If you have owned cats, even for a short time, then you know how quickly they can learn the sound of their kibble being put in their bowl or the sound of their wet food can being opened.
Some cats can even become demanding for their meal if you are late, even by a minute. While it can be cute as kittens, adult cats who show these demanding habits can become destructive if not given their food on time.
To prevent your cat from becoming a hungry monster, you need to invest in the best automatic cat feeder. An automatic cat feeder is a food dispenser that feeds your cat for you.
It is a timed feeder where you can set the time and amounts the food is dispensed, so you don’t have to worry about overfeeding, much less not feeding your cat if you are not home on time or are busy for the day. Let’s look at some of the better feeding station options you can give your cat.
Best Automatic Cat Feeders
The Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Pet Feeder gives your cat two bowls to ensure your cat is fed when you aren’t home.
Key Features
- Two large food bowls
- 48-hour timer
- Keeps food fresh
Each of the bowls can hold up to one pound of food. Fill the bowl as much as you need depending on the number of pets in the home and how much each one eats. The bowls have separate timers going up to 48 hours so you can pick when the bowl lid lifts to allow your cat to eat.
Thanks to the timer, you can expect the batteries used in the automatic feeder to last for at least a year. A built-in ice pack will keep the food fresh for however long you may need to leave the food in the bowl.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Can be attached to a wooden board
Cons
- The ice pack can get warm quickly
Stop worrying if your cat will get their lunch when you aren’t home as the Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Pet Feeder will do that job for you.
2. SureFeedÂ
Utilize your cat’s microchip with the SureFeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder so their food isn’t at risk of being swiped by a hungry roommate.
Key Features
- Only opens to registered pets
- Ideal for multi-pet homes
- Sealed bowl
By programming your cat’s microchip or clipping on the included RFID tag, only the registered cat will be able to open the bowl. This will stop mooching cats from stealing food from each other or creating overweight cats due to free form eating.
When your cat sticks your head through the arch, it will open the lid and close back up when your cat leaves. The sealed bowl will keep wet and dry food fresh longer so you can leave the food in the bowl all day.
Pros
- Can hold up to 32 pet IDs
Cons
- Cats can potentially eat through the back gap created when the lid opens
Thanks to the microchip compatibility in the SureFeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder, your cat will eat the right amount of food or stop them from stealing another cat’s food.
3. PetSafe ProgrammableÂ
Never wonder if your pet has been fed when using the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Pet Feeder.
Key Features
- Highly customizable features
- Slow feed dispense
You get extensive customization options to chose from. You can program up to twelve meals per day with flexible portions from 1/8 cup – 4 cups. The feeder can hold up to 24 cups of dry food, which you can monitor the food level through the translucent lid and hopper.
Food is dispensed slowly over 15 minutes to prevent pets from gulping their food down. The five-button LCD screen is easy to use and programmable to your preferences.
Pros
- Made of BPA-free plastic
Cons
- The motor may not be able to move heavily wet food or dense kibbles
The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Pet Feeder allows you to customize the amount and time your pet is fed when you aren’t home.
4. Aspen Pet LeBistro
Aspen Pet LeBisto Programmable Pet Feeder makes feeding your cat all the easier on you.
Key Features
- Portion controlled
- Transparent hopper
- Twist-lock lid
Set the feeder to dispense 1/4 – 3 cups of food, three times per day, depending on the feeding schedule and amount your cat eats. You can store dry food in the hopper and keep an eye on when you need to refill it thanks to its transparency.
For the sneaky cats, a twist-lock lid will prevent them from breaking into the contained food.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in 5 and 10-pound options
Cons
- Some customers claim the food is dispensed at random times
Feed your cat up to three times per day to their specific portion when using the Aspen Pet LeBistro Programmable Pet Feeder.
5. Petmate Portion
Petmate Portion Right Programmable Pet Feeder keeps your cat on a controlled feeding schedule.
Key Features
- Easy to use LCD screen
- Transparent hopper
- Twist-lock lid
The easy to use LCD screen allows you to program the portion-controlled meals at the amount that you want and the time you want. Fill up the transparent hopper and keep an eye on the food level as it goes down and fill as you need.
