You woke up at 3am, a familiar, loud mew echoing through the room. It’s Whiskers, and his dinner dish sounds suspiciously empty. Stumbling out of bed, you navigate the dark room, grumbling about forgetting to refill the food bowl again. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Whiskers could feed himself whenever he was hungry?
Well, fret no more, fellow cat owners! Because today, we explored 7 Best Automatic Cat Feeder, the solution to late-night hunger pangs, and a guaranteed stress-free life for both you and your feline companion.
Last time we discussed the wonders of microchip feeders, ideal for multi-cat households. but now, let’s see some cat feeder—one that promises to revolutionize mealtime for our discerning feline companions.
A Quick Peek At Our Top Picks Automatic Feeders For Cat
PETLIBRO AIR Automatic Pet Feeder
- Spill proof, pest proof, and naughty paw-proof design.
- Battery-operated with 180-day battery life.
- Available in black or white.
Ratings : 4.2 out of 5
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for Two Cats
- 1080P HD video with night vision.
- 5G WiFi-enabled, 2-way audio.
- Dual feeding trays & holds up to 4-5lb food.
Ratings : 4.2 out of 5
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smoke Hopper Cat Feeder
- Automatic pet feeder with anti-jam technology.
- Dispenses up to 1/2 cup of food in 1/8-cup increments.
- Suitable for cats and dogs.
Ratings : 4 out of 5
PetSafe Smart Feed – Electronic Pet Feeder for Cats & Dogs
- Wi-Fi enabled with app control.
- Holds up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food.
- Customizable meal scheduler, Alexa compatible.
Ratings : 4.3 out of 5
Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Dogs
- Programmable feeding times (1-4 meals).
- Wired or battery-powered.
- Voice recording for meal calls.
Ratings : 4.6 out of 5
Cat Mate C500 – 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder
- Five food compartments for up to five meals.
- Each compartment holds 11.5 ounces of wet food.
- Includes ice packs to keep food fresh
Ratings : 4.2 out of 5
WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder (FV01)
- Holds 7 liters of pet food.
- HD camera with 120° wide-angle lens.
- Wi-Fi enabled.
Ratings : 4.4 out of 5
The 7 Best Automatic Cat Feeders – Explained in Detail!
1. PETLIBRO AIR Automatic Pet Feeder – Best Budget
| Material: Stainless Steel | Power Source: D-cell batteries |
| Max Food Capacity: 2L (8 cups) | WiFi-Enabled: No |
| Food Type: Dry kibble | Control Via Device: No |
The PETLIBRO Air Automatic Pet Feeder offers reliable timed feeding for cats, featuring a press-to-release lid for food freshness. Available in 2-liter or 6-liter sizes and black or white colors, it can be powered via USB-C or three D-cell batteries, with a battery life indicator. It allows manual feeding and programmable timers for up to 16 portions per serving.
While lacking a timer confirmation indicator, it’s nearly assembled with easy-to-clean components. A rotating barrier prevents pests from accessing the food tank, and though it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and a mobile app, its user-friendly buttons are pet-proof.
Pros
- Spill Proof design prevents mess and waste.
- Long battery life operates up to 180 days.
- Accurate portion control and timely dispensing.
- Secure locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Cons
- No wifi or app controlled feature.
- No screen indicator for validating correct timing.
2. PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for Two Cats – Best for Multiple Cats with Monitoring Feature
| Material: Stainless Steel | Power Source: Power adapter |
| Max Food Capacity: 5L (21 cups) | WiFi-Enabled: Yes |
| Food Type: Dry and Semi-moist | Control Via Device: Yes |
The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for Two Cats offers comprehensive control via the PETLIBRO App for iOS and Android devices, accessible over both 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi. With the ability to program up to 6 meals per day, with 1-50 portions per meal, and monitor feeding schedules for two pets, it ensures precise meal management.
The 1080P HD camera provides remote monitoring with a wide 145° viewing angle, night vision, and SD card support for video storage up to 256GB. T
wo-way audio enables interaction with pets, while personalized meal calls can be recorded and scheduled. Smart notifications alert users to low food/battery levels, blockages, and WiFi disconnections, with motion detection capturing pet activities and providing real-time alerts, customizable in sensitivity and viewing range.
Pros
- Integrated camera for monitoring your pets.
- 2-way audio communication.
- Low food, motion, and sound alerts.
- Dual tray design.
Cons
- Higher price point due to camera features.
- Food may not dispense evenly.
3. Whisker Feeder Robot Smoke Hopper Cat Feeder – Best for Dry Food
| Material: Plastic | Power Source: Battery |
| Max Food Capacity: 7L (29 cups) | WiFi-Enabled: Yes |
| Food Type: Dry | Control Via Device: Yes |
Despite being the most expensive feeder, it earned its price tag. The star of the show is the Wi-Fi connection and accompanying app, allowing you to remotely adjust feeding schedules and even dispense surprise treats – a feature that charmed us during testing.
