Last updated Jul 11, 2024
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Automatic cat feeders let you control your cat’s food intake whether you’re home or away.
With its versatility and consistent performance, the Cat Mate C500 is our top pick for the best automatic cat feeder on the market. Though less advanced than some of our other recommendations, it functions well and is compatible with any type of cat food. Its rotating design keeps the food secure while the built-in ice packs keep it fresh.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common types of automatic cat feeders and share our top picks for the best models on the market.
At a Glance: 7 Best Automatic Cat Feeders in 2024
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder
- Compatible with any type of food
- Safe and secure—cats can’t access the food under the cover
- Affordable and simple to operate
Petlibro Granary WIFI 2.4G & 5G Automatic Cat & Dog Feeder
- Compatible with 2.4G and 5G WiFi and smartphone app
- Large hopper holds up to 21 cups (about 20 days of food)
- Tamper-proof but easy to take apart for cleaning
SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder
- Pairs with your cat’s microchip or RFID tag
- Good for cats with special diets
- Easy to program with a single button
PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Pet Feeder
- Works with with any type of food, treat, or medication
- Enables custom portion sizes
- Affordable compared to other feeders
Petlibro Air Automatic Cat Feeder
- Moderate 8-cup capacity lasts about 16 days
- Dual power supply with 180-day battery life
- Simple to program directly from the unit
WOPET 7L Automatic Pet Feeder
- Large 7L capacity good for long absences
- Dispenses up to 5 daily meals (up to 40 portions each)
- Controls are easy to access under the hopper lid
Petory Timed 10S Voice Recorder Automatic Feeder
- Programmable for up to 6 meals a day
- Slow-feed option dispenses food at intervals
- Includes stainless steel bowl and dual power supply
Why Trust Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Our experts have researched, tested, and reviewed hundreds of cat products, including a range of pet tech and accessories like water fountains, toys, and feeders. We’ve consulted veterinary experts and behaviorists about health and safety concerns and what makes a product cat-friendly.
The products recommended here were purchased at full retail price and tested extensively by multiple members of our team. Throughout the testing period, our experts observed various performance indicators such as portion accuracy, timing consistency, and malfunction frequency. Our experts have also noted factors affecting user experience, such as programmability, app connectivity, noise level, and more.
In addition to thorough at-home testing, we spent hours researching the automatic cat feeder market and read thousands of customer reviews to form a comprehensive understanding of how these products work and what cat owners think of them.
This article was previously written by Mallory Crusta. All of the products in this roundup have been updated, tested, and reviewed by Kate Barrington.
Top Picks Explained
Though we’ve recently added some new products to our list of top picks, you can see an in-depth video review detailing five of our favorite automatic cat feeders. Check it out below:
Types of Automatic Cat Feeders
While automatic cat feeders come in a variety of forms, there are five main types on the market. Let’s explore them and what situations they’re best suited for.
1. Gravity-Based Feeder
The simplest of automatic feeders, these units dispense food using nothing but the power of gravity. They’re not timed, they’re not adjustable, and you can’t use them to watch your cat from around the world, but for some, they’re a convenient solution. If your cat is desperate to get food out of the feeder, however, these are some of the easiest for cats to “hack” or tip over.
These are ideal for dry feeders who want to manage their cat’s food intake while they’re out of town for the weekend. As the most low-tech choice on this list, gravity-based feeders are also the most affordable. These simple feeders work well if you’re on a budget, but they’re not the best choice for very food-motivated cats.
2. Programmable Upright Feeder
This type of feeder has the same hopper and dispensing design found in a gravity-based feeder, but it’s programmable—you can decide when it dispenses kibble and how much comes out at each feeding.
These feeders work well for people who want to manage their cat’s dry food intake according to a controlled schedule. Quality varies widely and you might find yourself with a feeder that jams or dispenses imprecisely. If you need to closely control your cat’s food intake, you may prefer the next type of automatic feeder.
3. Programmable Dish-Style Feeder
These feeders work a bit differently than the typical automatic feeder. They feature several food compartments and expose the food hidden within the covered saucers according to a set schedule. Because they have a limited number of food compartments, this style of feeder isn’t suited to longer outings.
That said, this type of feeder is the only one compatible with wet and non-kibble food. You can use these feeders to store wet, fresh, or raw food for up to 24 hours—maybe longer if it’s compatible with ice packs.
