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The best automatic feeders for cats help ensure they get fed regular meals in the exact portions they need. These pet feeders can be an asset if you have a packed schedule or mobility limitations. If you have a multi-pet household, some devices can even read your pets' microchips to prevent food-swiping.
Not all automatic feeders come with the same features, and some are more appropriate for dry or wet cat food. Among the 10 automatic feeders I tested with my two cats, the Whisker Feeder-Robot is my top choice thanks to its performance, ease of use, and cat-proof design. My budget pick, the Petlibro Air, is also a great option, especially if you have multiple cats or want to spend under $50 on a feeder.
At a minimum, a good automatic feeder will dispense meals in your desired portions and intervals, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. It should also be easy to program and clean thoroughly.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best automatic feeders for cats
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
The Feeder-Robot by Whisker is a reliable feeder that won't let you — or your cat — down at mealtime. I've tested this feeder in my two-cat home for over three years, and it hasn't missed a meal, even when the power or WiFi stopped working. Plus, its large-capacity hopper has a cat-proof squeeze-to-open mechanism, so even my most determined cat can't break in.
The Feeder-Robot offers easy programming through its companion app. You can schedule up to eight meals a day or use a gravity-feed setting for continuous feeding. The app also monitors the food level. Thanks to its local storage, the feeder will dispense 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.
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Unlike some of my other picks for the best automatic feeders for cats, 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
When the best wet cat food is on the menu, Dr. Donna Raditic, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, recommends Closer Pet's line of ice-pack feeders, like the Cat Mate C500 5 Meal feeder. This feeder includes ice packs to keep your cat's food fresh. In testing, ice melted within 8 hours, and food stayed cooler than room temperature for about 14 hours.
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. During testing, a misaligned food tray resulted in a missed meal.
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The five-meal feeder has smaller bowl sizes to accommodate more meals. My largest cat struggled to reach all the food in the bowl, and this problem could be worse for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, says registered veterinary nurse and cat welfare assistant Laura Watson. The larger bowls in the Closer Pets two- and three-meal feeders may work better for some cats. You can purchase add-ons, like additional ice packs and a stainless steel tray.
Best budget
The Petlibro Air Feeder is an affordable win for cat parents, especially if you have multiple cats like I do. Although the feeder is often on sale for $35, it doesn't skimp on quality, much like the brand's Capsule fountain, my top pick for the best cat water fountains. The feeder includes a stainless steel bowl, which is preferred by veterinarians like Dr. Bradley Krohn at The Vets, since 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 getting extra kibble.
Whenever I put 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. To address this kind of situation, 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 the wallet-friendly price makes buying multiple feeders more feasible.
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Even with its small footprint, it 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
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.
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.
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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
If you like to check up on your cat while you're away, the Petlibro Granary stands out as one of the best automatic feeders for cats. 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. While there's no phone support, if you run into an issue, you can send the team a message online for email support.
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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 feeders for cats 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 feeders for cats 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 feeders for cats
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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 feeders for cats 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, we 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, we considered the cost, footprint, warranty, and customer service associated with each feeder.
Automatic cat feeder FAQs
Are automatic cat feeders worth it?
While giving your cat meals yourself can help strengthen your bond and food puzzle feeders can provide mental enrichment, the best automatic feeders for cats ensure your cat receives regular meals in precise portions. These feeders are often beneficial if you're not home or have mobility limitations that restrict your feeding routine. Feeders that can recognize individual cats, such as the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect, can even keep other pets from stealing from other bowls. Vets often recommend automatic feeders for these reasons, Krohn says.
What is the best continuous cat feeder?
Watson recommends mimicking a cat's natural eating patterns by feeding 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 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.
How do I feed my cat wet food while away?
Reditic 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.
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Pros: WiFi-enabled, large capacity, programmable via control panel or app, money-back guarantee, warranty
Cons: Less than 24 hours of backup battery life, WiFi and power outages prevent data tracking via app
The large-capacity Feeder-Robot ranked highest in ease of use and functionality among the best automatic cat feeders. It can be programmed to dispense scheduled feedings or keep the dish full at all times.
This device required little assembly and was easy to connect to WiFi. With the built-in control panel, you can program meals and portion sizes and send a snack. The same functions can be controlled via the app, which also lets you change the feeding schedule for different days of the week and track how much your pet eats on average per day.
My cats ate from the Feeder-Robot without any trouble, and it didn't jam during testing. Because the dish is wide and shallow, there's no risk of whisker fatigue. The mechanical whir of the hopper and cascade of kibble that followed were audible from other rooms but weren't so loud that they startled me.
If the WiFi goes out, the feeder continues to dispense food, but the app stops tracking the meals and snacks dispensed. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a push notification when the connection was lost. I had to open the app or look at the feeder's control panel to see if it was offline. When I turned the WiFi back on, the feeder reconnected to the internet within seconds.
A backup battery steps in during power outages. In my test, the battery lasted 21.5 hours instead of the advertised 24 hours. The app also did not notify me when the power went out, so this feeder isn't a good option if you plan to be away for a long weekend.
Although the Feeder-Robot holds the second largest volume of food of the machines we tested, its footprint is relatively small. It comes with a hand-washable plastic food dish, but a dishwasher-safe glass dish is available for an additional $25.