A twist-lock lid keeps the food fresh longer and stops cats from sneaking extra bites of food in-between their set meal times.
Pros
- Battery operated
Cons
- Some smart cats can figure out how to open the dispenser
Make sure your cat is well-fed when you aren’t home by feeding them with a Petmate Portion Right Programmable Pet Feeder.
6. Dogness AutomaticÂ
Dogness Automatic Wi-Fi Smart Feeder lets you manage and monitor your cat during feeding time.
Key Features
- Compatible app
- Camera and voice recording options
- Jam-free dispenser
This feeder has a built-in HD camera with 165-degree rotation and night vision capability to keep an eye on your cat anytime to make sure they are eating. Use the compatible app to use the camera and to record your voice to play a message whenever it is mealtime.
Your voice can help ease your cat into using the new feeder. A jam-free dispensing mechanism keeps the food from being stuck in the feeder as the portions are provided.
Pros
- USB charged
Cons
- May have connection issues to some Wi-Fi providers
Make sure that your cat is eating as they should by watching them through the camera in the Dogness Automatic Wi-Fi Smart Feeder.
7. Frisco GravityÂ
The Frisco Gravity Refill Pet Feeder offers a constant supply of food for your furry companion.
Key Features
- Uses gravity to feed
- Made of durable plastic
- Extra-wide opening
Fill up the feeder via the extra-wide opening and allow gravity to keep the bowl at the bottom full. You can watch the food level go down and refill it to make sure the bowl of food stays full.
The feeder is made of 100% recyclable PET plastic that is safe for pets to eat out of. Cutout handles on the sides make it easier for you to lift the feeder and move it where needed.
Pros
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not ideal for cats who can’t control their eating habits
Relax and sleep in on your day off knowing the Frisco Gravity Refill Pet Feeder will keep your cat’s belly full.
8. Bergan Gourmet
The Bergan Gourmet Feeder uses gravity to keep the attached food full, so you don’t have to worry about it running out of power.
Key Features
- Gravity powered
- Durable
- Easy to clean
You will not need to worry about changing batteries or the feeder running out of power since it only needs gravity to do its work. The small feeder holds up to 6-lbs of food while the large holds 13-lbs of food. It is made of durable plastic so it can withstand great daily use or the most persistent of pets.
You can detach the food holder from the base so you can hand wash it with ease. Whether you are home or away, your cat will never be without food, until you need to refill the feeder.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Not suited for overweight pets
Your cat will always have a bowl full of food thanks to the high capacity Bergan Gourmet Feeder.
9. SereneLife
SereneLife Automatic Pet Feeder helps your cat maintain their weight when you are away.
Key Features
- Programmable timer
- Built-in voice recorder
- Prevents food spills
The six-litter capacity feeder allows you to provide your cat with the optimal feeding schedule. You can program the feeder to dispense a certain amount of food at the time you desire. A built-in voice recorder lets you add a personalized message to your cat to encourage them to eat.
Infrared detection can prevent food spills by only dispensing when there is no or a low amount of food.
Pros
- Plug-in design
Cons
- May not be suited for multiple pet homes due to dispensing options
Make sure that you program the right feeding amount and time to the SereneLife Automatic Pet Feeder.
10. Petmate Pearl
If your cat can control their eating, then they can eat happily from the Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder.
Key Features
- Continuous food flow
- Easy to clean
- Made of safe materials
Fill up the feeder and watch as the constant flow of food will always provide your cat with a happy meal. You will not worry if your cat has been fed when away from now on. It is made of PET plastic that is safe for pets and prevents odor-causing bacteria from growing on it.
The wide mouth is easy to clean and is also dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Can be used in a single or multiple pet home
Cons
- May not dispense large kibble sizes properly
Keep your cat’s belly full with the easy to use Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder.
11. PetSafe Eatwell 2
The PetSafe Eatwell 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder lets you decide when your cat should eat.