While these feeders have a limited capacity, they’re a good choice for those who want to carefully control their cat’s food intake.
4. Smart Automatic Cat Feeder
These feeders connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control your cat’s feeder remotely. Many also feature webcams so you can watch your cat through their automatic feeder. The downside is that these feeders can be pricey and there’s room for errors that might compromise your cat’s feeding.
If those features sound interesting, however, an automatic feeder might be a fun addition to your gadget collection. But if you only care about making sure your cat’s fed while you’re away, a standard programmable feeder will work equally well.
5. Microchip Feeder
Instead of dispensing food automatically, these feeders pair with a microchip to control access to a covered food dish. While they’re not for every feline family, if you need to keep your cats’ food separate due to special dietary needs or gluttony, these feeders are the most low-hassle option available. They’re easy to use and usually do their job without glitches or hassle.
The Best Automatic Cat Feeders: Our Top 7 Picks
While the latest automatic cat feeders offer app-enabled features and WiFi connectivity, there’s nothing wrong with a simple and reliable product that gets the job done. For its consistent performance and no-nonsense engineering, the Cat Mate C500 has long been our top pick for the best automatic cat feeder. But it’s not the right option for every situation.
Whether you’re looking for a feeder you can monitor remotely or one appropriate for cats with unique dietary requirements, we’re here to help. Our recommendations run the gamut from low-tech to high-tech, budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. Check them out below.
#1 Overall Best: Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Dish-style timed feeder with cooling packs
- Works With: Any type of food
- Capacity: 5 meals (1.45 cups each)
- Ideal For: People looking for a low-tech option, wet or fresh food diets
- Price: $59.99
Ideal for short absences or cats who eat wet, fresh, or raw food, the Cat Mate C500 is low-tech and easy to operate. This automatic feeder consists of a rotating dish divided into five compartments, each with a ¾ pound (1.45 cup) capacity. Most importantly, it comes with two reusable ice packs that can be used to keep wet food fresh for 1–2 days.
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Due to its limited capacity, the Cat Mate feeder may not be practical for multiple cats. You’ll need to measure the meals yourself and refill them regularly, so it may not be ideal for extended trips either.
With just three buttons and a small LCD display, however, this feeder has the advantage of being simple to program. It offers up to four scheduled mealtimes and one immediate feeding for a total of five meals. The display remains on after programming, so you can check it at a glance to make sure it’s still on schedule.
The Cat Mate doesn’t have as many features as some other programmable feeders and requires frequent refills. But this automatic feeder is an outstanding option for people who want to feed their cat wet food or a variety of different types of food. It is powered by 3 AA batteries, which aren’t included in your purchase.
What We Liked:
- Compatible with any type of food or medication
- Safe and secure – cats can’t access the food under the cover
- Affordable compared to other feeders
- Contains ice packs for fresher food
What We Didn’t Like:
- You’ll need to measure your own food
- Features just five compartments, making it less than optimal for longer trips
- Deep bowls may be hard for some cats to eat from
- Batteries are the feeder’s only power source (not included)
#2 Best WIFI Feeder: Petlibro Granary WIFI 2.4G & 5G Automatic Cat & Dog Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Upright programmable feeder
- Works With: Dry food only
- Capacity: 21 cups (5L)
- Ideal For: People who want to remotely control and monitor their cat’s feeding
- Price: $89.99
Compatible with both 2.4G and 5G technology, this WiFi feeder pairs with the Petlibro Lite smartphone app (available for iOS and Android devices) to enable remote monitoring and control. It’s a dry food-only model with a generously sized 5L hopper that holds about 21 cups—roughly equal to 20 days of meals for the average cat.
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
The feeder comes with a large, wide bowl and the food is dispensed with a gentle whirring sound—no clunking or snapping like the noises some feeders make. Between the twist-lock lid and the chute that seals after dispensing food, it’s one of the most secure upright feeders we’ve tested.
Not only is it designed to keep determined food thiefs out, but it’s also engineered to keep your cat’s food fresh for weeks at a time. The hopper is tightly sealed and the desiccant pouch in the lid adds extra protection against moisture. Plus, it has a dual power supply with a backup battery in case of power outages.
