Last Updated: 6 months ago

Are you looking to buy the best automatic cat feeder?

We’ll make sure you know everything there is to know about these products with a detailed buying guide.

But before we dive into those discussions, let’s take a look at some of the top options available.

Top Picks At A Glance

The 5 Best Automatic Cat Feeder Options

1. Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder

Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder
  • Ideal for Busy Lifestyles: Whether you're heading to work or planning...
  • Convenient Meal Scheduling: Say goodbye to the hassle of manual...
  • Freshness Made Easy: The included twin ice packs help keep your pet's...

If you’re looking for an option to feed multiple cats, Cat Mate’s C500 Automatic Cat Feeder is an ideal fit.

This automatic cat feeder comes with five food compartments to keep each cat’s food separate.

It’ll make keeping track of the proportions of each meal much easier than with other models.

You’ll also love this product’s easy programming feature.

It allows you to set four different times for meals, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an evening snack.

Benefits

  • Five food compartments, each holding 11.5 oz of wet food
  • Dishwasher-safe bowl and cover
  • Programmable up to 4 meals
  • Equipped with a tamper-resistant lid
  • Features ice packs to keep food fresh
  • 3-year warranty

Drawbacks

  • It doesn’t keep food fresh for extended trips
  • Not ideal for determined cats, as one reviewer states

Final Verdict

Multiple cat owners won’t find many available options better than this one. The programming feature and five food compartments make it a perfect fit.

It’s well-known for the tamper-resistant lid as well. This feature will stop your food-obsessed cats from getting their hands on an extra meal or two.

However, this automatic feeder isn’t the best for extended trips. Most users reported a 36-hour window being how long it’s capable of keeping food fresh. 

One Chewy reviewer also explained that it’s a “Nifty system if you don’t have determined cats,” as they can easily break into the other compartments.

But if you’re looking for an effective feeder to feed your fairly mellow cats while at work, this model could easily be an excellent choice.

2. SureFlap Automatic Cat Feeder

Sale
SureFlap Automatic Cat Feeder
  • Key Benefits: Prevents food stealing and stress at mealtimes in...
  • Great for Pets on Prescription Diets: Holds 13.5 fl. oz, wet or dry...
  • Microchip Compatibility: Works with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA) and 15...

SureFlap’s Microchip Automatic Cat Feeder is easily the most advanced option on our entire list.

It earns this title by using a programmed microchip collar tag, which will prevent the device from opening a compartment for the wrong pet.

The programming process isn’t too complicated, either, as it consists of pressing a single button.

You can also rely on the wet food being fresh with its sealed bowl design.

It’s easily among the best dry cat food and wet cat food automatic feeder options.

Benefits

SureFlap Automatic Cat Feeder
  • Excellent choice for cats on a diet
  • One-button programming process
  • Holds both dry and wet food
  • Includes a microchip dog collar tag to prevent opening for wrong pet
  • Sealed bowl to keep wet food fresher

Drawbacks

  • Pricy option
  • Closes slowly, according to some owners

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for the Porsche of automatic cat feeders, this one is a perfect fit. It offers a simple, effective way of ensuring your cat gets the right food whenever you’re away.

It doesn’t overcomplicate things with challenging programming settings, either. Most of these advanced options tend to fail in this regard.

But this sophisticated design does come with a downside: its price tag. You’ll have to spend a lot more on this option than any other on our list.

One reviewer on Chewy also complained that it closed slowly enough for cats to “swoop in and inhale the food.”

3. PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder

PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Cat Feeder
  • SCHEDULE MEALS AND TREATS: One meal is ready to eat as soon as you...
  • FOOD CAPACITY: Each compartment holds up to 1 cup of dry or semi-moist...
  • GREAT FOR FAST EATERS: If your cat or dog tends to eat too quickly,...

The PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder excels when it comes to making your life easier.

Its entire design oozes convenience, as there’s nothing complicated about it. You won’t even have trouble cleaning it, as the food trays are dishwasher-safe.

The five 1-cup portion sections make it a suitable companion for any busy owner as well.

Simply program their five meals and spend the weekend relaxing without a care.

Benefits

  • Five food sections, each holding 1-cup
  • Programmable up to 5 meals
  • Dishwasher-safe, BFA-free plastic food trays
  • Long-term battery operation (up to 12 months)
  • Automatically rotates to next tray on a set time
  • Easy to use

Drawbacks

  • Loud noise operations are bad for skittish cats
  • “Rough on the whiskers,” according to one customer.

Final Verdict

The product’s easy-to-use construction has made it a favorite among both cat and dog owners.

You don’t even have to worry about power outages, as it operates entirely on batteries.

It’ll provide 12 months of battery operation without a single change. Automatic pet feeders don’t get much more convenient than this one.

Owners with skittish cats will need to choose a different model, though. It has a loud motor that can scare them away from using it.

One user did say that it was “rough on the whiskers,” due to the design. It tends to rub against them.

4. ORSDA Automatic Cat Feeder

ORSDA Automatic Cat Feeder
  • 😸Precise Portion Control - With a built-in timer, this auto pet...
  • 🔊🐈Smart Voice Interaction – Featured with a multifunctional...
  • 😸Easy To Clean & Water Proof Design- Both the cover and food bowl...