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Pros: Large capacity, long battery life, 3-year warranty
Cons: Assembly and programming can be confusing, not WiFi enabled, cats may be able to get into the hopper
If you're looking for an inexpensive large-capacity feeder, the Cat Mate C3000 is an excellent choice for dispensing the best cat food. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it reliably dispenses meals and has an on-demand feeding button. Because it runs on batteries, it also won't miss a beat if the power goes out.
Of the feeders we tested, this one required the most assembly. Although the instructions were relatively straightforward, I struggled to get the two main pieces in place. However, my assistant immediately figured out the problem and had the machine ready to go in less than two minutes. Programming the machine wasn't intuitive either, but the instructions helped.
The smallest meal this machine dispenses is two teaspoons (a "feed unit"). To increase a meal's size, you can program additional units. The feeder hummed along day after day, reliably dispensing meals without jamming, and my tester cats comfortably snarfed up their food.
Thanks to the wide and shallow food dish, sensitive cats won't experience whisker fatigue. The falling kibble and whirring machine was audible in other rooms of my home but not so loud that it made me jump.
The Cat Mate C3000 is BPA-free, and everything but the base is dishwasher-safe. The batteries will last for six to nine months of continuous use, and an indicator flashes when power is running low. Be warned: Unless you change the batteries within a minute, the feeder must be reprogrammed.
Compared to our top pick for the best automatic cat feeders, the Cat Mate C3000 is less sturdy, and a curious, problem-solving cat may be able to unlock the lid. However, the feeder performed its job just as well as its competitors. Whether you plan to use it daily or just for long weekends away, the Cat Mate C3000 is a great deal.
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Pros: Tracks portions and feeding frequency; prevents unauthorized pets from stealing food; holds wet food, semi-moist food, or kibble; battery-operated; comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons: Automatic lid may startle some cats, hub sold separately, must be connected via ethernet cable and placed within 30 feet of feeder to enable WiFi, batteries not included
The cleverly designed Surefeed Connect Microchip Feeder doesn't hold a lot of food compared to our other picks for the best automatic cat feeders. However, its genius lies in how well it prevents unauthorized pets from stealing what's there. Plus, it monitors how much authorized pets eat.
By syncing with a cat's existing microchip or the included RFID collar tag, the feeder only lifts its lid when an authorized pet approaches, then closes when they walk away. The device can store up to 32 different identities so you can track food intake for multiple cats.
The Surefeed's primary functions are controlled with buttons on the device, and it also operates in concert with an ethernet-connected hub and app. The app is not as useful as those of other feeders: It primarily tracks how frequently and how much a pet eats, but you cannot program additional pets or open and close the device.
When disconnected from WiFi, the only thing that stops working is the tracking. Although the app sends a notification each time a pet eats, it did not inform me when the connection was lost. The feeder has a battery life of approximately six months, and there's a low-battery indicator light.
Because of the way the lid rises, sensitive cats may struggle with the Surefeed. It is nearly silent, but the lid's sudden lift and folding motion startled my tester cat. Fortunately, there is a training mode for acclimating hesitant cats.
It's important to note that pets without a microchip who cannot wear a collar to hang the RFID tag will not be able to use this machine. If the tag is lost, which my cat accomplished in just a month, you can buy a two-pack of replacement tags.
The Surefeed comes with two hand-wash-only BPA-free plastic bowls and a mat. The bowls and mat are available in additional colors and also stainless steel.
If you don't need to monitor your pet's consumption, Surefeed sells a less expensive machine, the Surefeed Microchip Feeder, which lacks the weighing and tracking functionality the Connect provides.
Read our full review of the Surefeed Connect Microchip Feeder.
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Dumb feeders allow you to program the frequency and size of meals on a control panel embedded in the machine. Smart feeders are relatively new to the automatic feeder game. They are WiFi-enabled devices that pair with a mobile app that allows you to set mealtime, portion size, and feeding frequency remotely. In some cases, like the Surefeed Connect Microchip Feeder, smart auto-feeders also measure how often and how much a pet consumes daily.
All of the dumb feeders we tested for this guide were either 100% battery-operated or had the option to operate the machine with either batteries or a power cord. The three smart feeders we tested also had both battery and power cord options. However, smart feeders don't just need electricity; they also need WiFi, which presents a problem when one or both go out.
We found the smart feeders we tested got back online quickly after power outages of different lengths. During outages, tracking data in the app was disrupted, but it resumed without a hitch when the connection returned.
In most cases, power or WiFi outages are unlikely to cause significant problems. Your cat may be miffed if they miss a meal, but no matter how much they claim otherwise, they'll be just fine. However, if you happen to be out of town for a few days, an extended power outage or a machine that fails to come back online following a shorter outage could have serious consequences. The battery on the Feeder-Robot lasted only 21.5 hours before the machine shut down. Worse yet, depending on the smart feeder, even if you've turned on notifications, you may not know something is wrong unless you enter the app. The Feeder-Robot failed to notify me when the WiFi or power went out.
In light of these issues, if you plan to use your automatic feeder frequently during short overnight trips, you may be better off choosing one that operates solely on batteries to avoid the potential snafu power outages may present. Otherwise, be sure to have a trusted human ready to take over feeding if duty calls.