Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
You’re looking for the best automatic cat feeder to make your life easier. However, you’re worried that the wrong automatic cat food dispenser can accidentally end up making your life harder. No worries! I’ve done the deep dive with these handy contraptions to help you get your cat on a fuss-free feeding schedule.
In this article, we’re going to review the following automatic cat feeders:
- Sure Petcare SureFlap SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Dog & Cat Feeder
- WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Cat & Small Dog with Two-Way Splitter and Double Bowls
- Arf Pets Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
- PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
- Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
- Petlibro Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
- Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder with Clog Free Design
- WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder with WiFi
A Buyer’s Guide to Automatic Cat Feeders
Is pouring some crunchies so hard that you really need a machine to feed your cat? You already know it’s not that simple if you’re a busy cat owner. Let’s break down all the considerations to have in mind as you hunt for an automatic feeder that’s going to bring some mealtime sanity to your home.
Why You Might Want an Automatic Cat Feeder
This isn’t a “lazy person’s” gadget! Of course, there’s no shame if you’re buying one for the convenience of sleeping in without having to deal with a meowing cat. However, this is a health-management tool, lifestyle hack and organizational essential all rolled into one.
An automatic cat feeder has a pretty simple premise. I’ll cover how “simple” can look very “high tech” in just a second as I get into some of the features to look for in good automatic cat feeders. However, the big thing to know is that an auto food dispenser for cats is a preprogrammed unit that you can load using your cat’s favorite food.
Different feeders allow you to preload different amounts of food. Once the feeder is loaded, you can then set specific feeding times when food will pass from hopper to dish. These units also let you program how many times per day you’d like to schedule feedings.
It gets even better. You don’t have to worry about your cat being unsatisfied with the portion provided. Every good automatic cat feeder allows you to select specific portion sizes.
Let’s go through the different reasons for getting an automatic cat food dispenser. An automatic cat food machine is great if you’re gone for work during the day. These systems ensure that measured amounts of food will flow at the times you designate. One of the biggest reasons to swap from free-floating dishes to timed systems is calorie management. You might need to control portions if your cat has weight issues.
These feeders are also great if you have a “greedy” cat in the house who will try to steal food from other cats. You may feel like you can’t simply pour a pile of food in the morning before leaving for work because you know that the greedy one in the pawed pack will gobble up it at the first chance.
The nice thing about automatic cat food dispensers is that they make sounds to let cats know that it’s meal time. That means that every cat gets fair warning that the food is flowing.
Timed dispensers also help to manage cats that are prone to overeating to the point of bloating and vomiting. They can also be great if you travel a lot. An automatic cat feeder takes the burden off a cat sitter while keeping you in control of what you’re cat is eating.
It’s also important to consider a cat feeder if you need to give your cat medicated cat food throughout the day. Cats can require medicated cat food for everything from tummy troubles to kidney issues. Automatic dispensers ensure that expensive prescription diets are being administered regularly without any waste.
Finally, there’s the “sleeping in” angle. Lots of cat owners with early risers simply decide that automatic feeders provide a great life hack for getting those extra few winks while still keeping their cats fed and happy at sunrise. Next, let’s talk about the specific features that make a cat feeder good.
How to Spot a Good Automatic Cat Feeder
It can be tricky to tell someone what a “good” cat feeder looks like because this is a purchase that’s based on your needs as a cat owner of unique cats. This is where it helps to know about some of the features that are floating around out there for cat feeders. Here’s a rundown of the top considerations to have on your mind while you’re shopping:
1. Number of cats. Most cat feeders are designed as “single” feeding stations by default. However, a few out there actually have hoppers that empty into double bowls. Certain single-dish designs are also better for multi-cat households than others because they’re flatter and wider.
2. Your cat’s eating habits. Make sure your cat’s eating frequency and amount are both compatible with the capacity of the feeder you choose. These units lose some of their convenience if you feel like you’re always refilling them just to keep up with your cat’s appetite. This is especially important if you’re feeding a multi-cat household.
