Having a cat means you're always going to have a hungry, needy animal on your hands. While most felines are fairly independent and can go for days without eating or drinking, it's never going to be easy to find time in your schedule to feed them.
Running out of pet food and having an empty bowl on the floor is hardly ideal for any of your other pets either, so investing in a quality automatic cat feeder can be one of the best decisions you make as a pet owner. Not only will this eliminate the risk of running low on food while you're away from home but also help keep unwanted pests at bay too – something that's especially important if you live in rural areas or have small dogs around!
Our buying guide covers all the information you need before making any final choices about which product is right for your cat(s). From budget-friendly options that merely dispense dry food through to more expensive models with additional features like wet meals and ice packs, there are plenty of ways to cater for every type of feline. The key is finding exactly what works best for YOU – not only because it needs to suit YOUR schedule but also because some models work better with larger cats than others do.
You may want all the facts about automatic cat feeders now, but don't worry - we aren't just leaving it at that! In fact, we've put together some top recommendations when it comes down to our absolute favorites right now. You'll learn how they differ and why each model has made our list - plus find out whether they're appropriate for kittens or senior cats too!
How We Choose
There are several things to consider when choosing the best automatic cat feeder for your needs. First, you'll want to decide whether you'd prefer a feeder that can dispense both wet and dry food, or one that's designed specifically for dispensing wet food only. Some models can also be used to dispense treats and medications, so keep that in mind if those features are important to you.
Next, think about how many cats you'll be feeding at once—most automatic feeders have a maximum capacity of three or four felines at a time, but some models offer greater capacity if your feline family is particularly large. You might also want to consider whether or not you want an indoor/outdoor design (indoor-only designs keep spilled food contained within the unit). And finally, make sure any model you're considering has an auto-shutoff function in case it gets stuck open.
Petory Timed Automatic Cat Feeders
The Petory Timer Automatic Feeder is a great choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-use, hassle-free pet feeder. This cat feeder can dispense up to six meals per day and has a digital timer that allows you to set feeding times between 1 hour and 24 hours in advance.
The hopper can hold up to 16 cups of food, which is more than enough for most households with multiple cats or small dogs. The bowl also has a sipper lid that helps prevent messes from getting on the floor or furniture, making cleanup much easier. The device comes with a desiccant bag that keeps your cat's food fresh and prevents it from spoiling if the power goes out.
This automatic pet feeder features batteries that are built into the unit itself so there's no need to worry about replacing them if they run out mid-feed. It also comes with dual power supplies so you can use it without worrying about whether electricity will be available when you need it most - such as during natural disasters or while traveling away from home.
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder
The Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder is a great choice for anyone who wants to feed their cat dry food without having to worry about refilling the bowl. This smart pet feeder does all of the work for you, so you can sit back and relax while your cat enjoys a meal.
The triple preservation system ensures that your cat gets the best possible quality food, with three layers of protection to keep freshness in every bite. The built-in infrared sensor in the food outlet can stop dispensing when it detects something blocking the hole, so you never have to worry about accidents again. And if power goes out, there's an alkaline battery backup too.
This automatic pet feeder comes with a 10-second recording option so you can leave a message for your cat if they're out at night and need some help getting back home. Overall this is one of the best automatic pet feeders on the market today - and it's also reasonably priced considering its high quality build materials and features.
Garfeur Automatic Cat Feeders
The Garfeur Automatic Cat Feeder is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use automatic cat feeder. This feeder comes with a 10 second voice recording that you can use to remind your pet when it's time to eat.
This model also has 48 portions per day, which means you don't have to fill it as often and the food will stay fresh longer. The removable food hopper, food tray, tank base, and two stainless steel bowls make this model easy to clean and makes feeding your pets hassle free.
The only downside of this feeder is that it doesn't have a battery backup option so if the power goes out you'll need to reset the time manually every time. However, considering all of its other features - such as its large storage capacity - we think this is still worth the price point in spite of that drawback.
GIOTOHUN Automatic Pet Feeders
The GIOTOHun Automatic Cat Feeder is a great choice for any cat owner who wants to feed their feline without having to worry about overfeeding or underfeeding. This feeder comes with a five-star rating on Amazon, and the main reason why it's so popular is its smart design that helps prevent overeating.
The food bowl can hold up to four cups of food, which means you don't have to fill it every day. The feeding schedule can be programmed in advance, making traveling with this feeder easy. It also has an LCD screen that shows the current settings, making it easy for you to keep an eye on your cat's eating habits.
It's not the cheapest option out there but considering all the benefits this automatic feeder offers - including being moisture-proof and fresh - we think it's worth the price tag.
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeders
The Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder is an excellent choice if you want a pet feeder that can cater to your cat's needs, rather than just one meal per day. This feeder offers timed meals, so you can set it and forget about it.