Key Features
- Built-in timers
- Pet-safe materials
Both feeders can hold up to 1.5 cups of food on each side. The feeder bowls are made of BPA-free plastic that is safe for cats and easy to clean. The timers go up to 24 hours each, so you can set the timer to match the time your cat eats.
The lids will automatically open when the timer goes off, and so long as the batteries are replaced when needed, it will continue to do so, even when you aren’t home.
Pros
- Helps portion control feedings
Cons
- Some customers claim the timer doesn’t work when batteries are low in power
Make sure that your cat eats the amount you want them to at the time you want them to by using the PetSafe Eatwell 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder.
12. Aspen Pet
Aspen Pet Gravity Refill Pet Feeder gives your cat the right amount of food throughout the day.
Key Features
- No power needed
- Pet-safe materials
- Clear bottle
BPA-free plastic will not spread any harmful chemicals to the food stored in the clear feeder bottle. Gravity pulls the food down to the dish below, so a hearty supply of food is always at the ready. Food will not overfill as the bowl is slowly filled as it is eaten.
It comes apart easily so you can clean or refill without issues.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Can be knocked over by persistent cats
Make sure that your cat will always have food thanks to the automatic feeding power of the Aspen Pet Gravity Refill Pet Feeder.
13. PetSafe Eatwell 5Â
Provide up to five controlled meals a day for your cat with the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder.
Key Features
- Five feeding trays
- Has a timer
- Rotates automatically
Each of the feeding trays holds a cup of food, meaning the feeder can hold five total cups of food. The digital screen allows you to decide when the motor will run to turn the tray and feed your cat.
You do not need to use every feeding tray, but they do give you options for use when you are not home.
Pros
- Batteries last up to 12 months
Cons
- Some pets have been able to force the tray to turn without needing the motor
Smaller meals will keep your cat full longer, which is where the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder comes in handy.
14. Cat Mate C3000
Cat Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Food Feeder gives you a wide diversity of feeding options for your cat.
Key Features
- Easy to use
- Pet-proof
- High storage
While most automatic feeders have you refilling it every day, you can store up to 6.5-pounds of dry food in the hopper, which typically lasts a single cat about a month. You can program up to 3 feedings a day from 2 teaspoons and up.
You can also set it to frequent feed mode for cats who need regular meals available. A snap-lock lid prevents cats from stealing the stored food.
Pros
- Easy to take apart and clean
Cons
- Is only meant for dry food
You can store up to a month of dry food with the Cat Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Food Feeder.
15. PetSafe SmartÂ
Control when and how much to feed your cat when your phone pairs with the PetSafe Smart Feed.
Key Features
- Smartphone programming
- Customizable meals
- Slow-feeding option
By downloading the compatible app, you can control your cat’s feeding, even when you are not at home. You can program up to 12 feedings a day, varying between 1/8 cup – 4 cups of food. Its Slow Feed option dispenses food in 15-minute increments to avoid spilling or your cat eating too fast.
The conveyer dispenser moves most shapes of dry food and wet food without food getting jammed in the process.
Pros
- Feeds both wet and dry food
Cons
- Resetting to Wi-Fi connections can be an issue
Monitor your cat’s eating habits with the programmable features of the PetSafe Smart Feed.
16. Dogness Mini
Your cat will get the proper amount of food with the Dogness Mini Programmable Pet Feeder.
Key Features
- Easy to use screen
- 2-liter storage
- USB powered
The LCD screen on the front of the unit is easy to use and program to fit the feeding needs of your hungry feline. No internet connection is needed to program the feeder. It requires only to be connected to a power source via a USB. There is a self-activating built-in backup battery in emergency cases.
The 2-liter storage lets you store a hearty supply of food while the internal turntable delivers the dry food to the bowl below without spilling or jamming.
Pros
- Available in three colors
- Easy to clean stainless steel feeding tray
Cons
- Best for single pet use
The Dogness Mini Programmable Pet Feeder is the perfect size for your cat’s meals.
17. Qpets Plus
Your cat will have plenty of food to eat throughout the day with the Qpets Plus Programmable Automatic Feeder.
