Finding the best automatic cat feeder for your feline friend means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available sizes, companion apps, and optional settings. With the right automatic cat feeder, you won’t have to worry if your pet has gotten their meal.
We reviewed dozens of automatic cat feeders and cat food dispensers to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in testing, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated automatic cat feeders homeowners can purchase to ensure that pain-in-the-neck feeding schedule is a thing of the past.
We’ve identified the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder as the best automatic cat feeder out there. With the ability to hold up to 24 cups of kibble at a time, as well as its ease of programming, this automatic cat feeder is one that will keep your feline companion’s belly feeling nice and full. These benefits allow you to feel at ease knowing that your pet is fed when you’re away.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Automatic Cat Feeders and Cat Food Dispensers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder | 4.0 |
| Best Budget Buy | Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder With Microban | 4.2 |
| Best Gravity Cat Feeder | Bergan Petite Gourmet Gravity Cat Feeder & Water Fountain | 4.1 |
| Best Timed Cat Feeder | PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Cat Food Dispenser | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder
The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder is an all around win when it comes to feeding your cat. It holds a large amount of kibble at a time, meaning you only need to fill it every few weeks. The digital timer allows pet parents to program up to 12 daily meals, with portions from 1/8 cup up to 4 cups, and it boasts an easy-to-read LCD screen.
It has been designed to handle both dry and semi-moist cat food, although its accuracy varies depending on the size and shape of the kibble being used. Several pieces are dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup, including the stainless steel feeding bowl. It is available with or without a power adaptor, and boasts a pet-proof design that’s difficult to tip over. Pet owners particularly appreciated the slow-feed program, which dispenses food over a 15-minute period to help prevent pets from eating too much too quickly.
With a price tag of around $90, it’s a little bit pricey, but the peace of mind it provides is worth the expense. It has a rating of 4.4 on Amazon with nearly 4000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing pet owners to make the investment.
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder Key Features:
- Holds up to 24 cups of food at a time
- Pause feed mode stops and resumes program
- Battery operated for up to 1 year of use
Runner Up Pick: Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder
The Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder is another solid choice for those looking for an automatic feeding solution for their cat. It dispenses food in 24 mL portions, and can be set to dispense from 1-10 portions per feeding, with the ability to program up to 4 daily feedings. The inability to customize portion sizes easily is one reason that this model was our runner-up pick. The lid on top easily opens for pet parents with the push of a button for filling the wide food holder, while the locking tab helps to keep mischievous little furballs out.
Suitable for use with dry kibble only, it features a light-up LCD screen and touch button controls that are intuitive for setting the perfect feeding schedule for your pet. It can be used with either battery power or an adapter (included) for convenient placement. Pet owners particularly appreciate the ability to record a custom meal call of up to 10 seconds in order to alert their beloved companion to impending meal time.
With a price tag of around $80, it’s less expensive than our top pick, but still a bit pricey. It has a rating of 4.0 on Amazon with more than 2000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing pet owners that this is another solid choice.
Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder Key features:
- Holds up to 1.14 gallons of food at a time
- Made from durable ABS plastic that’s easy to clean
- Magnetic locking lid to keep pets out
Budget Pick: Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder With Microban
The Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder With Microban is a good option for those who would like the convenience of an automatic cat feeder, without having to shell out a ton of money on a unit. It features a sleek and simple design that’s sure to look right at home in any home, and boasts a 5-lb/18 cup storage capacity. It is made from strong pet-safe PET plastic for added peace of mind when feeding your kitty.
The design in fairly simple to clean, and the base is also dishwasher-safe for added convenience. The clear food storage container is a bit trickier to fill than the other feeders in our top 5, but pet owners appreciated being able to see exactly how much food is left in the container. With just a lift of the lid on top, food can be topped up. It doesn’t allow you to select portion sizes though, so it’s best used for cats who are able to free feed.
With a price tag of around $23, it’s really is a good entry point for those who are tired of the hassle of having to feed their cat every day. It has a rating of 4.2 on Amazon with more than 2000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing pet owners that you don’t have to spend a ton of money for an automatic cat feeder that is reliable.
