Last Updated On February 1st, 2022
If you’re looking for the best automatic cat feeder the UK has to offer; you’ve come to the right place. Prepare to learn everything you need to know about automatic feeders.
Cats are more than just our fuzzy feline friends for most of us. They’re a family member – with their quirks, personality, and needs. If you’re a cat owner, then there’s no doubt that you want to make sure that you’re feeding your cat at the right time each day to give them the perfect balance in their diet.
Unfortunately, you might not always be at home and available to feed your pet when dinner time comes. Whether you’re busy at work or away from home for a day, you need to know that your moggy is going to get the food they need at the right time. Fortunately, with an automatic food dispenser, it’s possible to set your pets up for the perfect number of meals per day. These simple tools come with timers, voice message functions, and even cooling trays to keep your cat’s food fresh.
So, how do you choose the best microchip cat feeder? That’s easy.
We’ve searched through countless automatic cat feeder reviews on your behalf to help you find the most intelligent way to keep your pet fed.
Our Favourite Automatic Cat Feeders Compared
Best Automatic Cat Feeder Reviews – Top 9 Picks
1. Cat Mate C500 Digital (Editor’s Choice)
If you’re worried that using automatic cat feeders might be too complicated for less tech-savvy pet owners, don’t despair. There are plenty of wet or dry food dispensers out there that are designed to be easy to use and schedule. For instance, our top pick is one of the most popular automatic feeders on the market today. It’s also available from a brand that has become quite well-known over the years for offering excellent high-quality tools for pet owners.
Features
Large enough to deliver up to 5 meals at the time that best suits your pet, the C500 from Cat Mate comes with timer functions and can keep wet food fresh for up to 24 hours. Hence, it’s perfect when you’re going away overnight. The control panel features an LCD to help you track your mealtimes. Once the feeding times are set, all you need to do is leave the system to run on its own. This automatic feeder is something that you can rely on to always give your pets the meals they need at the right time.
Designed to be both reliable and straightforward for your pet, this battery-operated pet feeder is an excellent tool for busy pet owners who might not always be around to provide the next meal for their cats. Customers love the C500 for its ease of use. However, they also say that reading the instructions is essential before you begin using them. The system may take some getting used to. Additionally, the fact that it’s battery operated could mean that it may run out of power while you’re at work. Of course, you can always reduce your risk of running out of battery by checking that the device is still properly working before you leave the house.
- Excellent for wet and dry foods
- Serves up to five meals according to your schedule
- Twin ice packs included to keep food fresh
- Suitable for both cats and small dogs
- Digital timer capable of three programmed meals
- Batteries could run out at any time
- May take a while to get used to the instructions
2. Petsafe 5678 ML Digital (Luxury Choice)
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to keep your pets fed when you’re out of the house, this Petsafe has you covered. Not only is the machine easy to use, but you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cats will be fed according to the proper schedule.
Features
This automatic cat and dog feeder can dispense up to 12 meals per day (dry food only), depending on how much your pets eat.
In addition, it comes with a dishwasher-safe steel bowl and a digital but hand-wash-only conveyor system. You can also adapt the amount of food served. Hence, if your cat has an issue with overeating, or your dog tends to go over the top, there’s no problem. Whether you’re serving your pet a small 29ml portion from time to time or delivering a vast 940ml regularly, the Petsafe makes feeding your furry friends a breeze.
One slight downside is that this isn’t the cheapest product on the market. Additionally, the product can fail to work if it isn’t completely clean. However, it is worth noting that the PetSafe Automatic comes with a handy 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
- Excellent range of programmable feeding times
- Serves up to 12 meals per day
- Massive capacity of 5.6L
- Dishwasher safe for long-term use
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Can struggle to work when it’s not completely clean
- Might be difficult to program for some users
3. Petsafe 5-Meal (User-Friendly Choice)
If you’re looking to combine all the benefits of an automatic pet feeder with a manual feeding solution, then this model may be the one. It offers you a straightforward way of providing your cat with wet or dry food.
Features
With five sections for up to five meals or portions, this PetSafe allows owners to plan the right time of day to feed cats and small dogs from a distance. You can even schedule meals in the tray for up to five days ahead. That capacity will keep your hungry feline friend from getting interested in the kitchen bin. However, that kind of strategy would only work if you’re using the feeder for dry food only. We don’t recommend leaving any wet food out for that long.
