Featured in this article
Best AI-Enabled Dual Feeder With CameraPetkit YumShare Dual-Hopper 2 Automatic Feeder With CameraRead more$170
Petkit
Best Automatic Wet-Food FeederPetlibro Polar Wet Food FeederRead more$170
Petlibro
Best Connected AppPetlibro Granary Smart Camera FeederRead more$124 $107 (14% off)
Amazon
A Dual Automatic Feeder With a CameraPetkit YumShare Dual-Hopper Automatic Feeder With CameraRead more$160 $110 (31% off)
Walmart
An automatic cat feeder just may change your life. No more screeching at 4 am. Plus, it can give some peace of mind while you're away from your fur baby. As seen with the rise of automatic litter boxes and pet tracking, technology has made it so we can closely monitor our pets without having to do a lot of the manual labor normally involved.
Gravity-fed automatic dry-food dispensers were invented nearly a century ago, but today most automatic cat feeders utilize Wi-Fi and are connected to an app on your phone that allows you to make a schedule or feed on demand from afar, all while monitoring your pet’s eating habits. Newer models have taken this tech further, like the Petkit YumShare Dual-Hopper 2 Automatic Feeder With Camera ($170) which has a built-in, AI-enabled camera to analyze the remaining food in the bowl and will stop dispensing to prevent overfeeding. Automatic wet-food dispensers—our top pick in this category is the Petlibro Polar Smart Wet Feeder ($170)—are relatively new, often using ice packs or mini-refrigeration cooling systems to ensure the food stays as fresh as possible.
Automatic feeders are also helpful for pet parents who want to monitor their pets’ health, have specialized schedules, or want to foster healthier eating habits. (A customizable automatic cat feeder can help with the endless gorging-vomiting cycle many cats struggle with.) Nearly all of the automatic cat feeders on this list are marketed toward cats, but some can be used with smaller dogs, and I’ve noted these below.
Check out our related guides, like the Best Automatic Litter Boxes, Best Cat Water Fountains, Best Smart Cat Collars, and Best Pet Cameras. More of a dog person? We've got you covered; see our Best Accessories and Tech Essentials for Your Dog.
Updated May 2026: We've added the Cheerble Match G1 and Oneisall 2-in-1 Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser, and updated prices and links throughout.
Jump to SectionAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron- Compare Our Picks
- Others Tested
- Do Not Recommend
- Why Use an Automatic Feeder?
- How I Tested
- How Long Can I Leave My Cat Alone?
Best AI-Enabled Dual Feeder With Camera
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Petkit
Petkit
YumShare Dual-Hopper 2 Automatic Feeder With Camera
$170Petkit
$170Chewy
This model is an upgrade on one of my favorite models below, the Petkit YumShare Dual-Hopper Automatic Feeder With Camera, but with added AI features. It has a crystal-clear video feed, night vision, customizable meal calls, and a dual-hopper for two different types of food. Through the connected app, you can set feeding schedules or feed on demand from both tanks, use two-way audio, and watch the feeder from your phone. Unlike most other brands, the AI-enabled camera doesn't require a subscription and can identify up to 20 pets and log when they've eaten individually. The camera also uses AI to analyze the remaining food in the bowl and will stop dispensing to prevent overfeeding.
This feeder worked excellently throughout testing, and I like that you don't need to opt in to the subscription plan to have AI recognize different pets. However, I still think the connected Petkit app isn't as reliable or as easy to use as Petlibro's app (above).
Compatible food typesDry; freeze-driedAppYesPower sourcePower cordCapacity2 and 3 liters (5 total)Warranty1 year limitedWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Built-in AI-enabled camera
- Can store two types of food (including freeze dried)
- Need membership plan to access some features
- App isn't as user-friendly as some others
Best Automatic Wet-Food Feeder
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Amazon
Petlibro
Polar Wet Food Feeder
$170Petlibro
$170Amazon
$170Chewy
This updated Petlibro Polar Wet Food Feeder solves pretty much every gripe I had with other automatic feeders aimed at storing wet food—it’s essentially a mini-fridge guaranteed to keep food fresh, and it’s connected to an app where you can schedule and customize feedings and keep a feeding log. Food is given in three stainless steel wide, shallow bowls, which means less chance for whisker fatigue with wide bowls or feline acne with bacteria-harboring plastic. When it’s time to feed, the cover slides back from the hole and reveals the food beneath.
