9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders, Tested and Reviewed for Convenient and Reliable Feeding

An automatic cat feeder is a valuable tool for ensuring your cats are fed consistently, especially when you’re away or have specific dietary requirements to manage. These feeders offer precise portion control and can automate feeding schedules, making them convenient for both you and your cats.

One highly recommended automatic cat feeder is the Whisker Feeder-Robot. It stands out for its user-friendly app and easy programming, allowing you to customize feeding schedules and portion sizes effortlessly. However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an automatic feeder.

Another option to consider is the Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Cat Feeder. This battery-powered feeder accommodates both wet and dry food and features placements for ice packs to help keep the food fresh for longer periods. It offers simple programming and is suitable for providing specific meals or managing feeding times.

When selecting an automatic cat feeder, consider factors such as the capacity of the feeder, the type of food it can dispense, programming options, and ease of cleaning. Additionally, reading customer reviews can provide insights into the reliability and durability of different models.

Remember to introduce the automatic feeder gradually to ensure your cats are comfortable with the device and to monitor their eating habits to ensure they are adjusting well to the automated feeding process.

Overall, an automatic cat feeder can be a helpful solution for maintaining a consistent feeding routine for your cats, even when you’re not at home.

Our top picks:

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9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders

Best Overall – Whisker Feeder-Robot

The Whisker Feeder-Robot is highly recommended as an automatic cat feeder based on two rounds of lab testing. It offers a variety of intuitive feeding options and an impressive app that sets it apart from other feeders. The Feeder-Robot received high scores for its features, effectiveness, timer accuracy, and portion control.

The design of the Feeder-Robot is both futuristic and friendly, but it is larger compared to other automatic feeders. It has a footprint of 9 x 11.25 inches, which gives it a slightly top-heavy feel. However, it is stable and resistant to being knocked over by cats. The setup process is straightforward and takes around 15 minutes, including downloading and syncing the app on your phone.

The Feeder-Robot allows you to set precise meal times and serving increments. It can dispense up to a full cup of food, up to eight times a day. The feeder comes with a 1/4-cup dispenser, but you can switch it for a more precise 1/8-cup dispenser for better portion control. In “gravity mode,” the feeder checks the food bowl’s level every six hours and dispenses enough food to keep it full, which is useful if your cat doesn’t overeat.

The reservoir of the Feeder-Robot can hold up to 32 cups of dry food, but if you’re using non-round kibble, you’ll need to use the included Hopper Insert, which reduces the capacity to 25 cups. The feeder’s app sends notifications to keep you updated on your cat’s meals, and it has a backup battery that allows it to operate for up to 24 hours in case of a power outage.

The app provides various features such as checking food levels, building schedules, and remotely dispensing snack-size servings. It also tracks feedings over time, providing daily averages and insights that can be exported to a CSV file. The Feeder-Robot also offers a control panel keypad for scheduling feedings directly on the unit, and it maintains the schedule even offline.

One downside is that the included plastic bowl is not dishwasher-safe, and some cats may have skin allergies. However, all components are BPA-free. A dishwasher-safe, hypoallergenic glass bowl is available separately for an additional cost. While the plastic bowl is not dishwasher-safe, the other washable components are easy to separate from the base and can be hand washed.

The Feeder-Robot is available in four different color combinations and comes with a 90-day in-home trial period and an 18-month warranty. Free shipping is provided for customers in the contiguous United States.

Pros:

• Useful app and notifications
• 24-hour backup battery
• Chew-resistant power cable
• Robust settings
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-safe
• Plastic serving bowl instead of metal or glass
• Takes up a lot of space

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Best Budget – PETLIBRO AIR Automatic Pet Feeder

The PETLIBRO Air Automatic Pet Feeder is a reliable option for feeding cats on a timer. It features a press-to-release lid that creates a tight seal to maintain the freshness of your cat’s food. The feeder comes in two sizes (two-liters or six-liters) and two colors (black or white). It can be powered using a USB-C plug with a five-foot cord or three D-cell batteries as a backup in case of a power outage. The device has an indicator to monitor the remaining battery life.

In our lab testing with the smaller two-liter size, we found that it could hold a little over seven cups of kibble. The manual feeding button works well, allowing you to press it up to five times in a row for a larger serving. The default portion size is 1/24 cup, and you can program up to six timers to dispense a maximum of 16 portions (two-thirds of a cup) at a time. However, there is no indicator to confirm that a timer has been set, so it’s recommended to monitor the feeder throughout the day to ensure it’s dispensing as desired. The feeder arrives almost fully assembled, with only the stainless steel bowl and plastic tray requiring installation, both of which are easy to clean. To prevent pests from accessing the food tank, there is a rotating barrier that seals off the feeding port.

