Automatic cat feeders are a timesaving, cost-effective, and convenient way to feed your feline. Cats are creatures of habit, and these feeders allow your cats to get their meals exactly on time! Automatic feeders are also a great investment if you are going to be away for a couple of days — you can rest easy knowing your cat is getting fed.
Aside from convenience, automatic cat feeders give your cat exact portions and allow you to be in total control of their food. In 2018, an estimated 60% of the cats in the United States were overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to a host of serious health issues, and so, it is vital to keep your cat’s weight in check. An automatic feeder can help by allowing you to give your cat carefully measured portions throughout the day.
Not all automatic cat feeders are made equal, and some have very specific features and controls that you may or may not need. We put them to the test and put together this list of the 10 best automatic cat feeders we could find to help you make the right decision for you and your feline friend.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders
1. SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder – Best Overall
Check Latest PriceIf you have multiple cats that need regulated feeding, the SureFeed Microchip cat feeder is an ideal choice. It uses your cat’s unique microchip to gain access to the food, and you can program which feline can eat and keep the others out – not to mention, any opportunistic dogs! It is compatible with all microchips or RFID collar tags and can store up to 32 different pets. The feeder can hold both wet and dry food and the closed lid keeps the food fresh and free from ants and other pests. The feeder is completely battery-operated and has an estimated battery life of 6 months.
Several users report the microchip sensor is not very effective, and your cat may have to wait a few seconds before it finally opens. Also, the lid has been reported to open sporadically, or not at all, even though the cat is programmed to be allowed in.
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If you have multiple cats that need regulated feeding, the SureFeed Microchip cat feeder is an ideal choice. It uses your cat’s unique microchip to gain access to the food, and you can program which feline can eat and keep the others out – not to mention, any opportunistic dogs! It is compatible with all microchips or RFID collar tags and can store up to 32 different pets. The feeder can hold both wet and dry food and the closed lid keeps the food fresh and free from ants and other pests. The feeder is completely battery-operated and has an estimated battery life of 6 months.
All in all, we think that this is the best microchip cat feeder out there.
Pros
Programmable, microchip design
Included RFID tag for un-chipped cats
Can store up to 32 pets
Battery operation
Keeps food fresh and pest-free
Cons
The sensor is not as sensitive as it should be
Opens sporadically at times
Other cats can access the food too
- Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Feeder for Cats – Best Value
Check Latest PriceIf you are looking for an affordable and simple automatic cat feeder, the Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Feeder for Cats is the best automatic cat feeder for the money (according to our reviews). The feeder uses tried and tested gravity dispensing to supply your cat their kibble, the food storage hopper has an extra-wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, and the container and base are detachable for easy cleaning. A basic yet functional feeder at a great price that can hold up to 24 cups of dry kibble.
Depending on the food you use in this feeder, the kibble may easily get wedged in the opening and you’ll need to shake it to clear the block. Alternatively, if you have small kibble it may rush out too fast and make a mess. This small design flaw keeps this feeder from the top position.
Programmable, microchip design
Included RFID tag for un-chipped cats
Can store up to 32 pets
Battery operation
Keeps food fresh and pest-free
- Programmable, microchip design
- Included RFID tag for un-chipped cats
- Can store up to 32 pets
- Battery operation
- Keeps food fresh and pest-free
The sensor is not as sensitive as it should be
Opens sporadically at times
Other cats can access the food too
- The sensor is not as sensitive as it should be
- Opens sporadically at times
- Other cats can access the food too
If you are looking for an affordable and simple automatic cat feeder, the Petmate Pearl Pet Cafe Feeder for Cats is the best automatic cat feeder for the money (according to our reviews). The feeder uses tried and tested gravity dispensing to supply your cat their kibble, the food storage hopper has an extra-wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, and the container and base are detachable for easy cleaning. A basic yet functional feeder at a great price that can hold up to 24 cups of dry kibble.
Pros
Inexpensive
Battery and power-free gravity design
Easy to fill and clean
Holds up to 24 cups of kibble
Cons
Large kibble can easily get blocked
Small kibble may fall out too quickly
Inexpensive
Battery and power-free gravity design
Easy to fill and clean
Holds up to 24 cups of kibble
- Inexpensive
- Battery and power-free gravity design
- Easy to fill and clean
- Holds up to 24 cups of kibble
Large kibble can easily get blocked
Small kibble may fall out too quickly
- Large kibble can easily get blocked
- Small kibble may fall out too quickly
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You can program the feeder to dispense food up to 12 times a day or on-demand via the app, and the feeder comes with a quality stainless steel bowl and a dishwasher-safe upper compartment that can hold up to 24 cups of dry food.