The refrigeration uses thermoelectric cooling and stays at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and cooling is paused 30 minutes before scheduled feeding time to make sure it’s at the ideal temperature. The bowls are now numbered, so you can easily correlate feedings to specific bowls in-app. Through the app, you can alter schedules, manually feed on demand, and control how long it's open—there's even a sensor to make sure it doesn’t close while your kitty is feeding. This is the best automatic wet feeder on the market in my opinion—I even bought a second one for my other cat.
It can be used with cats or small dogs.
Note: For certain Amazon locations, this feeder is marked as a “Frequently Returned Item.” I haven't experienced any issues with reliability or performance, and it's worked well for the past six-plus months of testing.
Compatible food typesWetAppYesPower sourcePower cord, three backup AAA batteriesCapacity7.4 ouncesWarranty2 yearsWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Keeps wet food refrigerated
- Great connected app
- None
Best Connected App
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Amazon
Petlibro
Granary Smart Camera Feeder
$124 $107 (14% off)Amazon
$140 $107 (24% off)Chewy
$140Petlibro
Although this isn’t the most expensive automatic feeder on this list, it’s reliable, tech-savvy, and highly customizable. It's controlled via an app and dispenses food from its 5-liter capacity based on the feeding schedule you create. It has a 1080p HD camera with night vision so you can watch and hear your pet eat even when far away, and you can communicate with them via speaker. Through the Petlibro app (for Android and iOs), you set up a feeding schedule (up to six meals a day) or feed snacks with your desired amount, from one-twelfth of a cup to four cups. The app is easy to use with extremely customizable feeding plans with meals that you label individually. Our runner-up pick below, the Petkit YumShare Dual-Hopper Automatic Feeder with Camera is similar in many ways, but the app is a little more intuitive, reliable, and user-friendly on this one (plus we love the built-in camera to spy while afar), so that's why it's remained the reigning champ.
It can be used with cats or small dogs.
Compatible food typesDry onlyAppYesPower sourcePower cord, three D backup batteriesCapacity5 litersWarranty2 yearsWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Connected camera
- Great, user-friendly connected app
- Doesn't measure food left in bowl to prevent overeating
A Dual Automatic Feeder With a Camera
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
Petkit
YumShare Dual-Hopper Automatic Feeder With Camera
$160 $110 (31% off)Walmart
$159 $110 (31% off)Amazon
$159 $111 (30% off)Best Buy
This model is sunsetting for the newer Petkit model above, but you can still find it on third-party sites, and it's still one of my favorite models I've ever tested.
This automatic feeder is basically the same model as above, but doesn't have an AI-enabled camera. It does have an HD camera with a 140-degree viewing angle, infrared night vision, two-way audio with customizable meal calls, and a dual hopper, which allows you to store and dispense two different types of food. Through the connected app, you can customize and set feeding schedules from the two separate tanks, give snacks, and watch the feeder from your phone. Plus, the camera will analyze the remaining food in the bowl and stop dispensing (to prevent overfeeding).
I love that the dual hopper can store different types of dry kibble and freeze-dried food, and dispense them separately. I recommend people save their moolah and just go with this model—unless you need AI to identify your cats—you can spot the difference between cats through the camera yourself for $70-ish less.
It can be used with cats or dogs.
