Introduction to Automatic Cat Feeders
Cats are pretty independent animals and one of the things that’s great about having a cat is that you can leave it for a good few hours while you go out for the day. However, you still have a duty of care for your pet even when you’re not there so finding equipment that will ensure your furry friend is well looked after is a must.
If you’ve decided to head out for the day or will be working long hours, an automatic cat feeder is a fantastic way to make sure that your pet has everything they need until you return.
You’ll notice, when shopping for an automatic cat feeder, that there are tons of features to choose from. Some are incredibly smart with integrated cameras, options to control portion size and many have remote app control for ease of use.
With so many options to choose from, it can feel dizzying which is why I have put together this guide on the best automatic cat feeders in the UK. I’ll provide you with information on some of the best products as well as giving you tips on how to choose the right feeder for your moggy.
The 4 Best Automatic Cat Feeders, UK
Once you have considered the points I have discussed above, it becomes much easier to choose the right product for you. With this in mind, I have chosen some of the best automatic cat feeders in the UK and below, I’ll provide you with my thoughts on each.
1. PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder Review
The Pet Kit automatic cat feeder is ideal if you are going to be leaving your pet for a slightly longer time; perhaps over the weekend. It can hold up to 30 servings and will dispense between one and ten meals per day, depending on the settings.
With a 5 litre hopper that is made up from a 2 litre compartment and a 3 litre compartment, you have the option to include different types of food. Although, it’s worth mentioning that this device is designed to only hold dry or freeze dried foods.
You’ll need to make sure that the food pieces are no more than 0.5 inches (0.35 for freeze dried) but the machine will do the rest and even includes an anti-stuck device which rotates left and right to allow the food to freely fall through the wide opening.
The top of the hopper is fully sealed so your pet’s food will stay fresher for longer. Plus, the stainless steel is super easy to clean and incredibly hygienic. There is also a dehumidifying desiccant although this does need to be replaced every 30 days and some people might find that this is an unnecessary added expense.
Powered by the mains, the Pet Kit feeder comes with a backup battery and can be paired with an Android or IOS app. This app allows you to set timers, add or remove meals and check on your pet’s status.
One thing I did notice was that when the device dispenses food, it makes a loud beeping sound which cannot be turned off. Some cats may be deterred by this noise so this is something to think about if you have a particularly shy pet.
PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder Pros and Cons
Where Should I Purchase the PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder?
- 【Dual Food Hoppers Enable Mixed Feeding】the innovative PETKIT FRESH ELEMENT GEMINI automatic pet feeder can store and distribute different animal food separately. 2 independent grain storage containers with 3L and 2L can store freeze-dried food, dry cat food, air-dried cat food or baked cat food or snacks. The ratio of different types of pet food can be assigned. This can solve problems such as fussy eaters of cats, feed change or diet adaptation
- 【App Control - Feed Anytime Anywhere】Our automatic pet feeder for cats and dogs supports APP for IOS and Android systems. It's really handy when you're out late or away for the day. Being able to easily and quickly add, change and remove meals by using the APP. You can set up to 30 meals per day with 1-10 portions per meal. And you can also view feeding records or get notifies you when food levels are low (support only 2.4Ghz WIFI)
- 【Smart Notifications and Indicators】Your phone receives notification when the food tank is empty, food gets jammed, the battery is low, or has other problems. The infrared sensor keeps checking and stops food dispensing if the food outlet is blocked
- 【Triple Preservation - Keep Food Fresh】the self feeding dispenser feeder has a sealed top cover that uses a sealing rubber ring to prevent mould and moisture. The built-in desiccant box is used for dehumidification and drying. The grain outlet has a closed design and closes automatically after each grain discharge to keep the grain storage dry. Food-grade stainless steel bowl provides healthy and hygienic feeding, saving your pets from chin acne
- 【Dual Power Supply】Easily check the food level through the transparent window and add food in time. Powered by a power adapter and 4 D-size batteries(not included). for backup in case of power failure, ensuring scheduled feeding is uninterrupted. the”extremely power-saving mode” is optional
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Cat Mate C500 Review
The Cat Mate C500 is a much more affordable option and despite the low price, can be used to serve wet and dry cat food which is something that the Pet Kit cannot do. However, the design of this one is slightly different and rather than a hopper, there is a carousel. You fill each of the five bowls and then set the device to rotate between them throughout the day.
I love the simplicity of this cat feeder which also comes with two ice packs so that your pet’s food will stay cool all day. However, I was a little disappointed to see that there is no option to adjust the portion size as each of the five compartments all hold 330 grams.
