Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Automatic cat feeders are amazing! These machines can keep your cats fed when you’re away, which can help put you at ease. For some cats, it isn’t a great idea to leave food out for them to nibble on throughout the day. Automatic feeders can also come in handy when you want to sleep in on your day off!
If you’re in the market for a new automatic feeder, you’ve likely noticed that there are many varieties out there. We did the research and created reviews for 10 of the best automatic feeders available to Canadians. We hope that you’ll find a reliable feeder that will give you peace of mind when it comes to your cat’s meals.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2023
The 10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders in Canada
- WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder — Best Overall
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Size: 8.3 x 10.4 x 13.6 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 13 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
The best overall automatic cat feeder in Canada is the WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder. We like this one for its moderate price and that it can be programmed for up to six meals a day, which also includes the portion size. It has a voice recorder that can record a 10-second message so you can virtually call your cat when it’s mealtime. This feeder is great for multi-cat homes because it comes with two stainless-steel bowls that can hold up to 3 cups of food each. It has an anti-clog system that prevents it from jamming and alerts you when it’s time to refill it.
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Size: 8.3 x 10.4 x 13.6 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 13 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
There are a few issues, including that you can only use kibble that is less than 0.47 inches, or it could jam. Also, the splitter that dispenses the food into the two bowls doesn’t always distribute even portions — one bowl might get less than the other. Many cats do not enjoy eating side by side so take this into consideration.
Pros
Moderate price
Can program for up to six meals per day
Records a 10-second voice message
Two stainless-steel bowls that hold 3 cups
Notifies you when it needs refilling
Cons
Need to use small kibble
Cats may not want to eat next to each other
Doesn’t dispense to the two bowls evenly
- PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder — Best Value
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Size: 11.5 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 13 or 21 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
The best automatic cat feeder for Canadians for the money is the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder. It’s cat proof, which should come in handy for owners with cats that know how to snag food from other feeders. This feature also means the food stays fresh for longer inside the storage area. It can be set for up to six scheduled meals every day, and it has a 10-second voice recorder with five different voice recordings that you can choose from. It has an LED screen for scheduling and battery level readings and an infrared sensor that will stop dispensing food if it becomes blocked.
Moderate price
Can program for up to six meals per day
Records a 10-second voice message
Two stainless-steel bowls that hold 3 cups
Notifies you when it needs refilling
- Moderate price
- Can program for up to six meals per day
- Records a 10-second voice message
- Two stainless-steel bowls that hold 3 cups
- Notifies you when it needs refilling
Need to use small kibble
Cats may not want to eat next to each other
Doesn’t dispense to the two bowls evenly
- Need to use small kibble
- Cats may not want to eat next to each other
- Doesn’t dispense to the two bowls evenly
Size: 11.5 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 13 or 21 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
The cons are that programming the food schedule isn’t the easiest, and the voice recorder and/or speaker are not high-quality. It can be hard to hear your voice once it’s set up.
Pros
Well-priced
Set up to prevent cats from getting into the food storage
Can schedule up to six meals daily
Five 10-second messages voice recorder
Sensor prevents food dispensing if it senses a blockage
Cons
Programming it can be challenging
Voice recorder/speaker not high quality
Well-priced
Set up to prevent cats from getting into the food storage
Can schedule up to six meals daily
Five 10-second messages voice recorder
Sensor prevents food dispensing if it senses a blockage
- Well-priced
- Set up to prevent cats from getting into the food storage
- Can schedule up to six meals daily
- Five 10-second messages voice recorder
- Sensor prevents food dispensing if it senses a blockage
Programming it can be challenging
Voice recorder/speaker not high quality
- Programming it can be challenging
- Voice recorder/speaker not high quality
However, it is expensive, and the smarter the cat, the more likely they will figure out how to stick their paw up the chute and dig the food out.
- HoneyGuaridan Automatic Cat Feeder
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Size: 10.6 x 8.6 x 16.3 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 29 cups
Special feature: Sensor prevents food blockage
HoneyGuaridan’s Automatic Cat Feeder is designed for two cats, but the splitter that pours the food into two stainless-steel bowls can be removed for a one-cat household. You can program it for six meals per day and choose up to 48 different portion sizes. It has a battery backup that will retain the schedule even with a power outage. It warns you when the food is getting low and has a voice recorder for a 10-second message. There’s also a built-in sensor for when food gets stuck. The motor rotates in the opposite direction to release the stuck food.
