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The Best Automatic Cat Feeder Reviews of 2022

An automatic cat feeder can save a pet owner time, money, and worry.  Don’t you want to feel relieved knowing your cat is getting fed when you’re away? That’s why we’ve tested and compiled in depth reviews of the best automatic cat feeders (For Both Wet & Dry Food) on the market today to make the decision of purchasing one a little bit easier. So Let’s get started!

Last update: December 11, 2024

The 15 Best Automatic Cat Feeder Reviews of 2022

Is a timed cat feeder necessary?

Choosing a food dispenser with a timer is definitely something you’ll want to consider. Are you planning on refilling the feeder once a day, or once every couple weeks? Do you want your cat to eat 3 times a day or 5 times a day? Do you need a digital or analog timer?

Think about these questions before considering the next steps towards purchasing one.

And once you have, here’s reviews of the best rated automatic cat feeders:

1. Petsafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

Our rank: 4.8/5

One of the newer automated feeders on the market packs a punch when it comes to programming options. If you’re looking for one that can put your cat on a diet quickly and easily, then the Petsafe Healthy Pet is the one for you. Its portion control is perfectly measured and easy to monitor.

• Largest range of portion sizes available
• Intuitive slow feed option ensures your cat doesn’t inhale its food
• Large 24 cup food hopper
• Well contructed and tamper proof design
• Ability to dispense dry food up to 12 times per day

Read our Petsafe Simply Feed Full Review

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2. Pet Feedster PF-10 CAT Automatic Feeder

Our rank: 4.7/5

Ranked as one of our top automatic cat food dispensers on the market, you really can’t go wrong with the Pet Feedster PF-10.  You can ensure yourself peace of mind knowing that your cat will be fed on a systematic schedule with this timed cat food dispenser.  Accuracy and durability are the two best characteristics of this timed feeder and for that reason it gets our #1 auto cat feeder ranking for 2016.

• Incredibly reliable with backup battery and power options
• Smart cat proof – you won’t have to worry about your cat breaking into it!
• Controlling portions has never been easier
• Easy programming with quality LCD screen and customization
• Fantastic for feeding multiple cats in one household
• Can hold up to 10 pounds of food before needing a refill
• Easily the best dry food cat feeder available

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3. Super Feeder CSF-3 with Digital Timer

Our rank: 4.5/5

There are only a few dispensers we’ve selected that are smart cat resistant and this is one of them.  There are several innovative features on this intuitively programmed feeder, and it’s definitely been one of our top timed cat feeders for dry food the past couple years.

• Packs a ton of features into one
• Resistant to smart cats that break into feeders
• Ideal for feeding 2 cats or more
• Easily programmable with digital timer
• Can be used for long periods of time while away
• Very reliable and never clogs

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Microchip Cat Feeders: What’s the Deal?

While some people prefer timed pet feeders, others just want a reliable one that only opens for specific pets. You don’t want your dog or baby accidentally getting into the cat kibble bowl, so that’s what microchip feeders are for. Either implanted or worn around the collar, these feeders sense the chip when it’s nearby and only open when your cat is in the vicinity.

Here’s some of the best that have this functionality:

4. Wireless Whiskers Autodiet Cat Feeder

Our rank: 4.5/5

The Wireless Whiskers feeder is another great microchip controlled feeder that will only open upon your cat’s chipped collar being near the feeder. Strictly meant for cats on diets, this food dispenser definitely works well for portion control and keeping your feline at a healthy weight.

• An advanced and intelligent feeder
• Only opens food tray to cat wearing wireless tag on collar
• Keeps dogs and other pets out of your cat’s food
• Greets your pet by name when the feeder opens
• Great for portion control and pets that need to lose weight.

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5. Sureflap Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Our rank: 4.3/5

One of the only top rated electronic feeders with RFID technology. The lid on the Surefeed always stays closed and locked until a cat who has a microchip in its body or in its collar comes near the dispenser. At that time, the lid mechanism will open and allow access. This is definitely one of the most advanced and reliable feeders of its kind on the market today.