The PETLIBRO Air does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, so there is no mobile app available. However, the control buttons are concealed behind a panel, making it impossible for your cat to change the settings.

Pros:

• Programmable timers for food dispensing
• Power cord and backup batteries included
• Hidden control buttons to prevent accidental setting changes
• Press-to-release lid for freshness and odor control
• Rotor design to keep pests out of the food tank

Cons:

• No screen indicator to confirm timer settings
• No Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app, or voice recording capability

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Another Great Budget Option – PETLIBRO Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

The PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is a reliable and reasonably priced automatic feeder that offers various configurations to suit different needs. It comes with a power adapter and a battery backup using three D-cell batteries. The LCD screen on the front of the device allows for easy programming of a feeding schedule, and you can even record a short message to attract your cat during feeding time. The feeder also includes a slot for a desiccant bag to keep the kibble dry, although the need for frequent desiccant changes may not be practical unless you live in a humid climate.

You can schedule up to four feedings per day, with customizable portion sizes for each feeding. However, it doesn’t allow for different schedules on different days, as it runs the same schedule every day. The 24-hour clock helps eliminate confusion but may take some getting used to for those accustomed to 12-hour clocks with AM and PM settings.

Some testers found the food reservoir, which requires both hands to open, a bit cumbersome to refill. Cleaning the feeder also involved multiple components that needed to be washed by hand.

The biggest downside of the PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is its stability. During stability tests, it was the only feeder that was knocked over and spilled food. While it should hold up well under normal feeding conditions, if you have particularly rowdy cats or plan on using it for a dog, you might want to consider other options.

The PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is an excellent choice overall, especially considering its affordability. The PETLIBRO Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder, 2.4G Wi-Fi Enabled, is a slightly more expensive version with Wi-Fi connectivity and an included app, along with a stainless steel bowl. While the app didn’t impress as much as the one included with the Whisker Feeder-Robot, it still adds useful features. There are also other optional configurations available, such as a larger capacity 6-liter version and a version with a semi-opaque reservoir for easier monitoring of food levels.

Pros:

• Battery backup
• Slot for food desiccant bag
• Affordable and fully featured
• Multiple models for specific uses

Cons:

• Plastic bowl
• Tricky power adapter connection
• Desiccant refills add to the expense

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Best High Capacity – WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder

The Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder is a sleek and reliable feeder that can hold up to seven pounds of dry cat food, which is slightly under 30 cups. It offers consistently timed feedings with customizable portion sizes. While it has a spacious capacity, its design ensures it doesn’t look bulky or overwhelming in your space.

The initial assembly of the feeder is quick and most components come pre-assembled. However, the programming steps for scheduling feedings may be less intuitive compared to other models tested. You need to select the feeding number, portion size (less than 1/4 cup), and the time of day for each feeding. Although it may take some time to get used to the programming process, it becomes easier with practice. The feeder also includes a manual feeding button but does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, so you cannot control it via a mobile device.

In testing with different kibble sizes, smaller kibble worked better with this feeder, so it’s worth considering if your cat prefers bulkier food or if you plan to use it for a small dog.

To prevent your cat from tampering with the schedule, the keypad is located behind a plastic cover that can only be lifted by pressing an exterior button. The feeder’s sturdy structure makes it difficult to tip over, preventing easy access to the food by curious pets.

For humans, the lid is easy to open, and the internal basket and serving bowl can be removed for cleaning. The Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder offers peace of mind with two power source options: a plug-in cord and three D-cell batteries as a backup in case of a power outage. It also allows you to record a voice message of up to ten seconds to play along with scheduled feedings.

Pros:

• Sleek design with a seven-pound food capacity
• Easy-to-clean internal basket and serving bowl
• Keypad is covered to prevent pet access
• Option to record voice messages for scheduled feedings

Cons:

• Larger-sized kibble may not dispense as easily
• Initial programming can be tedious, but subsequent programming becomes more straightforward

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Best Portable – Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder

The Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Cat Feeder is a convenient feeder that features two compartments, each capable of holding up to 1.5 cups of wet or dry cat food. It operates on a single AA battery, making it portable and not reliant on a power outlet. This makes it a reliable choice for maintaining a feeding schedule while traveling with your cat.

