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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

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If you are a cat owner, I know you are always looking to do the best for your feline friend. This includes feeding him with the best cat foods and ensuring they get food whenever they feel hungry. However, sometimes you may not be in the house, which means there is no one to feed your cat. This is where an automatic cat feeder comes in handy. In addition to feeding your cat at specified times, automatic cat feeders can also help you control your cat’s eating habits and weight.

If you are shopping for a new automatic pet feeder, we are here to help you. But you may ask, why should I trust you that the products you have reviewed are the best? Well, every site claims to have the best automatic pet feeder reviews, but we are different.

We spent over 50 hours researching and analyzing these products. With our experience with cats and their needs, we can easily differentiate a quality auto cat feeder from one that is poorly built. Quality ranges from outstanding to poor. It took us a long time to come up with this list. We analyzed products ratings, customer reviews, descriptions, and what other experts said about them. That’s how we came up with this review of top 10 best cat auto feeders.

Before we review them, let’s walk you through the process of selecting the best cat auto feeders.

If you are in a hurry, check out our recommendation list below.

Image Product
10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

You can customize your cat’s meal for up to 12 meals a day

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

Super Feeder CSF-3

Offers control over the length of feeding, frequency and food amount

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder

Built-in recorder

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

TDYNASTY Design Automatic Pet Feeder

Has dual power options

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder

Has dual battery options

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder

Can be synced with phone and hence pretty accurate

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder

Four mealtimes for 1 to 39 portions

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

Amzdeal Automatic Cat Feeder

Offers flexible food amounts

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

WOpet Cat Feeder

Customizable meal sizes, number of meals per day and their timing

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10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 201910 Best Automatic Cat Feeders Reviews and Guide 2019

Petmate Café Feeder

The feeder has a sturdy design that prevents toppling over

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Table of Contents

To Start With, What Is An Automatic Cat Feeder?

An automatic cat feeder dispenses food for your feline friend once the bowl empties. The best cat feeder comes with other features including scheduler and timer. For most cat owners, they feed cats from a bowl.

However, this is impractical if you are not always at home. If you have multiple cats, an auto cat feeder will make your life simpler. Once you add food and program it, it will do the serving as you go about your business.

 

Why Do You Need An Automatic Cat Feeder?

Besides ensuring your cat has food in his bowl when he needs it, here are other uses of an auto cat feeder;

  • Provide fresh cat food all the time. Because of being picky, cats can sometimes fail to eat food that has been exposed for a long time. With an auto cat feeder, your cat will enjoy fresh food all the time. this will stimulate their appetite
  • It caters for cats with special diets. Some cats need feeding for specific times in a day. Others have to be fed with smaller amounts to control their weights. Whatever your cat’s needs are, you can program the auto feeder to dispense the food they need
  • Great for owners on the go. Cats like to eat at particular times of the day. Therefore, if you are not in the house at the time your cat wants to eat, they will get stressed. With an auto pet feeder, your cat will eat when they need to

 

Types of Automatic Cat Feeder

Automatic cat feeders come in several designs, but the common ones are;

  • Bowl with troughs- some automatic cat feeders have bowls with troughs or trays. It has a lid that has an opening equating to a tray. When the tray empties, you can program the feeder to dispense food from the next tray with food. This works the same way as a cat water dispenser.
  • A single bowl. These feeders have their storage units positioned at the rear end of the appliance. You put the cat food in there. After filling the storage unit, you program the unit as per your specifications so that it can release foods at definite times.

 

Things to Keep In Mind When Shopping For an Automatic Cat Feeder

Before you choose an automatic cat feeder that is powered by batteries or electricity, you need to consider if it will fit your feline friend and suit your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when shopping for an automatic cat feeder;

 

Number of Cats In Your Household

Before purchasing an auto feeder, you will need to consider the number of cats you have. If you have different pets, it is recommended that you buy separate feeders since they feed on different foods. However, for cats, you can go for a feeder that is designed for multiple cats or purchase two feeders if one of the cats is overly aggressive when eating.