Petmate Pearl Replendish Feeder With Microban Key Features:
- Available in a choice of different colors
- Easy-grab cutouts allow for hassle-free placement and maneuvering of the feeder
- Made in the USA
Best Gravity Cat Feeder: Bergan Petite Gourmet Gravity Cat Feeder & Water Fountain
The Bergan Petite Gourmet Gravity Cat Feeder & Water Fountain features a 6-lb capacity, which is great for holding enough food that you aren’t refilling the unit too frequently, but the food also isn’t going stale. The clear plastic allows pet parents to see how much food is remaining, and it features a wide opening for convenient cleaning and filling. It’s also available with a complementary watering dish for the complete mealtime solution for your pet.
The lid has been specially designed to help prevent tipping or spillage, while slowly releasing food into the dish below. The wide, stable base helps prevent the feeder from being knocked over by hungry kitties. Since this feeder is not portion-controlled, it’s best used for cats who are able to free feed.
The product doesn’t just come with a cat feeder, but it also includes a water fountain. This is great news if you were also considering buying a water fountain for you kitty. This option has a price tag of around $30 and an average rating of 4.1 from around 3000 customers, making it a safe choice for any cat owner.
Bergan Petite Gourmet Gravity Cat Feeder & Water Fountain Key Features:
- Constructed of durable, BPA-free plastic
- Integrated lip helps reduce the chance of food spillage
- Includes a water fountain
Best Timed Cat Feeder: PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
The PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Cat Food Dispenser is another respectable choice for feeding your cat. Its saucer-shape and low profile mean that your furry friend won’t be able to knock this dish over easily. It is easy to fill and program, and is dishwasher-safe for added convenience when cleaning up. One drawback we found was that its 5 compartments only hold 1 cup of food at a time, which means it’s not ideal for longer trips away, but is good for weekend getaways.
It can be programmed to dispense small meals throughout the day, or one larger meal daily. This can help your kitty with portion control and weight loss, peace of mind on vacation, or just with regular feedings. Testing shows it to be more accurate than similar automatic feeders. Customers were amazed that it can be used with wet food as well, but it’s not surprising given its tight-closing lid.
With a price tag of around $45, it’s not outrageously priced for what it does. It has a rating of 4.3 on Amazon with more than 5600 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing pet owners to make the investment.
PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Cat Food Dispenser Key Features:
- Holds up to 4 cups of food at a time
- Can be used for cats or small dogs
- Battery operated for convenient placement
Who Should Buy an Automatic Cat Feeder?
While cats are typically a low-maintenance pet, they do still require daily feeding. If remembering when or how much to feed your furry friend is not something you want to have to worry about, then an automatic cat feeder might be right for you.
An automatic cat feeder is an excellent option for those whose feline companions are on a weight loss program and need to watch their portions. It is also suited for those who have a special diet or need to eat at set intervals, as they can be programmed to dispense multiple daily meals.
Another reason many people like using automatic cat feeders is for when they are away for a few days or longer, and want to ensure their pet is getting fresh food daily. If you aren’t able to get a cat sitter to come to your home, an automatic cat feeder can ensure that your pet is still being regularly fed.
Important Features to Consider
An automatic cat food dispenser should be easy to program and accurate in dispensing food, in addition to keeping food fresh. Here’s what else to consider when selecting an automatic cat feeder:
- Food storage capacity. Always check to see how much food a dispenser can actually hold. One of the major benefits of automatic cat feeders is that they take the hassle out of having to feed your pet, but if you need to fill it up every day, it basically makes having an automatic cat feeder pointless. Also, if you live in a multi-cat household, you’ll want to select a feeder with a larger food storage capacity as your pets will be going through it more quickly.
- Portion control settings. Depending on your feline’s needs, you might need to get really specific about how much food you want dispensed and when. If your pet is on a weight loss diet, then accuracy will be important here.
- Kibble size options. Not all kibble is the same size, and cats sometimes like to switch up their food. Ensuring an automatic cat feeder will work with both small and large kibble sizes means you’ll get more use out of it over the long haul. Some models feature mechanisms that can handle small- and large-sized kibble, or come with a different-sized feeding attachment.