It is difficult to fault this feeder, but some customers report the feeder doesn’t work as efficiently with smaller-sized kibble, dishing out inconsistent portions. This, and the high price, keep it from the top 2 positions.
- Cat Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Cat Food Feeder
Check Latest PriceThe Cate Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Cat Food Feeder is an easy-to-use feeder that is capable of programming up to 3 meals per day. The feeder can also be used manually if needed, or additionally in a “frequent mode” for cats with special dietary requirements. It has a clear LCD screen that is simple to program and has a long battery life of 6-9 months which negates the need for messy cables. The feeder can hold 26 cups or 6.5 pounds of dry kibble and can accurately dish out food amounts from 2 teaspoons and upwards. All the parts are dishwasher-safe and a breeze to clean.
There is little to fault with this feeder, but determined cats will open the storage lid container easily; and so, you may need to fasten it down by other means. Smart cats will soon figure out that they can simply stick their paws up the dispenser to sneak a few pieces of kibble, too.
Inconsistent portion size
Expensive
- Inconsistent portion size
- Expensive
The Cate Mate C3000 Programmable Dry Cat Food Feeder is an easy-to-use feeder that is capable of programming up to 3 meals per day. The feeder can also be used manually if needed, or additionally in a “frequent mode” for cats with special dietary requirements. It has a clear LCD screen that is simple to program and has a long battery life of 6-9 months which negates the need for messy cables. The feeder can hold 26 cups or 6.5 pounds of dry kibble and can accurately dish out food amounts from 2 teaspoons and upwards. All the parts are dishwasher-safe and a breeze to clean.
Pros
Can program up to 3 meals per day
Clear, easy-to-program LCD screen
Long battery life
Holds up to 26 cups of kibble
Easy to disassemble and clean
Cons
The lid can be forced open easily
The dispenser is not 100% cat proof
- PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder
Check Latest PriceThere are a ton of complicated automatic feeders on the market, and sometimes simpler is better. The PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder seamlessly blends simplicity with functionality and is one of our top choices. The feeder has five different compartments for your choice of dry foods, wet foods, or treats that you can easily program via the built-in timer. It takes batteries that last up to a year, which negates the need for messy and potentially dangerous power cords, and allows you to conveniently place the feeder anywhere you need. Plus, the easy-to-clean food trays are made from dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic.
Cats are notoriously smart, and some cats will figure out how to move the compartments over with their paws and access all the food. Also, the rotational motors always have the chance of freezing or over-rotating, leaving your cat with half a portion of food or none at all.
Can program up to 3 meals per day
Clear, easy-to-program LCD screen
Long battery life
Holds up to 26 cups of kibble
Easy to disassemble and clean
- Can program up to 3 meals per day
- Clear, easy-to-program LCD screen
- Long battery life
- Holds up to 26 cups of kibble
- Easy to disassemble and clean
The lid can be forced open easily
The dispenser is not 100% cat proof
- The lid can be forced open easily
- The dispenser is not 100% cat proof
There are a ton of complicated automatic feeders on the market, and sometimes simpler is better. The PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder seamlessly blends simplicity with functionality and is one of our top choices. The feeder has five different compartments for your choice of dry foods, wet foods, or treats that you can easily program via the built-in timer. It takes batteries that last up to a year, which negates the need for messy and potentially dangerous power cords, and allows you to conveniently place the feeder anywhere you need. Plus, the easy-to-clean food trays are made from dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic.
Pros
Simple and functional
Five different food compartments
Programmable timer
Long battery life
Easy to clean
Cons
Smart cats may over-ride the timer
The motor may stop rotating at the wrong point
Related Read: 10 Best Cat Food Bowls
Simple and functional
Five different food compartments
Programmable timer
Long battery life
Easy to clean
- Simple and functional
- Five different food compartments
- Programmable timer
- Long battery life
- Easy to clean
Smart cats may over-ride the timer
The motor may stop rotating at the wrong point
- Smart cats may over-ride the timer
- The motor may stop rotating at the wrong point
- Arf Pets Automatic Cat Feeder
Check Latest PriceThis automatic cat feeder from Arf Pets Automatic Cat Feeder is capable of feeding your cat up to 4 meals per day and even allows you to easily program the portion size you desire. The LCD screen is easy to read and program and is powered by batteries or a power outlet — a nifty addition if you run out of battery power. It has a 16-cup capacity with a magnetic locking lid to keep your cat from breaking in. The most unique feature of this feeder is the ability to record a unique message to play and let your cat know that it is feeding time! The container and bowl are removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Several customers report that this feeder is poorly constructed and only lasted a few months before breaking. Also, if you have any dogs in the house, they can break it open by knocking it over to access the food, and some customers had issues with small-sized kibble dispensing too easily.