 

Type of Cat Food

Another thing to consider is the type of food you put in an automatic cat feeder. Some cat owners prefer feeding their cat with wet foods while others prefer dry cat food. Ensure that the cat feeder you buy can be used with the type of food you feed your cat. If you only feed wet food to your cat, you will have an easier time when using an auto cat feeder.

An automatic feeder that dispenses wet food cannot be used for dry food. If you attempt to do that, it will be useless and messy.

Therefore, ensure the automatic feeder you settle for can be used with the type of food you feed to your cat.

 

Size and Strengths of Pets

There are different types of feeders on the market, and you need to make sure you are getting the right one. Some are meant for big cats, allowing them to accommodate more weight, while others are suitable for kittens and smaller pets.

If you have an overweight cat, you need to invest in a solid cat feeder that has a timer and scheduler in it. This will allow your cat to eat at the right time and eat the right amount of food. This will help ensure your cat stay healthy and nourished.

 

The Speed of Dispensing Food

Cats are smart pets and often devise ways of getting more food than they are supposed to take from the feeder. As such, you need a mountable feeder to keep these smart cats away.

Go for a feeder with a good nozzle so that it can release a few pellets severally every time. This is important for cats that eat faster than others.

 

Efficiency and Storage Capacity of the Feeder

What capacity can the auto feeder hold at a time? It is important to consider this, so you don’t have to refill it now and then. The best automatic cat feeder should have ample storage capacity, especially if you intend to use it on multiple pets. Also, if you go for a unit with relatively bigger storage capacity, ensure that it has an airtight hopper to keep the foods inside fresh for a longer period.

Another significant factor to consider is the shapes of your kibble. Certain automatic cat feeders dispense foods through a tube. If the kibbles you feed your cat are too large for the opening, then there is a possibility of them getting stuck. A round shaped feeder will help you avoid this problem as both rounds and squared kibbles will pass through the tube. There are feeders with an adjustable opening; these are the best.

 

Scheduling

Another important feature to check in an automatic cat feeder is if it has pre-set times. You need to buy a feeder with a digital timer. There are automatic cat feeders that dispense food on an interval basis. The difference between those with pre-set timers and interval-based feeders is the number of times they open. Often, interval-based feeders open once or twice a day while for those with pre-set timers are customizable. They can open at your specified time.

 

Now that you are enlightened on the features to look for when buying an automatic cat feeder, here are reviews of the best automatic cat feeders to make your shopping work easier.

 

1

Features That Make PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Stand Out

  • PetSafe Healthy Pet Automatic Feeder is suitable with most dry and semi-moist foods
  • It boasts a conveyor belt inside that works as a dispenser into a stainless feeding bowl
  • This bowl has a capacity of 5 cups of food with the whole feeder holding up to 24 cups of treats
  • The hassle-free feeder is for go cat owners since the machine is programmable to give you peace of mind while away that your pet will eat at the right time
  • One of the best features in this best automatic cat feeder is it has a secured lid that ensures your pet doesn’t pry it open
  • The dishwasher safe unit can be detached from the bowl for an easy wash
  • You can also adjust from 1/8 of a cup to 4 cups, and the meals pass through the conveyor belt to ensure portion control
  • The model comes with ‘immediate feed mode’ that allows you to dispense the next meal immediately and the ‘pause feed mode’ that allows you to stop feeding
  • The hopper features a BPA-free plastic that ensures safety for your cat’s health as it’s non-toxic
  • The design is solid to prevent your cat from clawing their way up into the hopper to get extra food

Proc of PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

  • You can customize your cat’s meal for up to 12 meals a day
  • Has immediate and pause feed modes to ensure that your dog eats the right food portions
  • Has conveyor belt that dispenses dry and semi-moist foods
  • Has a tamper-proof structure with a durable design

Conc of PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

  • Not suitable for wet food
  • Lacks a power cord or batteries

Why We Recommend It

This pet food feeder is one of the highly programmable cat feeders you can get. The unit allows cat owners to control the food uptake through the portion control system. Luckily, it comes with a lid that ensures no mischief from your cat to try and crack the unit open. While you may need to invest on a good adapter, this one of the best automatic cat feeder for the money.