It also comes with an interactive voice recorder which will keep your cat fed regularly, and the batteries are included for when the power goes out. The food is dispensed from a slide-out dishwasher-safe tray which makes cleaning easy - and there's even a desiccant bag in case of any spills.
The only drawback we found was that this model doesn't come with batteries included, but it does include an adapter for charging via plug-in power. Overall, this feeder has everything you need to make feeding your cat easier while ensuring they get their recommended amount of food every day.
Automatic Cat Feeder FAQs
There are a lot of different types of cat feeders out there, but which one is the best for your kitty? It can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for your needs.
We've answered some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about automatic and manual cat feeders so that you can make an informed decision when it's time to purchase a new one for your furry friend.
Is An Automatic Cat Feeder Worth It?
An automatic cat feeder can help you save time and energy, as well as make sure your cat never goes hungry.
Not only are automatic feeders convenient for busy pet owners who may be traveling or working long hours, but they're also a great idea if your cat has special dietary needs. Some cats have medical issues that require them to eat certain types of food at specific times of the day, and an automatic feeder will make sure that doesn't happen accidentally while you're away from home.
Depending on which model you choose, an automatic cat feeder can hold up to five days' worth of food in its hopper, so there's no need to refill it every day unless you want to do so. Simply set the timer and let it go; once your feline has finished eating, the system will shut off automatically so no other animals can access the food (unless there's another way in!).
Can I Leave My Cat Alone With An Automatic Feeder?
It depends on the type of feeder you choose. Some cat feeders are designed to be left alone with your pet while others aren't. If you plan on leaving your cat home alone for long periods of time, you'll want an automatic feeder that can dispense food for several days at a time. Most battery-operated cat feeders will only last up to three days unless they're plugged in, but some higher-end models have batteries that will power them for up to 10 days.
If you don't plan on leaving your pet home alone for long stretches of time or if your cat is known to overeat, we recommend choosing a manual or semi-automatic cat feeder like the PetSafe Healthy Bowl Deluxe which can dispense one bowl at a time. Regardless of which automatic cat feeder you choose, make sure it has a locking mechanism so curious cats and dogs can't get into it.
How Many Days Can You Keep An Automatic Cat Feeder?
It really depends on the type of cat feeder you purchase. Some models are designed to only keep food in them for a few hours, while others can hold enough food to last up to two weeks. If you're going away for an extended period of time and don't want your cat overeating while you're gone, consider purchasing a model that will store several days worth of food (as long as it won't spoil).
Some pet owners choose to combine multiple models so they have more than one day's worth of food available at any given time. This works well if you have more than one cat or if your cats are particularly impatient when it comes to dinner time. Make sure to research how long each model can store food before making your selection.
What Is The Best Time To Set Automatic Cat Feeder?
If you want your cat to have food available at the same time each day, set the timer on your automatic feeder according to when you want your cat to eat. The best times are right before or after a busy period in your house, such as when you're away at work all day or if there's an afternoon event coming up that will keep you from home for several hours.
Cats prefer eating small meals throughout the day versus three large meals, so it's best not to leave them alone with a bowl of kibble for too long. Cats also get anxious if their food supply is running low, so setting timers can help ensure they always have a meal on hand.
What Is The Disadvantage Of Automatic Feeders?
Automatic feeders don't always solve the problem of a fussy cat. If you have a particularly stubborn or anxious cat, they can actually make things worse by preventing them from hunting and foraging for their food. They can also be expensive to run if you're feeding large quantities of food, as they need regular refills. Finally, some cats may refuse to eat from the bowl when it's time to refill it, as they become accustomed to having an endless supply of food on tap.
Can I Leave My Cat Alone For 2 Days With Automatic Feeder?
It can be a very stressful situation for your cat when you leave it alone for the first time. Generally, cats are social animals and they adapt better to change if they have company. However, leaving your pet alone can be necessary at times and you don't want your cat to go hungry while you are away. Automatic feeders offer an easy solution that allows your cat to eat without having to wait on someone else being there.
Cats usually won't overeat with a regular timed meal so it is generally safe to leave them alone for two days using an automatic feeder as long as their health conditions allow it. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian before taking the decision so you know exactly how much food to put in the feeder.
It is also important that you set up other options for water such as a bowl or a fountain so that your cat has something else available in case of emergency or boredom.
Conclusion
Automatic cat feeders are a great way to give your pet the extra attention they deserve. They come in many shapes and sizes, from basic models that offer meal-by-meal feeding to more advanced options with features like multiple feeding schedules, digital timers and adjustable portions. The price range varies widely depending on which model you choose; budget-friendly versions have manual dials while more sophisticated versions have digital controls and Wi-Fi connectivity. They can help free up your schedule so you can focus on other things or spend more time with your furry friend without worrying about when or how much they're eating. With an automatic cat feeder you don't need to worry about leaving food out all day or having multiple bowls around the house – just set it and forget it!
