This is a multifunctional gadget for animals, which will be useful not only during periods of departure, but also on an ongoing basis.
- 10th place. Ferplast Cometa Bowl
In what cases should you consider purchasing an automatic feeder?
- Are you tired of getting up in the morning to feed the cat?
- Do you want to teach your pet to eat by the hour or are you struggling with his excess weight?
- The pet takes medications that need to be eaten regularly;
- Departure from 2 to 18 days.
Automatic cat feeders: the main thing
Before purchasing, answer these questions to understand what criteria are important to you:
- How long should a cat eat without you (a day, several days, a week, more than a week)?
- Does your home experience power outages or not?
- Is the size of the portion at a time important or does your pet avoid overeating?
- Does your pet have to eat wet food?
- Should the feeder create the effect of your presence or is its function simply to feed?
Keep the answers to these questions in mind, and this article will help you decide on the choice of model.
We made a detailed analysis of each type and identified the top 10 automatic cat feeders. In our opinion, the best option for most cat owners and their cats would be the Petkit Fresh Element Mini automatic feeder with a timer. She can:
- feed your pet dry food for two weeks;
- not overloaded with unnecessary functions;
- looks like a modern smart device that will fit into any room.
Types of automatic feeders for cats and dogs
There are 3 main types of automatic feeders, with their own pros and cons. There is no universal one that is suitable for all occasions, so you need to carefully understand the purpose of each type and choose the optimal one for your situation.
Segmented (round for wet and dry food)
Segment-type automatic feeders usually use a round container, divided into compartments into separate feeding trays. This automatic feeder can be used for any type of food - dry, wet or natural. But at the same time, the number of feedings without refueling is limited by the number of compartments, so segmented automatic feeders are most often used when the owner is absent during the day and for feeding the animal at night.
With hinged lid
Automatic feeders with a hinged lid can also be used for both dry and wet food. But the main disadvantage of such a feeder is the possibility of 1 feeding (or 2 for certain types of feeders).
Reservoir with dispenser
A reservoir with a dispenser is a very popular model of automatic feeders for cats and dogs. With the help of automation, dry food is fed from a large reservoir into the tray. In this case, the accuracy of portions is measured by a dispenser. You can replenish such a feeder quite rarely. But automatic feeders with a dispenser also have disadvantages - the use of only dry food and possible blocking of the device when the food sticks together.
How automatic cat feeders work
Feeders can be automatic or mechanical. The mechanical one looks like a top container and bowl. Gradually the feed is poured down from the upper volume. The feeder is easy to use, inexpensive and does not rely on electricity. You can leave the animal with it for a couple of days; you can feed one or even a group of cats in a country house or on the street.
The automatic feeder is simple in its operating principle. This is a container for dry or wet food with a valve that opens according to a schedule. You can program the schedule directly on the device or through the application on your smartphone. In simpler versions, the schedule is programmed for the whole day (or more) and cannot be changed. In more complex models, the feeding schedule can be adjusted throughout the day through a smartphone application.
Types of feeders
- A top container with a bowl underneath. In this case, it is important that the structure is heavy, otherwise a curious cat may turn it over;
- Single container with hinged lid. When it rises, the cat has access to food, but the portion size is not controlled;
- Flat feeding bowl with portioned sectors. The lid has one hole and, turning, opens new segments with food over and over again. These feeders are difficult to knock over, but they are designed for a maximum of 4-6 meals.
If you are leaving the animal for two days or more, we advise you to take a closer look at automated feeders with a dispenser, in this case you will be able to determine the portion size daily during your absence.
Types of automatic feeders
There are several types of feeder-dispensers, which differ in the design of the feed dispensing mechanism and the complexity of the technical equipment.
Automatic cat feeder with timer
The most universal are automatic feeders with a timer. They usually have a function for programming the exact time to serve food, as well as a cat food dispenser.
Automatic feeder with camera
Some feeders not only dispense food on a schedule, but create a real effect of the owner’s presence while he is not at home. These feeders are equipped with a video surveillance system that allows a person to monitor their pet, photograph it, and film it. Also, these feeders are often equipped with a two-way audio function, which allows the owner to talk to the cat, call him for dinner, or listen to his purr while eating.
Automatic feeder with cold element
The operating principle of these feeders is no different from others, but they are equipped with an additional cooling system that allows you to keep wet food fresh for some time.