An optional back-up battery provides peace of mind during power outages. This feeder excelled in our dog and cat kibble tests, proving easy to set up, program, and clean. While on the larger side, its sleek, Keurig-esque design makes it a stylish addition to your home.
Pros
- Customizable feeding schedules and food backup detector.
- Has Wi fi and app control features.
- Easy-to-assemble and clean.
Cons
- Serving bowl made of plastic.
- Not compatible with wet food.
4. PetSafe Smart Feed Electronic Pet Feeder for Cats & Dogs – Best Timed Cat Feeder
| Material: Stainless Steel | Power Source: Power adapter |
| Max Food Capacity: 6L (24 cups) | WiFi-Enabled: Yes |
| Food Type: Dry | Control Via Device: Yes |
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder, Second Generation, provides advanced meal programming, app-controlled meal adjustments, and features catering to your pet’s needs, such as a “Slow Feed” option and a “Feed Now” button. Ideal for pet owners seeking precise control over feeding schedules, it accommodates single or multiple cats with optional accessories.
With a 24-cup food reservoir, it dispenses dry food up to 12 times daily, or on-demand via the app or feeder button. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It operates via wall plug with a battery backup for power outages.
Enabled with Wi-Fi and a companion app, it allows remote meal scheduling, portion adjustment (ranging from 1/8 to 4 cups), and snack dispensing. A unique “Slow Feed” option gradually releases meals over 15 minutes. The app includes a feeder lock function and low food level alerts.
While lacking a camera or two-way audio, this feeder prioritizes functionality over direct pet interaction. Nonetheless, it ensures your cat’s feeding needs are met with convenience.
Pros
- Received the award for “Electronic Feeders of the Year”.
- Backup Batteries help deliver meals even in power outages.
- Alexa, Apple & Android compatible.
- Sending notification for low or empty feeder.
- Customizable feeding schedule via app.
Cons
- No audio or video capabilities.
- May not be suitable for wet food.
- Some users report about the noise of machines or food hitting the bowl.
5. Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Dogs – Best for Portion Control
| Material: Plastic | Power Source: USB or D-cell battery |
| Max Food Capacity: 4L (16.9 cups) | Wi Fi-Enabled: No |
| Food Type: Dry | Control Via Device: No |
An automatic cat feeder with portion control offers tailored feeding for pets prone to overeating. We recommend the Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Dogs for its precise portion adjustments, ample food storage, and optional recorded message feature.
This feeder allows four daily meals programmed via digital timer settings.
Portion size customization is key, with options for up to 40 portions per meal, each measuring 2.5 teaspoons. However, it’s limited to four mealtime settings, potentially insufficient for cats accustomed to more frequent meals. Lack of empty reservoir alerts is another drawback, though its 16.9-cup capacity provides extended feeding periods.
Equipped with a desiccant bag to maintain food freshness, it plugs into standard outlets with a backup battery option for power outages.
Pros
- Precise portion control with customizable feeding times.
- Removable bowl for easy cleaning.
- Customize 1-4 meals with 0-40 portion options for a personalized pet diet.
- Food reservoir with a desiccant bag helps to keep food fresh.
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or app control.
- May require experimentation to find the correct food amount.
6. Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder – Best for Wet Food
| Material: Plastic | Power Source: 3 x AA batteries |
| Max Food Capacity: Each Compartment holds 11. 5 ounces | WiFi-Enabled: No |
| Food Type: Wet and Dry | Control Via Device: No |
For wet food needs, the Cat Mate C500 stands out as our top choice for automatic cat feeders. Its five-compartment bowl with a rotating lid allows preset meal servings, accommodating both wet and dry food in 3/4-pound compartments.
Thin ice packs beneath the bowl maintain freshness without requiring an outlet, ensuring functionality during power outages.
Operated by three AA batteries, a digital timer schedules meals for labeled compartments one through four, with the zero compartment serving immediately or left empty. Note that the timer opens compartments chronologically, potentially delaying evening meals to the following day. The motor produces some noise, which may startle timid cats initially but becomes an indicator of mealtime over time.
Pros
- Easy to remove and clean both cover and bowl.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Has a battery status indicator.
- Compatible with both wet and dry food.
- Very simple to use, program and wash.
Cons
- Build material plastic.
- No voice recording, monitoring or app control feature.
7. WOPET Automatic Cat Feeder (FV01) – Best High Capacity with Wi Fi Feature
| Material: Plastic | Power Source: Power adapter or 3 D batteries |
| Max Food Capacity: 7L (29 cups) | Wi Fi-Enabled: Yes |
| Food Type: Dry | Control Via Device: Yes |
The WOPET Automatic Cat Feeder (FV01) offers convenient meal scheduling with remote control via the WOPET App for iOS and WOPET SMART App for Android devices. With support for 1-6 meals per day and up to 20 portions per meal, it caters to various pet needs, accessible over both 2.4G and 5G networks.