• Only works with RFID microchip technology
• Can store up to 32 different microchips
• Great for keeping dogs and other animals out of your fur’s food
• Great for cats on strict diets

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Dispensers for Wet Food

Some owners only feed their furry ones wet food, and for this reason a wet food dispenser should be considered. Many of the feeders that hold dry food do not do well with wet food because of their dispensing actions or because there’s nothing to ensure freshness.  Always consider one that can keep wet food as fresh as possible for as long as possible.

We’ve narrowed it down to three of the best wet food feeders below:

6. Cat Mate C50 5 Meal Feeder

Our rank: 4.0/5

If you’re looking for a dispenser that solely focuses on keeping wet food fresh, then the Cat Mate C50 is our top bet. The twin ice pack within the food compartment makes it possible to keep wet food moist for a long time. For a feeder under $100, you really can’t beat it.

• Serves up to 5 Meals
• Twin ice pack allows for wet food to stay fresh
• Good amount of food is held in each compartment
• Battery level indicator is a nice feature to have
• Has a 90 hour length program

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7. Cat Mate C20

Our rank: 3.8/5

Although there isn’t the option for many meals, this serves as a budget friendly 2nd option for a wet cat food dispenser:

• Supports dry and moist food feeding
• Duration of 48 hours for feeding cycle
• Battery Operated
• Designed to feed two cats at the same time
• Keeps food fresh with ice packs under trays

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8. Qpets 6 Meal LCD Auto Pet Feeder

Our rank: 3.6/5

The Qpets is a 6 meal feeder that supports both dry and wet food. It’s easily programmable and one of the most unique features is its personal message recording feature.

• Snapping locks prevent smart cats from getting into food
• Excellent for monitoring how much pets eat
• Supports feeding of both dry and wet food
• Can record personal message calling your pet to eat
• Each tray is easily removable for cleaning

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Gravity Pet Feeders: Simple & Affordable

Sometimes cat owners are just looking for a simple dispenser that works. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of digital timers and rotating meal compartments, a gravity feeder for your cat will be just perfect.  They won’t break the bank and they’ll get the job done right: Feeding your cat even if you’re away from home.

Here’s our gravity feeder picks after trying them out ourselves:

9. Petsafe Healthy Pet Food Station with Stainless Steel Bowl

Our rank: 3.9/5

This gravity feeder not only provides an easy gravity food system but also comes with a removable stainless steel bowl. May cats are allergic to plastic and this safe alternative is the perfect option if your in the market for a feeder that covers both of these details.

• Gravity only – No power outlet needed
• Great for cats that are allergic to plastic
• Ideal for feeding many cats at one time
• Can go several days without refilling

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10. Bergan Petite Gourmet Combo

Our rank: 3.2/5

• Best used for supplying multiple cats with food/water
• Great for cats that are not on diets
• Built for simplicity of use
• Easy to clean since trays are removed with ease
• Gravity feeder – no power needed

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11. Bergan Travel Dispenser

Our rank: 3.5/5

Although this feeder is simple, it’s highly portable and easy to use. It is both a storage unit and a gravity feeder in one. You can easily control portions because of the adjustable base and keep food fresh for long lasting travel.

• Portability for traveling is key
• Very compact and lightweight
• Airtight lid keeps food fresh
• Holds a good amount of food – 5 pounds worth
• Best price you’ll find for a feeder

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Honorable Mentions

Not all feeders are created equal. Some fit in multiple categories and some are just great at certain tasks. It’s really going to depend on your situation. For that reason, we’ve included a number of honorable mentions that deserve a little recognition. All of these feeders are unique in their own ways and just might be a great fit for your household.