With a simple programming solution and LCD, the PetSafe is excellent for those with a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for 48-hour support when it comes to feeding your pet, or you need to keep dry food available for multiple days without going through countless bowls, this could be the option for you. What’s more, the tray itself is dishwasher proof, which makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
With an easy system, you can choose the pet feeding pattern that works for you and store food for your pet days in advance. Note that the timer can be a little off at times, particularly when the batteries are running low. What’s more, filling the tray can be a bit fiddly. However, once you get the hang of using the PetSafe 5-Meal cat feeder, you should find that it makes keeping on top of your pets’ daily meals a lot simpler. You don’t have to worry about whether you’ve fed your pets on time because PetSafe will handle it for you.
- Great feeder for wet and dry food
- Simple to use automatic pet feeder
- Two-year warranty for UK residents
- Adaptable pet schedule control
- Dishwasher safe
- The timer may not always be 100% accurate
- Could be fiddly to set up at first
4. WellToBe Smart WB S36D (Best Power System)
Standard-sized but with technological enhancements, this smart pet feeder makes a great choice for one or more cats. It can also be used successfully with small to medium-sized dogs.
Features
The WellToBe automatic cat feeder has both battery and mains power cord power, so you can rest assured your furry friends will get fed on time, even in the event of a power outage. It also has a WiFi connection that enables remote control over the device via an app on any smart device.
Not only does this automatic pet feeder allow you to set a feeding schedule, but it also features a voice recording option to help entice your pets when feeding time arrives. We love that it comes with the option for either a single or dual dispenser and two stainless steel bowls making it more accommodating for multiple pets.
However, the included bowls could be a bit large for smaller sized cats. In addition, this device might have a relatively shorter lifespan when compared to other options on our list. Plus, the portion size may vary between bowls when you use the splitter on the dispenser.
- Single or dual dispenser option
- WiFi connection enables remote control
- Battery and mains power cord
- Voice recording helps entice cats
- Two stainless steel bowls included
- It could have a relatively shorter lifespan
- The bowls could be a bit big for smaller cats
- Unequal portion size is likely with the splitter
5. PETLIBRO 4L PLAF001 (Best with Audio Setting)
The PETLIBRO 4L PLAF001 is designed for feeding small to medium-sized pets and has a sleek, discreet design. It has a highly customisable feeding programme and lets you store up to four litres of food at one time.
Features
It features up to four programmable meals per day. You can also adjust the way it dispenses so that it gives your cat up to nine smaller portions per meal. It has a built-in 10-second voice recorder so you can record a message to play for your pets at feeding time.
This automatic cat feeder also has an integrated food bowl with a low lip, suitable for cats of all sizes, even kittens. You can easily remove the feeding tray and food tank for cleaning. Additionally, a desiccant bag comes with your purchase to help keep the food in the tank fresher for longer.
Regretfully, this automatic cat feeder does not come with the batteries required for the backup power system, and the display screen is relatively small. We also found that the lid is not secure on this feeder, which means some frisky cats may be able to gain access to all the food inside the hopper.
- 10-second voice recorder
- Up to four programmable meals per day
- Up to nine portions per meal
- Built-in food bowl
- The food tank helps keep food fresher
- May not come with the batteries required for backup power
- The display screen may be smaller
- The lid on the food tank may not be well-secured
6. HoneyGuardian 7L Two-Way (Best Smart Features)
If you want a solution that allows you to feed your cats on time with fantastic feeding time care, the HoneyGuardian 7L Two-Way dispenser is a fantastic tool that’s well worth considering. It’s also an easy way to feed your two or more pets.
Features
This updated HoneyGuardian 7L Two-Way dispenser comes with a sound recording that enables you to create a 10-second custom message for your pet. It also has a unique motor inversion design and infrared sensor.
The infrared function senses when the bowl is full. It will automatically stop to prevent overflow and blockages. Thus, your pets constantly get fed on time. What’s more, the easy-to-clean system means that you can use this device every day without hassle. Great for slow feed strategies, the HoneyGuardian allows you to keep your cats and dogs full without over-feeding them. You can also remove the splitter if you only have one cat to feed.
Once again, this feeder kit is designed for feeding your pet dry food and kibble. Therefore, avoid using any wet food in the automatic feeder. It can also be challenging to know exactly how much food the feeder is distributing at any time, which could be a problem for some homeowners. Additionally, according to some customers, the LCD can be tricky to use and program. The amount of trouble you have with setting up your new cat feeder will probably depend on how comfortable you are with using digital scheduling systems and tools.
