The best automatic cat feeders can be a great solution if you have a busy schedule or limited mobility. Cats normally eat multiple small meals a day, and these devices can help ensure your cat gets regular meals in the exact portions they need. Some feeders are even designed to prevent cats in multi-cat households from swiping food from another pet's bowls.
There are several types of automatic feeders, and their features vary widely. Certain devices are more appropriate for specific households and needs. Among the 11 feeders I tested with my two cats, the Whisker Feeder-Robot is my top choice based on its performance, ease of use, and cat-proof design. My budget recommendation, the Petlibro Air, is also a great option, especially if you have multiple cats or want to spend less on a feeder.
Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc., says a good feeder will dispense meals in your desired portions and intervals. It should also be simple to program, easy to thoroughly clean, and reliable, like the feeders I recommend below.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best automatic cat feeders
Best overall: Whisker Feeder-Robot - See at Chewy
Best for wet food: Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder - See at Chewy
Best budget: Petlibro Air Automatic Pet Feeder - See at Chewy
Best for multi-pet homes: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect and Internet Hub - See Feeder at Chewy and Hub at Chewy
Best with camera: Petlibro Granary Camera Monitoring Feeder - See at Chewy
Best overall
This user-friendly feeder is reliable and cat-proof, and it keeps working for 24 hours even if the WiFi or power goes out.
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The Whisker Feeder-Robot won't let you (or your cat) down at mealtime. I've used this feeder in my two-cat home for over three years, and it hasn't missed a meal, even when the power or WiFi goes out. Plus, its large-capacity hopper is fully cat-proof, so even my most determined cat can't break in. You just squeeze the lid's two center release tabs with your thumb and forefinger to pop it open.
The Feeder-Robot is easy to program through its companion app. You can schedule up to eight meals a day or set it to gravity-feed for continuous feeding. The app also monitors the food level. Thanks to its local storage, the feeder will dispense dry food on schedule even without an internet connection. In the case of unexpected power outages, a rechargeable backup battery (sold separately) will keep the feeder running.
Unlike some of my other picks for the best automatic cat feeders, the Feeder-Robot doesn't have a camera or two-way audio. It also has a higher price tag than other contenders with more features. That said, it's backed by time-tested, reliable technology from a reputable company, and you can try it at home for 90 days before you commit.
Best for wet food
You can program this feeder to serve up to four chilled meals, making it a great option for cats who eat wet food only.
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When the best wet cat food is on the menu, Dr. Donna Raditic, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, recommends Closer Pet's line of feeders that use ice packs to keep food fresh, like the Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Feeder. In my testing, the ice packs melted within 8 hours in a 68-degree Fahrenheit room, though the food stayed cool for about 14 hours total. Because wet food can grow bacteria when stored above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, I recommend this feeder for a single day of wet food feedings, but it may not keep wet food safe for overnight or multi-day use. If your house is particularly warm, that freshness window will be even shorter.
It took me less than five minutes to program the feeder, and the dishwasher-safe lid and tray made cleanup quick. However, I recommend following the manual carefully and practicing with the feeder before you leave home. A misaligned food tray resulted in a missed meal during my testing.
The five-meal feeder has smaller bowl sizes so it can accommodate more meals. My largest cat struggled to reach all the food in the bowl, and this issue could be even more of a problem for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, says registered veterinary nurse and cat welfare assistant Laura Watson. For some cats, the larger bowls in the Closer Pets two- and three-meal feeders may be a better fit. You can also purchase add-ons, like additional ice packs and a stainless steel tray.
Best budget
This budget-friendly feeder features a space-saving design, storage for about 8.5 cups of food, and cat-proof construction with a stainless steel bowl.
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The Petlibro Air Feeder is a great option for budget-conscious cat parents, especially those with multiple pets, like myself. While it's only $50 ($250 less than the Feeder-Robot), it doesn't skimp on quality, much like the brand's Capsule fountain, my top pick for the best cat water fountains. The Petlibro Air includes a stainless steel bowl, which is preferred by veterinarians like Dr. Bradley Krohn, a small animal veterinarian in Portland, Oregon. That's because stainless steel helps minimize bacterial growth compared to plastic. Plus, the feeder has a secure press-to-release lid, control panel cover, and anti-paw rotor that keeps even my most determined cat from snatching extra kibble.