Automatic drinker
In addition to automatic feeders, there are automatic drinkers, the operating principle of which is similar. They provide sufficient water to the pet at designated intervals. The most advanced models are equipped with carbon filters, made of antibacterial plastic and enrich the water with oxygen. They can be either in the form of a can with a bowl or in the form of a fountain.
What to look for when choosing?
When choosing an automatic cat feeder, consider the means, your needs and goals. You may not need expensive models with video recording if you just want to provide your cat with food during your workday. However, regardless of the technical equipment, there are a number of features that are worth paying attention to when choosing any feeder:
- Spacious container. Calculate how long you will be away from home and how much your cat should eat during this time. The food container must be of sufficient size to provide enough food for the animal;
- Safety. The bowl should be made of high-quality materials, ideally stainless steel;
- Weight. The device must be stable so that the animal does not accidentally knock it over;
- Type of device power supply : mains or batteries;
- Shutter sound. It sometimes happens that cats are initially afraid of the sound of an automatic feeder, so give your pet time to get used to it, or change the model.
Basic recommendations for choosing an automatic cat feeder
In order to maintain the correct regime and diet of your pet using an automatic feeding device, it is necessary to take into account important points.
| Rule | Decoding |
| Material and color | It is important that the device is made of high-quality plastic or metal. Notches, scratches and chips are unacceptable on it. If there is an unpleasant odor from the device, then this purchase should be abandoned. Pay attention to the color of the device: it is better to choose a neutral shade, as it will not irritate the cat’s eyesight. |
| Operating mode and programming | In most models, you can set an individual feeding regimen. This should be done based on the length of time between meals. Pay attention to models that can be programmed for several days. |
| Bowl volume and feeding method | Depending on the manufacturer, the volume of the feed container may vary. For some it reaches 3 kg, and for others? no more than 1.5 kg. It is most convenient if the device supplies food to the compartments in small portions. |
| Device Security | The structure should be as stable as possible so that the pet cannot tip it over. It is also important to determine in advance the location where the device will be placed. Take care of the animal's comfort and do not allow it to remain hungry. |
| Performance and operation | In a specialized store, make sure that the feeder is functioning, ask the manager to clearly show the device in operation. The device should be used at home strictly according to the instructions in the instructions. |
| Service and warranty | You should not purchase a product if it does not come with a warranty card; this is the only way the device will be serviced (repaired, adjusted) free of charge for a year. |
ON A NOTE!
When purchasing an automatic device for feeding a cat, you need to pay attention to the weight and age of the animal. This is necessary in order to determine the required dose of food for one meal.
Review of popular models of feeders with dispenser for cats
This review contains the 10 best automatic cat dispensers so that you can choose the ideal feeder for your pet.
10th place. Ferplast Cometa Bowl
Photo of Ferplast Cometa Bowl feeder from the store int.ferplast.com
This feeder with automatic lid and timer is one of the best budget options. It has a capacity of 0.4 liters and can be programmed for up to 44 hours. This feeder can be used if you are leaving the animal for a couple of days.
Pros: affordable price; stable; removable bowl; ease of use; timer.
Cons: not suitable for wet food; does not control portion size; small bowl volume.
9th place. Feed Ex with LCD display and ice bin
Photo of the Feed Ex feeder with LCD display and ice container from the store www.feedex.ru
This feeder has four compartments with a total volume of 2 liters. The lid rotates, thereby opening access to food. A convenient small display shows the time and battery charge level.
Pros: spacious bowl; cooling system; suitable for dry and wet food; timer; recording voice messages; affordable price.
Cons: the feeding regimen can be set up either once for 4 days, or twice for 2 days, which is not suitable for everyone, so leaving the cat with it for a long time will not work.
8th place. Feed Ex for dry food
Photo of Feed Ex feeder for dry food from the store www.feedex.ru
This feeder with a container capacity of up to 2 kg is suitable for dry food only. Using the timer, you can set the number of servings for a period from 1 to 99 days.
Pros: large tank volume; ease of use; affordable price; recording voice messages; sensory protection against overflow of food; removable bowl.
Cons: only for dry food.
7th place. Large automatic feeder Feed Ex
Photo of a large automatic Feed Ex feeder from the store www.feedex.ru
This is the most spacious feeder presented in this review. It is suitable for those who need to set up a feeding system for a long time. The huge tank holds up to 10 kg of dry food and gives out from 1 to 8 servings per day.
Pros: large container volume; ease of use; ability to choose portion sizes; reliable cover and stability; removable bowl.
Cons: it runs on mains power, so it may be inconvenient to be located away from outlets; a long wire that a cat can play with and damage the power system; Suitable for dry food only.