Compatible food typesDry; freeze-driedAppYesPower sourcePower cordCapacity2 and 3 liters (5 total)Warranty1 year limitedWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Built-in camera
- Can store two types of food (including freeze dried)
- App could be better
Best Cheap Single Automatic Feeder With Connected App
Photograph: Molly HigginsSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPetlibro
Air Smart Feeder
$70 $65 (7% off)Amazon
$50Chewy
$70 $65 (7% off)PetSmart
$70Target
This is a sleek, more pared-down pet feeder from Petlibro. Although it has a simpler design and smaller capacity (2 liters) than others tested, this auto feeder has a hygienic stainless steel bowl, rotor design, and a tight seal and button that opens the top to ensure kibble stays fresh (and is kitty tamper-proof). It's connected to Petlibro's easy-to-use app, where you can schedule up to 10 meals a day in one to 16 portions, or feed on demand. Plus, unlike the other Petlibro feeders I've tested, this goes down to a super small 1/24 cup dispense amount, which makes it easy if you just want to dispense a small snack. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 30 days, so you can have freedom in movement or placement. Unlike many others on the list, you don't have the ability for two-way audio or monitoring when each pet is fed, and it only works on 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi. But if you're looking for a cheaper, more basic auto-feeder (and don't need a camera or audio), I'd recommend this model.
It can be used with cats or very small dogs.
Compatible food typesDryAppYesPower sourceRechargeable battery and power cordCapacity2 litersWarranty2 yearsWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Has rechargeable battery for cordless use
- Connected app to dispense food from afar
- Simple design
- Small storage container and basic design
- Only works with 2.4 GHz networks
Best Cheap Dual Automatic Feeder
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Amazon
Oneisall
Dual Automatic Feeder
$50 $43 (14% off)Amazon
$100 $60 (40% off)Chewy
$70Walmart
$90 $70 (22% off)Oneisall
This automatic feeder doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it's a solid, inexpensive dual feeder. There’s an app where you can customize feeding plans of up to six meals a day, each meal being 1/12 of a cup. But it also has a knob on the front to plan meals if you don't want to use the app. (I found that the app could be very buggy and I often relied on manually programming.) You can also record a 10-second meal message to play before mealtimes. It can be plugged in or run on four AA batteries in case of power outage, for extra peace of mind. I love that the bowls are almost a foot away from each other to give more space for my greedy cats, and the hygienic stainless steel inserts can be removed for easier cleaning. The app is very bare-bones and could use work, but this dual feeder worked reliably, and I consider it a great deal at this price point.
Can be used with cats or small dogs.
Compatible food typesDryAppYesPower sourcePower cord, 4 AA backup batteriesCapacity5 liters (or 20 cups)Warranty2 yearsWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Stainless steel bowls nearly a foot apart for two pets
- Connected app is lacking
An Upgraded AI-Enabled Automatic Feeder
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Pifi via Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Pifi
Pifi
All-in-One Smart Pet Feeder
$280 $138 (51% off)Macy's
$229 $149 (35% off)Chewy
$230Best Buy
This automatic feeder features dual storage, a built-in camera, two-way audio, and a connected app for scheduling and on-demand feeding. It’s AI-enabled to differentiate between pets and identify their behavior. Setup is super easy and takes only a few minutes; then you’ll need to upload pictures of your cats for their profiles and set up customized feeding plans for up to three pets, in increments of ⅛ of a cup. In theory, you can create customizable feeding plans for each pet, but there’s no way to ensure each cat is getting their own portions and not stealing the others'. Plus, you can’t just set up a general daily plan; you have to set a schedule for each individual pet.
The AI didn’t distinguish and label my cats in the video feed, which I found odd, but it did identify and log behaviors it recorded, like feeding, napping, and walking. Through the app, you can watch highlights and activity logs, communicate via speaker, and feed on demand. It was cool to be able to watch past video feeds and see the labels AI creates based on observed behaviors, but the promised custom, individualized feeding plans underdeliver.
Can be used with cats or small dogs.
Compatible food typesDry; freeze-driedAppYesPower sourcePower cordCapacity6 litersWarranty1 yearWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Customizable meal plans for individual pets
- Connected camera with AI
- No way to have general feeding plan, must be tailored to each pet
- AI falls a little flat
An Affordable Automatic Feeder to Measure Food Intake
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Pawsync
Pawsync
Smart Pet Feeder
$100 $78 (22% off)Amazon
$100 $80 (20% off)Pawsync
I was pleasantly surprised by this relatively affordable automatic feeder. It has a scale in the bottom of the stainless steel bowl, which makes sure your pet is getting the exact right amount of food. It'll even alter how much it dispenses based on how much is left in the bowl, ensuring your pet isn't overeating. The feeder has anti-jam technology, low-food-detection sensors, and a backup battery in case of a power failure.
