Nowadays, the pet supplies market is packed with all sorts of stuff for cats. Truly saying, many of these accessories are unnecessary, and serve just as nice tricks for a pet owner’s enjoyment. However, an automatic feeder for cat is a really cool invention and a must-have for any owner of one or several fuzzy creatures.
Table of Contents:
Why Do You Need a Cat Feeder?
Top-7 Automatic Cat Feeders 2018: a Comparative Chart
Surprising Facts about Cats’ Feeding
How the Best Automatic Cat Feeders were Chosen: Analysis + Real-Life Testing
The Best Automatic Cat Feeder Models: Our Choice
1. Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder 2018 Model
2. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder
3. Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
4. HoneyGuaridan A25 Automatic Pet Feeder with Voice Recorder and Timer Programmable
5. Bergan Gourmet
6. PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
7. Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Dogs & Cats
8. WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
9. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
10. Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder, CSF-3
11. Iseebiz Automatic Cat Feeder 3L Pet Food Dispenser Feeder for Medium and Large Cat
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Maintain Automatic Cat Feeders
Cat Feeding Guide: Basic Tips for a Cat Feeder Buyer
Verdict and Recommendations
Why Do You Need a Cat Feeder?
There are several reasons why you need to buy this smart device for your kitty. First and foremost, it is convenient. Just imagine that you don’t have to get up at 7 a.m. on Sunday and feed your feline. Instead, it is done automatically, and you can sleep till noon. Further, it helps your cat to keep to a diet. No malnutrition and no overeating: it gets the proper amount of food in the specified time, even when you are at work. This is particularly significant for cats with health issues. Finally, it lets you leave your home for several days without fear. Just load a feeder with food, and fill a drinking fountain with water. Your cat won’t starve to death even if you are away for a week.
If you’ve made up your mind to buying the best automatic cat feeder, you’ve probably faced the problem of choice. With so many models on sale and so many automatic cat feeder reviews, it’s easy to get lost in the assortment. That is why it’s important to understand what type of a feeder you need.
Types of Automatic Cat Feeders
There are a lot of kinds of cat feeders. They are categorized based on the type of food, capacity, type of a dispenser and other criteria. In particular, an automatic feeder can be:
- for dry, wet, or mixed food;
- with a continuous, or scheduled food dispensing;
- for one, two, or more cats;
- with a timer (digital or mechanical), or without it;
- large, medium, or small;
- with a batcher, or without it;
- outdoor automatic cat feeder models and feeders for using at home;
- electrical, battery-powered, or non-powered.
As you see, it’s quite a challenge to choose the best cat automatic feeder. Our comprehensive cat feeder automatic review based on real-life testing and expert opinion will help you to make a wise choice. All you need to is to decide what features you really need.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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Best Choice
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Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder
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Also great
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PetSafe Healthy Pet
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Also great
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Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
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Also great
|
Honey Guaridan A25 Automatic Pet Feeder
|
|
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Also great
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Bergan Gourmet
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|
|
Best Choice
|
PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Feeder
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|
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Also great
|
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder FoodÂ
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Also great
|
Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder
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|
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Also great
|
SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
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Also great
|
Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder, CSF-3, Stand/Bowl
|
Surprising Facts about Cats’ Feeding
1. Cats sniff around the food before eating not because they are so picky. They check the temperature of the food in such a way.
2. Cats eating live mice have nice glossy fur because mice’s skin is rich in sulfur, which is an essential component for a cat.
3. Cats can’t stand the smell of citrus.
4. Cat’s don’t distinguish sweet taste. Sweets are tasteless for them.
5. Dog’s food is inappropriate for cats because their requirement of proteins is completely different.
How the Best Automatic Cat Feeders were Chosen: Analysis + Real-Life Testing
Our automatic cat feeder review covers seven models that have been considered to be the best based on several criteria. We tried to be as impartial as possible when compiling our ranking. First of all, we compared their specifications – the results are presented below, in the form of a comparative chart. Next, we analyzed tons of real customers’ reviews and tried to single out pros and cons of every model. Finally, we tested samples of the chosen feeders in real-life conditions in order to make sure each of them really deserves the title of the winner.
The Best Automatic Cat Feeder Models: Our Choice
The best automatic cat feeder review presented is a list of top-7 models that are currently on sale. All of them have a lot of positive reviews of real customers. Read and choose the feeder that suits you best.
Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder 2018 Model
Review
Feed & Go is a smart electric automatic cat feeder, which is a great solution for those who often stay away all day long. This is a universal device compatible with both dry and wet food. It has six individual compartments, each comprising one 8-oz bowl of food. The feeder features a built-in webcam and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone.
What we think
It is a shining example of a smart solution. In our opinion, this is how a modern appliance must look. We love the fact that the feeder is fully adjustable and can be used for dispensing all types of food and treats in the stipulated time. It’s a pity that there’s no option of a refrigerator.
PROS
- adjustable food dispensing timing;
- a webcam for a remote monitoring;
- different types of food;
- iOS- and Android-compatible.
CONS
- no built-in refrigerator;
- isn’t refilled automatically;
- the maximum number of portions is six.
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder
Review
This is a large automatic cat feeder with a perfect adjustability. Thanks to its flexible settings, one can choose a size of one portion, the number of portions per day (up to 12) and the mode of food dispensing. The feeder can be loaded with dry or semi-moist food. A stainless steel bowl is easy to clean and absolutely safe for pets.
What we think
The main thing you need to do after the feeder unboxing is to read the manual and adjust the device correctly to make sure it functions exactly as it should. The process of adjusting is a bit complicated – don’t rely on your intuition. When set properly, the feeder is great, and its stainless steel bowl is beyond the praise.
PROS
- fully programmable;
- 3 modes of food dispensing: immediate, slow, and pause;
- can hold up to 24 bowls of food;
- high-quality materials;
- can work on batteries, and mains power supplies.
CONS
- no remote control feature;
- no camera;
- no batteries included.
Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
Review
This is a cheap automatic cat feeder, which is easy to use and easy to clean. It has a very simple construction: dry food is loaded into the container, from where it is gradually dispensed to a bowl, coming through a narrow hole in the bottom of the container. Vanness AF3 is a low-budget feeder that helps to be sure that pets are not starving when left alone.
What we think
It is a decent entry-level option. Unfortunately, it is not completely cat-proof – some cats manage to get into the container and eat unstintingly. The opening of the dispenser could be narrower.
PROS
- very affordable;
- very easy to assemble, refill and clean;
- can be washed in a dishwasher;
- quite a large capacity;
- non-toxic materials.
CONS
- non-programmable;
- portions of food are not regulated, so a cat can overeat.
HoneyGuaridan A25 Automatic Pet Feeder with Voice Recorder and Timer Programmable
Review
This timed automatic cat feeder offers plenty of flexibility. It allows dividing the daily volume of food into 6 portions that are dispensed in the specified time periods. The size of one portion can vary from 1/32 to 4 cups.
What we think
It is a godsend for those whose pets need a special diet that involves splitting the daily amount of food into smaller portions throughout a day. The feeder features a large container and is fully adjustable, which gives a lot of freedom in setting up the feeding schedule.
PROS
- good adjustability;
- a voice recorder with a speaker;
- a large container;
- for cats and dogs.
CONS
- batteries not included;
- dry food only.
Bergan Gourmet
Review
This is a simple but very nice feeder for dry food dispensing. Its transparent container lets monitor the amount of food in stock and is easy to disassemble and clean. The bowl is made of BPA-free plastic.
What we think
It is sturdier that it can seem: the plastic bowl is well-made, odor-free, and easy to clean. Keep in mind that if your cat is prone to overeating, you’d better buy a feeder with a possibility of regulating the portion size.
PROS
- affordable and easy to use;
- high-grade BPA-free plastic;
- a transparent bowl lets monitor the amount of food;
- a big 6 lbs container.
CONS
- the portion size is not regulated;
- for dry food only;
- no timer.
PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Review
This is popular and convenient digital automatic cat feeder with a built-in timer. It features a rotating plate with five compartments, each containing one cup of food. It is indispensable in situations when you are out of home all day long and still want your pets to get food in small portions throughout the day.
What we think
It is surprisingly inexpensive for such a smart, flexible, and convenient device. Perfect for the cats with digestion issues, excessive body weight, obesity, and those prone to overeating. The feeder is compact, lightweight, and stylish.
PROS
- a digital timer allows to set the desired time intervals between the portions;
- can be washed in a dishwasher;
- high-grade non-toxic materials;
- prevents overeating.
CONS
- batteries are difficult to replace;
- no remote control.
Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser for Dogs & Cats
Review
This is another best-rated automatic cat feeder that is fully customizable. Choose the
portion size and the number of portions per day, set up a timer and record your own voice
calling the pet. The feeder has a sleek design and will fit perfectly in any environment.