This feeder dispenses food consistently and reliably into an easy-to-clean stainless steel bowl. You can adjust the meal size between 1 and 50 portions—each portion is 10g (about one tablespoon of dry cat food)—for up to 10 meals per day. For a personalized touch, this feeder enables you to record a 10-second message to call your pet at mealtime.
What We Liked:
- Compatible with 2.4G and 5G WiFi
- Monitor remotely with a smartphone app
- Large hopper holds up to 21 cups (about 20 days of food)
- Works consistently without spilling or jamming
- Dual power supply with backup battery
- Tamper-proof but easy to take apart for cleaning
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only compatible with dry cat food
- Uses portions rather than volume measurements
- Can only be programmed using the app
#3 Best Microchip Feeder: SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Single-dish feeder triggered by microchip
- Works With: Any type of food
- Capacity: 1.6 cups
- Ideal For: Cats who require a special diet or medication
- Price: $194.17
If your cat requires a special diet, a microchip feeder is a great way to ensure that they’re the only one who can access the food. It also keeps larger pets like dogs from stealing your cat’s food. The SureFeed microchip feeder is one of the most reliable models on the market.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman/Cats.com
This microchip feeder features a single 1.6-cup plastic dish set in an enclosure and covered by a clear plastic lid. The action of the lid is triggered by either an implanted microchip or a special RFID tag worn on your cat’s collar. Though the feeder only comes with one of these special tags, you can buy more. The device holds up to 32 pets in its memory, even after a battery change.
The SureFeed feeder works with any kind of cat food. Keep in mind, however, that it doesn’t include an ice pack or any other way to keep wet food fresh for more than a few hours. The feeder comes with a single bowl, a two-compartment bowl, and a silicone feeding mat.
Compared to other microchip feeders, the SureFeed is easy to pair with your pet’s microchip—it only takes the touch of a button. Once paired, simply start the multi-stage training program to help your cat get used to the motion of the lid. Customers report that the feeder is easy to set up and that it works consistently.
What We Liked:
- Pairs with your cat’s microchip or RFID tag
- Good for cats with special diets
- Easy to program with a single button
- Training mode helps your cat get used to it
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not programmable for scheduled meals
- Limited capacity, not recommended for long absences
#4 Most Versatile: PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Pet Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Dish-style programmable feeder
- Works With: Any type of food or treats
- Capacity: 5 cups
- Ideal For: People who want a reliable feeder with food type flexibility
- Price: $44.95
Similar to the Cat Mate C500, this dish-style feeder consistently and effectively doles out custom-portioned meals of your choice. It also works with any type of food, treats, or medication. The downside is that this model from Petsafe doesn’t accommodate cooling packs, so it’s not a great choice if you’re spending more than a couple of days away from home. The feeder relies on four D batteries, which aren’t included.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
This feeder consists of a covered serving disk segmented into five 8-ounce compartments. One compartment is for immediate feeding and the other four are for scheduled meals. Compared to the Cat Mate C500, the feeding compartments are a little smaller, but that makes them easier for some cats to eat from.
Programming using the digital display takes some time because the buttons are only labeled with symbols. You’ll need to read the manual to know which buttons to push and in what combination, but it’s fairly easy once you get the hang of it. While you can’t view the feeding schedule after it’s set up like you can with the Cat Mate C500, this feeder is incredibly secure once you’ve closed it up.
Because it’s so low-slung, excited cats are unlikely to tip it over. And unlike some upright dispensers, your cat can’t reach into the machine to release food on their own. It’s a good choice for food-motivated cats with a tendency to beg and fight for their food.
What We Liked:
- Compatible with any type of food or medication
- Allows you to customize your cat’s portions
- Affordable compared to many feeders
- Virtually pet-proof, keeps even food-motivated cats out
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic compartments aren’t as hygienic as metal or ceramic
- Not an ideal choice for longer absences (no cooling packs)
- Relies on battery power alone (not included)
- Can’t view the feeding schedule once the lid is closed
#5 Budget Pick: Petlibro Air Automatic Cat Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Upright programmable feeder
- Works With: Dry food only
- Capacity: 2L (about 8 cups)
- Ideal For: People looking for an affordable feeder
- Price: $39.76
Another option from Petlibro, the Air automatic feeder is a modestly sized, budget-friendly choice. With a 2L (8 cup) capacity and compact footprint, it’s a great fit for homes with limited room to spare. Plus, it has a dual power supply with a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 180 days. You don’t need to place it near an outlet if it isn’t convenient.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The Petlibro Air can dispense up to six meals per day with 1-16 portions each. A single portion is equal to about 2 teaspoons of dry food, so you may need to play around with the meal size to find the amount that’s right for your cat. Once you do, however, programming the unit is easy. It comes with a detailed manual but, overall, the setup process is fairly simple and intuitive.