Whenever I place my cats' food bowls side-by-side, one cat eats while the other hangs back. Even when I offer separate bowls a little farther apart, they'll stop eating to give each other the side eye. Watson recommends placing feeders in separate areas or rooms to prevent territorial behaviors and anxiety. The compact design of the Petlibro Air allows me to spread out feeding stations around the house, while its lower price makes buying multiple feeders more feasible.
Even with its small footprint, the feeder holds a generous 8.5 cups of food, and the light-resistant hopper keeps kibble fresh. You can program it to dispense six meals a day, with a minimum meal size of 1 tablespoon. When the kibble level falls to 10%, the feeder will flash a red light and display a "low food" message.
Best for multi-pet homes
This feeder’s built-in scale makes portion control easy, and it features microchip or RFID collar tag-activated access to prevent food thieves.
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The hub from Sure Petcare provides app connectivity to the brand's Connect Feeder, Felaqua Fountain, Microchip Pet Door, and more devices.
If you live in a multi-pet household with a sneaky snacker, the SureFeed Microchip Feeder Connect uses your pet's microchip or the included RFID collar tag to grant personalized feeder access so pets can't steal food from each other's bowls. Geller says it's ideal for special diets, weight management, or simply an enthusiastic eater. The feeder works with both wet and dry food. However, because it lacks a cooling mechanism, wet food should be refrigerated after two hours at room temperature to keep it fresh.
Programming the feeder was fast and easy: I used a treat to entice my less food-motivated kitty to stick her head through the opening. Once you register all pets in your household, you can use the app to switch between housemates. Only the authorized microchip or RFID collar tag will unlock the secure lid. Rogue kibble won't stand in the way of a cat-proof seal, so even messy eating won't prevent a secure closure. However, a second cat could sneak around the back while the lid is open and prevent it from closing. To prevent this, you can purchase and install an optional rear cover.
This feeder features a built-in scale, which is recommended by veterinary nutritionists for accurate portion control. Once the weight of the empty feeder bowl is programmed in the app, you can easily set your desired portion size in grams. The app also tracks your cat's feeding history, including visit times, duration, and how much they ate. However, the app isn't perfect. I experienced occasional freezing while saving new settings. If you prefer a less expensive option, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder offers microchip and RFID collar tag access without app connectivity.
Best with camera
This feeder offers a high-quality camera, precise portion control, and a user-friendly app at a good value.
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If you like to check up on your cat while you're away, the Petlibro Granary stands out as one of the best automatic cat feeders. It has a 1080-pixel camera with a wide-angle lens that provides a clear view of the feeder bowl and the surrounding area, day or night. The feeder also shines when it comes to meal customization and precise portion control. You can schedule up to 10 meals a day, and portion sizes are adjustable down to 1/12 cup.
Like the Feeder-Robot, the Granary features a companion app for scheduling meals and low-food alerts. Three D batteries (not included) prevent missed meals during power outages. Plus, its small footprint, affordability, and twist-off cat-proof lid make it a top recommendation. I've used the Granary for about three years — though the brand did replace mine once due to a software update — and in that time my cats have never once broken into it. While there's no phone support, if you run into an issue, you can send the team a message online for email support.
In addition to using one of the best pet cameras, this feeder is a reliable way for me to check in on my cats when I'm not home. In fact, I use the Granary's wide-angle lens to monitor our Feeder-Robot from across the room, so I can confirm both my cats come for mealtimes. With this feeder, you can swap the single feeder bowl for a dual one. However, the experts I spoke to recommend feeding cats in separate areas of the room or even in different rooms to minimize anxiety between feline housemates.