It’s easy to use the C500 thanks to the digital timer and what’s more, it’s super cheap to run as 3 AA batteries will give you up to 12 months of use!
Once sealed, the lid cannot be removed so there’s no risk of your pet interfering with the feeder while you’re away. This might be an incredibly basic design but for owners that spend long hours at work each day, it’s an ideal feeding companion for your furry friend.
Cat Mate C500 Pros and Cons
Where Should I Purchase the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder?
- Pet Care for Busy Lifestyles: Ensure your pet is fed on schedule, even when you're at work or away for the weekend.
- Convenient Meal Scheduling: Set down a meal and program up to four more with our automatic feeder, ensuring worry-free feeding for your pet.
- Guaranteed Freshness: Keep your pet's wet or raw food fresh the included twin ice packs, eliminating concerns about food staleness.
- Pet-Proof Design: Tamper-resistant features prevent curious paws from accessing extra meals, providing precise portions and peace of mind.
- Clean and Safe: The dishwasher-safe bowl and lid make cleaning up so easy. You can also upgrade your pet’s dining experience with durable, sleek and hygienic stainless steel bowls (sold separately).
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. PetSafe Simply Feed Review
PetSafe brings us the Simply Feed which is ideal for people who want an easy to use device for slightly longer periods away from their pet. The hopper holds up to 5.6 litres and there’s even an option to purchase a spacer separately so you can feed two animals at once. However, for the purposes of this review, I’m going to assume you’re feeding one cat.
This automatic feeder is made from plastic and can be fully taken apart which makes it super easy to clean. However, to me, it looks like a bin which isn’t ideal if you want something that looks nice as well as performs great.
The Simply Feed can be used with dry and semi moist food and allows you to set it for up to 12 meals per day. What I love about this one is that it comes with a slow feed option that delivers food over a 15 minute period; ideal if you have a fast eater. You can also pause the schedule without affecting any future meals in the event that you need to skip a portion.
This automatic cat feeder runs on 4 D cell batteries although these are not included. I was also impressed to see that you get a 2 year warranty in the event that anything goes wrong.
PetSafe Simply Feed Pros and Cons
Where Should I Purchase the PetSafe Simply Feed Automatic Cat Feeder?
- Programmable feeding to conveniently schedule up to 12 meals a day
- Flexible meal portions from 1/8-cup to 4-cups to fit your pet’s specific needs
- Innovative conveyor design dispenses most shapes and sizes of dry and semi-moist food
- Slow feed option dispenses meals over a 15 minute period to help prevent gulping or eating too fast
- Disassembles for easy cleaning with washable parts dishwasher safe (excluding conveyor)
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. PetSafe Smart Feeder Review
If you like the sound of the Simply Feed but are a little more of a tech lover then the PetSafe Smart Feeder might be the right choice for you. This device has many of the same features as the previous model such as pause, smart feed and the same portion sizes (29 ml to 940 ml) but comes with the addition of app control. The app is available on both IOS and Android.
It connects to the app via WiFi and is largely reliable. However, I have seen some users complaining that, once the Wifi disconnects (perhaps in the event of a power outage), the device won’t automatically reconnect; you have to do it manually.
The PetSafe Smart Feeder holds up to 5.6 litres and I love that the app sends you a notification when the food is running low as well as when the hopper is empty. As with the Simply Feed, the dispenser has an anti jam function so you won’t need to worry about mechanical issues while you’re away and you can set it to deliver up to 12 meals per day.
PetSafe Smart Feeder Pros and Cons
Where Should I Purchase the PetSafe Smart Feeder?
