Keep Your Cat Fed with the Best Automatic Wet Cat Feeder

Keeping your cat fed on a consistent schedule can be a challenge, especially with busy lives. An automatic wet cat feeder can be a real lifesaver, making sure your furry friend gets their meals even when you're not around. We looked into some of the top options out there to help you find the best fit for your home and your cat.

Key Takeaways

• Automatic feeders are great for maintaining a cat's feeding routine when you can't be there, but they shouldn't replace human interaction.

• When choosing an automatic cat feeder, make sure it's compatible with your cat's food type, especially if it's wet food.

• Look for feeders that operate smoothly and quietly, with features that keep food fresh and secure from determined pets.

• Consider the capacity for longer absences, but remember it's best to have someone check on your cat if you're gone for more than a day.

• Smart feeders offer remote control via apps, while dish-style feeders are often best for wet food and shorter periods.

1. PetLibro Polar Wet Food Feeder

If you're dealing with a cat who only eats wet food, the PetLibro Polar Wet Food Feeder is a pretty neat option to look into. It uses some kind of cooling tech to keep the wet food fresh, which is a big deal because nobody likes stale, dried-out cat food. This feeder is designed to keep meals cool for up to three days, which is handy if you're not home all the time or if your cat is a slow eater.

You can set up to three meals a day using an app on your phone. It also has a feature where it'll warm up the food a bit before serving, so it's not straight from the fridge. That's a nice touch, as most cats prefer their food at room temperature. You can also set a window of time, up to four hours, for when the food should be served. It's powered by a wall adapter but has a battery backup, which is good in case the power goes out.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Keeps wet food fresh for up to 72 hours.

• Allows scheduling of up to three meals or feeding on demand.

• Offers a customizable feeding window, up to four hours.

• Comes with a 24-month warranty.

The Polar Feeder is definitely on the pricier side, costing around $129.99. But considering it has built-in refrigeration, it might be worth it if keeping wet food fresh is your main concern. It’s a solid choice for keeping your cat’s meals appealing and safe to eat, especially if you're looking for a way to manage wet food feeding remotely. You can find more details about keeping your cat fed with the PetLibro Polar Wet Food Feeder.

It's powered by a 60W adapter and needs to be plugged in. There's also a backup battery option, which takes three AA batteries, to keep things running for about 12 hours if the power flickers. It's a pretty robust setup for ensuring your cat doesn't miss a meal.

2. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

If you've got a multi-pet household, or a cat with specific dietary needs, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is a pretty neat gadget. It works by reading your cat's microchip or a special RFID tag on their collar. This means only the intended pet can get to the food. No more dogs stealing kibble or one cat hogging all the good stuff! It's a real game-changer for managing prescription diets or just making sure everyone gets their fair share.

The feeder itself is a single-dish unit with a clear lid that opens when your cat approaches. It's designed to work with any kind of cat food, wet or dry. However, it's important to note that it doesn't have a cooling feature, so wet food will only stay fresh for a few hours. It comes with a few bowl options, including a single bowl, a two-compartment bowl, and a mat, which is a nice touch.

Setting it up is pretty straightforward. You just press a button to pair it with your cat's chip or tag. There's also a training mode to help your cat get used to the lid moving, which is helpful. People seem to find it easy to use and reliable.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• Identifies pets using microchips or RFID tags.

• Ideal for pets with special diets or allergies.

• Can store up to 32 pet profiles.

• Comes with one RFID tag, with more available for purchase.

While it's fantastic for selective feeding, it's not designed for scheduled meals or long absences. The capacity is also limited, so it's best for cats who eat at regular times or for shorter periods away from home.

3. PetSafe Smart Cat Feeder

The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is a pretty neat gadget for keeping your cat on a regular feeding schedule, even when you're not home. You can control everything right from your smartphone using the My PetSafe® app. This means you can set up meal times, adjust portion sizes, and even get notifications if the food is running low. It's got a pretty decent capacity, holding about 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food, which is good for a few days.

One of the cool features is the "slow feed" option. If your cat tends to gobble their food down way too fast, this feeder dispenses it in smaller amounts over a set period. This can really help with digestion and prevent them from getting an upset stomach. Plus, it can even connect with Amazon Dash Replenishment to automatically reorder food when you're getting low, which is a lifesaver for busy people.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• App-controlled scheduling: Set meals from anywhere.