This automatic cat feeder from Arf Pets Automatic Cat Feeder is capable of feeding your cat up to 4 meals per day and even allows you to easily program the portion size you desire. The LCD screen is easy to read and program and is powered by batteries or a power outlet — a nifty addition if you run out of battery power. It has a 16-cup capacity with a magnetic locking lid to keep your cat from breaking in. The most unique feature of this feeder is the ability to record a unique message to play and let your cat know that it is feeding time! The container and bowl are removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Pros
Programmable for up to 4 meals per day
Easy to read and program LCD screen
Mains and battery-powered
16-cup capacity
Can record and playback unique voice messages
Cons
Not great build quality
Easily broken into by large cats and dogs
Small kibble may not dispense correct portions
- Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Cat Feeder
Check Latest PriceThe Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Cat Feeder is a simple yet functional feeder and has two separate bowls that are kept theft-free by a pair of tight-fitting lids. This is ideal if you have multiple cats or need to feed your cat two separate meals. The food is further kept fresh by the built-in ice pack keeping it fresher for longer. The food bowls can each hold around 4 cups of wet or dry food and are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The timer is a breeze to set by turning a simple dial and can be set up to 48 hours in advance. It is battery-powered, and as it doesn’t use much power the batteries will easily last a year or more.
The lids on each container are not well designed and don’t close flush with the container, which is a recipe for insect infestation. Several users report the timer doesn’t function properly and may not open at the correct interval, and the lids are fairly flimsy and easily ripped off by large cats or dogs.
Programmable for up to 4 meals per day
Easy to read and program LCD screen
Mains and battery-powered
16-cup capacity
Can record and playback unique voice messages
- Programmable for up to 4 meals per day
- Easy to read and program LCD screen
- Mains and battery-powered
- 16-cup capacity
- Can record and playback unique voice messages
Not great build quality
Easily broken into by large cats and dogs
Small kibble may not dispense correct portions
- Not great build quality
- Easily broken into by large cats and dogs
- Small kibble may not dispense correct portions
The Cat Mate C20 2-Bowl Automatic Cat Feeder is a simple yet functional feeder and has two separate bowls that are kept theft-free by a pair of tight-fitting lids. This is ideal if you have multiple cats or need to feed your cat two separate meals. The food is further kept fresh by the built-in ice pack keeping it fresher for longer. The food bowls can each hold around 4 cups of wet or dry food and are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The timer is a breeze to set by turning a simple dial and can be set up to 48 hours in advance. It is battery-powered, and as it doesn’t use much power the batteries will easily last a year or more.
Pros
2 separate food compartments
Easy-to-set timer for up to 48 hours
Built-in ice pack
Long-lasting battery life
Cons
Lids do not close flush
The built-in timer is inconsistent
Flimsy construction
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Programmable Cat Feeder
Check Latest PriceWhat makes the PetSafe Healthy Pet Programmable Cat Feeder truly unique is its accurate conveyer belt portion dispensing system. This unique system allows for a more controlled and accurate dispensing of kibble, so you don’t need to worry about over or under-feeding. You can easily program portions ranging from ⅛ to 4 cups of kibble at a time, and up to 12 meals per day. There is also a slow-feed option that will dispense meals gradually over a short period to help prevent bloat. The LCD screen is clear and easy to read, and the feeder is made from BPA-free plastic and comes with a stainless-steel feeding bowl. This feeder can be run with both batteries and a power adaptor.
This feeder is very noisy, and the sound of the kibble dropping into the metal bowl may scare some cats off. Additionally, many users report that it is confusing to program correctly, and large cats can easily knock it over and get at the food in the dispenser.
2 separate food compartments
Easy-to-set timer for up to 48 hours
Built-in ice pack
Long-lasting battery life
- 2 separate food compartments
- Easy-to-set timer for up to 48 hours
- Built-in ice pack
- Long-lasting battery life
Lids do not close flush
The built-in timer is inconsistent
Flimsy construction
- Lids do not close flush
- The built-in timer is inconsistent
- Flimsy construction
What makes the PetSafe Healthy Pet Programmable Cat Feeder truly unique is its accurate conveyer belt portion dispensing system. This unique system allows for a more controlled and accurate dispensing of kibble, so you don’t need to worry about over or under-feeding. You can easily program portions ranging from ⅛ to 4 cups of kibble at a time, and up to 12 meals per day. There is also a slow-feed option that will dispense meals gradually over a short period to help prevent bloat. The LCD screen is clear and easy to read, and the feeder is made from BPA-free plastic and comes with a stainless-steel feeding bowl. This feeder can be run with both batteries and a power adaptor.
