Entertainment And Leisure
Written by Dale RichardsonUpdated: July 2, 2024
Welcome, cat lovers, to the world of the best automatic cat feeders! If you're a proud cat parent like me, you know how important it is to keep our feline friends well-nourished, even when we can't be there personally to feed them. That's where automatic cat feeders come in. These nifty devices offer a convenient and reliable way to ensure our furry companions are well-fed, whether we're at work, travelling, or simply need a little extra help in manageing their mealtime routines. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of automatic cat feeders, explore why they outshine their alternatives, and provide you with valuable tips on what to consider when purchasing one.
Here is a glance at the best Automatic Cat Feeders before we review them in depth further down:
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder allows for customized feeding for each pet. It can store and dispense both wet and dry food, accommodating different feeding preferences and dietary needs. It ensures that each pet receives the right portion size at their scheduled meal times.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This pet feeder is built with a sturdy and durable construction. It features a sealed bowl that helps keep the food fresh and free from contaminants. The feeder is compatible with most microchips or RFID collar tags, allowing for personalized access control and preventing food stealing.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is designed with user-friendly programming. It has a simple control panel with intuitive buttons, allowing you to easily set up and adjust feeding schedules. The feeder also has a learning mode that helps associate your pet's microchip with their access to the feeder.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder is powered by four C-cell batteries, providing cordless operation and flexibility in placement. It does not rely on a power outlet, making it suitable for various locations in your home. The batteries have a long lifespan, and the feeder includes a low battery indicator for convenience.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is easy to clean and maintain. The bowl and lid are both removable and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient to keep the feeder hygienic and free from food residue. The feeder's design also prevents ants and other pests from accessing the food.
Product Summary:
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a reliable solution for personalized and controlled feeding for your pets. It offers customizable feeding capacity and frequency, accommodating different food types and portion sizes. The sturdy construction and sealed bowl ensure food freshness and prevent contamination. The feeder's compatibility with microchips or RFID collar tags allows for individualized access control, ensuring that each pet gets their designated portion. Programming the feeder is user-friendly, and it can operate cordlessly with long-lasting batteries. Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, thanks to the dishwasher-safe components and pest-resistant design. The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder provides convenience, hygiene, and peace of mind in manageing your pets' feeding routine.
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The Pawise Automatic 2-Meal Feeder allows you to schedule up to two meals for your pet, providing convenience and portion control. It helps regulate feeding times, especially for pets on a strict dietary routine.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This feeder is compact and lightweight, making it easy to place and transport. It features a durable construction that can withstand daily use. The feeder has separate compartments for each meal, keeping the food fresh and preventing it from mixing.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: Programming the Pawise Automatic 2-Meal Feeder is straightforward. It has a user-friendly control panel with buttons to set the desired meal times. The feeder does not require complex programming or technical knowledge, making it suitable for pet owners of all levels.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder is battery-operated, providing flexibility in placement without the need for a power outlet. It requires two AA batteries to function, which are easily accessible. However, it does not offer a backup power option in case of battery failure.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The Pawise Automatic 2-Meal Feeder is easy to clean and maintain. The feeding compartments and tray are removable and dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleaning process. The feeder's design also helps minimize food spills and mess.
Product Summary:
The Pawise Automatic 2-Meal Feeder offers a practical solution for scheduled and portion-controlled feeding. With two separate compartments, it allows you to pre-program up to two meals, providing convenience and consistency for your pet's feeding routine. The feeder's compact and lightweight design makes it easy to place and transport. Programming the feeder is simple, requiring no technical expertise. It operates on two AA batteries, offering flexibility in placement. However, it lacks a backup power option. Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, thanks to the dishwasher-safe components. The Pawise Automatic 2-Meal Feeder is a cost-effective choice for pet owners seeking a basic automatic feeding solution for their pets.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Gift"
"Purchased as a charitable donation so I’m not sure if it’s any good but it was on a wish list assume it’s a good product"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2023
"Great"
"Great item just right if u need to go away couple of days"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2023
"Does the job!"