- Intelligent features like Motor inversion and infrared sensor
- Voice recording option available
- Use batteries or power through the mains
- Removable splitter
- Customise pet meal size and time
- May be difficult to measure how much food is dispensed for your pets
- Getting the programs ready and setting the timer for your cat can be challenging
7. UniqueFit Food and Water Dispenser (Best Value)
Sometimes, finding the best automatic cat feeder in the UK means finding something that delivers the functions and power you need for a price you can afford. These UniqueFit food and water dispensers for dogs and cats aren’t the same high-tech devices you’ll see elsewhere in this list. The automatic features are limited, and there aren’t many program options. However, the bowls do make it easier to give your pets fresh water and dry food throughout the day when you’re not available.
Features
UniqueFit is great for feeding your cats and dogs with a large, durable 3.8L tray. The automatic pet watering and kibble dispenser design work for up to three days for large pets or seven days for small pets. Such capacity will keep your cat from getting its meal from your fish tank, mainly if you’ll be away for a few days.
There’s no way to control your meal sizes or schedule, but the system is easy to use and clean. Additionally, it comes in a set of two – a dispenser for food and another one for water. If you’re looking for an advanced piece of pet feeder technology, then this probably isn’t the product for you. The UniqueFit food and water dispensers are intended for people who want a simple way to keep their pets fed all day long.
The gravity-assisted automated feeding means that portions depend on how much your cat eats. However, this is still an excellent investment if you’re looking for simplicity and reliability in the best automatic pet feeder.
- A convenient gravity-assisted system
- Set of two containers for food and water
- High-quality environment-friendly material
- Large capacity for big pets
- Easy to clean (but not dishwasher proof)
- May not offer control for pet portions or schedule
- Could do with a lock in place to stop cats from over-eating
8. Sailnovo Automatic (Best with Fountain)
One of the more attractive automatic pet feeder options in the UK today, the Sailnovo pet feeding system comes with a water dispenser fountain for 2-in-1 care for your cat.
Features
This useful automatic feeding tool is designed with a built-in display and digital clock. Hence, you can decide exactly when you want your pets to get their meals over 24 hours.
Within the feeder, you’ll find four different sections, enough for four meals per day. Each mini tray holds up to 400ml of pet food with a total capacity of 1.6 litres. Thus, you can have complete control over the portions that you’re feeding your pet or pets. Powered by batteries, this automatic electronic feeder comes with the option to record your voice into the system so you can call your pet for their mealtime. Many manufacturers of automatic pet feeders believe that this function helps a pet to feel comfortable using a new product.
The downside of a tool that’s powered by batteries is that you’re never sure whether your device is going to run out of energy when you’re away. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check that the system is still running smoothly before you go to work or on your trip. On the plus side, the machine should last for several months with the right batteries installed. What’s more, there are no wires for your pets to chew through, and the meal tray is easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Sailnovo offers a one-year warranty for peace of mind. However, customers have said that this particular device could be a bit disappointing when it comes to the display. Also, the LCD can be hard to read.
- Easy-to-use system for up to four meals
- Great for feeding your pets at the right time each day
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Voice recording to comfort your pet
- Advanced automated functions available
- Cleaning the filter may be a bit difficult
- May not have a great LCD display
- Could be difficult to know when the batteries will run out
9. Iseebiz Automatic (Best for Accuracy)
When it comes to finding a cat feeder that you can rely on to deliver automatic meals to your pets, it’s difficult to know what you can trust. Fortunately, the Iseebiz automatic cat feeder is one of the best tools on the market – not just for functionality, but for convenience, accuracy, and ease of use, too.
Features
This automatic cat feeder makes it easy to customise the amount of food that you want to give to your pets in their daily meals, with four separate feeding tray sections.
Additionally, the voice recording system means that you can record a personal message for your pets. Hence, they can hear your voice when it’s time for their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re worried that your pets might not use your automatic feeders when you’re at work, recording your voice can be an excellent way to encourage them. What’s more, to improve the functionality of this device, the manufacturers have added a built-in IR detector to ensure that the pet food dispenser doesn’t get clogged or overflow onto your floor and leave you with a lot of mess to vacuum up.
This machine is designed to dispense dry kibble and biscuits no larger than 1 cm³ in size. Hence, wet food or large cuts should be avoided. Also, you need to make sure that you don’t add too much dry food for your cat at once. Another benefit of this feeder is that it comes with two power supply options – batteries or mains adapter. The batteries are also expected to last for as long as six months.
- Great automatic pet feeder with portion control
- IR function ensures that the bowls and trays don’t overflow
- Long battery life
- Easy to use after you’re finished with the set-up
- Accurate portion control
- It could be a little challenging to set up at first
- May need to reset the clock occasionally
- You need to be careful with the portions of dry food
How Do Automatic Pet Feeders Work?
