Kitties are cute but there are times when you wish you never had one. Imagine getting home super tired and all you want to do is sleep only to be woken up at 3 am by endless “meows”. Well, cats don’t purr or meow for the fun of it. There is a good chance that when they do that (especially meow), they must be hungry. And that’s where the best automatic cat feeders come in handy.
These innovative feeders will not just play a crucial role in making sure you have uninterrupted sleep but also can come in handy when you are on a vacation or business trip. All you need to do is customize meal scheduling so your cat can be well fed each day until you come back home. We have reviewed them in the consumer reports below to help you make an informed decision in case you decide to get one for your 4-legged friend.
10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews
1. PetSafe Pre-Portioned Food Dispenser
PetSafe Pre-Portioned Auto Food Dispenser is a decent purchase for those with two pets. It is innovatively designed to feed two pets at the same time. It dispenses food in equal amounts and into 2 separate bowls for maximum convenience. Still, on convenience; this pet food dispenser automatic allows you to adjust the total serving size.
For instance, if you want your pets to consume ¼ cup, you can adjust the total serving size to ½ cup. Moreover, this pre-portioned food dispensing unit comes with an optional privacy panel, which acts as a barrier and prevents another pet from eating what is not rightfully his. An additional bowl and a support bracket are also included to further promote convenience. The bowl is made of stainless steel, and it is of good quality.
Given its well-thought-out features, the PetSafe Pet Food Dispenser is arguably the best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats.
Key Features
- 2-pet meal splitter divides the food of pets in half
- Meal splitter attachment allows your pet to dispense kibble up to half an inch in diameter
- Food-grade BPA-free material cleans easily in the bottom or top of the dishwasher
Pros
- It is shipped incredibly fast
- Runs on batteries; therefore, will still function even during a power outage
- Good quality and easy to program
- Instructions for setup are clear, well illustrated, and easy to follow
Cons
- Makes a little noise when dispensing the food
2. Cat Mate C500 Feeder for Cats and Small Dogs
One of the best automatic cat feeders for wet food is right in front of you. It is equipped with 5 food compartments that enable it to serve up to 5 meals. Of the 5, one is for the initial feed, while the remaining 4 is for further timed feeds. Each compartment holds 11.5 ounces of wet food. But it’s not just wet pet food this feeder is designed to serve; you can also use it for dry pet food.
The dispenser comes with twin ice packs, which help keep food fresh so your pet can enjoy every bit of it. Furthermore, this automatic feeder for pets is designed to be tamper-resistant to pets plus you can fasten it to a wooden board to make it more stable. It uses 3 AA batteries (not included), which, in our opinion, is great because it means the feeder will keep working even during a power outage. These batteries last for more than 12 months.
Key Features
- Battery status indicator ensures you are not caught off-guard by dying batteries
- Digital timer is easy to use and allows you to program individual meal times
- Dishwasher-friendly bowl and lid are easy to clean
- LCD display shows all programmed feed times
Pros
- Setup is easy and intuitive
- Good quality for the price
- Suitable for both wet and dry foods
- Operates quietly without bothering the peace of anyone
Cons
- The screen is pretty dim
3. PETLIBRO 4L Automatic Cat Feeder for Dry Food
No one likes it when their cat starts to howl at dawn because they are hungry. That is why you should consider investing in the PETLIBRO Automatic Feeder for Cat & Dog. It has a 4-liter/16.9-cup capacity that allows it to consistently provide for your cat or dog for 2 good days. So, if you are a busy person who is always on the go, this cat feeder is for you and your beloved pet.
The feeder also gives you the freedom to go on a vacation with peace of mind knowing that your pet will not starve. It dispenses the right amount of food at the right time. In a day, it dispenses 1 – 4 meals, depending on the settings. Moreover, this cat feeder for dry food boasts a dual power supply, which includes a 5V DC adapter and 3 alkaline D-cell batteries (not included). These batteries come in handy whenever there is a power outage.