From the app, you can schedule and alter feedings with an optional meal call recording, and it logs when and how much your pet has eaten. This is super helpful to better track and understand your cats' eating habits. But because I have two cats, the tracking feature isn't as reliable, as the feeder doesn't know which cat was eating when it logs. For that reason, some of the cooler aspects of monitoring feedings with this feeder work best for single-pet homes.
It canan extended 2 years be used with cats or small dogs.
Compatible food typesDryAppYesPower sourcePlug-in and backup batteryCapacity3.5 litersWarranty1 year limited. Register your product for 2 years extended.WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Built-in scale to prevent overfeeding
- Features don't work as well in multi-pet homes
An Automatic Feeder to Separate Several Pets’ Food Using a Collar Tag
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Petlibro
Petlibro
One RFID Smart Feeder
$150 $120 (20% off)Chewy
$150 $120 (20% off)Amazon
$150Petlibro
For this feeder, the pet wears a collar with a tag in which the feeder’s lid opens only with that tag. The sensor in the pad in front will be activated, the stainless steel food bowl (which is removable for washing and is dishwasher safe)is uncovered, and the cover will retract over the kibble when the cat leaves, ensuring that only the chosen pet with the collar can access the food. Through the app, you can create up to 10 feeding schedules whose amounts can be modified anytime, including on-demand feeding. The automatic lid is customizable too, as you can switch on the app to leave the lid in “open mode” or adjust how long the lid stays open after your pet walks away from it.
Overall, I think this is a nearly perfect device for a particular kind of pet owner. It works best for a cat in a dog home where the owner doesn’t want the dog getting into the cat’s food, if each pet in the home has an RFID feeder, if one particular cat has special dietary needs, or if you have a multi-cat home with an aggressive eater. In these cases, I truly think this product would be a life-changer. (If you get a One RFID for each pet, it’s recommended that you space them at least 10 inches apart to avoid any interference.)
It can be used with cats or very small dogs.
Compatible food typesDryAppYesPower sourcePower cord, three backup D batteriesCapacity13 cupsWarranty2 yearsWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Correlating tag ensures that only the desired pet can eat
- Cover makes some of the food hard to reach even when open
Another Feeder to Separate Pets’ Food Using Facial Recognition
Photograph: Molly HigginsSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCheerble
Match G1
Shop at
Cheerble
Like the Petlibro, this feeder aims to thwart greedy pets from overeating by using facial recognition. But unlike the other camera feeders, the footage data is processed locally without external storage like Cloud or SSD, and the camera only sees a 25-centimeter range, so there are fewer privacy concerns than other camera-enabled models. During the initial setup, you'll just put your cat near the feeder for it to use AI technology to scan and store that info so it can recognize which cat to open the feeder for.
This model is compatible with kibble, freeze-dried, and wet food, with space below the bowl for an optional ice pack. Once you've plugged it in and connected to Wi-Fi and the app, you'll have the camera capture the pet you want the bowl to open for and set up the pet profile. Through the app, you'll adjust schedules, with up to four feedings per day, and you'll also be able to adjust the amount of time it's open for. There are also options to leave the lid open for free feeding, which is especially useful when your pets are still getting used to the new feeder. When the camera recognizes the cat, the clear plastic covering opens to reveal the food. Through the app, you'll be able to view and adjust schedules, as well as view historical logs of the cat's feeding habits.
The camera was able to differentiate my cats without issue, but they look completely different. I'd be curious to see how accurate the recognition technology is with cats that look more similar. This model also doesn't have a large capacity, so you'll have to manually refill when food levels are low. This model is a solid option for people who need to keep their pets' food separate without needing to have a special collar tag like the model above.
Size is suitable for cats only. This model is on pre-order only and will be available for public purchase on May 25.
Compatible food typesDry, wet, freeze driedAppYesPower sourcePower cord, three AAA backup batteriesCapacity400 mLWarrantyOne-year limitedWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Facial recognition technology to keep pet's food separate.