What we think
It is expensive but we believe it is worthy of its price. The machine has a capacious, easy-
to-refill reservoir, a lot of smart settings for optimizing the feeding process, and a feature of
voice recording. The only small downside is a plastic bowl – we’d prefer to see a stainless
steel one here.
PROS
- an opportunity of varying the portion size;
- a large easy-to-refill container;
- great adjustability;
- perfect for pets with special dietary needs.
CONS
- the bowl is plastic, not stainless steel;
- no remote control.
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
Review
This is an automatic cat feeder with a capacious reservoir of 6 L intended for the scheduled dry food dispersion. It is fully adjustable. You can choose the number of portions per meal and the number of meals per day (up to 4) on a simple control panel with a digital monitor. The machine has a feature of voice recording – you can use it to call your pet to have a meal. An infrared sensor detects whether there is food left in the bowl to prevent oversupply.
What we think
We liked the feeder’s sleek design, convenient control panel, and a large food container. We are not crazy about its build quality (it is plastic, though sturdy enough). In general, it is a good value for money.
PROS
- a good capacity;
- voice recording;
- easy adjusting;
- flexible settings.
CONS
- it is all-plastic;
- dry food only.
SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Review
This smart feeder was developed for those who need to differentiate the feeding of two or more cats. The reasons for this are numerous. For example, one of your pets has special nutrition needs, or it is sick, or shy, or simply a slow-eater – thanks to the innovative microchip device, you’ll be able to feed it separately. It’s mechanism of action is the following: a microchip built in the lid reads the pet’s ID from a tag attached to the collar, and the lid is opened. If the wrong cat comes closer, the lid stays closed.
What we think
The idea itself is brilliant. But one should not underestimate cats’ dexterity: if a stronger cat really wants to hack the system, it can shove along to the feeder simultaneously with the “right” cat and steal the food. Everything depends on a particular cat’s behavior.
PROS
- perfect for pets with special nutrition needs;
- recognizes most of the existing pet chips;
- fully programmable;
- the lid preserves food and protects it from dirt and flies.
CONS
- the capacity is small;
- not completely hack-proof.
Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder, CSF-3
Review
This is a large and versatile cat feeder that allows hassle-free adjusting of the daily amount of food and the regularity of feeding. It is great for splitting the meals into small portions. The machine is easy to set up and use, and can be upgraded with multiple optional extensions.
What we think
Super Feeder is one of the oldest feeder brands in America – reputable and reliable. The machine is well-made, convenient, and versatile but expensive. That said, there are really few complaints about its quality.
PROS
- compatible with multiple extensions;
- allows precise adjustment;
- a well-recognized brand;
- very easy to use.
CONS
- expensive;
- all-plastic.
Iseebiz Automatic Cat Feeder 3L Pet Food Dispenser Feeder for Medium and Large Cat
Review
Iseebiz is a fully programmable automatic feeder for cats and small to medium dogs. It allows to serve up to four meals per day and choose from 1 to 39 portions per meal. The feeder comes with the feature of voice recording up to 10 seconds, so you can record your voice calling your pet. The smart enclosed design of the top container lets keep food fresh and tasty. An infrared sensor provides the highest accuracy of measuring the meal size.
What we think
The feeder is well-made, compact, and packed with useful smart features. It is very easy to use and can run on batteries in the case of an electricity outage. One minor drawback is the dish that can’t be detached and washed separately. The food container lid is non-transparent, so you never know how much food is left.
PROS
- compact and ergonomic;
- fully programmable;
- a voice recording feature;
- a built-in infrared sensor for higher accuracy.
CONS
- there’s no way to take off the dish;
- the food container is not transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to set an automatic cat feeder?
A: The best approach is to read the manual – different feeders differ in terms of their features and settings available. Most automatic models allow setting of several parameters. Commonly, you can choose the number of meals per day, the intervals between the meals, and the amount of food in every portion.
Q: How does an automatic cat feeder work?
A: Automatic cat feeders can differ in terms of their mechanism of action, but many of them have a similar construction. Usually, this is a large container that is filled with dry food. On the bottom of this container, there is an opening, through which the food is supplied to the bowl. A feeder for wet food looks differently. This is a rotating round bowl with 5 or 6 separate compartments. The compartments are opened one by one in preset time intervals.
Q: Can I use canned cat food in an automatic cat feeder?