The feeder has a spot for ice packs at the base, which is useful if you plan to store wet food or perishable items for an extended period. The design is intuitive, and the setup process is quick and easy, as most of the feeder comes pre-assembled.

However, the interface of the Cat Mate C200 is simplistic, which leaves room for improvement. The programming knob allows you to delay the feeder from opening for up to 48 hours, but it lacks minute-level precision within each hour. The knob only represents each hour with a single dot, without further intervals. This means you can only program the feeder to open at the hour and not by specific minutes within that hour.

The Cat Mate C200 also lacks some of the additional features found in more advanced automatic feeders, such as Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control via a mobile device. However, if you’re looking for a straightforward feeder that meets your basic needs without the need for advanced features, it may be a suitable option.

Pros:

• Compatible with wet or dry cat food
• Option to add ice packs for perishable food
• Lightweight and portable design
• Battery-powered for convenience

Cons:

• Timer lacks minute-level precision compared to other automatic feeders

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Best for Multiple Cats – PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats

In previous versions of this roundup, the WellToBe Automatic Pet Feeder with Two-Way Splitter was recommended for owners of multiple cats due to its large food capacity of 20 cups and features like voice recording and battery backup. However, after more comprehensive testing, it was found that the WellToBe feeder had design flaws that were disliked by testers, such as a short power cable, inconvenient button placement, and non-snapping bowls that required finicky adjustments.

Instead, the PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats was preferred by testers and considered the better choice for those who want separate bowls for each cat. The feeder features two stainless steel bowls, which are preferred over plastic bowls. It has a round, silo-like design with a locking lid to keep cats out, although the lid was found to be a little smooth to grip easily.

Setting up the PETLIBRO Granary was found to be easy, with intuitive programming on a digital display that presented information cleanly. It allows programming up to ten meals a day and offers precise portion control down to the tablespoon, with a maximum meal serving of over four cups of dry food.

The Granary also includes useful features like a battery backup, manual feeding button, and the ability to record a short message to call your cats. It also allows for the insertion of a desiccant bag to prevent high humidity from spoiling the stored food.

The only downside noted by testers was the meal splitter, which can be adjusted to serve different-sized portions to different bowls. However, testers found it difficult to make precise adjustments. Overall, this was considered a minor flaw in an otherwise favored feeder.

Pros:

• Stainless steel bowls
• Easy programming
• Precise portion controls
• Battery backup

Cons:

• Difficulty in accurately adjusting the meal splitter

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Best for Keeping Dogs Out – Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a unique automatic cat feeder that functions as a gatekeeper rather than regulating a cat’s feeding schedule. It restricts access to specific cats using their microchip or an included RFID tag, making it ideal for households with multiple cats on different diets or preventing other pets like dogs from accessing the cat’s food. It can program and identify up to 32 cats, providing individualized access control.

The SureFeed features a smooth sliding door that opens when a cat approaches, giving it a futuristic and impressive appearance. It is easy to set up and can be operational with the RFID tag in about five minutes, according to testers.

This feeder accommodates both wet and dry food by using a separate plastic bowl. It also includes a split bowl that allows for serving two separate portions simultaneously. The covered design of the feeder helps protect the food from flies, minimize odors, and keep wet food fresher.

However, testers did note a few downsides to the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. The bowl size was considered small, making it more suitable for actively managing a cat’s diet rather than storing several days’ worth of food. The feeder operates on 4 C cell batteries and does not have a plug, which could be seen as a limitation despite the six-month battery life. Testers also found the open back of the feeder to be a potential vulnerability for determined dogs, although a rear cover is available for an additional cost.

Despite these minor drawbacks, testers felt that the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder excelled in its intended purpose. It effectively manages access to food based on microchip identification and provides a convenient solution for specific scenarios.

Pros:

• Easy programming of microchips
• Included RFID tag
• Training function for cat acclimation
• Futuristic design
• Comes with a split bowl

Cons:

• Plastic bowl
• Battery-powered only
• Rear cover accessory not included (at an additional cost)

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Best for Wet Food – Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Dog & Cat Feeder

The Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Dog & Cat Feeder is similar in design to the Portable pick, PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal feeder. It features a rotating, multi-compartment tray that allows for pre-loading and scheduling meals for cats. Unlike the chute-based dispensing of dry food, this feeder is ideal for semi-wet or wet food as you can manually load each compartment and set the schedule for when it’s revealed to your cat(s). To address the issue of wet food spoiling quickly, the Cat Mate C500 includes two ice packs beneath the rotating tray.