"I didn't have high hopes for this but I'm impressed! Price was good and it does exactly what I needed. Gel packs to insert to keep wet food cool are a great extra. Cat has no concerns in using it at all. Would have 5 stars but for the fact it's a little bit noisy and if you're using it on short timer settings it can be tricky to find the exact time. Minor points though and would definitely recommend."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 August 2023
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The Cat Mate Automatic Feeder (Small) has a generous feeding capacity, capable of holding up to 3 kilograms of dry food. It offers programmable meal times, allowing you to schedule up to three meals per day, ensuring your cat is fed at regular intervals.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This feeder features a sturdy and durable construction. It is designed to withstand regular use and the playful nature of cats. The hopper-style design keeps the food protected from moisture and pests, maintaining its freshness.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: Programming the Cat Mate Automatic Feeder is user-friendly. It has an intuitive control panel and an LCD screen for easy navigation. The feeder offers straightforward instructions for setting meal times and portion sizes, making it convenient for pet owners.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: The feeder operates on batteries, providing flexibility in placement without the need for a power outlet. It requires four C-size batteries, ensuring a long-lasting power source. However, it does not have a backup power option in case of battery failure.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: Cleaning and maintenance of the Cat Mate Automatic Feeder are relatively simple. The feeder's components, including the food bowl and hopper, are detachable and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean. Regular cleaning helps ensure proper hygiene and food freshness.
Product Summary:
The Cat Mate Automatic Feeder (Small) is an ideal solution for cat owners seeking a reliable and convenient feeding option. With its generous feeding capacity and programmable meal times, it provides consistent and portion-controlled feeding for your furry companion. The feeder's sturdy construction ensures durability, while the hopper-style design protects the food from moisture and pests. Programming the feeder is user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive control panel and LCD screen. It operates on batteries, offering flexibility in placement, but lacks a backup power option. Cleaning and maintenance are hassle-free, with dishwasher-safe components. The Cat Mate Automatic Feeder (Small) is a practical choice for busy pet owners who want to ensure their cats are fed on time and in the right portions.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Really Good"
"Brilliant, does what it says, perfect for when you go out for a night"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2023
"Perfect for feeding my dog!!"
"This has worked perfectly for feeding my dog when I’ve been away. Very easy to use and clean."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2023
"Great"
"Super easy to use, good size bowl as I was having trouble finding an automatic feeder that wouldn't cause whisker fatigue. Pity it only comes with one ice pack and you need the stainless steel inserts for cleanliness and it's better for the cat to eat from."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2023
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The Kitten Automatic Feeder (Large Capacity) provides ample space for storing dry cat food. With a large capacity, it can hold a significant amount of food, ensuring your kitten is well-fed even when you're away. It offers programmable meal times and portion sizes, allowing you to customize the feeding frequency according to your kitten's needs.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This feeder is constructed with durable materials to withstand the playful nature of kittens. It features a hopper-style design that keeps the food protected from moisture and pests, ensuring freshness. The sturdy construction prevents tipping or accidental spills, providing stability during feeding.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The Kitten Automatic Feeder is designed for ease of use. It features a user-friendly control panel with intuitive buttons and an LCD screen, making it simple to program the meal times and portion sizes. The feeder also provides clear instructions for programming and customization.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder operates on both batteries and AC power, giving you flexibility in power sources. It comes with a power adapter for convenient and continuous operation. In case of a power outage, the feeder has a battery backup function to ensure uninterrupted feeding.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The Kitten Automatic Feeder is designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. It has detachable components, such as the food tray and hopper, which can be easily cleaned and reassembled. The materials are also easy to wipe down, ensuring proper hygiene for your kitten's food.
Product Summary:
The Kitten Automatic Feeder (Large Capacity) is an excellent solution for busy kitten owners who want to ensure their pets are fed properly and on schedule. With its large feeding capacity and customizable meal times, it provides convenience and portion control. The feeder's durable construction and hopper-style design keep the food protected and fresh. Programming the feeder is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly control panel and LCD screen. It offers dual power options with the flexibility of batteries or AC power, ensuring uninterrupted feeding. Maintenance and cleaning are hassle-free, with detachable components and easy-to-clean materials. The Kitten Automatic Feeder (Large Capacity) is a reliable and practical choice for ensuring your kitten's nutritional needs are met even when you're away.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Great machine, well worth the pennies."