Key Features
- LCD screen allows you to effortlessly set the meals, portions, and time
- 10s meal-time message allows you to record your voice for 10 seconds so your pet can know it is time to eat
- Manual feeding function gives the cat extra rewards
- Humanized design needs 2 hands to press so the feeder can open
- Desiccant bag keeps dry kibbles fresh to make sure your pet always enjoys delicious, healthy food
Pros
- Cat dish is deep and wide; hence, kibbles will not fall out easily
- The lid is secure and cats cannot open it easily
- The bowl and opening are easy to clean
- The dual power supply is nice
Cons
- The screen is pretty small
4. Roffie 7L Automatic Cat Feeder with Portion Control and Voice Recorder
The programming of the Roffie 7L Automatic Cat Food Dispenser is straightforward and will provide you with a lot of flexibility when it comes to setting specific meal times and portions. Portion sizes range from a couple of teaspoons to 4-1/2 cups of dry food. Additionally, this automatic feeder for pets allows you to use dry food with kibble sizes ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 inches. This lets it dispense food smoothly without jamming.
A massive 7-liter (29-cup) hopper comes with this cat feeder. When filled, the hopper can hold pet food that lasts for a few days to 1 week, depending on your settings. The large capacity hopper makes this feeder the perfect package for pet owners with super busy schedules or singles who travel a lot. The cat automatic feeder is powered by three D-size batteries and a power adapter. This means it will keep working even when there is a power outage.
Key Features
- ABS housing is sturdy and protects the feeder nicely
- Food container is removable for easy cleaning
- Top lid keeps kibbles fresh by creating a type of special seal
- Record customizable message means you can record a customized message for up to 10s to remind your cat that it’s time to eat
- Timer can be programmed to dispense up to 4 meals per day
Pros
- Helps with weight management in pets
- Keeps feeding times consistent even when you are busy
- Meal scheduling is extremely easy
- Does not open easily; hence, cats cannot tamper with it
Cons
- The voice recorder is not the loudest, but it is still a wonderful addition
5. Pawzone Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser
Pawzone Cat Feeder comes with a pet food mat and a water dispenser. It comes complete to make sure your cat or dog not only enjoys good food but also drinks clean, safe water even when you are not around. Each pet feeder/water dispenser measures 12 by 7 by 12 inches and has a decent capacity of 1 gallon. This enables it to hold enough food until you come back home.
The pet water dispenser is suitable for cats as well as small and medium dogs. Furthermore, all of these pieces are well made and they are very affordable. This means even money will not come between you and a good automatic pet feeder for your cat or small dog. The manufacturer believes in the quality of the feeder & dispenser. That being said, it not only provides a 2-year assurance and 30-day refund policy but also promises a lifetime customer service.
N/B: – You should not fill the water dispenser with hot water. It is only suitable for cool or warm water. Also, you should note that the feeder is only suitable for small kibble dry dog or cat food – not wet or canned food snacks.
Key Features
- Non-skid rubber feet keep the feeder and dispenser firmly on the ground
- Side-out cut handles along the base ensure easy lifting
- PP top lid is durable and pets will not tamper with it
- Transparent hopper makes it easy to check food or water level
Pros
- Setting up and filling the feeder and water dispenser is a breeze
- Food gets to the bowl smoothly
- No plastic smell that can potentially turn cats off
- The pet food mat is very helpful
- Great for a multi-pet home
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
6. PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder for Small Animals
The 3 am “meows” can be bothersome even to the deepest sleepers. But, there is a super convenient way to put an end to this. And that is to invest in the PETKIT Cat Automatic Feeder. The dimensions of this feeder are 9.06 by 9.06 by 16.54 inches and the pump type is automatic. In short, this is a well-sized feeder that holds a good amount of pet food to allow you to go for a vacation or business trip whenever you want to.
Moreover, this cat automatic feeder is available in 2 versions to choose from. One version comes with a plastic bowl, while the other one comes with a stainless steel bowl. Another great thing to say about this feeder is that it is Wi-Fi enabled. And this will give you a chance to feed your four-legged friend the smart, 21st century way. It provides you with 10 different portions to choose from. Well, this ranges from 5g – 50g, and can help you manage the weight of your pet so they do not become obese.
More about the Product: The feeder is compatible with food sizes that are less than 12mm. It can, however, be filled with any-shaped dry food. Plus it can provide up to 10 meals in a day. Moreover, it is important to note that this feeder should be kept dry and placed on a flat surface. You should also note that a 2.4GHz network is required for the cat feeder to work.