What to look for in an automatic cat feeder
The best automatic cat feeders come in many shapes and sizes and have several different functions. Ultimately, the best feeder for you and your cat will depend on your needs and their preferences. To help you navigate your options, I've gathered insights from veterinarians, conducted thorough research, and tested 10 feeders with my two cats. Below are the essential features to consider when choosing the best feeder for your cat.
Accessibility: A feeder is only useful if your cat can comfortably eat their food. The features below can make mealtimes more accessible for your cat.
- Height: Automatic feeder bowls at floor level may not suit older cats or those with joint pain. Watson says to consider a raised feeder or one you can securely raise so your cat can eat without lowering their head as much.
- Bowl design: Some feeders have recessed food compartments, which brachycephalic breeds like Persians, Himalayans, or British Shorthairs may find difficult to eat from. Feeders with shallow, wide bowls are typically more accessible for cats.
- Placement: Feeders that require electricity need to be placed near an outlet. This often means your cat must have their back to the rest of the room as they eat, which Watson says can make them feel vulnerable. Cordless feeders like the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect and Cat Mate C500 5 Meal provide more flexible placement options. Keep in mind that feeders with backup batteries have limited function while in battery mode.
Power supply and WiFi connection: The best automatic cat feeders will have a battery backup in case of power outages. For smart feeders, opt for models that dispense on schedule regardless of WiFi connectivity.
Number of meals dispensed: Watson recommends mimicking cats' natural eating habits by providing multiple small meals throughout the day. She says to choose a feeder that can dispense at least five meals daily, or you can add some extra meals by putting food in their bowl yourself a few more times throughout the day.
Ease of assembly and cleaning: When testing cat feeders, I considered setup features like assembly time and connection to WiFi, when applicable. I also considered the difficulty of disassembling and cleaning the feeder. If you find the cleaning process complicated, you might clean the feeder less often. This can result in stale food and bacteria growth, which may lead your cat to avoid the feeder or even make them sick.
Price: My testing revealed a link between price and feeder reliability, but not necessarily between price and number of features offered. Weighing the pros and cons of each feeder and prioritizing the functionalities most important to you will help you find a reliable feeder within your budget. Batteries are often sold separately, and upgrades like glass or stainless steel bowls may add to the cost.
Warranty and customer service: Automatic feeders use moving parts and sometimes technology to function properly. This makes on-demand troubleshooting and the ability to return the feeder or get a replacement a big bonus.
How we tested the best automatic cat feeders
To test the performance of 10 feeders, I developed a series of standardized tests using insight from a veterinarian, a certified cat behaviorist, and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Ease of assembly: I evaluated how long it took to assemble and set up each feeder, including connection to WiFi and mobile application when applicable.
Ease of programming: I evaluated the ease of programming features, including setting the number of meals per day, adjusting meal sizes for portion control, and overall app usability or user-friendliness of each feeder's control panel. Because it's important that curious paws can't accidentally change feeder settings, I prioritized feeders with cat-proof control panels.
Capacity: I measured how much food each feeder could hold and noted any additional features, like low food indicators.
Power and WiFi: I prioritized feeders that ran on batteries or had a backup battery option in the case of a power outage. For feeders with a battery or WiFi, I tested their ability to dispense meals on schedule even with limited power and no WiFi connection.
Cat accessibility: I looked for feeders with wide, shallow bowls free of obstacles, such as a food dispenser jutting out from above the bowl or narrow openings. An open feeding area, like the one offered by my top pick, the Feeder Robot, allows cats to approach the bowl comfortably and eat without feeling trapped. Feeders with cordless designs and long-lasting batteries provide more placement options, further reducing mealtime stress for skittish cats, especially in multi-cat households.
Number of daily meals and customization of meal size: I ranked the feeders by the number of meals they can dispense in a day and the size of those meals.
Ease of cleaning: Following the manufacturer's instructions, I disassembled and washed each feeder after two weeks of testing, evaluating any challenges with disassembly, reassembly, or cleaning.