- SMARTPHONE PROGRAMMING: Control your pet's meal time from anywhere using your smartphone; app requires an apple iPhone or iPod device iOS 9.0 or later or a compatible Android smartphone 6.0 or later
- RECEIVE SMARTPHONE ALERTS: Get notified when your pet is fed, the food level is low or the feeder is empty; feeds on schedule as programmed if Wi-Fi connection is lost or feeder is offline
- CUSTOMIZED MEAL TIMES: Set up to 12 meals to feed on your pet's schedule; Feed Now option allows you to feed your pet outside normal feeding times
- FLEXIBLE PORTIONS: Meals can be dispensed from 29 ml to 946 ml to fit your pet's unique feeding needs; slow feed option allows meals larger than 29 ml to dispense slowly over a 15-minute period
- LOW FOOD SENSOR: The feeder automatically notifies you when food levels are low; you'll also receive an alert if the hopper becomes empty
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Automatic Cat Feeders Comparison Table
| Feature | PetSafe Smart Feed | PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder | Cat Mate C500 | PetSafe Simply Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feeding Schedule | Up to 12 meals per day | Up to 10 meals per day | Up to 5 meals per day | Up to 12 meals per day |
| Portion Control | Adjustable portion sizes | Adjustable portion sizes | Adjustable portion sizes | Adjustable portion sizes |
| Food Type | Dry and semi-moist | Dry | Dry and wet | Dry and semi-moist |
| Capacity | 5.6L | 2+3L | Each compartment up to 330g (wet food) | 5.6L |
| Power Source | AC adapter or battery | AC adapter or battery | Battery | Battery |
| Ease of Use | Easy to program and use | Easy to program and use | Easy to program and use | Easy to program and use |
| Durability | Made from high-quality materials | Made from high-quality materials | Made from high-quality materials | Made from high-quality materials |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain | Easy to clean and maintain | Easy to clean and maintain | |
| Safety Features | Anti-jamming mechanism + Slow feed + Low food alert | Locking lid + Low food alert | Locking lid + Ice pack to keep food fresh | Locking lid + Slow feed |
| Price | £££ | ££ | £ | £££ |
Your Guide To Choosing The Best Automatic Cat Feeder
When buying an automatic cat feeder, there are a few things I suggest that you keep in mind. By looking at how the device functions and its features, you’ll be able to make a more informed choice that won’t go outside of your budget.
Portion Size
Some cats are given a specific diet by their vets, for example, if they’re a little overweight and need to eat less or if you’re trying to get your cat to gain weight. In these cases, you need to make sure that there is an option to adjust the portion size; the last thing you want is to affect your cat’s health.
Capacity
In terms of size, you’ll need to think about how long you intend to be away. If you are looking for a cat feeder to use for a few hours each day then you might be able to get away with something smaller. There are plenty that have just enough room for two meals which is ideal for pet parents who have to go out to work every day.
On the other hand, you may need to leave your pet for a little longer, in which case, you’ll need an automatic cat feeder with a larger capacity. The size of the bowl will depend on the size of your pet and there are some feeders that are also designed for dogs. If you are purchasing an automatic feeder for your dog, you will need to consider their breed to help make a decision on size.
As well as this, you’ll need to think about the overall size of the feeder as you don’t want it to take up unnecessary space, especially in smaller homes.
Food Type
Different cat feeders are designed to be used with different types of food. Many are intended for use with dry food only but if your cat has wet food as part of her diet then this won’t be any good. You’ll need to make sure that the feeder you choose is able to handle the correct type of food without hindering its performance.
Additional Features
The great thing about automatic cat feeders is that they come with a range of features. I’d always recommend choosing one that fits your needs as there’s no point in buying something with a load of features that you’ll never use. Consider some of the following points:
- What material is the bowl made from? Stainless steel is usually easier to keep clean than plastic and will be more durable.
- Can you control the feeder using an app or do you need to set everything up before you leave?
- If the feeder relies on mains power then it’s vital to ensure there is a backup battery so that, in the event of a power failure, your pet won’t go hungry.
- Some feeders come with the option to use voice commands which is ideal if your pet needs to be prompted.
- Check how the feeder connects to the app. Some may use Wifi while others may connect in other ways. You’ll need to choose a method that works for you.
How Easy Is The Cat Feeder To Use?
One of the major benefits to having an automatic cat feeder is that it eliminates extra work for yourself. But if the device is incredibly complex to set up then this goes against every reason you purchased it in the first place.
As I mentioned, there are plenty of smart automatic feeders that come with app control. I really like this because it allows you to manage the device from the palm of your hand, regardless of where you are. However, you need to make sure that the app is stable, reliable and has a user friendly interface.
I’d also recommend checking out how easy it is to program the feeder to your desired schedule. You need to look at things like the number of meals it will dispense, the frequency settings and whether you’ll get alerts when food is running low.
Budget
When it comes to purchasing anything, I always advise setting a budget and sticking to it. It’s a good idea to research cat feeders by looking at guides like this one as this will help you to set a realistic budget.
You have to think about what features you’ll need and how much this will cost. For example, if you’re looking for a feeder to dispense meals while you’re at work, you may not need to invest in an all-singing-all-dancing device. On the other hand, if you’re going to spend a couple of days away from home and will have someone periodically check on your cat, you might need something with all the bells and whistles.