Unlike other Petlibro feeders, the Air doesn’t require WiFi or an app. You can program it using the LCD screen and clearly marked buttons on the front of the unit. When you’re done, flip up the cover so your cat can’t accidentally change the settings. To fill the unit, just press the top to pop out the handle and lift to remove the lid.
While the Petlibro Air isn’t as large or technologically advanced as other Petlibro models, there’s charm in its simplicity. You can place the feeder wherever you want it and don’t have to deal with a smartphone app. Unlike many budget-friendly options, it still includes a hygienic stainless steel bowl.
What We Liked:
- Moderate 8-cup capacity lasts about 16 days
- Dual power supply with 180-day battery life
- Dispenses up to 6 meals per day
- Simple to program directly from the unit
- Pretty secure against cats trying to get into the hopper
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only compatible with dry food
- Smaller than some Petlibro models
#6 Best for Long Absences: WOPET 7L Automatic Pet Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Upright programmable feeder
- Works With: Dry food only
- Capacity: 7L (about 29 cups)
- Ideal For: People looking for a high-capacity feeder
- Price: Out of stock
If you’ve got a long absence planned, a large-capacity automatic feeder can help you maintain consistency with your cat’s feeding schedule as a complement to in-person care. With its 7-liter (29-cup) capacity, the WOPET feeder is one of the largest reasonably priced options on the market. A camera-enabled version is available for $40 extra.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The WOPET feeder doesn’t have the sleek, futuristic styling of high-end feeders like Petlibro but its design makes sense. A button on the front unlocks the clear lid covering the hopper and reveals the programming controls inside. It takes a little time to get the hang of the controls, but the instruction manual is pretty detailed with graphics to help you out.
Filling the WOPET feeder couldn’t be easier and when it’s time to clean it, you can lift the hopper insert right out. WOPET recommends handwashing the hopper insert and the plastic feeding bowl. This model dispenses up to five meals per day with up to 40 portions per meal. Portions are 10 grams each.
Customers report that the feeder works consistently, even if it’s a little tricky to figure out the portions. While it doesn’t offer as many features as a smart feeder, the WOPET 7L feeder is a great option if you want something simple you can set and forget about for weeks at a time. With its dual power supply, the battery backup will keep it going in the event of a power failure.
What We Liked:
- Large 7L (29-cup) capacity
- Dispenses up to 5 daily meals (40 portions each)
- Easy to refill and clean (hand wash only)
- Controls are easy to access under the hopper lid
- Available in a camera-enabled model
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only compatible with dry food
- Plastic bowl isn’t as hygienic as metal or ceramic
#7 Best for Fast Eaters: Petory Timed 10S Voice Recorder Automatic Feeder
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Type: Upright programmable feeder
- Works With: Dry food only
- Capacity: 4L (About 17 cups)
- Ideal For: Cats who tend to scarf down their food
- Price: $49.99
The Petory feeder is a little more stylish than the previous pick, featuring a subtle hourglass shape with grooved sides. If you shop on Amazon, it comes in three colors (dark green, pink, and white). Only the regular Petory feeder is sold on Chewy, but Amazon offers both a rechargeable and a WiFi-enabled version.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Aside from its modern appearance, the Petory feeder offers a feature most models don’t. It’s programmable for up to six meals per day with 1-50 portions each (a portion is 10g) but here’s the difference: you can set custom feeding intervals for each meal. Instead of dispensing the entire meal at once, the Petory feeder has a slow-feed function which is great for cats who tend to scarf their food.
Programming the Petory feeder isn’t the most intuitive process. It comes with a manual but the instructions are pretty basic—it may take a few tries to get the hang of things. If you later forget how to do it, basic instructions are printed on the lid along with a QR code to bring up a digital copy of the manual.