Equipped with an HD camera, it allows real-time monitoring and audio interaction, facilitating connection with your pet even when away. Its 7L/29cup capacity ensures continuous feeding for days, ideal for short vacations or long work hours. Customizable voice messages aid in pet acclimatization, while battery backup ensures uninterrupted operation during power outages.
Pros
- Hassle-free scheduling and monitoring through the WOPET Life APP.
- Uses a 720P HD camera and 120° wide-angle lens.
- Customizable feeding schedule and voice recording feature.
- Send notifications for every feeding.
- Portion control prevents overfeeding.
Cons
- May not be accurate on the amount.
- There might be loud noise while dispensing food.
Things You Should Consider Before Buying Automatic Cat Feeders
Thinking about an automatic feeder for your feline friend? Here’s a quick guide to whisker out the best option:
Proper Feeding Schedule
How many meals a day does your cat crave?
Automatic cat feeders offer diverse programming features to suit your cat’s eating habits. Consider the number of meals per day, timing options, and portion control capabilities when selecting a feeder. Digital timers or app-controlled scheduling provide flexibility, ensuring your cat receives balanced and regular meals throughout the day.
Smart Connectivity
Opting for a smart cat feeder with Wi-Fi connectivity expands your control options. Through dedicated apps, you can remotely adjust meal settings, monitor your pet’s feeding habits, and even engage with them through integrated cameras or audio features. Smart feeders offer convenience and peace of mind, especially for busy pet owners.
Multi-Cat Compatibility
When choosing an automatic cat feeder for multiple cats, consider their dynamics and feeding behaviors. Some feeders feature multiple dishes to reduce competition, while others utilize microchip or RFID technology to ensure each pet receives their allotted portion. Monitoring feeding patterns helps prevent dominance or scarcity issues among pets. Food Capacity and Feeder size matters!
Evaluate the feeder’s capacity and footprint to accommodate your cat’s dietary needs and your space constraints. Larger capacity feeders are ideal for extended periods without refilling, while compact designs save floor space. Consider your cat’s food consumption and travel plans to select the most suitable feeder size.
Maintenance Ease
Maintaining hygiene is crucial for your pet’s health. Look for feeders with dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning. Regular cleaning of the food reservoir is essential to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food freshness. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning instructions to ensure optimal hygiene standards.
Power Backup
Most feeders run on electricity. Choose feeders with backup battery options to ensure uninterrupted feeding during power outages. Dual power sources provide reliability and peace of mind, ensuring your cat’s feeding schedule remains consistent even during unexpected electrical disruptions. Prioritizing feeders with backup power enhances their reliability and functionality.
How We Tested the Best Feeders For Cats
We ran rigorous tests on 7 popular automatic pet feeders, evaluating them on a variety of criteria.
- Unboxing & Setup: We assessed assembly ease, power source options, and whether curious paws could access food or controls.
- Double Duty: We tested food dispensing accuracy with both cat and dog kibble, evaluating manual functions as well.
- Tech Savvy? For feeders with apps, we assessed mobile app activation and ease of programming.
- Lab & Life: Lab sessions monitored feeder performance, including portion control, capacity, and mealtime punctuality. Real-world trials provided insights into long-term functionality and durability.
- Cat’s Meow: Testers provided subjective ratings on design, features, cleaning ease, and overall satisfaction.
Tips & Tricks to Make Automatic Feeder Safe and Comfortable for Your Cat
So you’ve snagged a swanky automatic feeder for your feline friend. Here’s how to make mealtime a purrfect experience:
- Introduce it Slowly. Don’t expect instant love. Let your cat become accustomed to the feeder by placing it near their food bowl with food dispensed. Gradually move it closer to its final location over a few days.
- Location, Location, Location. Pick a quiet, stable spot away from high-traffic areas. A startled cat might avoid the feeder altogether.
- Practice Makes Purrfect. Run the feeder without dispensing food at first, letting your cat get used to the noise. Reward them with treats near the feeder to create positive associations.
- Start Small, Then Scale Up. Begin with a few dispenses at familiar mealtimes to ease your cat into the routine. Gradually increase the frequency as they become comfortable.
- Monitor Mealtime. Keep an eye on your cat’s interaction with the feeder, especially in multi-cat households. Ensure everyone gets their fair share and adjust portions or feeder placement if needed.
- Keep it Clean! Regular cleaning is crucial. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing the food reservoir, bowl, and any other removable parts. A clean feeder promotes happy eating habits.
- Fresh is Best! Refill the feeder with fresh kibble regularly to avoid spoilage, especially in humid environments.
Final Thought & Our Recommendation
Our top pick, the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for Two Cats, offers ample food storage, precise programming, and a user-friendly app for seamless monitoring while you’re away.
Our second favorite, the PetSafe Smart Feed Electronic Pet Feeder for Cats & Dogs is the way to go. As it has won awards for its innovative design, we’re pretty sure it will win your and your feline’s heat too! If you got a cat with a taste for wet food, fear not! The Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder has you covered. Using innovative ice packs to keep wet food fresh, it’s a game-changer for those moisture-rich meals.