity and functionality.

The feeder features five compartments for dry foods, wet foods, or treats, which you can easily program using the built-in timer.

It uses batteries that can last up to a year, eliminating the need for messy and sometimes dangerous power lines and allowing you to position the feeder wherever you need it.

Furthermore, the dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic food trays are easy to clean. Cats are very intelligent, and some will figure out how to shift the sections with their paws and get all of the food.

Furthermore, the rotational motors have the potential to freeze or over-rotate, leaving your cat with half a quantity of food or none at all.

Pros

  • Simple and practical
  • There are five distinct food sections.
  • Timer with programmability
  • Battery life is extended.
  • Simple to clean

Cons

  • Smart cats may be able to override the timer.
  • The motor may stop rotating at an inconvenient time.

 

Microchip Cat Feeder SureFeed
 

The SureFeed Microchip cat feeder is an excellent choice if you have many cats who require regulated feeding.

It gains access to the food using your cat’s unique microchip, and you can program which kitty can eat while keeping the others out – not to mention any opportunistic dogs! It can store up to 32 distinct pets and is compatible with all microchips or RFID collar tags.

The feeder can store both wet and dry food, and the tight cover keeps the food fresh and pest-free. The feeder is entirely battery powered and has a battery life of 6 months.

According to several customers, the microchip sensor is ineffective, and your cat may have to wait a few seconds before it eventually opens.

Furthermore, even if the cat is set to be allowed in, the lid has been observed to open irregularly or not at all.

Pros

  • Microchip design that is programmable
  • RFID tag included for un-chipped cats
  • Can hold up to 32 pets.
  • Use of a battery
  • Keeps food fresh and pest-free

Cons

  • The sensor is insufficiently sensitive.
  • It occasionally opens.
  • Other cats can also get to the food.

 

Arf Pets Automatic Cat Feeder
 

This automatic cat feeder from Arf Pets Automatic Cat Feeder can feed your cat up to four meals each day and even allows you to program the portion amount you want.

The LCD panel is simple to see and program, and it may be powered by batteries or a power outlet – a useful feature if the batteries die.

It has a 16-cup capacity and a magnetic locking cover to keep your cat out. The ability to record a unique message to play and notify your cat that it is feeding time is the feeder’s most distinctive feature!

For easy cleaning, the container and bowl are removable and dishwasher safe. Several consumers have complained that this feeder is poorly built and only lasts a few months before breaking.

Also, if you have dogs, they can burst it open by knocking it over to get to the food, and several customers complained about small-sized kibble dispensing too easily.

Pros

  • Up to four meals per day can be programmed.
  • LCD panel that is simple to view and program
  • Both mains and battery power
  • Capacity: 16 cups
  • Unique voice messages can be recorded and played again.

Cons

  • The build quality is poor.
  • Large cats and dogs can easily break in.
  • Small kibble may not provide accurate portions.

 

Automatic Cat Feeder Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl
 

The Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Cat Feeder is a simple yet functional feeder with two separate bowls secured by a set of tight-fitting covers.

If you have many cats or need to give your cat two separate meals, this is excellent. The food is also kept fresher for longer thanks to the built-in ice pack.

Each food bowl holds approximately 4 cups of wet or dry food and is detachable and dishwasher safe for simple cleaning. The timer is simple to set by twisting a dial and can be set up to 48 hours ahead of time.

It is battery-powered, and because it consumes little power, the batteries should easily last a year or more. The lids on each container are poorly built and do not close flush with the container, creating an ideal environment for bug infestation.

Several users have complained that the timer does not work properly and that the lids are thin and easily pulled off by large cats or dogs.

Pros

  • 2 distinct food compartments
  • Timer that can be set for up to 48 hours.
  • Integrated ice pack
  • Battery life is extended.

Cons

  • Lids do not close completely flush.
  • The built-in timer is erratic.
  • Construction is flimsy.

 

Healthy Pet Programmable Cat Feeder by PetSafe
 

The PetSafe Healthy Pet Programmable Cat Feeder is distinguished by its precise conveyer belt portion delivery technology.

This one-of-a-kind technology enables for more controlled and accurate kibble delivery, so you don’t have to worry about over- or under-feeding.

You may easily preset quantities of 18 to 4 cups of kibble at a time, as well as up to 12 meals each day. A slow-feed option is also available, which dispenses meals gradually over a short period of time to assist prevent bloat.

The feeder is composed of BPA-free plastic and comes with a stainless-steel feeding bowl, and the LCD screen is clear and easy to read. This feeder may be powered by both batteries and an adapter.