"We got ours in jan 2022 and it’s still going strong, I especially love the app on my phone and watch that lets me see when he is fed but also allows me to give him a wee treat when I am bedridden. It’s been a lifesaver, it’s timer feeding system means I don’t have to get up to feed him and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a lie in in the morning without a screaming fluffy overlord demanding food. Only downside is the portion size is a bit iffy, some days it’s 16g per portion, other days it’s 22g so it makes judging a decent feed amount difficult to start with. But after that’s sorted, it’s a breeze."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2023
"Easy to use"
"Easy to set up and is handy for days away, days out etc. Espevially useful for remotely feeding if delayed due to traffic etc."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2023
"Easy to set up. Cats are super happy they don't have wait for me get home"
"The media could not be loaded. I never thought I would ever buy a automatic feeder for my cats, but due to certain circumstances I ended up buying this because I was going out of town, and I didn’t want to bother any more people to come and feed My cats, I ended up choosing this feeder after much deliberation, and research, it has been the best thing I have ever bought my cats. Works very well, good food portion [7g per portion]. Requires a bit of maths to calculate your buddy's needs but after a week you will be able to sort out the right feeding amount. Example: 6 months kitten [ + 3,5kg ] 5 x day dry food [7g] + 1 pouch wet food [85g] Portions [3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3] = Total of 91 grams of dry food."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 February 2023
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed offers a generous feeding capacity, allowing you to store a significant amount of dry or semi-moist pet food. It allows for customizable meal portions and frequencies, ensuring your pet receives regular and portion-controlled meals throughout the day.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This feeder is constructed with durable materials to withstand everyday use. It features a hopper-style design that keeps the food fresh and protected from pests. The sturdy construction ensures stability during feeding, preventing tipping or accidental spills.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed is designed for ease of use and programming. It features a user-friendly control panel with intuitive buttons and an LCD screen, making it easy to set meal times, portion sizes, and feeding intervals. The feeder also offers a "slow feed" mode to prevent fast eating and promote better digestion.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder operates on both AC power and battery backup, providing reliable and uninterrupted feeding. The included power adapter ensures continuous operation, while the battery backup feature ensures feeding even during power outages or when the feeder is not connected to a power source.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed is designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. It has detachable components, such as the food bowl and hopper, which can be easily removed and cleaned. The feeder's design allows for easy access to all parts, ensuring thorough cleaning and proper hygiene for your pet's food.
Product Summary:
The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed is a versatile and reliable automatic feeder that helps you ensure your pet's meals are delivered in a controlled and convenient manner. With its generous feeding capacity and customizable portion sizes, it provides flexibility in feeding schedules and portion control. The feeder's durable construction and hopper-style design keep the food fresh and protected. Programming the feeder is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly control panel and LCD screen. It operates on both AC power and battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted feeding. The feeder is easy to clean, with detachable components and easy-access design. The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a convenient and reliable feeding solution for their pets.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!! Works like a dream"
"The app is great at alerting you of any issues, like the food being low, or empty. It also lets you know every time it has fed your pet and it is extremely simple to operate and change portion sizes etc. Simple to do the initial set up and if one day they eat all their food (more than usual) it’s simple to give them an additional portion through the app or by pressing the button on the machine! Very impressed! No issues with it so far and I have been using it for 3 weeks feeding to cats"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 May 2022
"Amazing!! Works like a dream"
"The app is great at alerting you of any issues, like the food being low, or empty. It also lets you know every time it has fed your pet and it is extremely simple to operate and change portion sizes etc. Simple to do the initial set up and if one day they eat all their food (more than usual) it’s simple to give them an additional portion through the app or by pressing the button on the machine! Very impressed! No issues with it so far and I have been using it for 3 weeks feeding to cats"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 26 May 2022
"Great remote feeder"
"We bought this for odd late evenings when we wont be feeding the dogs on time. Combined with the additional extra bowl and divider it works well. Super easy to set up and operate. Once filled, you just prime it and set a schedule if you want. You can dispense a feed by the button on top (can be disabled) or via the app on demand too. Portions range from small to a size for really big animals. It's been working really well. this comes designed for mains power with a battery back up, but if its a one off one evening feed, you can probably choose either."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 9 April 2022
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The PetSafe Digital Meal Automatic Feeder offers a decent feeding capacity, allowing you to store a sufficient amount of dry or semi-moist pet food. It allows for customizable meal portions and up to 12 scheduled meals per day, ensuring your pet is fed at regular intervals throughout the day.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This feeder is designed with durability in mind. It features a sturdy construction that can withstand everyday use. The hopper-style design keeps the food fresh and protected from pests. The feeder's design also helps prevent spillage and ensures stability during feeding.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The PetSafe Digital Meal Automatic Feeder is designed to be user-friendly. It features a digital display and control panel, making it easy to set meal times, portion sizes, and feeding schedules. The programming options are intuitive, allowing pet owners to customize the feeding routine to suit their pet's needs.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder operates on both AC power and battery backup. It comes with a power adapter for continuous operation and includes backup battery support, ensuring feeding continuity in case of power outages. The backup battery option provides peace of mind that your pet will be fed even during unexpected situations.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The PetSafe Digital Meal Automatic Feeder is designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. It features a removable food tray and hopper, allowing for convenient access and cleaning. The components can be easily disassembled, and the feeder's design minimizes food residue buildup.