- Pet-proof. It’s important to consider how pet-proof an automatic cat feeder is when making your purchasing decision. You don’t want Fluffy breaking into the feeder and devouring a week’s worth of food at once, and you don’t want them knocking it over and making a mess you have to clean up.
- Ease of cleaning. Pet food and feeding dishes can be a prime place for bacteria to grow, and so ease of cleaning is an important consideration. Consider how easy it is to take the feeder apart and put it back together for cleanings. Many automatic cat feeders have dishwasher-safe parts for added convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic cat feeder and how does it work?
An automatic cat feeder is a feeding tool that works by dispensing set portions of food for your cat at various times of the day. It can be programmed for a single serving daily, or multiple meals, depending on your pet’s needs. Many people like automatic cat feeders as they take the hassle out of feeding special diets, or having to feed your cat on a daily basis. There are also gravity feeders, which take the hassle out of feeding your pet on a daily basis, but cannot be programmed for time or portion size.
How does a gravity cat feeder work?
A gravity cat feeder works by using the force of gravity to lower and dispense food into the dish below. This low-tech feeding option consists of a food reservoir attached to a bowl. As your pet eats food from the bowl, gravity pulls more food down to refill the dish. Because you cannot program portion sizes or feeding times, gravity feeders should only be used by cats that don’t have a problem with free access to food.
How do you set an automatic feeder?
Depending on the type of automatic cat feeder you have, setup will be a bit different. Generally speaking though, you’ll set up an automated cat feeder by first filling the reservoir with food. Then, you’ll select how much food you want dispensed with each meal, along with the time(s) you want meal(s) to be dispensed. After that, the machine does the rest of the work for you, and you’ll only need to step in to clean and refill the unit every so often.
How many times a day should you feed your cat?
How many times a day you feed your cat will depend on a number of factors, including their dietary needs, activity level, age, and size. Most healthy adult cats can be fed once or twice daily and be fine, whereas growing kittens need constant access to fresh food. Cats on a weight-loss regimen or with other dietary needs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals — anywhere from 4-6 times per day. Speak with your veterinarian to determine what feeding schedule is best for your pet.
Other Automatic Cat Feeders and Cat Food Dispensers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other automatic cat food dispensers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best automatic cat feeders list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your pet. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Gravity Cat Feeders
Bergan 5 lb Travel Feeder with Handle
Suitable for use at home or on the go, this gravity cat feeder holds up to 5-pounds of food at a time, and features an integrated handle for ease of portability.
Key features:
- Made in the USA
- BPA-free
- Easy to fill large top opening
Cost: $11
This automatic feeder boasts a 6-pound food storage capacity, and is suitable for use with both cats and dogs.
Key features:
- Removable lid for quick cleaning
- Made from 20% recycled components
- Made in the USA
Cost: $13
Van Ness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
This gravity-style feeder boasts a 3-pound food storage capacity, and features a removable locking lid for easy filling.
Key features:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Dishwasher-safe for ease of cleanup
- Large opening
Cost: $15
Timed Cat Feeders
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
This automatic cat feeder boasts a 24-cup capacity and is smartphone compatible so you can view up to 2 weeks of feeding history.
Key features:
- Set up to 12 daily meals
- Dispenses 1/8 cup to 4 cups per meal
- Dishwasher-safe parts for convenient cleanup
Cost: $200
Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder
Ideal for multi-cat homes, this feeder allows pet owners to program up to 48 feedings per day, with customizable meal sizes.
Key features:
- Holds up to 5-cups of food with add-on for increased storage capacity
- WiFi and Google compatible
- Compact design
Cost: $140
WESTLINK 6L Automatic Pet Feeder
With a 6L capacity, this automatic pet feeder dispenses up to 4 meals daily with the ability to select from multiple portion sizes.