Of course, the more features your cat feeder has, the more it will cost.
At a Glance – Features to Lookout for When Purchasing an Automatic Cat Feeder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Schedule | Look for a feeder that allows you to set a feeding schedule that suits your cat’s needs. Some feeders allow you to dispense up to four meals per day, while others can dispense more or less. |
| Portion Control | Make sure the feeder has adjustable portion control so that you can dispense the right amount of food for your cat’s needs. |
| Food Type | Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what types of food are compatible with the feeder. Some feeders are designed for dry food only, while others can dispense wet food as well. |
| Capacity | Consider the size of the feeder’s food container and how much food it can hold. This is particularly important if you have multiple cats or will be away from home for an extended period. |
| Power Source | Choose a feeder with a reliable power source, such as batteries or an AC adapter. Some feeders also have a backup battery in case of a power outage. |
| Ease of Use | Look for a feeder that is easy to program and use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. |
| Durability | Choose a feeder that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | Look for a feeder that is easy to clean and maintain, with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. |
| Safety Features | Make sure the feeder has safety features to prevent your cat from getting stuck or injured, such as a locking lid or anti-jamming mechanism. |
| Price | Consider your budget when choosing a feeder, but don’t sacrifice quality for price. Look for a feeder that offers good value for money and meets your cat’s needs. |
Final Thoughts
Making sure that your pet has a consistent supply of food is an essential part of being a good cat owner. However, we all have responsibilities such as work and from time to time, pet owners may wish to go out for the day or even the weekend.
At times like this, an automatic cat feeder will give you the peace of mind that, despite your absence, your pet will still have all the nutrition it needs.
There is a wide range of automatic cat feeders on the market and this can make it difficult to choose. There are even cat feeders with integrated high definition cameras, you can see this in my PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with camera review. Use the tips in this guide to determine the type of cat feeder that will suit your needs and then check out my picks of the best automatic cat feeders on the UK market.
Automatic Cat Feeders FAQ’s
What is an automatic cat feeder, and how does it work?
An automatic cat feeder is an electronic device that dispenses food to your cat at pre-set times. It can be programmed to dispense a specific portion of food, and some models even allow you to record a voice message to call your cat to eat.
How many meals can an automatic cat feeder dispense per day?
Most automatic cat feeders can dispense up to four meals per day, but some models can dispense more or less depending on your cat’s feeding schedule.
Can I customize the portion size and feeding schedule of an automatic cat feeder?
Yes, most automatic cat feeders allow you to customize the portion size and feeding schedule to suit your cat’s needs. You can program the feeder to dispense a specific amount of food at specific times of the day.
What type of food can I use in an automatic cat feeder?
Most automatic cat feeders are designed to dispense dry cat food, but some models can also dispense wet food. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what types of food are compatible with your feeder.
How do I clean and maintain an automatic cat feeder?
To clean an automatic cat feeder, you should first unplug it and remove any remaining food. Wash the feeder’s bowl and other removable parts with warm, soapy water, and then rinse and dry them thoroughly. Make sure to clean the feeder regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I use an automatic cat feeder for wet food, or is it only suitable for dry food?
Some automatic cat feeders are designed to dispense wet food, but you should check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your feeder is compatible with wet food. Wet food can spoil more quickly than dry food, so make sure to clean the feeder thoroughly after each use.
How long does the battery or power source last in an automatic cat feeder?
The battery or power source in an automatic cat feeder can last for several months, depending on how often the feeder is used. Some models also have a low-battery indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace the batteries. Models that connect to the wifi will use more power and therefore the batteries will not last as long. Many of these smart feeders are mains powered with battery backup.
Can an automatic cat feeder help with weight management for my cat?
Yes, an automatic cat feeder can help with weight management for your cat by controlling the portion size and feeding schedule. You can program the feeder to dispense smaller portions of food more frequently, which can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when using an automatic cat feeder?
Make sure to choose an automatic cat feeder that is made from non-toxic materials and has no sharp edges that could harm your cat. Also, make sure to supervise your cat while using the feeder to ensure that they are not getting stuck or injured.
How do I choose the best automatic cat feeder for my cat’s needs and my lifestyle?
When choosing an automatic cat feeder, consider your cat’s feeding schedule and portion size needs, as well as your own lifestyle and schedule. Look for a feeder that is easy to use and clean, and has features that are compatible with your cat’s food type and feeding preferences. Use the table above to help you to make an informed buying decision.
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For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.