Expensive although look out for good deals
Cats can snag food out of the chute
- Expensive although look out for good deals
- Cats can snag food out of the chute
Size: 10.6 x 8.6 x 16.3 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 29 cups
Special feature: Sensor prevents food blockage
The problems with this feeder are that the food doesn’t always dispense evenly between the two bowls and that the lid doesn’t attach as firmly as it should. Also, sneaky cats can likely figure out how to get at the food.
Pros
Two bowls and splitter for two cats or removable splitter for one cat
Program up to six meals a day, up to 48 different portions
Battery backup retains programming
Low food warning
Motor turns in the opposite direction when a blockage occurs
Cons
Food doesn’t always dispense evenly between the two bowls
Some cats can find a way into the food
- Cat Mate C200 Automatic Pet Feeder
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Size: 10 x 8.3 x 3 inches
Battery backup: Battery operated only
Capacity: 3.5 cups
Special feature: Comes with ice pack
The Cat Mate C200 Automatic Pet Feeder is slightly different from the other feeders on this list. For one thing, it’s low-tech in comparison because it uses a timer rather than a programmed schedule. It also has two food bowls that hold 1¾ cups of food each, and it comes with an ice pack so you can use wet food with this one. The timer can be set for up to 48 hours, which ticks down until it hits zero. The lid pops up so your cat can access the food. Once done, you can throw it in the dishwasher, refill it, and reset the timer.
Two bowls and splitter for two cats or removable splitter for one cat
Program up to six meals a day, up to 48 different portions
Battery backup retains programming
Low food warning
Motor turns in the opposite direction when a blockage occurs
- Two bowls and splitter for two cats or removable splitter for one cat
- Program up to six meals a day, up to 48 different portions
- Battery backup retains programming
- Low food warning
- Motor turns in the opposite direction when a blockage occurs
Food doesn’t always dispense evenly between the two bowls
Some cats can find a way into the food
- Food doesn’t always dispense evenly between the two bowls
- Some cats can find a way into the food
Size: 10 x 8.3 x 3 inches
Battery backup: Battery operated only
Capacity: 3.5 cups
Special feature: Comes with ice pack
However, this is suitable for only one meal (or possibly two), so if you need it to feed your cats more often, this isn’t the feeder for you. You also need to be careful cleaning around the timer’s dial because the numbers are prone to rubbing off.
Pros
Uses a simple timer
Includes two bowls that hold 3½ cups combined
Comes with an ice pack for wet food
Timer can be set for up to 48 hours
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Only one mealtime
Numbers might rub off easily
- Arespark Automatic Cat Feeder
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Size: 3.7 x 14 x 14 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 25 cups
Special feature: App controlled
Arespark’s Automatic Cat Feeder has one large bowl, enabling you to set up to 15 meals each day and up to 50 different portions. You can program it with an app once the feeder is set up on the same wireless network, which can be accessed by anyone with the same account. It can all be detached for washing, and the lid has a twist-lock feature to keep the cats out and the food fresh. It has a voice recorder, and both the app and the feeder will notify you of any problems.
Uses a simple timer
Includes two bowls that hold 3½ cups combined
Comes with an ice pack for wet food
Timer can be set for up to 48 hours
Dishwasher safe
- Uses a simple timer
- Includes two bowls that hold 3½ cups combined
- Comes with an ice pack for wet food
- Timer can be set for up to 48 hours
- Dishwasher safe
Only one mealtime
Numbers might rub off easily
- Only one mealtime
- Numbers might rub off easily
Size: 3.7 x 14 x 14 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 25 cups
Special feature: App controlled
The problems are that if you have 5Ghz for your Wi-Fi, you might be out of luck. It works best with 2.4Ghz, and if you have a small cat, you might find that the smallest portion size is too large.
Pros
Schedule 15 meals per day and up to 50 portions
Use the app anywhere to program the feeder
Twist-lock lid for freshness and to keep out cats
Includes voice recorder
App and feeder notify you when there’s a problem
Cons
Works best with 2.4Ghz
Portion sizes are big
- WOPET Wi-Fi Enabled Cat Feeder
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Size: 7.6 x 14 x 14.2 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 25 cups
Special feature: App controlled
The WOPET Wi-Fi Enabled Cat Feeder is quite similar to the previous feeder on this list. You also download an app that you can use for programming, and it notifies you of any issues. You can schedule up to 15 meals a day with up to 50 different portions. You can record your voice for your cat, and it has an infrared sensor that helps prevent food blockages. You can use batteries for backup in case of a power outage.
