Out of the house all day and feeling guilty about leaving your cat? That is exactly what an automatic feeder is for. It drops the right portion at the right time, even when you are not home. But not every model is worth it, and some create more problems than they solve. Here is how to choose without regret.
Is it actually worth it?
It is worth it if you work away from home, travel now and then, or have a cat that needs to eat on a schedule, like a cat on a diet. It also helps the anxious cat that eats too fast from long fasts, which we cover in cat eats too fast. If you are home most of the time and already have a routine, you may not need one.
What to check before buying
- Food type. Most work with dry food only. If you want to schedule wet food, look for a model built for it, usually with compartments and an ice pack.
- Portion control. A good feeder lets you set the exact amount per meal. Avoid the ones that just dump.
- Tamper-proof lid. Cats learn to pop lids fast. A locking lid is essential.
- Battery backup. If the power goes out and the feeder runs on the outlet alone, your cat goes hungry. Models with a battery backup avoid that.
- Easy to clean. Leftover food grows mold. Parts that come apart and go in the sink make life easier.
- Camera and app (optional). Some have a camera so you can check on your cat by phone. That is a luxury, not a need.
Common mistakes
The biggest mistake is trusting a feeder for long trips with nobody stopping by. Machines jam, food runs out, power drops. For a day or two, fine. For a week, you still need someone checking in. The second mistake is not cleaning it well, which leaves stale food and a cat that refuses it.
The short version
An automatic feeder is great for a work-away routine and for controlling portions, as long as you pick one with a locking lid, portion control, and battery backup. It is not a substitute for a human sitter on long trips. See our pick of the best automatic cat feeders.