Key Features
- Detachable design makes it easy to operate the feeder
- Back-up batteries enabled keeps the feeder functioning even during a power outage
- Remote & scheduled feeding ensures you do not under-feed or over-feed your cat
- Duo lock system keeps the food fresh and dry
- Weight sensor sends you notifications when food in the bucket starts to run low and an alert when the food bucket is empty
Pros
- Great for apartments or homes where space is valuable
- Customer service is outstanding
- Feeding happens as scheduled even when you are offline
- Dirty parts detach easily for cleaning
Cons
- The app could be more intuitive
7. Peteme 4L Automatic Cat Feeder
Setting up the Peteme 4L Automatic Cat Feeder is quick and easy. All you need to do is plug in the adapter and then switch on the feeder. After that, download the Smart Life App before setting the feeder into a connection mode. An LED indicator should flash to show that the automatic feeder is in the connection mode. Once you are done with all of these, scan and then add the pet feeder to the app.
Once you are able to operate the feeder via the app, you can set feeding schedules. The feeder can dispense meals up to 6 times in a day while portions range from 1 – 10. This vast range of feeding schedules allows you to put your pet on a healthy diet. The feeder is compatible with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. And it allows you to feed your pet anywhere, anytime. So, whether you are on a business trip, traveling, or attending a party, expect your furry friend to not go hungry.
Key Features
- Voice interaction technology allows you to play recorded voice so your pet can get used to the feeder quickly
- Dual power supply means the feeder can be powered either by 3 D-type batteries or a power adapter
- Silicone pads ensure the feeder stays put, especially when your pet is feeding
- Feeding logs can be checked anytime to see whether your pet is feeding as imagined
Pros
- The Smart Life App is reputable
- Comes with all the necessary components
- Wi-Fi is easy to set up
- Works as scheduled even when you are offline
Cons
- Instructions are not very clear
8. WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder for Cat & Small Dog
If we were to pick an automatic pet feeder with the most flexible scheduling, the WellToBe Cat Feeder could no doubt be the first on our list. It can be programmed to dispense food up to 6 times a day. Well, this is not astonishing because most top-notch automatic cat dispensers have the 6-meal/day program. Where the WellToBe Feeder is special is when it comes to the number of portions you can schedule it to give your pet.
Can you believe that this unit boasts 1 – 48 portions? Each portion is around 0.28 oz, which is around 1/16 cup. This is amazing because it makes it easy to train your cat to eat healthy every time. It is important to note that the kibble size should not exceed 0.47 inches. Anything above that can cause jamming. What’s more, this feeder comes with two 3-cup food bowls and a 2-way splitter to help you distribute food equally between your pets.
More about the Product: The 2 bowls are made of stainless steel for aesthetics and long-lasting performance. The 2-way splitter and the aforementioned bowls make this feeder suitable for a home with more than one pet.
This feeder for cats also features a built-in voice recorder and a speaker to allow you to record a 10-second-long message so you can call your pet to eat every time food is dispensed. The recorder can be disabled if need be.
Key Features
- Advanced automatic reversal mechanism totally solves the problem of food jams
- Blue light flashing reminds you when it’s time to refill the food container
- Built-in infrared sensor lets you know when the food bowl is full
- Dual power supply means the feeder can be powered by a power adapter and 4 D-size batteries, which come in handy when there is a power outage
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- The converter for splitting the portion into 2 bowls is easy to remove
- Instructions are clear and make programming the feeder a cakewalk
- Bowls can be taken out easily for cleanup
Cons
- Pretty loud when dispensing food
9. WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder
WOPET Automatic Food Dispenser for Pets gives you the power to control the eating habits of your cat. With it, you will be able to feed your pet even when you are not at home. All you need is your smartphone to control everything. The cat feeder can be programmed to dispense meals 15 times a day. Furthermore, it boasts 1 – 50 portions per meal, which gives greater flexibility in meal scheduling. There is 5g in each portion, and this makes it easy to control the bodyweight of your pet as well as to establish good eating habits.
It is hard to deny that this is the best automatic feeder for cats and dogs. Like other top-quality units, WOPET Pet Feeder allows you to record a custom message so you can keep your cat or dog happy and less anxious when you are not at home. To record a voice message, simply press and then hold the record button. This automatic customizable feeder is suitable for cats, dogs, and small animals.
N/B: – The cat feeder is suitable for dry pet foods only. You should also note that the cat feeder works with pellets whose sizes range from 5 – 15mm. And the app it works with is Pet Zero iOS/Android app, which is available for free. The app is compatible with Android 4.4 or later or iOS 9.0 or later. Last but not least, the Wi-Fi network of your home should be on a 2.4GHz frequency for the feeder to work.
