Unlocking the Secrets of Automatic Cat Feeders

Are you considering investing in an automatic cat feeder but still have some unanswered questions? As a cat owner, it’s normal to want all the facts before choosing new technology to care for your feline family members.

Read on to help you decide if an automated feeder is the right choice for effectively feeding your cat in your unique situation.

Are Automatic Cat Feeders Worth the Investment?

This is probably the most common question owners have when first considering an automated feeder purchase. There are many advantages that for most cat parents make them well worth the investment:

Predictable feeding schedule

Automatic feeders allow you to set precise timed intervals for food to be dispensed. This provides consistent nutrition versus relying on variable human memory and availability.

Portion control

Most auto-feeders let you specific exact meal sizes which is great for managing intake and weight, especially for less active indoor cats.

Convenience

You can give your cat high-quality nutrition even when you’re away at work, on vacation, or home late without rushing. This independence and convenience is invaluable.

Peace of mind

Auto-feeders alleviate worries about your cat going hungry if you’re detained away from home or asleep/out during normal mealtimes.

Weight management

Consistent feeding in proper portions prevents obesity which plagues over 50% of today’s cats due to free choice feeding habits.

If you want to simplify feeding, prevent over/under-eating, curb obesity, and give your cat flexibility when you’re unavailable, an automatic feeder is worth every penny. Your cat – and you – will be happier.

What is the Best Automatic Cat Treat Dispenser?

While auto-feeders provide scheduled nutrition via your cat’s regular food, treat dispensers add in bonus rewarding fun! Here are top choices:

PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder – Dispenses both food and treats. Holds over 5 cups of dry food plus treats in a separate compartment. Allows scheduling 5 feedings per day. Great for multi-pet homes.

PetSafe Treat & Train Remote Reward Trainer – You can reward your cat from a distance with treats using the remote control! Dispenses treats from a connected treat tower. Also has training modes.

Petnet SmartFeeder – WiFi enabled treat thrower allowing you to launch treats via a smartphone app. Webcam lets you see your cat enjoy the treats you shoot their way. Holds up to a cup of treats.

Cat Mate C50 Automatic Treat Feeder – Battery operated treat feeder with programmable timers to dispense treats while you’re out. Holds about 3 tablespoons of dry treats. Features food-grade anti-jamming design.

Treat dispensers add excitement at mealtimes and positive reinforcement for training. Portion small treats out of your overall cat’s daily calories to avoid overfeeding.

What is the Automatic Cat Feeder That Only Opens for One Cat?

If you need to feed multiple cats with different diet needs, “selective access” automated feeders only unlock for the designated cat. Two top choices are:

SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder – Reads implanted microchips to identify each cat and only opens specific feeder bowls to certain cats at scheduled times. Allows tailored diets in multi-cat homes. Holds about 3 cups of food.

PetSafe 5 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder With Microchip Technology – Another microchip-reading feeder enabling restricted access for up to 5 cats. Separates special needs cats’ food securely. Holds 4 cups of food and dispenses portions.

These high-tech microchip feeders ensure each cat in your home gets customized nutrition without worries of them pinching food from other pets. No more stressful mealtimes or constant separation!

Are Automatic Feeders Actually Worth It for Cats?

Absolutely – most cat owners who invest in an automatic feeder wonder how they ever did without one! Here are some of the main benefits that make them well worth the spend:

Tailored nutrition – You can adhere to each individual cat’s calorie needs, food sensitivities, health conditions, and appetite preferences. This promotes better health.

Weight control – Auto-feeders help prevent under and over-eating which leads to obesity – such a common problem in modern cats. Customized portions and schedules are key.

Independence – Auto-feeders allow busy owners to still provide timely, nutritional meals when work, family, travel, or other commitments make it impossible to be there personally twice a day.

Peace of mind – You’ll never again worry if your cats got fed, worry about rushing home, or stress about relying on questionable pet-sitters when travels arise. What a relief!

Reduced stress – Separate microchip feeders in multi-cat households prevents stressful competition and allows each cat to eat free of anxiety.

Considering the benefits for busy owners and cat health, auto-feeders earn their keep over and over. Both you and your felines will be happier.

Is There a Cat Feeder Cats Can’t Break Into?

Determined, crafty cats are pros at breaking into feeders! Here are some of the most cat-proof models:

Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder – Only opens when it scans the designated cat’s microchip, keeping all other pets out.

PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder – Also uses microchip tech to only allow access to authorized pets.

Petnet Smart Feeder – Features a locking lid that can only be opened from the smartphone app.

PetSafe SlimCat – Cat must slide plastic disks aside one by one to access food through small openings. Slows them down.

Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder– Must manipulate multiple openings and moving parts to acquire kibble.

Avoid cheap plastic units cats can body slam to get food out. Invest in heavy, selectively opening designs to outsmart your cat. It’s a worthwhile investment to protect their health and weight.

How Do I Feed My Cat Wet Food While Away?