Product Summary:
The PetSafe Digital Meal Automatic Feeder is a reliable and convenient solution for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are fed at regular intervals throughout the day. With customizable meal portions and up to 12 scheduled meals per day, it provides flexibility in feeding routines. The feeder's sturdy construction and hopper design keep the food fresh and protected. Programming the feeder is straightforward, thanks to the digital display and control panel. It operates on both AC power and battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted feeding. The feeder is easy to clean, with removable components that facilitate maintenance. The PetSafe Digital Meal Automatic Feeder offers convenience and peace of mind for pet owners, ensuring their pets are fed on time and in controlled portions.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"5.0 out of 5 stars Works well"
"Works well easy to clean. I put wet and dry food in"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 July 2022
"Works well"
"Works well easy to clean. I put wet and dry food in"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 July 2022
"Perfect"
"Exactly as expected. Works really well. Means we can go out and set 2 meals on to keep the cat happy. Easy to use and so easy to keep clean."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2022
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The Trixie Automatic Feeder Granite Black has a generous feeding capacity, allowing you to store a sufficient amount of dry or semi-moist pet food. It can dispense up to three meals per day, providing your pet with regular and controlled feeding.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This automatic feeder features a durable construction that ensures its longevity. The hopper-style design keeps the food fresh and protected from pests. The feeder is designed to be sturdy and stable during feeding, minimizing the risk of tipping or spillage.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The Trixie Automatic Feeder Granite Black is user-friendly and straightforward to program. It has an intuitive control panel that allows you to set the meal times and portion sizes easily. The feeder's digital display provides clear visibility and makes programming convenient.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder operates on both AC power and battery backup. It comes with a power adapter for continuous operation and includes backup battery support, ensuring feeding continuity even during power outages. The backup battery option provides peace of mind that your pet will be fed as scheduled.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Win: The Trixie Automatic Feeder Granite Black is designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. It features a removable food tray and hopper, making it convenient to access and clean. The feeder's components can be disassembled easily, and the design minimizes food residue buildup.
Product Summary:
The Trixie Automatic Feeder Granite Black is a reliable solution for pet owners who want to ensure their pets are fed regularly and in controlled portions. With its generous feeding capacity and the ability to dispense up to three meals per day, it offers flexibility in feeding schedules. The feeder's durable construction and hopper design keep the food fresh and protected. Programming the feeder is user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive control panel and digital display. It operates on both AC power and battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted feeding. Maintenance and cleaning are easy, with removable components that facilitate accessibility and hygiene. The Trixie Automatic Feeder Granite Black provides convenience and peace of mind, ensuring your pet's feeding routine is consistent and well-regulated.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Works perfectly"
"Easy to use"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2023
"Good food dispenser, easy to use"
"Easy to use and setup but be careful the batteries are in tight. The if they are loose the mechanism doesn't work, luckily I did a test run and all was well on the day it was needed. My cat was unsure about it at first but munching some treats from it seemed to cure her apprehension."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2023
"Does the job"
"Cats are now ok overnight. I wouldn't use this for wet food but it's good with kibble. We remove batteries in between uses as otherwise it just keeps ticking."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2023
Consideration Points:
Feeding Capacity and Frequency: Win: The Mate Automatic Pet Feeder has a generous feeding capacity, allowing you to program up to 4 meals per day. This provides flexibility and ensures that your pet receives regular and portioned meals, even when you're not around.