12. Petmate Portion Right Programmable Food Dispenser

Our rank: 3.3/5

• Holds 5 lbs of food – large storage hopper
• Extremely easy to assemble
• Great for cats on a diet that need specific portions set
• Battery operated and portable
• Budget Friendly

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13. PetSafe 5 Meal Electronic Feeder

Our rank: 3.9/5

• Dish feeder that serves 5 meals per day automatically
• Easily programmable to set feeding schedules
• Trays are protected and rotate for each meal
• Great for cats on a diet and that need multiple meals per day
• A smart cat feeder for a budget

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14. Aspen Pet Le Bistro Portion-Control

Our rank: 3.8/5

• One of the quietest dispensing feeders
• Lightweight/Portable
• Rotating wheel anti-jamming mechanism proves very reliable
• LCD screen counts meals and provides vital info to owners

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15. MOTA Perfect Dinner

Our rank: 3.0/5

• Simple programming with large LCD Panel
• Great for feeding 2 or 3 cats
• Easy to assemble – very few pieces
• Large food capacity – up to 7 lbs
• Removable hopper for cleaning and refilling

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Best Automatic Cat Feeder Reviews 2018 Comparison Table

Auto Cat Feeder	Capacity	Type of Food	Timer Type	Overall Rating
1. Petsafe Simply Feed	24 cups	Dry Food	LCD Timer	4.8
2. Pet Feedster	10 lbs	Dry Food	Digital Timer	4.7
3. Super Feeder	5 lbs	Dry Food	Digital Timer	4.5
4. Wireless Whiskers	4 3/4 cups	Dry Food	Microchip	4.5
5. Sureflap Surefeed	2.5 cups	Wet & Dry Food	Microchip	4.3
6. Cat Mate C50	3 1/3 lbs	Wet & Dry Food	Analog Timer	4.0

What are the Benefits of an Automatic Food Dispenser?

Owning a cat is fun, rewarding, and also can be a fair amount of work. Relieving yourself of duties like emptying the litter box, filling up the water bowl, and most importantly, feeding your cat several times a day, has positives for both you and your pet.

• You don’t have to worry about your cat getting its fair share of food while you’re away for periods of time. Whether you’re on vacation or just at work longer than normal, it’s calming to know that your furry one is still getting fed at home.
• It’s easy to set a feeding schedule with an automatic feeder with a timer. We can’t always be precise with the times we feed our pets at. Sometimes we’re running late for work and others we may just forget altogether. This allows you to set a down to the minute accurate feeding schedule so your cat always knows when to prepare for its next meal.

• Your cat won’t wake you up in the morning and demand food. Having one of these products makes them depend on the feeder and not on you. You won’t have to hear loud MEOWs every morning before your alarm goes off and you’ll be able to sleep peacefully.
• You’ll be able to control food portions. This is especially helpful if your feline is on a specific diet or has intake regulations as you won’t have to get out the measuring cups every time you want to feed them. Whether you feed your feline wet food or dry food, you’ll be covered either way.

It’s easy to forget about these things when you see the price tag on some of these feeders. However, remember that although purchasing one may be a little bit of an investment, it’s well worth it in the long run when you think about the time and headaches you’ll save.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

There are so many different options to consider when purchasing a cat food dispenser. Ask yourself these questions about your furry friend before making the investment in one:

1. Is my cat smart enough to break into a feeder that isn’t properly locked? If so, get one that is difficult to break into.
2. Is my cat obsessed with food? In this case, an automatic feeder that dishes out controlled portions is the best idea.
3. Will I be using this for extended periods of time while I am away or on vacation? If so, consider one that is hooked up to a power supply and supplies meals at intervals a few times daily as to not rid of all the food right away.
4. Am I on the move a lot and need something portable? If so, you may want to go with a battery operated or gravity dispenser.
5. Is my cat allergic to anything like plastic? If this is the case, look for a feeder that has a feeding bowl made of different materials.

Remember that every cat is different and each has their own unique traits. Take this into consideration when choosing the perfect automatic feeder for your cat. You know your cat’s situation better than anyone else!

These automatic cat feeder reviews are here to help you make a decision on which feeder is right for you. We will be continually updating them as new feeders come onto the market throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions in the comments below!

Keep your cat happy! Check out our reviews of self cleaning litter boxes and water fountains as well.​