The sound of the kibble falling into the metal bowl may frighten some cats away from this feeder.

Furthermore, many customers complain that programming it correctly is difficult, and huge cats may easily knock it over and get at the food in the dispenser.

Pros

  • Dispensing mechanism for conveyer belts that is unique
  • Portion sizes can be customized.
  • Up to 12 meals per day can be programmed.
  • Plastic that is BPA-free
  • It operates on both batteries and mains power.

Cons

  • A loud operation
  • Programming is difficult.
  • Easily knocked down

 

DOGNESS Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
 

The DOGNESS Automatic Cat Smart Feeder employs cutting-edge technology to ensure that your cat is fed on time and in the proper amount.

This feeder uses Wi-Fi and a built-in HD camera to allow you to monitor and manage how much your cat eats via a free downloaded app.

You can also record and playback a message to urge your cat to eat, and the camera features night vision and a 165-degree video lens to keep a watch on your cat while you’re gone.

The dispenser features a 25-cup capacity and a stainless steel bowl that is simple to clean.

Several consumers have complained that the software required to utilize this feeder is difficult to use, and that the feeder cannot be controlled manually.

The app and feeder have been observed to show “fed” even when no food has been dispensed, making them difficult to trust.

Many consumers experienced connectivity troubles with their phones and reported no assistance from customer service. Furthermore, given its versatility, it is a relatively pricey feeder.

Pros

  • HD camera built-in
  • Voice recording and replay
  • Capacity of 25 cups

Cons

  • Operating difficulties
  • Unreliable indicators
  • Problems with connectivity
  • Customer service is subpar.
  • Expensive

How to Choose the Best Automatic Cat Feeder

Automatic cat feeders range in features from simple gravity-fed feeders to Wi-Fi and HD camera-equipped technological marvels.

With such a dizzying array of options available, it’s critical to examine your specific demands and expectations from the feeder before deciding on the finest automatic cat feeder for you and your cat.

A more sophisticated feeder is definitely a good alternative if your cat has specific dietary preferences and specialized feeding needs.

However, if your cat is healthy and not particularly food oriented, a gravity feeder will most likely suffice. Before plunging in and acquiring an automatic feeder, consider the following factors:

This is the first and most crucial consideration. The smaller the capacity of the feeder, the more frequently it will need to be refilled. Filling a feeder on a regular basis essentially undermines the purpose of having one in the first place, thus a feeder with a capacity of 25 cups or more is preferable. This allows you to travel away for two or three days without having to worry about your cat running out of food.

The option to program your cat’s meals is a useful tool, especially if your cat has special dietary requirements. These feeders have timer settings or pre-programmed meals that you can usually alter to meet your needs. They normally range in the amount of meals per day they can prepare from 3 to 12, giving you a variety of feeding alternatives.

Feeding that is selective. Some feeders employ your cat’s integrated microchip to allow just them access to the food bowl. If you have numerous cats, you can set certain of them to have access only at certain times. It’s also excellent for keeping opportunistic dogs at bay.

Some cat feeders, such as gravity feeders, do not require any power, whilst others require power to run their motors. Batteries are the greatest alternative because they allow you to place your feeder in more places and eliminate the need for messy and sometimes dangerous power lines. They are often highly efficient, with a battery life of 6-12 months. Some units combine battery and mains power, which is a useful feature if your batteries run out.

Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi, an apparently unexpected addition to a cat feeder, has become a common feature of cat feeders in recent years. Wi-Fi can be used to track how much food your cat is eating, how much food is left, dispensing food on demand, remotely programming the feeder, and even reordering more food when the feeder is low!

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Two stainless steel bowls nestle inside a large tray, catching every dribble from your pet’s mouth. Your canine companion may not be the cleanest drinker, but they no longer have to be! Click here to get yours and say goodbye to water spills forever.

Conclusion

The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder is our favorite pick and overall best automatic cat feeder because to its simplicity and functionality.

You can be there without actually being there thanks to its 4 liter capacity, remote control, timer, and voice playback.

According to our tests, the Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Cat Feeder is the best automatic cat feeder for the money.

The feeder employs gravity dispensing to feed your cat, the food storage container has an extra-wide mouth for simple filling and cleaning, and the container and base are detachable for easy cleaning.

A functional automatic feeder at an affordable price. With so many options for cat feeders available these days, it might be difficult to choose the best one for your kitty.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our reviews of the best automatic cat feeders available have helped you sort through some of the options so that you can choose the best one for your cat. 

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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