Key features:
- Built-in voice recorder and speaker
- Infrared detection system prevents food locking
- Multiple power options
Cost: $90
This automatic pet feeder allows you to portion meals in 1/16-cup intervals, and features an easy-to-program design.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Manual feeding override
- Lockable top cover
Cost: $115
PYRUS Large Automatic Cat Feeder
Feed your pet in 1-12 cup portion sizes up to 3 times daily with this automatic cat feeder, which is suitable for use with various food shapes and sizes.
Key features:
- Reservoir holds up to 5L of food at a time
- Voice recorder feature
- Battery operated
Cost: $46
This futuristic-looking automatic cat feeder offers a range of portion sizes to keep your pet fed up to 4 times daily.
Key features:
- Built-in voice recorder and speaker
- Feeds cat for more than 5 days
- Large capacity of food container (1500g)
Cost: $70
PetSafe Six Meal Automatic Pet Feeder
Pre-portion up to 6 daily meals for your feline friend with the easy-to-program LCD display on this automatic cat feeder.
Key features:
- Feed now option
- Clear locking lid so you can easily see how much your pet has eaten
- Removable, dishwasher-safe bowl
Cost: $80
Crown Majestic Platinum Series Automatic Pet Feeder
Suitable for both cats and dogs, this feeder boasts a futuristic-looking design, and includes an integrated watering station to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Key features:
- Program up to 4 daily meals
- 4.4-pound food storage capacity
- Choose from â…› – 1 cup portions
Cost: $80
Petnet SmartFeeder (2nd generation)
This automatic feeder allows you to control your pet’s feeding schedule from an iOS or Android smartphone. Receive alerts when your pet has been fed, and even when you’re running low on food. The Petnet app also recommends personalized meal portions based on your pet’s age, weight, breed, and activity level.
Key features:
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Nest Cam
- Pet-proof, self-locking lid
- Built-in rechargeable backup battery
- Easy to clean
Cost: $179
HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder
Featuring a modern design, this feeder offers a 3.3-pound food storage capacity, and allows for flexible meal portions from 1/32 cup to 4 cups per meal.
Key features:
- Schedule up to 6 meals daily
- Built-in voice recorder and speaker
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $80
Smart phone compatible for remote feeding capabilities, this automatic cat feeder allows you to program up to 4 meals per day, along with a custom alarm.
Key features:
- Removable feeding tray
- Dispenses portion sizes from 2 teaspoons to 4.5 cups during each feeding
- US-based customer support
Cost: $90
Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food Pet Feeder
This automatic cat feeder boasts a 6.5-pound food storage capacity, and delivers servings from 2 teaspoons and up, up to 3 times daily.
Key features:
- Dishwasher-safe parts for convenient cleanup
- Battery operated
- 3 year warranty
Cost: $70
Dry/Wet Automatic Feeders
Easy to set up and simple to use, this automatic cat feeder is suitable for use with both wet and dry foods.
Key features:
- WiFi connectivity
- Built-in webcam so you can watch kitty eat
- Program up to 6 meals per day
Cost: $250
Great for multi-cat households, this automatic cat feeder uses a microchip system to ensure the right cat gets the right food.
Key features:
- Sealed bowl for fresher food
- Compatible with all microchip types and SureFlap RFID collar tags
- 6-month battery life
Cost: $140
PetSafe Eatwell 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder
This automatic pet feeder features two separate, timed compartments, and is suitable for use with both wet and dry foods.
Key features:
- Dishwasher-safe trays
- 1.5-cup capacity for each tray
- BPA-free plastic
Cost: $30
Cat Mate C20 2 Bowl Pet Feeder With Ice Pack
Suitable for both wet and dry foods, this automatic cat feeder features an integrated ice pack for keeping food or medications at a safe temperature.
Key features:
- Battery operated
- Includes a 3-year guarantee
- Dishwasher-safe bowls and lids
Cost: $32
TD Design Automatic Pet Feeder
Programmable for up to 5 meals per day, this feeder holds up to 240 mL in each compartment, and allows pet parents to record a personal meal call.
Key features:
- Dishwasher-safe cover and tray
- Blue backlight LCD display
- Secure latching lid keeps pets from overeating
Cost: $61