3. Your cat’s personality. If you have a rambunctious cat, do extra digging to find a tamper-proof cat feeder. While all feeders are technically supposed to keep your cat away from the food source, some are better for this than others. You can also consider a feeder with a bowl that locks in place if your cat has a habit of using a food dish like hockey puck when bored.
4. Type of food. Most automatic cat feeders are meant for dry food only. You’ll need to look for a dual-use feeder specifically if you want to time feedings of wet food. Trying to use a dry-food dispenser for wet food simply isn’t possible based on the “chute” design of these feeders.
5. Connectivity. Decide how technologically advanced you want your feeder to be. Most feeders have LCD displays that let you set up feedings in a snap. However, a few actually have high-tech features like Wi-Fi capability that connects to your phone. I’m also going to be covering a feeder that triggers bowl fillings using sensors that are activated by chip or RFID down below.
6. Placement. It’s smart to have an idea of where you plan to put your automatic cat feeder before it arrives at your house. Placement can help you to pin down the right style. You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a design you don’t mind looking at if you’ll be placing it in a high-visibility spot like a kitchen or foyer.
You also want to choose a design based on trip hazards. While some are tower-style feeders, others are low-to-the-ground saucer feeders. In addition, make sure any spot you pick for housing your food dispenser meets the vet-recommended criteria of providing a cool, dry area without extreme heat, cold or humidity that can affect the quality, safety, and nutritional value of the food.
I want to circle back to talk about food type just a little more. This is very important. You’ll need to look specifically for feeders that can handle both wet and dry food if wet food is an important part of your cat’s nutrition plan. While wet-food feeders mostly come in flatter saucer shapes, you can find a few traditional tower dispensers capable of holding wet food.
“If you need to pour the dry pet food into another storage container, make sure it’s clean, dry, and has a lid that fits snuggly,” according to FDA recommendations for handling pet food.
Make sure that any dispenser you pick is capable of preserving the safety and freshness of your cat’s food. One big feature to look for is an ice compartment designed to keep wet food cool while you’re away. Even standard dry feeders should have very tight seals that prevent flavor loss and hardening.
Preparing to Use an Automatic Cat Feeder
Staying on task with filling, monitoring, maintaining and cleaning an automatic cat feeder is the most important part of the equation. Look for feeders that make this part easy. Luckily, most feeders have clear LCD displays that notify you of food levels.
You should also be prepared for some training just like you would be when bringing home any new gadget for your cat. Don’t assume your cat will love the feeder right away. The shape and noise of the feeder might take some getting used to if your cat has always eaten from an ordinary bowl.
Always be on the lookout for clogs that make it seem like there’s plenty of food in the feeder even though your cat’s bowl remains empty. It’s also helpful if you can find a feeder that’s easy to clean. Many have bowls and accessories that are safe for the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Cat Feeders
How Much Food Can an Automatic Cat Feeder Store?
While the answer varies by design, most of the larger feeders can hold up to 6 liters of food.
How Can I Make My Cat Like an Automatic Feeder?
Never leave your cat to figure out how to use an automatic feeder alone. Monitor the first session with lots of chin scratching and positive reinforcement. Consider placing treats in the dispenser for the test round to entice your cat to get cozy with the new contraption.
Are Automatic Cat Feeders Safe for Cats?
Feeders are designed to be safe for cats. They offer portion control to ensure that your cat doesn’t overeat when you’re not home. Feeders use mechanisms like hoppers or simple rotations to dispense food to avoid the need for moving parts that can harm your cat. Of course, you should never leave your cat to eat unsupervised if your cat has a health condition that makes this dangerous.
How Do Automatic Cat Feeders Work?
Most cat feeders work using timers that dispense specific portions at specific times of the day. A few designs actually use sensors to open the seal when your cat walks up to the feeder.
Can You Use Wet Food in an Automatic Cat Feeder?