The inclusion of the ice packs allows for pre-loading wet food without the need for immediate refrigeration. However, it’s important to note that the ice packs are not long-lasting enough to keep the food cold beyond 24 hours, making it less suitable for serving wet food when you’re away for an extended period.

Cat owners who would find the Cat Mate C500 useful include those who want their cats to adjust to waiting by the feeder for their scheduled mealtime, particularly if they are tired of being woken up by their cats. It can also be handy for scheduling a meal serving when you expect to be working late.

The C500 can be programmed for up to 5 scheduled mealtimes, with each compartment holding 1.25 cups of food. The programming process is straightforward, but it’s important to pay attention to distinguishing between a.m. and p.m. to prevent missed meals.

The Cat Mate C500 is easy to clean, as both the top cover and the food tray are dishwasher safe.

Pros:

• Ice packs to keep wet food edible for a short period
• Suitable for wet and dry food
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Operates on batteries only, no outlet plug

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Best Battery – PetSafe Six Meal Feeder

The PetSafe Six Meal Feeder is a battery-powered automatic cat feeder that provides flexibility in terms of placement since it doesn’t rely on a wall outlet. With a battery life of up to 9 months, the feeder is less likely to lose power while you’re away, especially if you insert new batteries before a trip.

The feeder offers easy programming and useful features through its tactile buttons and LCD screen. Feedings can be scheduled at any time of the day in 15-minute intervals, allowing for up to six different feeding times. Alternatively, you can set a single feeding time, and the feeder will dispense one of its six meals into the bowl at the same time every day. There is also a separate button for immediate meal dispensing. The portion sizes can be determined by filling the six compartments individually, accommodating up to one cup of food per meal.

While the basic options make programming easy, the PetSafe feeder may not be suitable for highly specific meal plans that require different feeding times on a day-to-day basis. The feeder dispenses at the same predetermined time(s) every day.

The PetSafe Six Meal Feeder primarily works with dry food but can also handle semi-moist kibble. Testers noted that some kibble remained behind after feedings, and occasionally, food would stick in a way that hindered the lid from closing easily. However, these were minor issues that did not affect the feeder’s scheduled operation.

Overall, the PetSafe Six Meal Feeder is considered a simple and easy-to-use option with reliable features. It offers a no-frills approach and is praised for its straightforward functionality. The BPA-free bowl and food carousel are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

Pros:

• Easy programming
• Locking lid
• 9-month battery life
• Dishwasher-safe major components

Cons:

• Plastic bowl
• Limited programming options

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Read Also:Top 7 Cat Water Fountains, Tested and Reviewed for Optimal Hydration

What to Look for in an Automatic Cat Feeder

When selecting an automatic cat feeder, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

1. Feeding Schedule and Portion Control: Look for an automatic feeder that allows you to set a customized feeding schedule and portion sizes for your cat. This feature ensures that your cat receives consistent and appropriate meals, even when you’re not at home.
2. Capacity: Consider the size and capacity of the feeder. Choose a feeder that can hold enough food to accommodate your cat’s needs without frequent refills. This is especially important if you have multiple cats or if you’re planning to be away for an extended period.
3. Food Dispensing Mechanism: Evaluate the type of food dispensing mechanism the feeder uses. Some feeders utilize gravity to release food, while others have programmable timers or rotating mechanisms. Ensure that the mechanism is reliable, prevents food from getting stuck or clogged, and dispenses the right amount of food accurately.
4. Ease of Programming and Use: Opt for an automatic feeder with a user-friendly interface and intuitive programming. It should be easy to set up the feeding schedule, adjust portion sizes, and navigate the settings without complications.
5. Power Source and Backup: Consider the power source of the feeder. Some models use batteries, while others require a power outlet. If you choose a battery-operated feeder, ensure that the battery life is sufficient to last for the desired duration. Additionally, look for feeders that have backup power options, such as battery backup or a power adapter, to prevent interruptions in case of power outages.
6. Food Storage and Freshness: If you prefer to store a larger amount of food in the feeder, look for models with airtight food storage compartments to maintain the freshness of the kibble. This is particularly important if you plan to leave food in the feeder for an extended period.
7. Durability and Safety: Select an automatic feeder made from sturdy and durable materials that can withstand daily use and potential rough handling by your cat. Ensure that it has no small parts or components that could pose a choking hazard.
8. Easy to Clean: Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain hygiene. Choose a feeder with removable and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning and maintenance.
9. Smart Features (Optional): Some automatic feeders offer additional smart features like smartphone app connectivity, remote control, or camera integration. These features allow you to monitor and control feeding remotely, receive notifications, or even interact with your cat while you’re away. Consider these features if they align with your needs and preferences.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup, programming, and maintenance of the automatic feeder. It’s also a good idea to gradually introduce your cat to the feeder to ensure they are comfortable using it.