The Petory feeder’s engineering isn’t as sophisticated as some models and setup can be a hassle. That said, the feeder seems to work pretty consistently and the slow-feed option may be particularly appealing to some cat owners. This feeder comes with a stainless steel bowl and a USB cable—it also takes three D-cell batteries for backup power.
What We Liked:
- Programmable for up to 6 meals a day
- Slow-feed option dispenses food at intervals
- Includes stainless steel bowl and dual power supply
- Available in multiple colors and versions
- Includes 10-second voice recording
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lid can be tricky to put back on
- Programming takes some getting used to
- Engineering is less sophisticated than some models
What to Look for in an Automatic Cat Feeder
Automatic cat feeders promise a convenient way to make sure your feline friend stays well-fed and healthy whether you’re at home or on the go. But they’re not the right choice for every household.
If you’re deciding whether an automatic feeder is a good fit for your needs, here are some factors to consider.
Compatible with Your Cat’s Food
Make sure that your automatic feeder works with the type of food your cat likes. While top-of-the-line automatic feeders boast compatibility with every shape and size of kibble you can dump into them, you’ll have to do a little more research to find a feeder that’s compatible with wet cat food or raw food that needs to be kept cool.
Smooth and Quiet Operation
Jamming and malfunctioning are constant realities when dealing with poorly designed automatic cat feeders. These feeders can’t handle the food you put in them, they malfunction, they clank and whirr, and ultimately, they don’t feed your cat. We scoured customer reviews to ensure that all the feeders we’ve recommended work quietly and consistently with as few malfunctions as possible.
Large Capacity for Extended Absences
While we recommend having someone stop by to check on your cat if you plan to be gone for more than 24 hours, an automatic feeder can help you maintain your cat’s feeding routine when you’re away from home. For a weekend away, you may only need a feeder that holds 5-10 meals. If you’re leaving for a week or more, a large-capacity feeder is a must.
Designed to Keep Food Fresh and Secure
A poorly designed automatic feeder is no match for a motivated and crafty cat’s desire to eat. Less secure automatic feeders are acceptable for laid-back cats. However, cats who are extremely food-driven will require a secure system that only humans can manipulate.
On top of keeping food secure, the feeder should also keep it fresh. Look for food-preserving features like silicone seals and desiccant packets in feeders designed to hold more than a day or two worth of meals.
Reliable Power Source
Most automatic cat feeders plug into a power outlet and rely on your home’s electricity. To ensure that your cat continues to receive food in the case of a power outage, consider a feeder equipped with a backup battery. This will keep your unit alive when your home electricity can’t.
Conversely, some automatic cat feeders do not have a power cord and rely on a battery alone. Battery-dependent units should have a history of long battery life and reliability.
Appropriate for Your Budget and Technical Skills
There’s an automatic feeder for almost every budget. Simple gravity-powered feeders are generally the cheapest choice, while automatic feeders with high-tech smartphone connectivity integrations will come at a higher cost.
Pricey smart feeders can be quick to set up as long as you can navigate the app. Low-cost feeders might rely on a handful of buttons but some can be tricky to program, so don’t toss out the instruction manual.
Great automatic feeders can make your life easier but they’re no substitute for human care. Even the smartest automatic feeder can’t come close to replacing a good cat sitter. If you’re leaving the house for more than a day or two, you’ll still want to find someone to care for your cat while you’re away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are automatic cat feeders a good idea?
Offering measured meals on a consistent schedule is important for cats. A well-designed automatic feeder suited to the type of food you offer could be a helpful tool in maintaining consistency in your cat’s diet. Automatic feeders can help maintain routine when you’re away but shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole source of care for your cat.
How long can you leave a cat alone with an automatic feeder?
Most cats are comfortable being left alone for up to 12 hours. With an automatic feeder to dispense meals, this can be extended to 24 hours. If you’re going to be away for more than 24 hours, however, we recommend having someone to stop in on your cat—even if you’re relying on an automatic feeder to keep your cat fed.
Are automatic feeders safe?
Automatic feeders are generally safe as long as they’re secure enough that your cat can’t reach in and accidentally get a paw stuck. The dangers of automatic feeders relate to overfeeding or mechanical failures that prevent food from being dispensed at all.
What are the disadvantages of automatic feeders?