While most automatic cat feeders are made for dry food, here are solutions for providing cats wet food while you’re away:

• Ask a friend or pet sitter to stop by and hand feed set portions of canned food.
• Consider an automatic feeder made specifically for wet food like the Cat Mate C500 which keeps food chilled.
• Feed only dry food in the automatic feeder, and give an extra large meal of wet food right before you leave.
• Transition your cat gradually to eating mostly dry food in the weeks prior to your trip.
• Ensure you leave out plenty of fresh water if feeding dry food alone to keep your cat hydrated.
• Another option is booking your cat into a high-quality cat boarding facility while traveling, where they’ll receive wet food regularly.

While less convenient than a fully automated wet food feeder, a little planning allows you to continue providing your cat the mix of wet and dry food they thrive on, even when away.

How Do You Free Feed Multiple Cats?

For multi-cat households that still prefer free feeding, here are tips:

• Place multiple food bowls in different bathroom areas, meters apart to control crowding. Use baby gates to separate.
• Invest in microchip-reading feeders that only allow access to designated cats to control who eats what food.
• Feed competitively dominant cats first separately, then allow subordinate cats access once they’ve eaten.
• Crate and rotate cats, allowing each private meal time access to the feeding room.
• Space food and water bowls far apart to avoid territorial crowding in one area.
• Provide cats who need to gain weight separate access to nutrient-rich kitten or satiety food.
• Monitor daily intake amounts and body condition signals like waistline and energy level to ensure all cats get nutrition needed.

With planning, free access feeding can still work for multi-cat families. Just take steps control crowding stress and allow each cat proper intake.

What is the Best Cat Feeder Meal Schedule?

The ideal cat feeding schedule depends on the individual cat and their lifestyle needs:

• Adult relaxed routine indoor cats – Most do well with two meals a day.
• High energy cats – May need three or more small meals to fuel their activity.
• Overweight or diabetics – Do best with 4-6 small meals for steady glucose and satiation.
• Kittens – Require 3-4 meals for growth and metabolism.
• Seniors – May need multiple small meals for digestion and arthritis issues.
• Free fed cats – Always provide dry food access but give wet food 2-3 times a day.
• Cat with medical needs – Consult your vet for customized dietary schedule advice.

In general, 2-3 scheduled meals spaced throughout the day suits most adult cats. But tailor timing and frequency to provide your individual cat the nutrition schedule their unique needs demand.

What Are the Disadvantages of Automatic Cat Feeders?

While most cat owners are highly satisfied with automated feeders, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Automatic feeders are pricier than manual bowls with an upfront investment of $80-$200 typically.
• Unless you purchase a durable stainless steel model, plastic feeders likely need replacing after 3-5 years.
• Feeders can jam occasionally, especially if cats tip them over. Models with an agitator prevent this best.
• Electronics mean more things can malfunction versus a basic bowl. Follow troubleshooting tips.
• Smartphone connectivity issues can disrupt remote control. Make sure home WiFi covers the feeder area.
• Feeders don’t work for canned cat food or homemade diets. Cats eat only dry food while you’re away.
• Introducing an automated feeder requires an adjustment period for some cats.

Despite a few drawbacks, most cat owners report the benefits and convenience outweigh any disadvantages of automated feeders. They provide great peace of mind!

Can You Put Wet Cat Food in an Automatic Feeder?

No – wet canned food should never be placed in regular dry food automatic cat feeders. Here’s why:

• Canned food will quickly spoil and develop harmful bacteria at room temperature.
• Most feeders are not designed to seal out air and keep wet food fresh.
• Sticky canned food can gum up the food release mechanisms and clog feeders.
• Dry kibble is needed to move freely through chutes without sticking.
• Even refrigerated units struggle keeping wet foods reliably chilled and unspoiled.

The only way to safely provide wet food when away is arranging a cat sitter to come and manually feed it daily. For short absences, give extra wet meals before leaving then use the feeder only for dry. Leaving wet food unattended risks serious health consequences. Invest in a high-quality kibble feeder and leave wet food for a sitter.

Are Raised Cat Feeders Better?

Elevated cat feeders that raise bowls 6-12 inches off the floor have pros and cons.

Potential benefits:

• Easier access for cats with mobility or joint issues. Reduces pain from bending down.
• May be cleaner than floor feeding and less likely to attract ants.
• Cats have to eat in a natural upright position which aids digestion.
• Raised height makes it harder for dogs to steal cat food.

Potential risks:

• Excessive bending to access floor-level food helps keep cats limber and exercising.
• Arthritis eventually also makes it hard for cats to reach elevated bowls.
• Feeders take up floor space cats could use for play.
• Elevated feeders can cause vomiting in some cats.

Overall, raised cat feeders are worth trying, especially for senior cats or those with weight issues. Choose an adjustable height model and monitor your individual cat’s comfort and acceptance. But also continue incorporating floor play and feeding. Combining both levels is healthiest long-term.

This article provides general information about pet tech for cats but cannot replace advice from your veterinarian. Consult your vet before making any changes.