Pros
Unique conveyer belt dispensing system
Programmable portion sizes
Programmable up to 12 meals per day
Made from BPA-free plastic
Runs on both batteries and mains
Cons
Noisy operation
Confusing to program
Easily knocked over
- DOGNESS Automatic Cat Smart Feeder
Check Latest PriceThe DOGNESS Automatic Cat Smart Feeder uses the latest technology to make sure your cat gets fed on time, with the correct amount. Utilizing Wi-Fi and a built-in HD camera, this feeder allows you to see and control how much your cat is eating via a free downloadable app. It also allows you to record and playback a message to further entice your cat to eat, and the camera has night vision and a 165-degree camera lens to keep an eye on your feline while you’re away. The dispenser has a decent 25-cup capacity and an easy-to-clean stainless steel bowl.
Several users report that the app you need to download to use this feeder is difficult to use, and the feeder cannot be controlled manually. The app and feeder have been reported to indicate “fed” when no food has come out and it is thus difficult to trust. Many users had connectivity issues with their phones and reported no customer service to help. Plus, it is a comparatively expensive feeder considering its functionality.
Unique conveyer belt dispensing system
Programmable portion sizes
Programmable up to 12 meals per day
Made from BPA-free plastic
Runs on both batteries and mains
- Unique conveyer belt dispensing system
- Programmable portion sizes
- Programmable up to 12 meals per day
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- Runs on both batteries and mains
Noisy operation
Confusing to program
Easily knocked over
- Noisy operation
- Confusing to program
- Easily knocked over
The DOGNESS Automatic Cat Smart Feeder uses the latest technology to make sure your cat gets fed on time, with the correct amount. Utilizing Wi-Fi and a built-in HD camera, this feeder allows you to see and control how much your cat is eating via a free downloadable app. It also allows you to record and playback a message to further entice your cat to eat, and the camera has night vision and a 165-degree camera lens to keep an eye on your feline while you’re away. The dispenser has a decent 25-cup capacity and an easy-to-clean stainless steel bowl.
Pros
Built-in HD camera
Voice recording and playback
25-cup capacity
Cons
Difficult to operate
Unreliable indicators
Connectivity issues
Poor customer service
Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Automatic Cat Feeder
Automatic cat feeders range widely in terms of their features, from simple gravity-fed feeders to Wi-Fi and HD camera-equipped marvels of pet technology. With the baffling number of different features available, it’s important to consider your unique needs and requirements from the feeder before purchasing the best automatic cat feeder for you and your cat.
Built-in HD camera
Voice recording and playback
25-cup capacity
- Built-in HD camera
- Voice recording and playback
- 25-cup capacity
Difficult to operate
Unreliable indicators
Connectivity issues
Poor customer service
Expensive
- Difficult to operate
- Unreliable indicators
- Connectivity issues
- Poor customer service
- Expensive
If you have a cat with specific dietary requirements and specialized feeding needs, a more complicated feeder is probably a great choice. However, if your cat is healthy and not highly food motivated, a gravity feeder will likely do the trick. Here are a few important factors to look out for before diving in and purchasing an automatic feeder:
This is the first and most important factor to consider. The smaller the capacity of the feeder the more you’ll need to refill it. Filling a feeder constantly almost negates the use of having it in the first place, so you’ll ideally want a feeder with a 25-cup capacity or more. This will allow you to go away for 2 or 3 days without worrying about your cat running out of food.
The ability to program your cat’s meals is a convenient feature, especially if you have a cat with special dietary needs. These feeders allow for timer functions when feeding, or pre-programmed meals that you can usually customize according to your needs. They typically vary in the number of meals per day they are capable of from around 3 all the way up to 12, offering you a wide range of feeding options.
Selective feeding. Some feeders use your cat’s embedded microchip to allow only them access to the food bowl. This is ideal if you have multiple cats as you can program some to have access at selected times. It’s also great to keep opportunistic dogs at bay.
Some cat feeders such as gravity feeders require no power, while others need power for their motors to function. Batteries are the best option as they leave more options for where you can locate your feeder and negate the need for messy and potentially dangerous power cables. They are usually highly efficient, and you’ll typically get 6-12 months of battery life out of them. Some units combine battery power and mains power, which is a great feature too should you run out of batteries.