Key Features
- Main food storage compartment holds up to 6 liters of dry food
- Low food sensor ensures you know when the level of food is low as well as alerting you of an empty food hopper
- Battery backup allows the feeder to keep functioning on 3 D-size batteries when there is a power outage
- White color gives the feeder a clean, modern look that blends nicely into any home décor
Pros
- Very easy to set up
- Can feed cats for days without a refill
- The portion size is very consistent
- The number of meals per day and size of each meal is almost infinitely programmable
Cons
- The hopper cannot be removed for cleaning
10. Aolestar 7L Automatic Cat Feeder
The meal scheduling of the Aolestar Automatic Feeder for Cats allows you to program the feeder to dispense food up to 4 times a day, and in 1 – 20 portions per meal. While this is not the most flexible meal scheduling, it does not compromise the performance of this cat feeder in any way. Your cat or dog will still have a good time when you are not at home. The humanized design allows you to use both hands to lightly press on the sides of the unit when you want to clean, maintain, or store it.
This cat feeder also features an advanced automatic turning structure that works with a beveled design to completely get rid of jamming. You will never have to deal with the problem of stuck food when you have this unit. And this, in turn, means your dog or cat will never go hungry. Cleaning the feeder is easy, and that’s because the stainless steel bowl and BPA-free plastic feeder parts are dishwasher safe. The conveyor system is, however, hand-wash recommended.
Key Features
- Large capacity 7L hopper holds food that can feed your cat for at least 2 days
- Dual power supply enables the feeder to work on 3 D-size batteries during a power outage and to be powered by a power adapter when there is power
- LCD screen allows you to effortlessly set the portions, meals, and time
- Voice recording feature lets you record a 10-second clip of your voice encouraging your pet to come and eat
- Manual feeding function gives pets extra rewards
Pros
- Easy to use and serves its purpose
- The feeder has plenty of amazing features
- The bowl is locked in by the weight of the feeder; hence, your pet will not be able to move it away
- The bowl is quite large
- The design is sleek
Cons
- The lid could be easier to open
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Food Dispenser for Pets
In this buying guide, we have talked about a number of factors to have in mind if you want to bring home one of the best automatic cat feeders.
Power Supply
The best automatic cat feeders support dual power supply. This means they can be powered by a power adapter and/or batteries. Batteries come in handy when there is a power outage. They make sure the feeder is able to keep working, thereby, completely eliminating any chances of your pet going hungry.
The Capacity of the Food Tank
Automatic cat feeders with large food tanks are highly recommended. You see; such feeders hold a lot of food that can feed your beloved cat for days or even up to a week. They promote convenience as well as giving you the freedom to go on a vacation or business trip for a longer period compared to a feeder with a small food hopper.
Tamper-proof, Solid Design
The cat feeder you are set to buy should be solidly constructed so pets cannot tamper with it easily and break in to get extra food. Well, most feeders are made of plastic. So, if possible, settle on something made of ABS, thick plastic. Also, ensure the plastic is BPA-free so the health of your pet is not gradually compromised.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the reasons why you are buying an automatic cat feeder is that you want to make your life easier. It, therefore, makes no sense to end up with something that is neither easy to maintain nor easy to clean. What are we saying? When buying a pet automatic feeder, go for a unit whose parts can be taken apart and cleaned in the dishwasher.
Meal Scheduling
Nearly all automatic cat feeders have this feature. And that’s because it is too important to miss from a serious cat food dispenser. Well, different pet feeders have different meal scheduling functions.
We, therefore, advise that you go for a feeder with the most flexible meal scheduling. If we were to be specific, the feeder of your cat should be able to dispense food at least 4 times a day and in portions ranging from 1 – 10.
Food Type, Size and Shape
There are automatic cat feeders for wet food and automatic cat feeders for dry food. Also, the market has automatic cat feeders for wet & dry food. It is important to have this kind of information so you do not purchase the wrong feeder. You should also know the pellet sizes and shapes the feeder you are interested in is compatible with to prevent frequent jamming.
Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews: Conclusion
To conclude, automatic dog feeders and automatic cat feeders have made work easier for pet owners. As their names suggest, these pet food dispensers will automatically feed your pet, thereby, giving you the freedom to focus on other things.
With them, you will be able to leave for work or go on a vacation/business trip with peace of mind knowing that your beloved furry friend will never go hungry.