As with any kind of pet tech, automatic feeders require regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure they’re working properly. Glitching, jamming, and power failures are common with automatic feeders, so it’s important to choose wisely. If you’re going to be gone for more than 24 hours, make sure you have a backup plan so your cat doesn’t go hungry.
An automatic feeder doesn’t solve the my problem. It offers the options of feeding small meals, but my cat would still eat too fast which means she may vomit afterwards. I need a licki mat or a slow feeding bowl that has grooves in it or slows her eating some other way. I don’t really need an automatic feeder. Although I may so some traveling now that I’ve had my second vaccine. I did get a Liki mat and it works well with pate, but not that good with chunky or flaky wet food.
Have you reviewed the automatic cat feeder from litter robot? They’ve started to make robot feeder now too? I’m curious how it stacks up to the list.
Hi Steve, we’re considering reviewing it soon! Stay tuned.
One thing I noticed with a non-automatic feeder is that the shape of the cat food tends to cause the food to get “stuck” and dispense properly. This is alluded to in the article. “Make sure that your automatic feeder works with the type of food your cat likes.” I don’t know any easy way to know that without buying it and trying it out. It makes me wonder if that is why dog food is shaped differently than cat food, to try to overcome this problem. No easy answer on this.
Hi Mallory, I am on the fence about automatic feeders myself. I can portion control my 3 furbabies fairly well. However, I see this as a great tool for someone who travels.
You made a comment about using with feral cats. It seems I a person who seems to attract stray ( rescued and found forever homes) and 2 feral cats ( 1 recently succumbed to late stages of FIV, despite regular vet care; she resided on my patio for 3.5 years and was ear tipped. The other is a very spicy Blue Russian Make who is set to be TNR, vaxxed, medical care; he come and eats at night) in the 6 years lived in my wooded apartment community. I have deer who will empty my bird feeders which are just 7 feet from my sliding glass doors! Opossum and Raccoons are crazy and “Blue” , my feral boy, has to fight them off at night when he eats. While the raccoons have seemed to gone away, the opossum haven’t. When it comes to food being left outside, I don’t think any automatic feeder stands a chance. This is based on my experience as a caretaker.
Thank you for this great information! I want to purchase the Whiskers feed, but the $25 promo isn’t being applied. Is it still valid?
Hi Stephanie, apologies for the late reply! I went through the process myself and am also not receiving the $25 discount. I’ll contact Whisker and see if we can get this sorted out. Sorry about the inconvenience!
One thing I am looking for and can’t find is easy to clean. I don’t like just refilling dry food reservoirs without being able to clean the unit out. Any suggestions?
Upright feeders for dry cat food do tend to be a little bit more difficult to clean, but it’s certainly not impossible. If you want a really straightforward cleaning process, though, I would opt for one of the rotating feeders like the CatMate C500. Hope this helps!
Hi Mallory, great website. I also love your videos. I bought the Petlibro granary feeder a few months ago and it worked well for a while. Then, it started clogging. I then bought the Petlibro Granary WiFI feeder and it has been clogging up from the beginning. I washed it and that didn’t help. Are there any pet feeders out there with WiFi function that will not clog? Some of them advertise as “anti-clog” design, but when I read the reviews, they all seem to clog up.
Hi Rachel, good question. Have you heard of jamming issues with the Feeder-Robot by Whisker as well? To my understanding, it should be able to resist jamming, and in my brief test, I didn’t have any issues. Hope this works.
Thank you for that information, Mallory. I have not tried the Feeder Roboto. If I do decide to buy it, I will be sure to share my feedback with you.
Hey Rachel, thanks for the info also. I can see between the automatic feeder clogging under normal circumstances that it won’t solve my issues with two cunning cats who will do anything to get inside that feeder for the food. (That’s just what I don’t need!) The third doesn’t care that much. This is why I’m considering getting him the microchip feeder on a daily basis; I don’t have the time to be cleaning the automatic out constantly. I can see owning one though for travel, as you recommended. I really appreciated your input!😁
Thank you so much for this wonderful piece, Mallory. I have landed here because I am wits end with these dang things. We tried the petsafe but it didn’t have an hd cam. We tried the ‘petlibro’ but it malfunctioned in multiple areas. We are now trying the wopet like you have in the video, but ours is perhaps the new model or a higher-end version. Ours has the hd cam, wifi, etc. It is working well so far but only time will tell. This one https://youtu.be/aZLhRwXStDE
Hi Mallory,
I noticed a few new microchip feeders on Amazon recently besides Sureflap such as MiBowl, Portion Pro RX, and TL Microchip. These vary widely in prices due to options like wearing an ID tag, etc. I was wondering when you’d review and list your favorite microchip feeders again? It’s no longer on the list of automatic feeders?