How do automatic cat feeders work?

Automatic cat feeders are designed to dispense pre-measured portions of food to your cat at scheduled times, even when you’re not around. Here’s a general overview of how they work:

1. Programming: You set up the feeding schedule and portion sizes on the automatic cat feeder. This is typically done using buttons or a digital interface on the feeder itself. The programming options may vary depending on the model.
2. Food Storage: Automatic cat feeders have a compartment or hopper where you can store a certain amount of dry cat food. The capacity of the storage compartment can vary, ranging from a few cups to several pounds of food.
3. Dispensing Mechanism: When it’s time for a scheduled feeding, the automatic feeder dispenses the predetermined portion of food into a tray or bowl. The specific dispensing mechanism depends on the model. Some feeders use gravity to release the food, while others employ timers, rotating discs, or conveyor belts to control the food dispensing process.
4. Portion Control: Automatic cat feeders typically offer portion control options, allowing you to specify the amount of food to be dispensed per meal. This helps ensure that your cat receives the appropriate portion size, promoting healthy eating habits and weight management.
5. Power Source: Automatic cat feeders can be powered by either batteries or an electrical outlet. Battery-operated feeders offer flexibility and are not dependent on a power source, while electrically powered feeders need to be plugged into an outlet. Some models may include backup power options like battery backup or a power adapter, which can be helpful during power outages.
6. Customization and Features: Depending on the model, automatic cat feeders may offer additional features and customization options. These can include multiple feeding schedules, voice recording functions (to call your cat during mealtime), built-in timers, and even Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control through smartphone apps.

It’s important to note that automatic feeders are typically designed for dry cat food. If you feed your cat wet or moist food, you may need to consider alternative feeding options or specific models designed for wet food.

Automatic cat feeders are convenient tools for ensuring regular and controlled feeding for your cat, especially when you’re away or have a busy schedule. However, it’s essential to monitor your cat’s weight, eating habits, and overall health to ensure the automatic feeder is meeting their nutritional needs effectively.

Can multiple cats share the same feeder?

Multiple cats can share the same automatic feeder, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Feeding Schedule: If the cats have different feeding schedules or dietary needs, it can be challenging to accommodate them with a single feeder. Some automatic feeders offer multiple programmable feeding times, allowing you to set different schedules for each cat.
2. Portion Control: If the cats require different portion sizes, it may be difficult to ensure that each cat receives the appropriate amount of food. Some feeders have portion control settings that allow you to dispense different portion sizes at each feeding time.
3. Food Aggression: If there is food aggression or competition between your cats, sharing a single feeder may lead to conflicts. In such cases, it’s advisable to provide separate feeding stations to prevent stress and ensure each cat has access to their own food.
4. Number of Cats: Consider the number of cats sharing the feeder. If you have a large number of cats, a single feeder may not provide enough space or food for all of them. In such cases, it may be more practical to have multiple feeders placed in different locations.
5. Monitoring and Observation: When multiple cats share a feeder, it’s important to monitor their eating habits and ensure that each cat is getting enough food. Keep an eye on their weight, behavior during feeding, and overall health to detect any potential issues.

If you have multiple cats with different feeding needs, it’s generally recommended to provide separate feeding stations or individual automatic feeders to ensure each cat’s specific requirements are met. This can help prevent conflicts, ensure portion control, and allow for customized feeding schedules.

How much food can an automatic cat feeder hold?

The capacity of an automatic cat feeder can vary depending on the model and design. Feeders come in various sizes, and their food storage compartments can range from a few cups to several pounds of dry cat food. The specific capacity of an automatic cat feeder is usually indicated by the manufacturer.

When choosing an automatic cat feeder, consider the number of cats you have, their feeding habits, and how long you plan to be away. If you have multiple cats or you’ll be away for an extended period, you may need a feeder with a larger capacity to ensure an ample food supply.

It’s important to note that the capacity of the feeder refers to the amount of food it can hold, but the actual portion sizes dispensed per meal can vary depending on the programming and settings you choose. Some feeders allow you to adjust portion sizes, while others dispense a fixed amount per feeding.

Before purchasing an automatic cat feeder, carefully read the product specifications and consider your cats’ dietary needs and feeding requirements to ensure the feeder’s capacity is suitable for your specific situation.