Key Features
- Easy to control panel
- Variety of feeding options
- Personal message can be added
This feeder has an easy-to-use control panel with an LED-backlit screen that displays the meals programmed into it. You can schedule up to 6 meals a day with each of the six trays inside, holding up to one cup of food.
For fun, record a 10-second message for your pet so that they know you are there for them, even when you physically are not.
Pros
- Portable design
- Battery operated
Cons
- Turning mechanism can sometimes get stuck
Your cat will eagerly wait for their food to be revealed with the Qpets Plus Programmable Automatic Feeder.
18. PetSafe Healthy Pet
Your cat will always have food available for them with the PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station.
Key Features
- Gravity powered
- Safe materials
- Pet-focused design
The feeder holds up to 2 pounds of food that pours into a stainless-steel bowl. The food hopper is made of BPA-free durable plastic, so no harmful chemicals are ever exposed to your cat’s food.
A twist-lock design prevents the food from being spilled, your cat knocking it over, or sneaking some bites in between mealtimes. When the feeder needs to be cleaned, the feeder can be pulled apart and placed in the dishwasher or hand washed.
Pros
- Available in small and medium sizes
Cons
- May not be ideal for cats who can’t control their eating habits
Know that your cat will not be without food when you are away when they eat out of a PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station.
19. Cat Mate C300
Cats will not go without their meals with the help of the Cat Mate C300 Automatic Pet Feeder.
Key Features
- Three large food compartments
- Easy to program
- Keeps food fresh
You will have up to three food compartments to use that hold 3/4 pounds of food altogether. The LCD screen is easy to read, even showing you the programmed meals. The food stored in the feeder will remain fresh thanks to the close-fitting lid and removable icepack.
The feeder can handle both wet and dry food, so your cat will have the meals and the variety of food that they love.
Pros
- Battery-powered
Cons
- Only offers two feeding periods
Sit back and relax as your cat eats happily with the programmable Cat Mate C300 Automatic Pet Feeder.
20. PetSafe Smart 2.0
Keep your cat on a regular feeding schedule by using the PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 Automatic Pet Feeder.
Key Features
- Multiple feeding options
- Smartphone compatible
You can set up to 12 meals varying in 1/8 cup – 4 cups of food, depending on the needs of your cat’s diet. The feeder holds up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food. You can monitor your cat’s feeding schedule or adjust it when you aren’t at home.
The app includes a Feed Now option that lets you dispense food outside of the regular feeding time. There is also a button on the feeder itself that offers the Feed Now option that is pet-proof from the smarter than average cat.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Need Wi-Fi to work properly
You have full control of your cat’s dietary needs with the helpful app connected to the PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 Automatic Pet Feeder.
Bottom Line
Having an automatic cat feeder to feed your hungry feline makes owning a cat that much easier. You can be away from home near all day knowing that the feeder will follow your settings to ensure that your cat will have a full belly, and maybe even encourage your cat to greet you when you come home rather than immediately demand food.
Any of the automatic or gravity feeder options we have given will make it easier to feed your cat and be both cat proof and dog-proof, should you have other pets in the home. These feeders tend to do better in a single cat home, or you can train multiple cats to eat at their specific feeders.
Some cats may not enjoy the automatic feeder at first, especially the overweight ones. But, be persistent as you are not only saving money by controlling the amount of food given, you are also helping your cat lose or maintain their weight.
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The Review
Automatic Cat Feeders
Choosing the best automatic cat feeder is easy with our detailed reviews & ratings.
Review Breakdown
-
Cat Mate C20
-
SureFeed
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PetSafe Programmable
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Aspen Pet LeBistro
-
Petmate Portion
-
Dogness Automatic
-
Frisco Gravity
-
Bergan Gourmet
-
SereneLife
-
Petmate Pearl
-
Petsafe Eatwell 2
-
Aspen Pet
-
PetSafe Eatwell 5
-
Cat Mate C3000
-
PetSafe Smart
-
Dogness Mini
-
Qpets Plus
-
PetSafe Healthy Pet
-
Cat Mate C300
-
PetSafe Smart 2.0
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