Your favorite part about ORSDA’s Automatic Wet Food Cat Feeder will be its ability to prevent cat food theft.

Its sealed lid and dispenser have become known for stopping even the most intelligent cats.

As one customer put it, “It’s hard for my cats to break into, and one of them is very determined.”

It sounds like an excellent choice for anyone with a food-obsessed cat.

Don’t overlook its ability to hold 2 pounds of wet food, either, as it’s a perfect setup for an extended trip.

Benefits

  • Five compartments, each holding up to 2 pounds of wet food
  • Programs up to five meals per day
  • Waterproof, easy-to-clean design
  • A sealed lid and dispenser prevent cat thieves
  • Dual power supplies (DC power and 3 AAA batteries)
  • Smart voice interaction

Drawbacks

  • Settings are a little complex to navigate
  • Batteries are hard to install

Final Verdict

Overall, its anti-thievery abilities and large food capacity make it a must-have for most cat owners.

It’s easy to see how practical the dispenser would be when taking a weekend trip.

I only wish the programmable settings were a bit easier to navigate. There were more than a few complaints about them in the customer reviews.

5. Faroro Automatic Cat Feeder

Faroro Automatic Cat Feeder
  • CUSTOMIZED FEEDING PLAN - An easy-to-set built-in timer that runs on a...
  • ENCOURAGE BALANCED DIET - Each compartment can hold up to 8oz (1 cup)...
  • DUAL POWER SUPPLY - The feeder has a dual power supply that uses both...

Our final product, Faroro Automatic Wet Food Cat Feeder, is a hassle-free option that doesn’t get too far ahead of itself. 

In other words, nothing about this cat feeder will bring you any stress. 

You’ll have no problem setting it up with its built-in timer and five food compartments.

Its dual power supply will ensure the product keeps running even if a power outage occurs. 

Plus, it has a very affordable price for an effective wet food cat feeder.

Benefits

  • Five compartments, each holding 1 cup of food
  • Programs up to four scheduled meals
  • Dual power supply (DC power and batteries)
  • 2-year warranty
  • Built-in voice recorder
  • Affordable price

Drawbacks

  • Some complaints about durability
  • Drains batteries like crazy

Final Verdict

This product might not be flashy or groundbreaking, but it does its job without any issues.

It’ll provide your cat with four scheduled meals without a single sign of trouble. You can even program your voice into the device to act as an alarm for mealtime.

This aspect could make sure your cat becomes comfortable with the food dispenser quicker.

I do have to note that a few customers did mention longevity concerns with the device, though. But most people seemed overly happy with how it held up over months and months.

Things to Look for When Buying the Best Automatic Wet Food Cat Feeder

gray cat eating dry food

Certain factors will play a massive role in determining what automatic cat food feeder is suitable for you.

I’ll discuss each of them below to ensure you can easily select one capable of fitting your needs to a tee.

Design Quality

A high-quality automatic cat feeder for wet food will need well-built, sturdy construction.

It’s a necessary attribute because some cats are a bit mischievous, which leads them to try a food robbery. 

These attempts are commonplace among younger cats that aren’t used to the device. But a well-constructed cat feeder will prevent those robberies from ever occurring.

You will also need an automatic wet food cat feeder with a top-tier locking mechanism. It’ll help stop cat thieves, keep the wet food fresher, and prevent air from coming into the device.

Schedule Flexibility

Some automatic cat feeders don’t offer the user flexibility when it comes to scheduling feeding times.

It makes them super inconvenient for you, as your cat will have to adjust, which takes some time. Honestly, the best automatic cat food dispenser will provide the ability to schedule your own times.

You’ll want to set up those feeding times based on your preferences rather than some pre-programmed nonsense. 

An owner who wants to feed their cat at 3 a.m., 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 9 p.m. should have no issues setting their machine to these times.

In other words, your chosen model should have no problems adapting to your cat’s routine feeding schedule.

Buying one with predetermined feeding times only defeats the purpose of getting one. After all, the entire reason for purchasing these devices is the convenience offered by them.

Quantity of Meals

Low-quality feeders will only dispense one meal rather than multiples.

You’ll also come across others that can provide two, while the most popular options will distribute five meals within 24 hours. 

Given the variation, you must decide how many meals are suitable for your needs. Some owners might want to use their feeder for a single meal when they’re away at work. 

Others will need to have an option capable of dispensing multiple meals during a long trip. If you’re one of these people, I’m always going to recommend buying an option that can do up to five meals. 

But it’s important to remember that you should never use a feeder “as a way to not hire a pet sitter, walker, or boarding facility.” It would be best if you always had a friend check on them when taking extended trips.

In any case, it’d also be wise to get a feeder that can dispense both dry and wet food. You never know when a situation might arise where a food switch is necessary, such as a new medication.

These dual-purpose options will ensure you’re never caught off guard because of your cat’s food needs.

Bowl Size

Bowl size will be a massive determining factor in what automatic feeder best suits your situation.