- Compatible with both wet and dry food.
- Can control lid opening and schedules via connected phone app.
- Doesn't have large capacity, need to refill food more often.
An Easy-to-Use Automatic Dry Feeder
- Photograph: Molly Higgins
- Courtesy of Litter-Robot
Whisker
Feeder-Robot
$299Litter-Robot
$299Chewy
This expensive, tech-y automatic feeder has buttons and an app where you control feeding schedules and food amounts, including monitoring levels to make sure there is enough (when the food level is low it alerts you via app and via a light on top of the feeder). I love how customizable meals are: You can set multiple schedules for different days of the week, and it dispenses anywhere from one-eighth of a cup to half of a cup of food. It also has gravity mode, where the feeder checks levels every six hours and dispenses food automatically if the bowl is empty.
The app is intuitive and easy to use with customizable settings, and it also tracks every time a cat is fed. Although the plastic food bowl is food-safe and BPA-free, plastic is still prone to harboring bacteria, and I’d prefer stainless steel. (Whisker has a stainless steel ($20) insert or glass bowl insert for $30). I can’t really find any other faults in this feeder—it has worked perfectly and just feels sleek and elevated.
It can be used with cats or small dogs.
Compatible food typesDryAppYesPower sourcePower cordCapacity13 cupsWarranty1 yearWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Sleek design and intuitive app
- Plastic bowl
Compare Our Picks
WIREDTIREDCompatible Food TypesAppPower SourceCapacityWarrantyPetkit YumShare Dual-Hopper 2 Automatic Feeder with CameraBuilt-in AI-enabled camera; can store two types of food (including freeze-dried)Need membership plan to access some features; app isn't as good as some othersDry; freeze-driedYesPower cord2 and 3 liters (5 total)1 year limitedPetlibro Polar Wet Food FeederKeeps wet food refrigerated; great user-friendly appNoneWetYesPower cord, three backup AAA batteries7.4 ounces2 yearsPetlibro Granary Smart Camera FeederConnected camera; great user-friendly appDoesn't measure food left in bowl to prevent overeatingDryYesPower cord, three D backup batteries5 liters2 yearsPetkit YumShare Dual-Hopper Automatic Feeder With CameraBuilt-in camera; can store two types of food (including freeze-dried)Connected app could be betterDry; freeze-driedYesPower cord2 and 3 liters (5 total)1 year limitedPetlibro Air Smart FeederHas rechargeable battery for cordless use; connected app to dispense food from afar; simple designSmall storage container and basic design; works only with 2.4-GHz networksDryYesRechargeable battery and power cord2 liters2 yearsOneisall Dual Automatic FeederStainless steel bowls nearly a foot apart for two petsConnected app is lackingDryYesPower cord, four AA backup batteries5 liters (or 20 cups)2 yearsPifi All-in-One Smart Pet FeederCustomizable meal plans for individual pets; connected camera with AINo way to have general feeding plan, must be tailored to each pet; AI falls a little flatDryYesPower cord6 liters1 yearPawsync Smart Pet FeederBuilt-in scale to prevent overfeedingFeatures don't work as well in multi-pet homesDry; freeze-driedYesPlug-in and backup battery3.5 liters1 year limited. Register your product for 2 years extendedPetlibro One RFID Smart FeederCorrelating tag ensures that only the desired pet can eatCover makes some of the food hard to reach even when openDryYesPower cord, three backup D batteries13 cups1 yearCheerble Match G1Face-recognition technology to keep pets’ food separate; compatible with both wet and dry foodDoesn’t have large capacity, need to refill food more oftenDry; freeze-dried; wetYesPower cord, three AAA backup batteries400 mL1 year limitedWhisker Feeder-RobotSleek design and intuitive appPlastic bowlDryYesPower cord13 cups1 yearOthers Tested
-source-Molly%2520Higgins.jpg)
Photograph: Molly HigginsOneisall 2-in-1 Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser for $54: Generally, I'm a fan of all the Oneisall pet products I've tested. While they aren't the most technologically advanced, they are always reliable and cheap. This model is relatively simple. To set up, you'll need to hook up the bowl supports and dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls, fill the water and kibble compartments, and plug in. This model runs on corded electricity but has an optional 4 AA batteries in case of power outage. There is no connected app. You'll just set the clock and adjust meal settings, and you can schedule one to six meals per day with adjustable portions, from one to 10 portion sizes. I don't love having food and water so close, since cats prefer them to be separate to prevent cross-contamination in the wild. I always recommend automatic pet fountains instead for a fresh source of water, but if you don't have a lot of space, are on a budget, and need a temporary solution for getting fresh water to your kitty while you're out of town, the gravity-fed water system ensures water stays relatively fresh (plus, the translucent tank makes it easier to check water levels). I'd recommend this basic option if you're on a budget and need a temporary solution for when you're out of the house (and don't mind not having a connected app).