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2

Features That Make Super Feeder CSF-3 Stand Out

  • The CSF-3 boasts amazing features that make it easier to leave your furry friend at home alone without worry
  • The feeder can be used to dispense food for 2 cats whether eating from the same bowl or apart as you can adapt the feeder to make it dispense food in 2 sides
  • This is made for a smart cat in mind featuring a large and tough polycarbonate chute cover that prevents the cat from accessing extra food
  • In between the main meals, the feeder dispenses small treats via an internal electronic timer
  • All parts of this unit are removable and replaceable which also makes it easy to clean
  • The feeder can hold 4 and ¾ cups of dry food, but the capacity can be increased with a 1.5-gallon hopper
  • The digital timer offers 8 meals a day with battery backup to keep time and program
  • In case of power fluctuations, the feeder has a protection system to prevent random overfeed if the remote is on during power interruptions

Proc of Super Feeder CSF-3

  • Offers control over the length of feeding, frequency and food amount
  • Keeps time and program after power interruptions
  • Tough polycarbonate cover

Conc of Super Feeder CSF-3

  • Some people may find the unit hard to assemble

Why We Recommend It

The CSF-3 Super feeder allows you to feed your cat from several cups of dry food for up to 8 cycles per day. It features a supplied digital timer that is adjustable to suit the length and frequency between meals. You can mount the unit on the wall if your cat is mischievous.

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3

Features That Make HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder Stand Out

  • The HoneyGuaridan is among the best automatic cat feeders under $100 offering many amazing features
  • The model has a twist-lock lid that ensures that your cat doesn’t break the 12 cup storage container
  • It provides an infrared detection system that prevents over-filling of the bowl and prevents food from locking within the mechanism
  • A majority of users reviews on Amazon have praised the product for its ease of use and set up
  • The automatic feeder for cats is easily programmable allowing you to dispense food amounts from 1/32 cup to 4 cups per meal as well as the number of times you feed your cat
  • The most exciting feature of this automatic feeder for cats is that it alerts your cat with a pre-recorded voice message to break your cat’s boredom when away
  • The recorder allows 12 seconds of recording so that you can communicate with your cat before every meal
  • The unit features BPA free materials and is FDA approved
  • You can power the HoneyGuaridan A26 using a USB cable or any cell phone charger above 5V or even power banks

Proc of HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Built-in recorder
  • Flexible meals portions
  • Double power options
  • Prevents spills and food locking

Conc of HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Some customers say that it may jam

Why We Recommend It

HoneyGuaridan has many amazing features like the ability to schedule up to 6 meals a day at different portions to ensure proper weight management. If you’re technologically challenged like most of us, this is a very easy to use cat feeder. The most exciting feature is the inbuilt recorder and speaker which ensures communication with your pet even when away.

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4

Features That Make TDYNASTY Design Automatic Pet Feeder Stand Out

  • This is a dual power source feeder that is suitable for any dry or wet food, or even treats and medicines
  • This is ideal for cat owners who are away most times of the day as it comes with 5 individual compartments that you can fill meals
  • It features a touchscreen LCD which makes it easy to program the feeder as set times
  • This feeder dispenses food for 5 times a day because your cat should not consume wet food that’s been left out for long periods of time
  • The compartments trays are dishwasher safe and easy to clean with a sturdy locking mechanism to tame mischievous paws
  • Another amazing feature is the recorder that allows you to leave a voice message for your cat
  • It has a battery backup so that your pet doesn’t miss meals in case of power failure

Proc of TDYNASTY Design Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Has dual power options
  • LED display for programming
  • Serves up to 5 meals a day

Conc of TDYNASTY Design Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Only works with small kibble

Why We Recommend It

The best automatic feeders for cats offer every one of the features and performance that you and your cat need. The TD Design Automatic Pet Feeder ensures that your cat eats as per preset time and amount and this makes it perfect for owners on the go.