Each owner will need to consider how much food to feed their cat and choose an option that can do it.

This aspect might seem like common sense, but owners can get caught up in other factors like the design or advanced features and lose track of what’s most important.

Many wet food dispensers will come with a bowl size of a single cup per meal. But if you need large quantities for multiple cats, some high-quality choices hold 1.5 cups per meal.

If you don’t know how much to feed your cat, Dr. Jennifer Coats offers a simple guideline to follow in this article. It’ll provide you with a perfect answer about a cat’s proper wet or dry food intake.

Price

As with any product, the price tag will be a giant cog in what becomes your ideal option.

Building a budget based on your specific needs is an easy way to make your role in this decision stress-free.

For instance, a person who needs a 1.5-cup model will require a higher budget range than other owners.

Your budget should reflect this reality to ensure it remains realistic.

You can then use it to reduce your choices to a more manageable number. It’s a simple trick that’ll streamline the process and make it a lot easier.

Battery Life

Buying an automatic cat feeder that runs exclusively on electricity isn’t a smart move.

You’d be better off choosing one with a backup battery feature to ensure it can run when a power outage occurs.

If a power outage or blackout occurs, these devices will switch to using their batteries without messing up the schedule.

It’s a rather impressive feature that could save you from having a severe issue. After all, options without this feature won’t dispense food during these power outages.

Your cat will miss their scheduled meals and become overly hungry for an extended period of time.

It becomes even more imperative for people taking extended trips to buy options with backup battery features.

You don’t want to leave your cat without a meal for days, which could happen with an electric-only device. But please make sure to check each option’s battery lifespan before choosing one.

You’re going to want a model capable of running on its batteries for a significant period of time. Otherwise, this feature becomes utterly useless.

Product Warranty

Product warranties are crucial elements of any worthwhile electronic purchase. You’ll want a protection plan against the feeder malfunctioning or enduring some breakage.

These policies will offer it by ensuring you can get them replaced or your money back.

It’s a simple way of becoming more comfortable investing a lot of money into these products. 

More importantly, brands that offer warranties tend to make high-quality devices. It wouldn’t make sense to provide a protection policy for junk products.

Cleaning Process

You never want to buy an automatic cat feeder with a complicated cleaning process. It becomes an even significant necessity with the options used for wet food.

Wet food particles get stuck and create buildup a lot easier than dry food. As a result, the dispenser can become stinky and filled with bacteria capable of causing your cat issues. 

Avoiding this problem comes down to doing some serious research into each model’s customer reviews.

You want an option with multiple buyers raving about how cleaning it was a simple, stress-free task. 

If the automatic feeder isn’t easy to clean, these devices’ pros aren’t worth your time. These pros are something that I’ll discuss in more detail in our next section.

Are Automatic Feeders Okay for Cats?

tiger cat eating in a yellow cat feeder

Yes, automatic feeders are more than okay for cats. But they have their advantages and disadvantages, like every other product out there.

If you’re deciding whether to buy one, knowing these pros and cons is essential. It’s the only way to know if these devices would be a good fit in your home.

Let’s dive into the pros first to explain what makes people see these devices as useful.

Benefits of Automatic Cat Feeders

  • You can store extra food inside its additional container or reservoir. It’ll keep it safe from pests and cats with a massive appetite.
  • Sturdy construction and a large size help keep these food containers from tipping over and wasting food.
  • Provides your cat with a routine of predictable mealtimes even when you aren’t home. It makes them ideal for busy owners who are traveling or working a lot.
  • It is easier to offer minor, proportionate measures regularly to help cats with obesity issues or other health conditions.
  • Outdoor cats can get their food more safely without worrying about attracting other wildlife. After all, there won’t be excess food.

Since you’re now familiar with the benefits, it’s time to move on to those pesky cons. Here are a few reasons why getting an automatic cat feeder wouldn’t be a wise move:

Cons of Automatic Cat Feeders

  • Most models will lack sensors and continue dispensing meals, even if your cat didn’t finish their last meal.
  • Cleaning these devices can be an issue as they often feature complex designs. Most of them will even require disassembling them to clean the various moving parts.
  • Their dispensing routine can be highly noisy, which could be an issue for pets who are skittish. It may even keep them from eating when they’re hungry.
  • Some automatic feeders can’t function without electricity, which makes them problematic during power outages. How is your cat supposed to eat?
  • You can’t monitor which pet is eating the meal in multi-pet households. It becomes a severe issue when those pets share a feeding area and one is a bit more dominant than the others.

Overall, the best automatic cat feeders are convenient devices that can make your life much easier.

But it’s crucial to obtain one of top-tier quality like the ones mentioned in this article.

If you don’t, these disadvantages will soon be the only thing that defines your experience using one.

Final Word

I hope these discussions on automatic cat feeders for wet and dry food answered all your questions.

But if you have any more, please leave a comment in our comment section. Thanks for reading!

If you don’t have enough time to read our entire article, selecting SureFlap’s Microchip Automatic Cat Feeder would be an excellent choice.

It’ll have no issues providing a cat with their wet food while you’re away on a trip or at work.

cat about to eat his wet food

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API