• Slow feed option: Helps cats eat at a healthier pace.

• Low food sensors: Get alerts when it's time to refill.

• Amazon Dash Replenishment: Automatic food reordering.

• Dishwasher-safe bowl: Easy cleanup with a stainless steel bowl.

It's worth noting that the app can sometimes be a bit finicky, and some users have reported occasional glitches. Also, there's a button on top for quick feeding, but you'll want to make sure your cat doesn't accidentally press it too often, leading to extra snacks. Keeping a stable Wi-Fi connection is also important to make sure all the smart features work as they should. Overall, it's a solid choice if you want that remote control over your cat's meals, but be prepared for a little troubleshooting with the app now and then. You can find more details about the PetSafe Smart Feed 2.0 online.

4. Feeder-Robot Timed Automatic Cat Feeder & Food Dispenser

The Feeder-Robot is designed to give your cat precisely the right amount of food, right on time, every time. You can set up portion-controlled meal schedules either through its app or directly on the unit itself. It's a pretty straightforward system for managing your cat's diet, especially if you're trying to stick to a specific feeding plan.

This feeder comes with a few nice perks. You get a 90-day in-home trial, which is great for seeing if it really fits into your routine. Plus, there's a WhiskerCare™ 1-Year Warranty that covers it, and they even throw in free shipping, though that excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It's a solid option if you're looking for a reliable way to automate your cat's meals. You can find more details on various automatic feeders in this guide to cat feeders.

Here's a quick look at what it offers:

• App or Unit Control: Set meal schedules and portions from your phone or the feeder.

• Portion Control: Dispense exact amounts of food to manage your cat's intake.

• Reliable Dispensing: Designed to work consistently without jamming.

This feeder aims to simplify the daily task of feeding your cat, ensuring consistency and accuracy in meal delivery. It's built with convenience in mind for both the pet and the owner.

5. Homerunpet Automatic Feeder for Cats

When you're looking for a solid automatic feeder that won't break the bank, the Homerunpet Automatic Feeder for Cats is definitely worth a look. It’s often mentioned as a great value pick, and after checking it out, I can see why. This feeder aims to keep your cat's food fresh and tasty, which is pretty important, right?

One of the standout features is its porcelain kaolin bowl. It’s not just any bowl; it’s a good size, feels well-made, and importantly, it comes apart easily for cleaning. Nobody wants to scrub a complicated bowl. Plus, the feeder itself has some neat sealing features – think triple silicone sealing and an auto-closing outlet. This setup is designed to keep the food airtight, protected from moisture, and even from little pests. That means your cat gets fresh food every time.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it a good choice:

• Keeps food fresh: The airtight design helps maintain food quality.

• Easy to clean: The removable bowl makes cleanup a breeze.

• Reliable dispensing: It has an anti-clog system, so food should come out smoothly.

• Dual power: It can run on batteries, which is great for power outages.

While it's a strong contender, getting the portion sizes just right can take a little practice. The accompanying app, while functional, might not be the most intuitive thing you've ever used. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you figure it out, it does the job.

It’s powered by four D-cell batteries, and the company says it can last over six months in power-saving mode. That’s a pretty long time, giving you peace of mind even if the power flickers or your Wi-Fi goes down. You can also control meal times, how many meals your cat gets, and the portion size right from your phone using the Homerunpet app. It’s a good option if you want to manage your cat’s meals remotely without spending a fortune.

6. WellToBe Auto Pet Feeder

If you've got more than one cat, or even just a particularly picky eater, the WellToBe Auto Pet Feeder might be worth a look. This feeder is designed with multiple cats in mind, featuring a two-way splitter and two separate bowls. This setup helps make sure each of your furry friends gets their own meal without any squabbles.

It's a solid option for managing diets, especially if you have pets on specific food plans. You can set it up to dispense small portions, which is great for portion control or just doling out treats. Plus, it has backup batteries, so even if the power goes out, your cats should still get fed on schedule.

Here's a quick rundown of what it offers:

• Dual Bowls: Comes with two bowls, perfect for households with two cats.