Schedule 15 meals per day and up to 50 portions
Use the app anywhere to program the feeder
Twist-lock lid for freshness and to keep out cats
Includes voice recorder
App and feeder notify you when there’s a problem
- Schedule 15 meals per day and up to 50 portions
- Use the app anywhere to program the feeder
- Twist-lock lid for freshness and to keep out cats
- Includes voice recorder
- App and feeder notify you when there’s a problem
Works best with 2.4Ghz
Portion sizes are big
- Works best with 2.4Ghz
- Portion sizes are big
Size: 7.6 x 14 x 14.2 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 25 cups
Special feature: App controlled
However, it only uses 2.4GHz, and you need wireless for it to work at all. Also, it’s expensive.
Pros
Program with an app
Up to 50 portions and 15 meals a day
Voice recorder
Sensor helps stop blockage
Cons
Expensive
Need Wi-Fi to use it
Only uses 2.4GHz
- PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder With Voice Recorder
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Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 16.9 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder allows for up to four scheduled meals and up to nine portion sizes for each meal. It has a 10-second voice recorder and battery backup, but it also retains its memory of the settings even when there’s a power failure. It comes with a desiccant bag that helps keep the food fresh, and the design is made so only human hands (and not cat paws) can get into the storage bin. It’s also well priced!
Program with an app
Up to 50 portions and 15 meals a day
Voice recorder
Sensor helps stop blockage
- Program with an app
- Up to 50 portions and 15 meals a day
- Voice recorder
- Sensor helps stop blockage
Expensive
Need Wi-Fi to use it
Only uses 2.4GHz
- Expensive
- Need Wi-Fi to use it
- Only uses 2.4GHz
Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 16.9 cups
Special feature: Voice recorder
Unfortunately, while it takes human hands to lift it, the lid doesn’t lock into place, and clever cats can still find a way to knock it off and get into the food. The clock in some of these units tends to lose time, and the instructions for the portion sizes can be confusing.
Pros
Up to four meals per day and nine portion sizes
10-second voice recorder
Retains settings memory in case of power failure
Comes with a desiccant bag, which keeps food fresh
Well-priced
Cons
Some cats can knock off the lid and get into the food
Clock can be out of sync
Instructions on portion sizes can be confusing
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed
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Size: 18.5 x 8.7 x 12.3 inches
Battery backup: Yes but AC adapter is not included
Capacity: 24 cups
Special feature: Slow-feed mode
PetSafe’s Healthy Pet Simply Feed can schedule up to 12 meals a day and has a variety of portion sizes ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups. It uses a conveyor system to dispense the food and can accommodate both semi-moist and dry food. It has a slow-feed feature, which slows down the amount of food dispensed at a time so your cat doesn’t gobble it up. Also, it’s sturdy and more difficult for cats to get into.
Up to four meals per day and nine portion sizes
10-second voice recorder
Retains settings memory in case of power failure
Comes with a desiccant bag, which keeps food fresh
Well-priced
- Up to four meals per day and nine portion sizes
- 10-second voice recorder
- Retains settings memory in case of power failure
- Comes with a desiccant bag, which keeps food fresh
- Well-priced
Some cats can knock off the lid and get into the food
Clock can be out of sync
Instructions on portion sizes can be confusing
- Some cats can knock off the lid and get into the food
- Clock can be out of sync
- Instructions on portion sizes can be confusing
Size: 18.5 x 8.7 x 12.3 inches
Battery backup: Yes but AC adapter is not included
Capacity: 24 cups
Special feature: Slow-feed mode
There are issues, of course, including the fact that while it does have battery backup, it doesn’t come with batteries or an AC adapter. If you opt for this one, ensure that the equipment is pre-purchased. It’s also expensive and doesn’t offer many of the features seen in most other feeders. It doesn’t have any way of letting you know when it needs filling without opening it up, and the portions aren’t always accurate.
Pros
Up to 12 meals a day and multiple portion sizes
Takes semi-moist and dry food
Slow-feed feature
Sturdy and can’t be moved around
Cons
Expensive
No way to see if it needs filling
Portions are not always accurate
- PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder
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Size: 12.4 x 12.5 x 6.7 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 12 cups
Special feature: App support
The PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder has app support, making it easy to control the scheduling and programming. It can set up 10 meals a day and will notify you when the food is getting low with an LED indicator. It can be taken apart for cleaning and has a duo fresh lock system that helps keep the food fresh and dry.