An automatic pet feeder can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes to suit different pets and their owners. Some of these feeding devices are quite advanced, designed to help with things like portion control and management. Others are used as a primary training function. You can even get automatic cat feeders that use a little wooden board to change the way that your cat eats. This will ensure that they don’t consume too much dry food at once.
On a basic level, an automatic pet food dispenser is designed to release a small portion of food and keep your pet fed at the right time each day. Sometimes, you can choose your portions as well as mealtime schedule. Or you can select automatic feeders that are powered by gravity, like a dry cat food dispenser. When your feeding system is powered by gravity alone, the bowls will fill up as your pets eat. Therefore, you can store more dry food and water in the system. However, these products aren’t always ideal for cats with eating problems.
Another great thing about automatic food dispensers and feeder systems is that they keep your pet’s food sealed away from other animals and pests around your home. With so many different battery operated and advanced feeder options to choose from, it’s often difficult to figure out which tool is right for you.
How Do You Choose the Best Automatic Cat Feeder?
The best feeder for your needs will depend on what you’re looking for from a feeding accessory. If you’re searching for a tool that can help you with portion control, then you’re going to need a feeder with a scheduling timer. Likewise, if you are after a feeder that will give your cat plenty of fresh wet food, then your device would need twin ice packs to keep the food fresh. On the other hand, if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your pets are getting the right amount of food each day when you’re not around, you could choose a more straightforward feeding tool.
Here are some of the things to look for in your cat feeder:
1. Reliable Cooling Mechanism
If you’re looking for a feeder that’s ideal for wet food as well as dry, then you’re going to need a way to keep that wet food fresh. A feeder with no cooling mechanism will allow wet food to go dry and could potentially damage the quality of the feed. You don’t just want a wooden board that hands food out to your cats now and again in a 48 hour period. You want a reliable tool with twin ice packs, or an electric cooling system.
2. Capacity
For any pet feeder to be effective, it needs to come with plenty of capacity for all the meals that you want to serve to your pet. A feeder with a larger size means that you can let the machine do its job with wet and dry foods for longer, without as much intervention. Gravity-based devices usually have the biggest capacity with which to store food. However, you can check the size of the bowl or how many sections are available in the device if you’re struggling to find size information.
3. Timer Functions
Your pet feeder will also need to be able to dole out food at the right time each day so it doesn’t go stale too quickly. Look for a feeder with a set time function that allows you to choose precisely when you want the meal to become available for your pet. You can also find timer-enhanced feeders that come with recording facilities so that you can call your pet to their meal when the time is right. Some feeders provide an option to prepare enough meals for several days in advance. Most wet food pet feeders are only able to last for two days at most without a clean and top up.
4. Maintenance and Care
Ease of cleaning is important when choosing accessories for your cats like cat water fountains, litter trays and automatic feeders. If you want your automated pet feeder or fancy smart bowl to last for as long as possible, then it needs to be easy to care for. There are plenty of pet feeders on the market today that comes with dishwasher-safe materials and feeding bowl options included. However, you’ll need to double-check what kind of cleaning steps you’ll need to take with your tool before you spend your money.
While you’re looking at maintenance, remember to check for a guarantee, too. A warranty from the manufacturer will put your mind at rest that you’re making a good investment.
5. Other Special Features
Just like other cat beds and other pet accessories, pet feeders come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re considering an intelligent feeding bowl like the Surefeed Microchip pet feeder, or you want something basic that uses the food’s own weight to serve your pets, it’s essential to consider your needs carefully. Ask yourself whether special features like a locking lid to stop your pet from overeating are vital to you. Maybe you want a feeder model that comes with an exceptional ability to determine which pet its feeding based on a chip in your cat’s collar. The options are practically endless.
Finding the Right Pet Feeder for Your Needs
Ultimately, finding the best automatic cat feeder for your pet isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for something more advanced than a standard pet bowl or wooden board, then you’re going to have your work cut out for you. After all, there’s a pet feeder out there today for just about every purpose, no matter how intelligent you want your home accessories to be.
Aside from choosing a device that’s safe for your pet and in the dishwasher, you’ll also need to decide what kind of extra features, functions, and capacity requirements are essential to you. That’s why we provided these automatic cat feeder reviews for you. While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for buying the perfect cat feeder, we were particularly blown away by the Cat Mate C500 Digital cat feeder. This unique feeder for cats and dogs is a great way to ensure that your pet always gets the nourishment that they need at the right time.
You can set your intelligent C500 device to distribute food at the same time every day automatically. Although there’s no recording function, the sound of the bowl rotating is enough to get your pets running towards their meal. Additionally, even wet foods stay fresh – thanks to the included ice packs!
Have you already picked a favourite among our top-rated cat feeder selections? Please tell us or share your comments below.
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