• Portion Control: Dispenses food in small, measured amounts, helpful for managing intake.

• Backup Power: Includes battery backup for uninterrupted feeding.

• Splitter Design: A two-way splitter ensures food goes to the right bowl.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bowls themselves are a bit on the flimsy side. If you're particular about your cat's dining ware, you might want to have some sturdier bowls ready to swap in. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to be aware of.

While it's great for portion control, the overall food capacity isn't huge, so if you're planning a long trip, you'll need to check if it holds enough food for your cats' needs. But for daily use and keeping multiple cats fed without fuss, it's a pretty neat gadget.

7. PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder

PETLIBRO has a few different automatic feeders, and it can get a little confusing. We're talking about their standard automatic cat feeder here, the one that's great for dry food and keeping your cat on a schedule. It’s a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for something reliable without too many bells and whistles.

This feeder is designed to dispense dry kibble, and it does a good job of keeping it fresh. It has a secure lid, and some models even come with a desiccant bag compartment to help with moisture. Plus, the dual power supply, which includes a battery backup, means your cat won’t miss a meal if the power flickers.

You can program up to 10 meals a day, with portion sizes adjustable from 10g to 50g. This gives you a lot of flexibility to manage your cat's diet, especially if they have specific needs. It also has a voice recorder so you can call your cat to dinner, which is a nice touch.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

• Programmable Meals: Up to 10 meals per day.

• Portion Control: Adjustable from 10g to 50g per portion.

• Power Options: Dual power supply with battery backup.

• Food Freshness: Secure lid and optional desiccant compartment.

• Convenience: Easy to clean stainless steel bowl.

One thing to keep in mind is that this particular PETLIBRO model is strictly for dry food. If you’re hoping to dispense wet food, you’ll need to look at one of their other specialized feeders, like the PETLIBRO Polar. Also, while it’s generally easy to use, some users find the initial programming a bit tricky.

While it doesn't have app connectivity like some higher-end models, its straightforward operation and dependable performance make it a great option for many cat owners. It’s a good balance between features and ease of use.

8. Cat Mate C500

If you're looking for a straightforward way to manage your cat's meals, especially if they eat wet food, the Cat Mate C500 is a solid choice. It’s not overly fancy, but it gets the job done. This feeder has a rotating dish with five compartments, and each one can hold a decent amount of food – about 1.45 cups. It’s particularly good for wet food because it comes with two ice packs to keep things fresh.

Setting it up is pretty simple. You just use the three buttons and the small LCD screen to schedule up to four meals, plus you can do an immediate feeding. The screen stays on, which is nice because you can easily check if it’s still on track. It’s powered by AA batteries, so make sure you have some handy.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Works with any food type: Wet, dry, or even medication – it handles it all.

• Keeps food fresh: Includes ice packs to keep wet food from spoiling.

• Secure design: Your cat can't get to the food before it's time.

• Easy to program: Simple controls mean less fuss.

One thing to keep in mind is that it only has five compartments. This means it’s great for a weekend away or if you’re just gone for the workday, but maybe not for longer trips. You’ll also need to portion out the food yourself, so it’s not completely hands-off. Still, for the price, it’s a really practical option for managing your cat’s feeding schedule.

9. Programmable Dish-Style Cat Feeders

So, you're looking for a feeder that can handle more than just dry kibble? That's where programmable dish-style feeders come in. Unlike the upright dispensers, these feeders have multiple compartments, each covered, that open up at set times. This makes them perfect for portioning out wet food, fresh meals, or even raw food for your feline friend. They're a great way to manage your cat's diet, especially if they have specific dietary needs or you're only going to be away for a day or two.

Think of them like a little meal planner for your cat. You load up the compartments with the right amount of food, set the timer, and the feeder does the rest. It's a pretty neat setup for keeping your cat on a consistent feeding schedule, even when you can't be there to do it yourself. Just remember, because they have a limited number of compartments, these aren't usually the best choice for longer trips. You'll need to plan accordingly.

Here's a quick look at what makes them stand out:

• Wet Food Friendly: This is their biggest advantage. They can keep wet food fresh for a short period, which is a game-changer if your cat won't touch dry kibble.