6th place. SITITEK Pets Maxi with timer
Photo of the SITITEK Pets Maxi feeder from the store www.sititek.ru
This is a capacious feeder with a total volume of 2 liters with 6 sectors that open on a timer. You can choose several feeding modes, up to 6 days.
Pros: roomy; easy to disassemble; Suitable for both dry and wet food; small display; recording voice messages; affordable price.
Cons: 6 servings maximum, which may not be enough; There is no cooling system, so it is not advisable to leave wet food in it for a long time.
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5th place. Petwant PF-102
Photo of the Petwant PF-102 feeder from the petwant.ru store
A more advanced model with touch controls and stylish design. The capacity of the bowl is 4.3 liters.
Pros: large tank; beautiful appearance; LCD display and touch control; timer; voice messages; retains memory of the feeding mode in the event of a power failure.
Cons: only for dry food; high price.
4th place. Petwant PF-105
Photo of the Petwant PF-105 feeder from the petwant.ru store
The feeder has 5 sectors of 240 ml each and a rotating lid.
Pros: easy to use; easy to disassemble; beautiful modern design; works on batteries and mains; stable; made of quality materials; recording voice messages.
Cons: small volume; no cooling system for wet food; maximum 6 servings; the cost is higher than that of analogues.
3rd place. Petoneer Nutri Vision Feeder
Photo of the Petoneer Nutri Vision Feeder from the petoneer.ru store
This is a 3.7 liter smart device with a built-in video camera and night vision function. The application will send you a push notification if your pet independently pressed the food dispensing button and ate without your permission.
Pros: It is possible to take photos and record videos via the cloud, talk to your pet and listen to its voice using two-way audio; hidden slot for external battery for autonomous operation.
Cons: only for dry food; high price.
2nd place. SITITEK Pets Pro Plus
Photo of the SITITEK Pets Pro Plus feeder from the store www.sititek.ru
Another advanced smart device with remote control via the Hoison app. The container holds up to 2 kg of feed.
Pros: smart system for setting the feeding mode automatically or via a smartphone (the application can be installed on several devices at once); connection via Wi-Fi; spacious bowl; modern design; illumination at night; two-way audio communication; video camera for monitoring your pet online.
Cons: works only from the network; only for dry food; Currently only the Chinese version of the Hoison application is available; high price.
The best smart automated feeders
Automatic feeder for dogs and cats with timer SITITEK Pets Pro Plus
Rating: 4.9
The first is an innovative device with a 4 liter container. This volume holds 2 kg of dry food, so even a large breed dog will be provided with food for several days. The free app allows you to easily manage all settings using your phone or tablet. The built-in video camera transmits an image, and the owner can observe the behavior of the pet at the feeder.
The device is equipped with a microphone and loudspeaker. At any time you can call the animal and listen to its voice. The built-in backlight illuminates the tray and the area around it for more comfortable eating in the dark.
According to reviews, the application downloads quickly thanks to the QR code in the instructions. Even far from your pet, you can not get bored, communicate with him, take photos. The service also regenerates data on his condition and provides nutritional recommendations. Control is possible from several mobile devices, so if necessary, you can ask relatives and friends to look after your dog or cat remotely.
Advantages
- high precision of granule supply (± 2 g);
- spacious container for food;
- monitoring your pet's health;
- presence of LED backlight;
- video and two-way audio communication.
Flaws
- not identified.
Smart automatic feeder Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element Blue
Rating: 4.8
Second place goes to a stylish feeder, which will become not just a useful device, but also an interior decoration. It synchronizes with your phone via the PETKIT application, where you can make settings and remotely control the animal’s behavior. Supply of dry granules is possible in automatic and manual mode. Capacity volume – 5900 ml. The food retains its aroma and taste for 1 month due to the installation of a desiccant and a protective ring on the lid.
The dispenser works without breakdowns and does not become clogged with granules. This was confirmed by 1 million tests in the company's laboratory. Built-in sensors transmit information about the weight of the food remaining in the tray and control the supply of a strictly defined amount of food.
The “smart” device was chosen by many customers. The trendy design fits harmoniously into a modern kitchen. The feeder is available in 2 colors: blue and white. It does not require special hygienic care. The controls are very clear and accessible.
Advantages
- 10 high-precision sensors;
- large volume of storage unit;
- settings from a smartphone or tablet;
- keeping food fresh for 30 days;
- stylish external design.
Flaws
- not identified.