Photograph: Molly HigginsCloser Pets C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder for $50: This automatic feeder is super simple, which is both its weakness and its strength. It’s essentially two shallow plastic containers with stainless steel inserts (both dishwasher safe) and tamper-resistant lids that are locked and automatically open using an old-school egg-style timer that runs on a AA battery rather than electricity. Although the container has an ice pack to keep the wet food cool, after one night it lost virtually all of its coolness. There’s a lid-link clip attachment, a small piece of plastic that links the lids to ensure they will open at the same time, which is super helpful for owners of two cats like me. I wish the timer were electric so I could program it to the exact time I want it open, rather than guesstimating the timing on the little marks. However, this is a simple solution to help make sure both my cats are given wet food without me having to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Photograph: Molly HigginsOneisall Cordless WiFi Automatic Cat Feeder for $70: I had high hopes for this cordless feeder that boasts a rechargeable battery with a 100-day life and an integrated app, but it's just too unreliable. Through the app, you can program up to 10 daily meals (in 1-12 portions each), monitor pets' eating habits, and customize meal calls. Unlike other apps, you're not able to choose portion size, but instead have to multiply the number of servings. The app gave me constant problems, and would often disconnect from the feeder and be unable to reconnect to WiFi. Luckily, I was able to program meals via the screen and buttons, but it would've been a whole lot nicer if the app had worked reliably.
Do Not Recommend
Courtesy of AmazonCatit Pixi Smart 6-Meal Feeder for $100: Like others on this list, the Catit Pixi wet and dry feeder uses ice packs to keep wet food fresh and rotates the meals in six compartments on a set schedule. The schedule can be programmed via the app or changed on the body of the feeder. At this price point, the app shouldn’t be this limited and glitchy. The schedule is available in military time only, and the app is extremely limited—you can only set the meal schedule for the same day, and when I wanted to do only two to three meals a day spread over two days, I had to reschedule the meals for every new day. The feeder didn't keep it cold enough to spread the meals out and the wet food was not at a safe eating temperature. At this price point, just get the Petlibro Polar wet feeder for a few bucks more.
Catit Pixi Smart Cat Feeder for $140: Kibble is stored in the body of this dry feeder, but it doesn’t have a window to visually check food levels. The calendar to plan meals shows only a week at a time, and although it should repeat daily based on the schedule, I found that some days there would be no schedule despite setting one up. The Pixi also doesn’t tell you how much food was dispensed; it just refers to it as a “portion”—I manually measured and found the portion was less than a tablespoon of kibble. After using it continuously for more than a month, I found it was extremely glitchy and almost never reliably stuck to the programmed schedule, sometimes skipping meals altogether. This feeder is potentially dangerous, and I'd caution pet parents against relying on it.
Closer Pets C500 for $75: This automatic wet and dry feeder can schedule up to four pre-portioned meals (and one meal given manually) that are opened on a timer system using three AA batteries (sold separately). The user presets the four times they want the bowls, which have ice packs underneath, to rotate. The bowls are quite deep and narrow and aren’t super easy for cats to reach, which could cause whisker fatigue. And although there are two relatively large ice packs, when I checked on the feeder after a night’s sleep, the packs weren’t very cold. This may be OK for kibble, but wet food was kept at unsafe temperatures, and my cats couldn't reach all of the food.