Most auto feeders are designed for dry food only. However, there are feeders on the market designed for both dry food and wet food. You will need to purchase a feeder that’s specifically made for wet food if your cat’s diet requires canned food.
Product Reviews: The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders
1. Sure Petcare SureFlap SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Dimensions: 8.27 x 12.6 x 5.91 (inches)
Weighs: 2.2 pounds
I was immediately drawn to this automatic cat feeder because of its sleek design. It’s definitely what I thought the dish I’d be using to feed by cat would like like when I was watching reruns of “The Jetsons” as a kid.
There so much to dive into here! First, I want to start by just laying out what’s packed into the box when you buy this feeder. You get:
Your new SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder.
Single bowl.
Split bowl.
Mat.
RFID collar tag.
The capacity on this feeder is really good for a home with several cats. However, it’s sleek enough to still be great even if you’re just trying to manage the eating habits of one cat. It can hold up to 13.5 ounces of either wet or dry food.
Yes, this feeder does work beautifully with wet food for one specific reason. The lid has a neoprene lip that forms a great seal to help retain moisture and freshness. I really love that for preventing the need to throw away food.
Lots of cats taking prescription wet food are doing so because they lack appetite due to a health condition. It’s great to know that the expensive food you’re paying for can retain its appeal, safety and nourishment potential even if your cat tends to only eat a little bit at a time.
Next, let’s talk a little bit about the “magic” of this feeder. This feeder can sync up with both chipped and non-chipped cats. Let’s start with what happens if your cat is chipped.
This feeder is compatible with microchips that are nine digits (Avid), 10 digits (FDXA) and 3 digits (FDXB). The next part is simple. The feeder simply opens when a cat wearing the microchip assigned to the feeder steps on up for some nibbles. Once your cat moves away, the lid closes.
Things work almost the same if your cat isn’t chipped. However, you’ll just need to pop on the lightweight RFID collar tag that comes with this unit to activate the lid. You set it all up using one-button programming with either option.
One cool feature I want to mention before rounding up my pros and cons is that this feeder has a training mode. This is so important for ensuring that your cat feels comfortable after you get this unit in your house. While in training mode, the feeder lid closes in stages slowly to help your cat get used to the movement.
Pros:
- Stores up to 32 IDs.
- You can order more bowls. They even sell bowls in stainless steel to go along with this feeder.
- Good capacity. You can expect to get about two cans in each bowl.
- Excellent for keeping both dry and wet food fresh.
- Training mode allows your cat to grow accustomed without fear!
- Easy programming.
- Works with both chipped and non-chipped cats.
- Very attractive design.
- It’s so lightweight! That’s great if you plan to move it around when cleaning.
Cons:
- Only comes with one collar. That means that you’ll need one feeder per cat unless your cats are chipped.
- This is a battery-operated feeder. While not having to worry about plugs is convenient, you will need to keep an eye out for low batteries. It would be nice if this feeder came with an option for an electrical adapter.
- It seems like there’s something about the design that regularly causes wet food to get on the lid. Cleaning this up can be a little annoying when you’re trying to keep a feeding area pristine.
2. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Dog & Cat Feeder
Dimensions: 8 x 2.25 x 12.5 (inches)
Weight: 6.72 pounds
My first impression of this automatic cat feeder was that it looked like a Keurig for cats. While the design is pretty discreet, I’ll admit that it’s not my favorite in terms of style because it can look a little awkward on the floor. However, it still makes my list because I love what this feeder does.
The mechanics on this automatic cat feeder are really impressive. I like that it uses a conveyer belt because this is a great method for portion control that’s neat and accurate. I also like that you can customize portions to go from very small to quite generous. This is a feature that can be important if you’re dishing out food in a multi-cat family.
Portions can be selected from 1/8 cup to 4 cups. You can also use the settings to dish out meal times 12 times per day!
This feeder is actually my top pick if you’re looking for the best automatic cat feeder specifically because you have a “greedy” cat that has been known to gobble their way to an upset stomach. It can really change your cat’s habits for the better without any type of deprivation if you’re struggling with weight management.