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5

Features That Make Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder Stand Out

  • Need a unit you can trust while away? The Arf Pets Automatic uses a time-based approach and minimum of frills to save power
  • It comes in stylish white ABS plastic and stylish black and can be powered by electricity and battery, so you don’t have to worry about power failure
  • This model can store over a gallon of biscuits which are dispensed for up to 4 times a day with up to 10 doses per meal
  • There’s an LCD that indicates the automatic functions that are extremely easy to program
  • The best part is that the unit is detachable and this makes it easy to clean
  • It features different voice commands where you can record yourself to let your cat know that it’s meal time

Proc of Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Has dual battery options
  • Has 10-second voice record
  • Has a sturdy built

Conc of Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Ideal for small dogs due to low food storage

Why We Recommend It

While you go away, this model from Arf will dispense your favorite dog’s favorite kibble 4 times a day. The food hopper and bowl are easy to detach, and this makes it easier to clean the unit. The device runs on 3 D batteries and may run on electricity making it reliable. There’s a magnetic lid that keeps your cat away from breaking into the food supply.

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6

Features That Make PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder Stand Out

  • You can now control and monitor the feeder at any time from your Android phone or iPhone
  • The feeder comes with a downloadable app that you can use to program feeding schedules, and portion sizes
  • You can program up to 12 meals a day with each meal programmed from a minimum of 1/8 cup to 4 cups
  • It features the Feed now mode if you need to add an extra meal in real time
  • The slow feed option allows you to dispense food over 15 minutes allowing your cat to slow down
  • The feeder can hold up to 24 cups of dry kibble and semi-moist pet foods
  • Also, it boasts a BPA free plastic and stainless steel bowl, and this prevents any toxic elements
  • The main source of power is an AC adapter, but the unit can use batteries as back up
  • The automatic feeder is easy to clean with hopper, bowl, lid, and bowl holder being dishwasher safe

Proc of PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder

  • Can be synced with phone and hence pretty accurate
  • Dishwasher safe except for the conveyor
  • Has battery backup in case there’s power outage

Conc of PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder

  • May lose WIFI connection and fail to dispense food

Why We Recommend It

This cat food dispenser can dispense a wide range of portion sizes of food from as little as 1/8 cups to a maximum of 4 cups. This gives the owner much more control over the amount of food your cat gets.

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7

Features That Make WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder Stand Out

  • This feeder from WESTLINK stores up to 4 meals of dry food a day with 1cm2 kibble size
  • Meal sizes can be dispensed between one to thirty-nine portions, and each meal weighs 10-12 grams
  • There’s no food wastage with this dispenser because it doesn’t dispense food if your cat doesn’t finish food from the bowl
  • The dispenser features a safety lock design that prevents cats from opening the container to get extra food
  • The machine employs innovative infrared technology to prevent jamming
  • Call your cat during meal times by recording your voice message to be relayed during meal times
  • This model also has a built-in infrared detection to prevent food locking and spills
  • You need a little power to run this feeder with a USB or 3 D batteries so you won’t have to worry about power failure

Proc of WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Four mealtimes for 1 to 39 portions
  • Infrared detection to prevent blockage and spills
  • Offers 10 seconds voice recording

Conc of WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder

  • Speaker quality may not be the best

Why We Recommend It

Here is a budget-friendly programmable dispenser with an inbuilt recorder to notify your cat when it’s time to eat. This 6-liter capacity model is a must-buy for any kitty lover as it can dispense up to 4 meals a day and uses little power to run.

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8

Features That Make Amzdeal Automatic Cat Feeder Stand Out

  • This feeder allows you to set the amount of food via the control panel offering a flexible amount of food portions from 1 to 39 portions
  • Each portion weighs 5 grams with 4 meals every day
  • Your cat won’t miss a meal as you can record your voice to let your pet know times to get food
  • The smart function of this feeder is excellent as it can memorize the setting mode that was used last, so you don’t have to worry when there are power interruptions
  • The company offers 18 months warranty for the feeder hence you can get a replacement if you’re not satisfied with it
  • This food dispenser uses advanced infrared detection technology that prevents food spills and blockages
  • The buttons are easy to use, and the unit uses less power and can work with batteries when there’s a power outage

Proc of Amzdeal Automatic Cat Feeder

  • Offers flexible food amounts
  • Has a voice recorder and speaker
  • 18 months warranty

Conc of Amzdeal Automatic Cat Feeder

  • Suitable for small cats

Why We Recommend It

Need a reliable and straightforward auto-feeder that is easy to set up and feeds at the set time? The Amzdeal automatic cat feeder is an excellent option offering every feature you need in an automatic cat feeder. The machine is pocket-friendly and uses less power to save costs.