Wi-Fi. A seemingly unlikely addition to a cat feeder, Wi-Fi has become a popular feature of cat feeders in the last few years. Wi-Fi can serve many functions, from keeping tabs on how much food your cat is eating, and how much food is left, dispensing food on demand, programming the feeder remotely, and even reordering more food when the feeder is low!
This is the first and most important factor to consider. The smaller the capacity of the feeder the more you’ll need to refill it. Filling a feeder constantly almost negates the use of having it in the first place, so you’ll ideally want a feeder with a 25-cup capacity or more. This will allow you to go away for 2 or 3 days without worrying about your cat running out of food.
The ability to program your cat’s meals is a convenient feature, especially if you have a cat with special dietary needs. These feeders allow for timer functions when feeding, or pre-programmed meals that you can usually customize according to your needs. They typically vary in the number of meals per day they are capable of from around 3 all the way up to 12, offering you a wide range of feeding options.
Selective feeding. Some feeders use your cat’s embedded microchip to allow only them access to the food bowl. This is ideal if you have multiple cats as you can program some to have access at selected times. It’s also great to keep opportunistic dogs at bay.
Some cat feeders such as gravity feeders require no power, while others need power for their motors to function. Batteries are the best option as they leave more options for where you can locate your feeder and negate the need for messy and potentially dangerous power cables. They are usually highly efficient, and you’ll typically get 6-12 months of battery life out of them. Some units combine battery power and mains power, which is a great feature too should you run out of batteries.
Wi-Fi. A seemingly unlikely addition to a cat feeder, Wi-Fi has become a popular feature of cat feeders in the last few years. Wi-Fi can serve many functions, from keeping tabs on how much food your cat is eating, and how much food is left, dispensing food on demand, programming the feeder remotely, and even reordering more food when the feeder is low!
- This is the first and most important factor to consider. The smaller the capacity of the feeder the more you’ll need to refill it. Filling a feeder constantly almost negates the use of having it in the first place, so you’ll ideally want a feeder with a 25-cup capacity or more. This will allow you to go away for 2 or 3 days without worrying about your cat running out of food.
- The ability to program your cat’s meals is a convenient feature, especially if you have a cat with special dietary needs. These feeders allow for timer functions when feeding, or pre-programmed meals that you can usually customize according to your needs. They typically vary in the number of meals per day they are capable of from around 3 all the way up to 12, offering you a wide range of feeding options.
- Selective feeding. Some feeders use your cat’s embedded microchip to allow only them access to the food bowl. This is ideal if you have multiple cats as you can program some to have access at selected times. It’s also great to keep opportunistic dogs at bay.
- Some cat feeders such as gravity feeders require no power, while others need power for their motors to function. Batteries are the best option as they leave more options for where you can locate your feeder and negate the need for messy and potentially dangerous power cables. They are usually highly efficient, and you’ll typically get 6-12 months of battery life out of them. Some units combine battery power and mains power, which is a great feature too should you run out of batteries.
- Wi-Fi. A seemingly unlikely addition to a cat feeder, Wi-Fi has become a popular feature of cat feeders in the last few years. Wi-Fi can serve many functions, from keeping tabs on how much food your cat is eating, and how much food is left, dispensing food on demand, programming the feeder remotely, and even reordering more food when the feeder is low!
Gone are the days when you have to mop up water spills after your pet goes for a drink. With the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl, you’ll never have to worry about water spills again.
Two stainless steel bowls sit inside a wide tray to catch every little dribble that falls from your pet’s mouth. Your furry friend might not be the cleanest drinker, but now they don’t have to be! Click here to purchase your own and say goodbye to water spills for good.
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 cat company!
- You may also want to read: 10 Best Automatic Wet Cat Food Feeders – Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
The combination of simplicity and functionality of the SureFeed Microchip cat feeder makes it our favorite choice and overall best automatic cat feeder.
The best automatic cat feeder for the money according to our tests is the Petmate Pearl Pet Café. The feeder uses tried and tested gravity dispensing to supply your cat their kibble, the food storage container has an extra-wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, and the container and base are detachable for easy cleaning. A functional automatic feeder at an outstanding price.
With the myriad of options available these days in cat feeders, it can become confusing and overwhelming to find the right one for your feline. Hopefully, our reviews have helped you sift through some of these options so you can find the right automatic cat feeder to suit your feline’s unique needs.