The feeder’s “slow feed” setting actually dispenses a single meal over a period lasting 15 minutes to pace your cat appropriately for better digestion. Activating the “smart” feedings on this feeder isn’t complicated at all. There’s an easy-to-use LCD screen that makes programming feedings so breezy.
I know I said that the design of this auto feeder isn’t my favorite. I will say that one aspect I really like is the translucent lid with hopper because the design makes it easy to keep track of food levels with just a glance without the need to open anything up. That hopper can hold up 24 cups of dry food at a time.
I give this feeder extra points for the bowl that comes with it because it’s made of stainless steel. I always love stainless steel as a hygienic option that’s really easy to clean. In fact, this one can go in the dishwasher. Stainless steel also lasts a long time.
Pros:
- Holds up to 24 cups of dry food.
- The bowl holds up to 4 cups at once.
- Timed eating offers a tummy-friendly way to introduce portion control to a cat that eats to the point of bloating or vomiting when left to their own devices.
- While this feeder is powered with D batteries, you can actually purchase a power adapter to go with it!
- The transparent lid makes it easy to check food levels with a glance.
Cons:
- Only for dry food.
- It’s a little heavy for the size.
- While this cat feeder isn’t ugly, I don’t love the design as much as the look of my top pick.
3. WellToBe Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Cat
Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.4 x 7.1 (inches)
Weighs: 6.35 pounds
This is a great alternative to purchasing two separate automatic cat feeders. The two-way splitter distributes meals evenly into two 3-cup bowls. These bowls are made from durable stainless steel to create a very neat, attractive way to distribute lots of cat food!
I also want to say that you can use this as a single-bowl feeder if you don’t need the two-bowl system. There’s a wide portion range with this feeder. Every meal can give you between one and 48 portions. Keep in mind that each “portion” is about 1/6 cup.
You can make your own voice recording for meal alerts. Don’t worry if you’re wondering if the voice alerts will wake you up early on Saturday mornings. Your custom meal alerts are easily disabled. You can schedule feedings up to six times per day with this unit. Its drum stores about 13 cups of dry food.
I like that the anti-clog feature on this feeder creates peace of mind if you’re relying on it for mealtimes while you’re at work. This is one of the best feeders for preventing jams. It has a reversal mechanism that detects and fixes food jams with zero human intervention. The indicator light that flashes blue when your feeder is out of food is also really convenient.
The sleek design of this automatic cat feeders helps to it look very neat and unassuming in any room. The LCD screen with easy push buttons makes it feel like any appliance in your kitchen.
Pros:
- There’s so much you can do with the settings to create truly custom feeding experiences for your cat(s).
- Features two bowls with even distribution for easy feeding times in a multi-cat household.
- While this feeder takes D batteries, it also comes with a power adapter.
- Very robust design! It holds up against rough cats.
- The programming options are easy to use.
Cons:
- This machine cannot fit anything larger than 0.47-inch crunchies. You’re likely to get jams if you try anything thicker.
- This unit is a little bit bulky.
- The chutes on the machine do make a rattling sound that actually make it sound like your cats are “winning at slot machines” as the crunchies hit the stainless steel of the bowls. The noise can be a little disruptive first thing in the morning!
- The side-by-side bowls can be problematic if you have territorial cats.
4. Arf Pets Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
Dimensions: 15 x 11.8 x 9.65 (inches)
Weight: 4.63 pounds
This automatic cat feeder gets instant points from me for its very simple design. It’s a great pick if you just want a no-nonsense option that won’t make people scratch their heads when they hang out at your house like some of the other feeding contraptions out there. It’s also very lightweight for an 18-cup food dispenser.
This food system dispenses one to 10 24-milliliter portions per meal up to four times daily. It has an easily LCD clock display with your programming buttons protected by the lid. One cute perk is that you can make a voice recording to call your cats to dinner!