Noise: The best automatic cat feeders are quiet beyond the natural clatter of kibble in the bowl. Watson emphasizes the importance of quiet operation, especially for timid cats. Loud, sudden noises can startle cats with sensitive hearing, she says. To evaluate noise levels objectively, I used a "Sound Meter" app to record the average decibel rating during each feeder's dispensing cycle.
Durability: As cat parents, I understand the persistence of a hungry cat. To assess durability, I simulated a food-motivated cat's attempts to breach the feeder by using a fork to try to pry open the lid with moderate pressure. For feeders with rotating food compartments, I used a fork to attempt to pull the next meal toward the dispensing opening. Lastly, for vertical feeders, I pushed them over three times to check if food spilled out or if the hopper or bowl detached.
In addition to these key evaluation criteria, I considered the cost, footprint, warranty, and customer service associated with each feeder.
Automatic cat feeder FAQs
Are automatic cat feeders worth it?
Feeding your cat yourself can help strengthen your bond with them, and puzzle feeders can provide them with mental enrichment, but the best automatic cat feeders can also ensure your cat gets regular meals in precise portions. These feeders are helpful if you're not home at mealtime or have mobility limitations that restrict your feeding routine. Automatic feeders, such as the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect, can recognize individual cats and even keep other pets from stealing from other bowls. Krohn says veterinarians often recommend automatic feeders for these reasons.
How do I feed my cat wet food while away?
Raditic recommends Closer Pet's line of ice pack feeders, like the Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder, for feeding wet cat food at scheduled times. This feeder uses a cat-proof carousel and ice packs to keep up to four pre-scheduled meals chilled and has one open compartment for immediate serving. Just keep in mind the brand advises against storing wet food for extended periods in hot temperatures.
Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, says not to leave wet food out for more than a couple of hours at room temperature — or less if it's exceptionally hot. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, storing food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below helps prevent bacteria growth. Due to potential spoilage, storage is one of the biggest practical differences between wet and dry cat food.
What is the best continuous cat feeder?
Watson recommends mimicking a cat's natural eating patterns by offering them several small meals throughout the day, ideally at least five. "Cats spend up to 70% of their daily activities on feeding-related behaviors and hunting for food no matter how well-fed they are," she says. The best overall automatic feeder, the Whisker Feeder-Robot, dispenses up to eight meals a day in portions as small as 1/8 cup. It also offers a gravity-feed option for continuous dispensing. The more economical Petlibro Granary Camera Feeder can dispense up to 10 meals daily in portions as small as about a tablespoon.
What is the best cat feeder for traveling?
Among the automatic pet feeders I tested, the Petlibro Air is a budget-friendly option with a small footprint that makes it ideal for packing. It does have the smallest food capacity, but the 8.5-cup hopper provides ample food storage for two weeks or more, depending on your cat's portion sizes. The Petlibro Air also offers a battery backup option and doesn't require WiFi connectivity.
How do I choose an automatic cat feeder?
When choosing the best automatic feeder for your home, it's important to consider your cat's needs as well as your priorities. Krohn recommends features that promote healthy eating habits, like precise portion control and scheduling to avoid overfeeding or missed meals. Durability is also key, in addition to features that deter food-motivated cats from extra snacking, like two-handed opening mechanisms or microchip/RFID tag access. Watson says some cats have special needs, so paying attention to your cat's eating habits can help you discover their preferences. Some cats may do better with an elevated feeder, a quiet feeder, or one that has a wide bowl.
What is the best automatic food dispenser to feed multiple cats?
While feeders with two bowls may seem like a great solution for multi-cat households, many experts advise against them. Feeding cats too closely together can trigger territorial behavior and anxiety. Watson says cats might block access to the food, leading to social conflict. With its small footprint and wallet-friendly price, the Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder may be a great option for multi-cat homes. Buying multiple feeders and placing them around your home can reduce competition and increase natural foraging behaviors. The best automatic pet feeders for households with enthusiastic eaters or cats on special diets may be microchip or RFID feeders, like the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect. This type of feeder only allows registered cats to access the food bowl.
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