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9

Features That Make WOpet Cat Feeder Stand Out

  • Having the WOpet cat feeder will automate the feeding process allowing you to go on with your daily activities while also keeping your furry friends well fed
  • The feeder can dispense up to four meals each day and at different intervals within a 24-hour period. This feature allows you to schedule the feeding process according to your cat’s preferences
  • WOpet cat feeder comes with a flexible portions mechanism you can, therefore, be able to set different food portions for different time intervals such as main meals and treats
  • The food hopper is removable and comes with a tight lid to keep food fresh and can hold up to 20 cups of dry food
  • The cat feeder can run on either AC power or backup batteries. Therefore, even if the cord gets disconnected, your pet will still feed on time
  • A 3-sec message for calling your cat to eat can also be recorded thanks to the inbuilt mic

Proc of WOpet Cat Feeder

  • Customizable meal sizes, number of meals per day and their timing
  • Has a sturdy built
  • The battery backup makes it a reliable option

Conc of WOpet Cat Feeder

  • Hard to know the best ration size for your cat at first

Why We Recommend It

If you are a cat owner and you are increasingly finding it difficult to keep track of your cat’s feeding habits while on the go then this is the best cat feeder for you. The automatic feeding schedule which can be customized according to your cats feeding habits makes it a must-have among the best cat feeders for dry food.

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10

Features That Make Petmate Café Feeder Stand Out

  • Petmate Café Feeder design caters for efficiency and time-saving. The cat feeder features a gravity feeding mechanism that ensures your cat remains well fed the entire day
  • The feeder is an excellent solution for pet parents with busy schedules as the feeding mechanism does not require manual setup and will refill your cat’s bowl automatically
  • Petmate Café Feeder features an easy to clean configuration that includes a snap lid. This keeps the feeder storage securely shut thus preventing your cat from stealing off it
  • A sturdy bottom ensures that the feeder remains upright even if your pets decide to play around it. It also features easy-grab cutouts for lifting without spillages
  • Another critical feature of Petmate Café Feeder is the multi-pet support for households with more than one cat. This feeder comes in handy for multi-pet households due to its voluminous food storage compartment

Proc of Petmate Café Feeder

  • The feeder has a sturdy design that prevents toppling over
  • The transparent hopper makes it easy to monitor the amount of food available
  • Good value for your money and looks nice thus fitting well in any home without looking out of place

Conc of Petmate Café Feeder

  • The food release mechanism relies on gravity and cannot be set to release after a predetermined amount of time

Why We Recommend It

Petmate Café Feeder is the perfect example of economic feeders due to its affordable price. The unit will provide extra electricity savings because it relies on gravity feeding. It works great for multi-cat households.

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How to Clean an Automatic Cat Feeder

Most automatic feeders for cats are made with parts that are dishwasher safe. Therefore, the cleaning process is not hard. Even for those components that are not dishwasher safer, you can clean them easily through scrubbing.

Even if your model is marked dishwasher safe, some components require manual scrubbing. And we are here to help you do that easily. You will need a sponge, a damp piece of cloth and warm water.

  1. Disassemble your automatic cat feeder as directed in the user manual
  2. Remove the hopper and metal tray from the central unit
  3. Thoroughly scrub the tray using soap and hot water
  4. Rinse it and allow it to air dry
  5. Reassemble the feeder and fill it with food. Reconfigure the feeding intervals

It’s that simple!

 

Final Thoughts

It is important you feed your cat regularly. However, sometimes when we get busy, it becomes difficult for us to feed our feline friends in the best way. But now, with the help of an auto cat feeder, you can go about your business out of the house worry free about feeding your furry companion on time.

We hope that our buyers guide as well as reviews of the best automatic cat feeders will help you pick a suitable feeder for you and your cat.

Happy Shopping!

 

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