I think some people will appreciate the all-in-one design that makes this a more compact choice. The food drum actually sits on the plastic food dish. This is a bit different from the other designs on my list that come with food bowls that sit outside of the food dispenser.
You might like this design if you have a precocious cat that’s known to knock over, step in or move their food dishes. The square-like eating basin is actually little better if you’ll have multiple cats sharing the feeder because there’s room for more chins when compared to a standard round bowl. You also don’t have to worry about the cats flipping the bowl when vying for room.
Pros:
- Compact and convenient all-in-one design.
- Easy to use.
- Lets you record a voice message for meal reminders.
- Food dispenses quietly.
- While this feeder can be powered with D batteries, it also comes with a power adapter included.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any fancy bells and whistles.
- Cleaning the bowl is a little more difficult because it’s attached.
5. PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.2 x 4 (inches)
Weighs: 3.96 pounds
I think this design will fascinate you as much as it fascinates me! This is a rotating cat feeder. You’re actually pouring food into compartments on a tray that will be rotated for meal times instead of filling a drum.
The measurements are really simple with this feeder. It holds up to five cups of dry food at a time. Those five cups are divided into five separate single-cup, triangle-shaped portions that are delivered on schedule.
What’s nice about the tray design is that it makes this feeder compatible with both wet and dry food. It’s also designed using food trays made of BPA-free, dishwasher-safe plastic.
Pros:
- Works with both dry and wet food.
- Very easy to set up.
Cons:
- One meal will always be exposed after pouring food in. That means you can only store away four meals instead of the maximum five meals if you don’t want your cat to start nibbling right away.
- Makes noise while the trays are rotating.
- It can be a little easy to trip on this feeder simply because it’s so low to the ground.
6. Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
Dimensions: 11.25 x 11 x 3 inches
Weighs: 2.4 pounds
This is a really neat saucer-shaped feeder. First, it gets points for being compatible with both wet and dry food. I also like the quality and durability behind the design.
This tip-resistant, skid-resistant feeder has a BPA-free removable bowl tray that can be placed in the dishwasher. You set it up using a digital timer that controls when food is dispensed. Something I really like about this one is that you’ll see all of your planned meals on the LCD display after you’ve programmed them.
You’re getting five compartments for five separate meals that are served up based on your specifications. This feeder solves the problem of not being home to give your cat wet food by using twin ice packs to keep food fresh! The lid also seals very tight without any worries over curious cats tampering with the stored food.
Pros:
- It’s so easy to keep this feeder fresh and clean because everything wipes clean easily. You can also put the bowl in the dishwasher.
- Very attractive. It blends in so easily. You can also line up a few easily if you have several cats.
- Great for keeping wet food fresh using ice. This can be so important if your cat is on a prescription diet that requires wet food at specific times even though you’re away at work.
- The pieces create a tight, secure fit when they’re all snapped together.
Cons:
- This is a battery-powered feeder only with no option for using a power adapter.
- While there are five compartments, there are only four covers. That means one meal is always exposed from the moment you pour food if you use all five trays.
7. Petlibro Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
Dimensions: 13 x 7.6 x 13 (inches)
Weight: 3.8 pounds
This is such a sturdy, attractive design. A standout feature on this feeder is a desiccant bag that keeps dry food fresh. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to change the bag about once a month.
This feeder has a 17-cup capacity. It provides up to four meals daily using nine different portion configurations. You control it all using a simple LCD screen. Yes, you can even record a voice message to invite your kitties to meals.
Pros:
- Settings are so easy to use!
- While this feeder is intended to be plugged in, it comes with a battery backup system.
- Very quiet.
Cons:
- I wish visibility was a little better on the LCD. You may find yourself needing to adjust your positioning to get a good look at the displays in certain light.
- Only compatible with dry food.
- The smallest portion is 9 grams.
8. Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder with Clog-Free Design
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 14.2 (inches)
Weight: 3.97 pounds
I feel like this is a look that you’ll either love or hate at first glance. I personally think the design is pretty attractive. Anyone will appreciate this feeder’s ability to dispense between one and 50 15-milliliter portions up to six times per day.
The large food tank on this feeder can hold 6 liters at a time. I’m impressed that you can see through the tank to know when you’re running low even before your cat does! There’s also a red LED indicator that goes off when it’s refill time.
This is one of the rare automatic cat food feeders to actually have an anti-stick function to prevent clogs. There are several thoughtful features on this particular unit that really help to bring peace of mind to cat owners. Another big one is the ultra-secure twist-lock storage feature that keeps dry food fresh and crunchy while also preventing any sneak attacks from an ambitious cat.
The LCD panel on this feeder is also very easy to use. I compare using this feeder to setting an automatic coffee maker before going to bed at night. You can even make a voice recording to serve as your cat’s “dinner bell.”
Pros:
- This feeder plugs in with a power adapter. There is also a battery backup.
- Anti-clog feature is so great for peace of mind.
- Good capacity.
- Everything locks in tightly for freshness and security.
- Features a flat, attached bowl with a square-like shape that makes it easier for two cats to eat at once.
- Bowl snaps in to prevent messy capsizing!
Cons:
- This feeder is only for dry food.
- The buttons can be hard to see in dim light because they blend in.
- It would be nice if it came apart just a little bit more for cleaning. Getting in there to clean up all of the parts is a little tough.
9. WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder with WiFi
Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.08 x 7.99 (inches)
Weight: 4.76 Pounds
This is my pick for the best “smart” automatic cat feeder. This 6-liter capacity feeder syncs up to your smartphone to help you control feeding times from anywhere. Like most automatic cat feeders, this one lets you record a message to let your cat know that it’s time to eat.
A little “tech prep” is required before you can start controlling bites with bytes. First, you’ll need to download the free Pet Zero iOS/Android app. You also need to make sure that your Wi-Fi is fast enough by having a minimum 2.4GHz frequency.
Feel free to program up to 15 meals per day in advance. This machine counts each portion as 5 grams. When choosing your portions, you can select between one and 50 per meal. This unit is made of durable ABS plastic that does a good job of insulating for freshness. The food drum is transparent to give you real-time views on how much food is left.
Pros:
- Double power supply with plug and batteries.
- Works with your smart phone using Wi-Fi.
- Great variety of portions.
- The flatter bowl is great for sharing. Its attached design prevents the bowl from flipping or moving.
- Very durable.
- Neat, streamlined design.
Cons:
- Thicker kibbles can have a hard time getting down the hopper due to lack of angle.
Final Thoughts on Bringing Home the Best Automatic Cat Feeder
Choosing the ultra-sleek Sure Petcare feeder as the best automatic cat food dispenser you can buy today was easy. First, I think the design is really leaps and bounds ahead of any other feeder I came across in my tireless search.
I like that you can time it to work with your cat’s hunger using either a chip or RFID collar instead of just selecting arbitrary feeding times. I also like that it comes with so many accessories for a complete dining setup for your cat.
My only wish is that Sure Petcare would add an option for this feeder to work with an adapter. However, you might not care about that if you want to avoid wires around your cats.
I also want to point out that the training feature is so helpful for ensuring you don’t waste your money on a unit your cat will always fear. The bottom line is that there isn’t an easier cat feeder that does so much!
Ultimately, I think there’s something for everyone on my review list even if you don’t love the Sure Petcare feeder as much as I do. These picks all shine in the categories of preserving freshness, providing easy portion control and making it really easy for your cat to get at food when it’s available.
I hope this overview has given you everything you need to implement a smarter, healthier eating regimen at your house!
Brian is a proud cat parent and animal enthusiast who lives in the Northwestern United States with two cats. In his spare time, Brian likes traveling around with his pets, exploring new places, and writing. Sharing what he learned over the years of cat ownership brings him joy, and the cats teach him something new every day.