The Best Automatic Cat Feeders

  • Bethany Fletcher

Feeding your cat consistently is important for their well-being, but feeding them appropriate amounts at the right times isn't always easy. Work, sleep, social activities, and family commitments often affect an owner's ability to maintain the best routine for their pets, so an automatic pet feeder can be an effective option. Some auto feeders come with intimidating price tags, while others are better for a strict budget. Many have settings to cater to your pet's high-maintenance routine, while others are low-tech and to the point. To help you find the perfect automatic feeder for you and your cat, we've pulled together a list of our favorites.

What to Look For

While exploring the world of automatic feeders, we looked for a few qualities: flexible mealtime and portion settings, easy set-up, and useful food storage. We also looked for models with unique features. For instance, the highest-ranking feeder on our list by Petlibro will automatically switch between the power cable and batteries during a power outage. For the ability to communicate with pets from afar, we love the camera and audio on the feeder by Yakry. If you’re considering an automatic feeder for your cat, read on to see which type may suit you best.

Petlibro Timed Automatic Cat Feeder

Nourish your cat on autopilot

This automatic feeder lets you schedule your cat's meals and portions, holds enough food to last almost a month, and has dual power options so your cat always eats on time, even during a power outage.
Best Overall

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Petlibro’s automatic feeder allows you to feed your cat regularly, even if you’re on vacation. The four-liter storage capacity provides meals for a twelve-pound cat for up to 25 days, while the desiccant bag keeps food fresh. We love the functionality of the portion controls, and the food bin has a locked lid to deter your cat from sneaking snacks. And this feeder is easy to clean. Plus, it changes seamlessly from powering through the cord to batteries as needed, so your cat never misses a meal.

Pros:

  • There’s a button for immediate extra feedings or treats.
  • The machine’s not connected to wifi, so it won’t be affected by blips in connection.

Cons:

  • Changing the desiccant bag twice a month is recommended.
  • Some crafty cats may outsmart the machine by reaching into the dispenser or removing the lid.

Pawzone Automatic Feeder and Water

Go with gravity

This affordable gravity feeder doesn't require electricity, and it comes with a matching water tank so your pet can eat and drink any time.
Runner Up

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Not only does this classic gravity feeder work without electricity, but it comes with a matching water tank to keep your cat hydrated. This set is inexpensive and made of natural materials. The feeder holds about a week’s worth of cat food. And each dispenser has an anti-skid bottom to stabilize them during meals.

Pros:

  • A mat is also included.
  • Any size of dry kibble should work in it just fine.

Cons:

  • This feeder will not prevent your cat from over-eating, as the bowls continue to fill as they empty.

Voluas Programmable Automatic Cat Feeder

Personalized to your pet

Record a voice message to call your cat for mealtimes with this auto feeder, and customize their diet with a set number of meals and up to twelve portion sizes.
Voice Recording Capabilities

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This automatic feeder by Voluas is a great option to keep your cat properly fed in set portions. And you can record a ten-second, personalized message for your cat that will play at mealtimes. The feeder holds four liters of food and dispenses it per your schedule. If you want to cancel a meal, just switch the portion to zero. You also have the option to use batteries or to run it with the power cable.

Pros:

  • You get a lot of handy features for a reasonable price.
  • It’s easy to program, so you can set it up quickly and let it do the rest.

Cons:

  • The 24-hour time clock may take getting used to for some.

PetSafe Five-Meal Programmable Automatic Dispenser

Compact cuisine

Smaller than a lot of other models out there, this feeder also lets you fill the five compartments yourself, so you can alternate between wet and dry food.
Most Compact

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With PetSafe’s automatic food dispenser, you can give your cat a meal right away and schedule four more while you’re at it. The machine will continue with your schedule each day until you change it. There are also options to serve an extra meal at any point or to skip one. Since you add the food yourself, the only setting you’ll need to program is eating times. It’s also easy to clean, and the removable tray is dishwasher safe.

Pros:

  • This feeder works for semi-moist foods as well as for dry food.
  • With the ability to fill the compartments yourself, you can even add medication to your cat’s food for the times it needs it.

Cons:

  • The motor can wear out, but removing the batteries when not in use may help prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Yakry Automatic Feeder with Camera

Virtual chat with your cat

In addition to setting your cat's meal times and portions from anywhere through an app, the camera and audio let you watch and speak to your cat in real time.
Best Camera Feeder

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This Yakry feeder features all of the usual perks of an automatic feeder as well as a built-in camera in case you want to check that your cat’s eating as planned. Plus, it has two-way audio, so you can interact with your cat remotely. Through the app, you can also adjust the feeding settings anytime from wherever you are. Better yet, all of these functions come at a good value.

Pros:

  • Besides speaking to your cat in real-time, you can pre-record a brief message to call them to eat.
  • The six-liter kibble capacity will keep your cat fed for a while.
  • You can even check on your cat in the dark with the night vision setting.

Cons:

  • Since this model runs through wifi, it needs a stable internet connection to work as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are automatic feeders better than free feeding?

Some cats moderate their eating habits better than others. Free-feeding is likely fine if you just leave a bowl of food out each day and your cat seems healthy in size, weight, and demeanor. However, if your cat is prone to overeating or if you have trouble maintaining a consistent schedule, an automatic feeder may prove useful. Auto feeders ensure your cat is fed at whatever times you deem best, whether you’re home or not. They also allow you to set and adjust portion sizes so that your cat’s well-nourished without being overindulged.

How often should I feed my cat?

How often you should feed your cat depends on many factors, including their size and weight, how much you feed them at a time, and your own schedule. While cats should at least have two meals every twenty-four hours, feeding them more often is okay too. In fact, smaller meals throughout the day can mean cats beg for food less. Small meals also can help cats who need to lose weight, as portions can be decreased without your cat feeling like it’s starving. When in doubt, ask your vet what’s best to help your cat maintain healthy eating habits.

About the Author

Growing up, Bethany always had animals around, and cats have long been her favorite pets. A writer/editor and indie filmmaker, she enjoys discovering creative and unique products and is dedicated to helping you find the right ones for your felines.

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