Also, and I digress, but I have Pet MetLife Insurance, and they’ve been fantastic with paying my claims. They offer so many options, too. I was surprised that they didn’t even make your Top 5?Thanks for all you do! 🙂
Alissa
Hi Alissa, that’s a great idea—I agree that it’s about time we explored some of these other microchip options. Will see what we can do! The Sure Microchip Feeder was removed from the list due to availability issues, but I’ve confirmed that it’s now available in a few places, including Amazon and Petco’s website. Regarding MetLife, I’ll consider it for an update of this article as well. It looks pretty good—though the annual limits are a bit lower compared to some other providers, you get plenty of flexibility in your deductible and reimbursement rates, and the single comprehensive policy seems to cover the basics we look for in any pet insurance. ConsumerAffairs reviews look decent, too. I’m glad you’ve had a good experience with them so far, and that’ll weigh into how it’s ranked in the updated review.
Looking forward! I wanted to thank you for all the information. I’ve really learned a great deal, and I show cats as a hobby. No one informs you about nutrition except for one Ocicat vet back in 2012, and your site is so educational! These microchip feeders are so expensive for only battery operated, but my Mau (typical) is turning into a big porker. The Sure Feed and the MiBowl “appear” to not require collar tags, but that’s why I wanted you to do the rigorous testing with the cheaper microchip competition available. Probably won’t work. I have a feeling I will end up with the Sure Feed with the extra sides attached for the Big Fatty not to get in. Lol
We’ve been using Sureflap feeders. I started looking at others because the one that’s 10 years old started having problems by opening and closing randomly and after a reset wouldn’t recognize the cat’s microchip. Also, it does allow a bully cat to get in the food. This is why I thought about getting the MiBowl, but I’m reading that old-style microchips (one of our cats has a 10-digit ID) don’t work. it has to be a 15-digit ID, so, keep that in mind the next time you have to compare feeders. It’s a bit frustrating with the Surefeed company because their US phone line for help is no longer in service.
Thank you for sharing this! Helpful information. Would you feel comfortable using the included tag on your cat’s collar? That’s usually a good workaround for cats who have no microchip or an incompatible ID.
Only one of the cats would have a problem with the tag because he complete spazzes out with anything around his neck – to the point of even hurting himself. I got another Sureflap to replace the old one. We’ll see how that works … but, yes! the tag could work for most people on the various feeders. The microchip inconsistencies should probably be made clearer at a company’s website, Amazon, and any future reviews.
In the video you had reviewed the SureFeed microchip feeder, but the links (as of when I’m looking on 12/19/2023) show the MiBowel as the recommended microchip feeder. Can you provide a comparison of the two? We’re a multi cat household with food thieves and differing prescription diets, so I’ve been researching solutions to ease meal times and still allow my cats access to portioned food throughout the day.
Hi there! I’m working on an updated review at the moment, to be published on our YouTube channel next month. You’ll be able to refer to that soon!
I think an outdoor feeder needs to be ant and raccoon-proof. Those are two very different features but I have a hard time finding info about either of those in most reviews. Can you recommend one that is good for that? I would like a camera also. It needs to stand up to the swings in temperature of an outdoor temperate zone, environment. I’m asking a lot, but that’s what I am hoping to find.
Hi Heidi, that’s a valid concern. Most automatic pet feeders are designed for indoor use, so they’re not perfectly pest-proof. Placing the feeder on an elevated platform about 40″ high may help keep raccoons out without restricting access by cats. Just be sure to place it away from anything a raccoon could climb.
If you’re DIY-included, The Hundred Cat Foundation has some tips for building a raccoon-proof feeder here: https://www.hundredcats.org/raccoonprooffeeder.html
As for the camera, it sounds like a wildlife camera might do the trick. Someone at your local home and garden center might be able to recommend a good fit.