Up to 12 meals a day and multiple portion sizes
Takes semi-moist and dry food
Slow-feed feature
Sturdy and can’t be moved around
- Up to 12 meals a day and multiple portion sizes
- Takes semi-moist and dry food
- Slow-feed feature
- Sturdy and can’t be moved around
Expensive
No way to see if it needs filling
Portions are not always accurate
- Expensive
- No way to see if it needs filling
- Portions are not always accurate
Size: 12.4 x 12.5 x 6.7 inches
Battery backup: Yes
Capacity: 12 cups
Special feature: App support
However, the same problem that plagues many of the feeders that use apps is also a problem with this one. The app is clunky and requires a great deal of information about your cat, while most people just want to feed their cat. It’s also expensive and there are issues with the Wi-Fi.
Pros
App support for programming
10 meals a day
LED indicator for low food
Duo fresh-lock system keeps food fresh
Cons
Expensive
App is clunky
Issues with Wi-Fi
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Automatic Cat Feeder in Canada
Finding the right automatic feeder is essential. It can mean the difference between reliability and your cat getting fed or missing meals. Here, we go over a few important points so you can feel more confident in the feeder that you decide on.
App support for programming
10 meals a day
LED indicator for low food
Duo fresh-lock system keeps food fresh
- App support for programming
- 10 meals a day
- LED indicator for low food
- Duo fresh-lock system keeps food fresh
Expensive
App is clunky
Issues with Wi-Fi
- Expensive
- App is clunky
- Issues with Wi-Fi
What’s Included
Remember to always read the fine print. If the feeder says that it has battery backup, that means you will need to purchase the batteries yourself. It should also explicitly state that you’ll be getting an AC adapter with the feeder. You should always check what the product you are buying comes with.
You should opt for a battery backup feeder if you plan to leave your cat alone longer than a day. You want to ensure that your cat has something to eat even if the power goes out.
Bells and Whistles
If you are aiming for a feeder that is supported through an app and connects to your Wi-Fi, check the feeder’s specifications. Almost all cat feeders can only connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. This means you’ll need to change your wireless settings every time you use the feeder.
If you’re not tech-savvy, you might want to stay away from these feeders because you might find them difficult to work with. Keep in mind that some of these feeders only work through the app and by connecting to your Wi-Fi.
Best Bet
When looking for an automatic feeder, you ideally want to aim for battery backup, a window in the reservoir, and stainless-steel bowls. The window or a clear reservoir will tell you at a glance when it needs filling, and the stainless-steel bowls are sanitary and easier to clean. Don’t purchase a feeder just because it has a voice recorder, for example, because cats are smart enough to figure out when they will be fed.
What Do You Need It For?
The feeder that you end up with should be based on what you’re using it for. If you only want it so your cat doesn’t wake you up at 5 a.m. every morning, you only need a simple one that offers one meal option. But if you need it during a short vacation or just overnight, take note of how many meals it offers and how large the reservoir is.
You must ensure that it holds enough and provides plenty of portion sizes and meal times, so your cat is fed regularly. But if your cat just grazes lightly on food and you’re not concerned about them overeating, you can also consider a gravity feeder, which is more reliable than anything plugged in.
If you’re tired of watching your dog make a mess of your floor during mealtime, try out the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl.
Trust us when we say that you’ll love this bowl and that it is designed with both you and your dog in mind. The wide catch tray is perfect for even the messiest of eaters, and the stainless-steel bowls are completely dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is as easy as possible. Click here to try it for yourself. At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
If you’re tired of watching your dog make a mess of your floor during mealtime, try out the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl.
Trust us when we say that you’ll love this bowl and that it is designed with both you and your dog in mind. The wide catch tray is perfect for even the messiest of eaters, and the stainless-steel bowls are completely dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is as easy as possible. Click here to try it for yourself.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Conclusion
We like the WellToBe Automatic Cat Feeder overall for its moderate price and anti-clog system. The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder is cat proof for those smart cats and has an infrared sensor that prevents blockage — and it has a great price! The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder is our premium choice pick, as it offers an app for programming, Alexa for snacks, and a slow-feed option for cats that tend to snarf up their food.
We hope that these reviews have helped you pick an automatic feeder that is reliable and easy to use, so your cat can have dinner when you’re not around.
See also: 10 Best Dog Bowls in Canada — Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: gofra, Shutterstock
