The Best Cat Food Dispenser
If you don't enjoy getting up to the meows of your hungry cat, a food dispenser might be for you. These handy containers put out cat food at set times of the day, reducing the need for you to wait on your favorite feline. But not every cat food dispenser will be suitable for every cat owner, which is why we've made this list detailing a few of our favorites.
What to Look For
There were a few things we asked of each cat food dispenser before we could consider them meal-ready: Do they dispense cat food consistently and in accurate portions? Are they easy to set up? Do they hold enough food to last for multiple meals? Any cat food dispenser that made it onto our list fulfilled most (or all) of these requirements with aplomb. PETLIBRO ended up with our favorite cat food dispenser thanks to its simple setup operation and generous food storage capacity. We also loved Voluas’ food dispenser, which had USB compatibility and other high-tech features that made it perfect for indoor cats. Read on to find out which cat food dispenser will be right for your kitchen or dining room.
PETLIBRO Automatic Timed Cat Food Dispenser
The five star choice
This cat food dispenser is a simple, straightforward meal helper that any cat owner can appreciate. It’s simple to program the times and portions you’d like the device to dispense, and its D-cell battery operation allows it to stick to your schedule even during a power outage. And since it’s primed for quick setup, you can use it to start feeding your cats right away. This cat food dispenser is a reliable choice for anyone who wants mealtime to go a little smoother.
Pros
- Its lid snaps firmly closed, meaning your cat won’t have the chance to go on midnight meal raids.
- The bowl dish is spacious enough that food doesn’t easily overflow onto the floor, keeping your space clean.
- A vocal feature lets you record your voice to the cat food dispenser, letting your cats hear you call them for mealtime even if you aren’t around.
Cons
- The LCD screen is small and can be hard to read.
Pawzone Two Pack Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
This cat food dispenser two-pack is a great value and ideal for serving small to mid-sized portions. These feeders are designed with convenience in mind, made with handles on the side for lifting and non-skid rubber feet. They also come with a silicone mat, making the cleanup process much simpler. If you need a cat food dispenser that’s easy to keep clean and stable, this is the choice for you.
Pros
- The double package makes it a good choice for households with multiple pets who get impatient at mealtime.
- Assembly is intuitive and takes little to no time.
Cons
- The water bowl accrues hair easily and needs to be cleaned fairly frequently.
Voluas Programmable Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
The inside scoop
We think indoor cats will appreciate this sophisticated and forward-thinking cat food dispenser. A backlit and easily legible LED screen lets you program everything from portion sizes to voice recordings for letting your cats know it’s mealtime. Its internal memory also remembers all your settings, even in the event of a power outage. This small and sleek cat food dispenser makes a great fit in almost any home.
Pros
- Dual USB and battery power sources can keep this cat food dispenser running even if the power goes out.
- It comes apart easily for cleaning but stays together reliably over the course of a normal day.
- The timer is easy to set and reset as needed.
Cons
- Its lightweight build makes it easy to accidentally knock over.
Prupet Wi-Fi Enabled Cat Food Dispenser
Apps before the main course
Wi-Fi functionality and app control make this the easiest cat food dispenser to use on our list. The app functionality lets you program your cat food dispenser from your smartphone. However, manual feeding options are still available for those who prefer traditional methods. Its physical construction is also impressive: the top tightens firmly, and the stainless steel bowl is simple to clean. For those who already spend lots of time on their phone, this cat food dispenser makes chowtime even easier.
Pros
- The feeder allows for very small portions, making this a good choice for cats who tend to eat too fast.
- It runs and dispenses food quietly, so skittish cats will have no need to worry.
- The app lets you connect to multiple feeders to coordinate mealtimes with more than one pet.
Cons
- The app needs to be connected via 2.4 Wi-Fi, which can be a hassle for those with more advanced coverage.
WellToBe Two-Way Splitter Cat Food Dispenser
A split decision
This cat food dispenser can feed multiple cats with ease, thanks to its intuitive splitter. Feeding two cats simultaneously are no issue due to an infrared sensor that prevents jamming and sends food smoothly down each path. It also features a handy low-food alarm and a recording feature that can play your voice when it’s chowtime. Feeding a household of pets is a simple matter with the help of this cat food dispenser.
Pros
- If needed, the splitter can be removed to turn this device into a standard single-serve cat food dispenser.
- Its double-dish base has the additional benefit of making it heavier and thus more difficult to knock over.
- This is ideal for cats who fight at mealtime, as both can receive the same portion.
Cons
- Unlike several other dispensers on our list, it doesn’t have a backup battery power source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a cat food dispenser?
Cat food dispensers are handy for those who frequently travel, as they can be programmed to ensure your cats still get their meals on time. They can also serve as relief for owners who don’t want to get up to the whines of their hungry kitties every morning.
Why do so many cat dispensers have backup power sources?
For those aforementioned travelers, it can be nerve-wracking to think that your cats might be without food if a power outage happens. Battery backups ensure that your cat food dispenser will still serve meals on time even if the power cuts out.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.