• Portion Control: You can precisely measure out each meal, which is super helpful for cats on a diet or those who tend to overeat.

• Ease of Use: While programming can take a minute to figure out, once set, they're generally straightforward. Some models even come with ice packs to help keep the food cool.

When choosing one, consider the number of meals you need to schedule and whether the compartments are easy for your cat to access. Some cats can be a bit picky about how they eat, so a shallow compartment might be better than a deep one. Also, check if it comes with cooling packs if you plan on using it for wet food, as this is a big plus for food safety. You can find some good options that work with any type of food or medication, giving you a lot of flexibility.

10. Smart Cat Feeders

Smart cat feeders are the high-tech option for pet parents who want ultimate control over their cat's meals, even when they're not home. These feeders usually connect to your home's Wi-Fi, allowing you to manage everything through a smartphone app. Think of it as a remote control for your cat's food bowl.

Many of these smart feeders come with extra bells and whistles. Some even have built-in webcams so you can actually see your cat munching away during their scheduled mealtime. It’s kind of neat, I guess, if you’re into that sort of thing. You can typically set up multiple feeding times throughout the day and adjust portion sizes right from your phone. This level of customization is pretty great, especially if your cat has specific dietary needs or you're trying to manage their weight.

However, it's worth noting that these gadgets can get a bit pricey. Plus, like any tech, there's always a chance for glitches or connectivity issues. If your main goal is just to make sure your cat gets fed on time while you're out, a simpler programmable feeder might do the trick just fine. But if you enjoy the idea of having constant oversight and remote control, a smart feeder could be a fun addition to your pet-care routine.

Here's a quick look at what makes them stand out:

• Remote Control: Adjust schedules and portions via a smartphone app.

• Webcam Integration: Some models let you watch your cat eat.

• Customizable Schedules: Set multiple meals with precise portioning.

• Connectivity: Relies on Wi-Fi for remote access.

While the latest automatic cat feeders offer app-enabled features and WiFi connectivity, there’s nothing wrong with a simple and reliable product that gets the job done. For its consistent performance and no-nonsense engineering, the Cat Mate C500 has long been our top pick for the best automatic cat feeder. But it’s not the right option for every situation.

Wrapping Up Your Search for the Perfect Feeder

So, we've looked at a bunch of automatic feeders, and it's clear there's a great option out there for almost every cat and owner. Whether you need something simple for dry food or a high-tech solution for wet food that keeps things cool, the technology is there. Remember, these feeders are fantastic tools to help keep your cat on a regular schedule, especially when life gets busy. But they aren't meant to replace the special time you spend with your furry friend. The goal is always your cat's health and happiness, and these feeders can definitely help you achieve that while still giving them plenty of love and attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do automatic feeders replace feeding my cat myself?

Automatic feeders are great for when you can't be there, like during work or travel, to keep your cat's eating schedule on track. However, when you are home, feeding your cat yourself can help strengthen your bond and provide important social interaction.

What should I look for when buying an automatic cat feeder?

You'll want to make sure the feeder works with your cat's favorite food, whether it's dry kibble or wet food. It should also operate smoothly without jamming, have a large enough capacity for your needs, and keep the food fresh and secure from sneaky paws.

Are automatic cat feeders safe for my pet?

Generally, yes, as long as the feeder is kept clean and has food. Like any machine, they can have issues or run out of power. It's a good idea to check on them or set up a camera if you're away for a long time, and always use fresh batteries.

How do automatic feeders help with my cat's diet?

These feeders are fantastic for managing how much your cat eats. They can help if your cat is a bit overweight or underweight by giving them precise portions at set times, ensuring they don't overeat or miss meals.

What's the difference between different types of automatic feeders?

There are a few main types: gravity feeders are simple but basic. Programmable feeders let you set times and amounts. Dish-style feeders have multiple compartments, good for wet food but for shorter periods. Smart feeders connect to your phone for remote control, often with extra features.

Can I use an automatic feeder for wet cat food?

Yes, but you need to be more careful. Feeders designed for wet food often have special features like cooling packs or multiple sealed compartments to keep the food fresh for a limited time, usually up to 24 hours. Always check the product details for wet food compatibility.