Why Use an Automatic Feeder?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronAutomatic feeders are great for pet owners who want to help manage their pets’ weight and monitor eating patterns. Plus, they allow for a lot more control and precision for owners to learn exactly how much their cat is eating and when. Because cats are naturally more nocturnal, many have the annoying habit of waking you up in the early hours, demanding food, and these allow you to set up a schedule that fits more to their schedule without inconveniencing yours.
Of course, it’s never recommended to leave pets alone for long periods, but these automatic feeders give more peace of mind and are a whole lot healthier for your pet than leaving a huge amount of food for free-feeding while you're away for the night. Simply put, it’s an easier way to feed and monitor your cat’s health with less work for you, the human.
How I Tested
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI have two rescue cats, ages 4 and 5, and they eat two wet-food meals a day and small amounts of dry kibble throughout the day. Vets (and TikTokkers) have successfully persuaded me to move toward a primarily wet-food diet, however, which has a higher water content. This provides more moisture in their diet, which helps with potentially life-threatening problems like UTIs, which are especially prevalent in male cats. I still like to give smaller dry-food meals throughout the day for them to satisfy their need for crunch.
For dry food, I use Hill’s Science Diet, and for wet food, I use Friskies' Shreds variety. (Yes, only Shreds. Fellow cat owners will understand.)
I set up the feeders, noting ease of setup, potential problems, and app navigation. I also tested various schedules and manual feedings through the app, noting any issues. I used each of the feeders for at least a week, if not more.
How Long Can I Leave My Cat Alone?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronAlthough cats are generally thought of as less high-maintenance than dogs, it’s still not good to leave your cat for prolonged periods. Under dire circumstances, you can leave a cat alone for 24 to 48 hours with scheduled feedings and a clean water source, but it’s not ideal—especially for cats with health issues, kittens younger than a year, or very elderly cats. Although these feeders are automatic, and meals can be scheduled in advance and over multiple days, our pets still need their human pals around for enrichment, care, and well, love.
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Molly Higgins is WIRED's Commerce Production and Operations Coordinator. She tests mattresses, cat gadgets, pet hair vacuums, vegan meal kits, and helps oversee our coupon program. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA and an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She ... Read MoreCommerce Production and Operations CoordinatorTopicsShoppingbuying guidesanimalshouseholdsmart homecatspetsThe Best Cat Water Fountains for Pampered PetsEnsuring your cat stays hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. The right pet water fountain can help.Molly HigginsBreathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every HomeProtect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.Molly HigginsThe Best Portable Power StationsWhether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.Simon HillThe Best Hybrid Mattresses for the Best of Both WorldsBy combining foam and springs in carefully tuned layers, hybrids hit the sweet spot between soft and supportive. Here are our favorites after extensive testing.Julia ForbesThe 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet CamerasWhether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.Molly HigginsWhat Should Be in Your Emergency Kit Before Disaster Strikes?We consulted preparedness experts and WIRED’s team of testers for the essential gear to keep on hand in case of wildfires, earthquakes, and lord knows what else.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Travel Totes for Digital Nomads Who Never Log OffThese hardworking travel totes handle everything from a work trip to a weekend getaway.Boutayna Chokrane I Tried 13 of the Most Popular Indoor Gardening SystemsGrow a backyard’s worth of greens and vegetables in your house with a vertical hydroponic garden. Here are a few that might be worth the investment.Kat MerckThe 13 Best Coolers for Day and Night DrinkingWe tested coolers on camping trips, road trips, beach days, and at parties to bring you our favorite models for every situation. The Yeti Tundra Haul is our top pick.Louryn StrampeThe Best Gifts for Bird LoversWhether they’re into feeders, field guides, or games, these tried-and-tested picks are sure to land perfectly.Kat MerckStay Charged Around the World With the Best Travel AdaptersWhen going abroad, the right plugs are essential to keep your gadgets charged. These are my favorite travel adapters and chargers.Simon HillHead to the Beach in the Best Sustainable Wetsuits, Surfboards, and Sunblock This SummerReduce unnecessary plastic waste and petroleum-based neoprene at your local break with the best sustainable wetsuits, sunglasses, and more.Brent Rose
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