Feeder Type and Construction: Win: This automatic pet feeder features a durable and reliable construction. It is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear. The feeder is designed to dispense dry and semi-moist food, accommodating a variety of pet diets.
Ease of Use and Programming: Win: The Mate Automatic Pet Feeder is user-friendly and easy to program. It offers a digital control panel with intuitive buttons, allowing you to set the feeding times and portion sizes with ease. The LCD screen provides clear visibility and makes it convenient to monitor and adjust the settings.
Power Source and Backup Options: Win: This feeder can be powered by both batteries and a power adapter, providing flexibility in terms of power source. It also offers a battery backup option, ensuring that your pet's feeding schedule is maintained even during power outages.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Loss: The Mate Automatic Pet Feeder may require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure its proper functioning. The food container and feeding tray need to be cleaned periodically to prevent food residue buildup and maintain hygiene.
Product Summary:
The Mate Automatic Pet Feeder is a reliable solution for ensuring regular and portioned meals for your pet. It offers a generous feeding capacity with up to 4 meals per day, accommodating various feeding schedules. The feeder is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Its user-friendly design and digital control panel make it easy to program and adjust the feeding times and portion sizes. The option to power the feeder with both batteries and a power adapter, along with the battery backup feature, provides peace of mind in case of power outages. While regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to keep the feeder in optimal condition, the Mate Automatic Pet Feeder offers convenience and reliability in keeping your pet well-fed even when you're not available.
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Worked really well so far"
"Bought for kitten - took to it straight away. I find it quiet. Was easy to set timers. Slight downside, the side buttons to release the top cover can be a bit awkward. Really useful having the ice packs."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023
"Really usefull"
"This thing is really great peace of kit. Without exaggeration, can say that it saved our cats life. We were really struggling to find somebody who could look after our kitten, and found this. Its really easy to setup, 5 feeding capmartments and ice pack underneeth to kedp food fresh. Ideal when you need to go on holidays."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2023
"Easy to use, no problems"
"Happy with this, very easy to use Not sure about the statement from the product maker that a set of batteries last a year - we've been using for about a month or so and it says low battery already, though they were cheap batteries so maybe that's why. But cat cannot open it to get to the food. It's easy to operate and to clean and works without problem. Would recommend"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2023
When it comes to automatic cat feeders, their consistent feeding schedules, portion control capabilities, customizable options, time and energy savings, and suitability for various cat owners make them an excellent choice for ensuring your furry friends are well-nourished. Remember to consider the feeding capacity, feeder type, ease of use, power source, and maintenance when selecting the perfect automatic cat feeder for your beloved companions. So go ahead and choose the best automatic cat feeder that fits your cat's needs, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that they are well-fed even when you're not there.
Get Cashback Faster & Earn Free Fraffle Tickets
Shop at your favourite stores and enjoy cashback in days, not months. Plus, sign up today to get 5x Free Fraffle tickets!
Read all user reviews on Amazon
"Works well, most of the time"
"We purchased 2 of these for our cats. One of them was munching the food from the other and we needed to have a clear idea about who was eating whose. They worked wonderfully. However, we have needed to return one of them after the door started getting blocked and not opening. We witnessed this quite a few times and also how our cat would push it open on occasions. Of course, the appropriate checks were done (batteries, mechanical obstructions) and the issue continued. We returned it (which was easy through Amazon) and will purchase a new unit. In all fairness, they work well and we like them."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2023
"Brilliant"
"It’s just brilliant"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023
"Does the job as described"
"The media could not be loaded. We have 3 cats and this feeder is just wonderful, simple to set up and does exactly what it has been designed for. We haven’t needed to take additional measures to protect the food at the back as some other reviews have mentioned. We have an older cat and have bought a stand from Etsy which is perfect in elevating the bowl for more comfortable posture. Just great."
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2023