A: Yes, some feeders can be used for dispensing canned food. But you need to keep in mind that wet canned food has a very limited storage life. If you are going to be away all day long, you’d better use a feeder with a built-in refrigerator feature.
Q: How much should a cat eat per day?
A: It depends on the cat’s age, size, its state of health, lifestyle, and the type of food. Normally, vets recommend from 25 to 35 calories per one pound of body weight per day. Thus, a 10-pound cat needs 280-300 calories per day, which is equal to approximately one cup of high-quality commercial dry food.
Q: Is the automatic cat feeder easy to clean and dishwasher safe?
A: Modern automatic cat feeders are pretty easy to maintain. To keep the feeder clean and tidy and prevent bacteria growth you need to clean the bowl regularly. Once in a while, it is recommended to disassemble a feeder and wash all its removable parts, which can vary depending on the construction. Usually, bowls and food containers are made of sturdy plastic or stainless steel, which makes them easy to clean. Most of them are dishwasher safe.
Q: How do I train my cat to use an automatic feeder?
A: For most cats, an automatic feeder looks like a monster because of its whirring and sound emanation. At first, your cat might be afraid of it and won’t approach it. Cats generally don’t support any changes, let alone with their belongings. So, be very patient in training your pet to use an automatic feeder. When you first bring the machine home, open the box when the cat is near you. Take out the feeder and let your cat sniff and examine it as much as he needs. This way, he will feel safe. Afterward, put the feeder next to his eating bowl. Let the cat eat from the bowl for some time. Turn on the machine several times to watch the reaction of the animal. At first, the sound may frighten the animal, but with time passing, he is sure to start taking it as normal. Program the machine to dispense food a couple of times a day. This way your cat will connect the sound of the machine with getting food. Once you see your pet eats out of the machine, can remove the eating bowl.
How to Maintain Automatic Cat Feeders
A cat feeder is a device that usually doesn’t require any special maintenance. And still, it is necessary to keep it clean and tidy and use according to its intended purpose only. A feeder must be supplied with an automatic cat feeder manual where you can find all the necessary information.
Keep in mind that if you load in your automatic cat feeder wet food, you need to wash it more frequently; ideally – after every use. If you load in your automatic cat feeder dry food only, wash it when needed. Some models can be washed in dishwashers.
Cat Feeding Guide: Basic Tips for a Cat Feeder Buyer
Historically, felines are flesh-eaters, and their main food is raw meat. However, as of today, few domestic cats are fed with pure raw meat, not to mention live preys. If a cat is on homemade food, it’s very important to include all the necessary components in its everyday diet, and find an ideal balance of macro- and micronutrients. It’s not an easy affair, and more and more cat owners worldwide opt for commercial cat food that can be dry or wet.
Dry or Wet?
Dry food is easy to use in feeders – you can use it even in 7 day cat feeder automatic models because it has an extended storage period. It is a convenient and practical option, but vets recommend to be cautious about it. If your cat is young and healthy, you may feed it with dry food solely. But if it is of senior age or has any health issues, chances are it needs some wet food as well. Fortunately, today it is not a problem even if you often stay out of home, as there are special feeders. In such an automatic cat feeder wet food refrigerated can be stored like in the fridge and dispensed in specified time periods.
Prevent Overeating!
Many cats have no sense of proportion – they eat till they have food in their bowl. Meanwhile, overeating for a cat is even worse than malnutrition. Overweight cats have numerous health issues, and their life expectancy is shorter. It can be difficult to control the size of every food portion for your kitty, so an automatic cat feeder timer is the best way out.
Choose an Optimal Frequency
Cat owners often wonder how often they need to feed their pets. Essentially, a healthy cat can be fed 2-3 times a day. But if your feline is prone to overeating, or has digestive problems, it makes sense to practice split meals. It works like with humans. A small automatic cat feeder is a good helper in such cases.
Verdict and Recommendations
If you are looking for the best automatic wet food cat feeder, consider Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder. It is a gorgeous automatic cat feeder with camera that can be controlled remotely via a mobile device. Though it is not the cheapest model, it is a good value for money.
If you need a low-budget option, have closer look at the Vanness AF3 feeder. It is really affordable while being easy to use and quite sturdy. Finally, if you are in search of the most flexible device, opt for the Arf Pets Automatic, which offers the maximum adjustability. Our top pick is PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
Sources:
https://www.lepouf.com/4-dangers-of-automatic-cat-feeders/
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