Not all pet technology enhances your pet’s life, but automatic feeders stand out as genuinely beneficial. While some pet tech, like fancy litter boxes, might be unnecessary, opting for a standard or DIY litter box often suffices. However, certain tech products like microchip-activated cat feeders, cat doors, and cat water fountains offer real advantages. Among these, automatic feeders are exceptionally useful for cat owners.
Before diving in, it’s crucial to clarify that automatic feeders aren’t a substitute for responsible pet ownership. Leaving your cat unattended for extended periods, even with an automatic feeder, is not advisable. Cats need daily check-ins. However, automatic feeders are invaluable tools for managing various feeding-related behaviors and ensuring your cat’s well-being while you are home. I personally use one and frequently recommend them to my clients.
The Undeniable Benefits of Automatic Cat Food Dispensers
Automatic Cat Food Dispensers address several common behavioral issues in cats. One of the primary reasons I recommend them is to solve the problem of cats waking their owners up prematurely for food. This was actually my motivation for getting my own automatic feeder! While I won’t single out which of my cats is the early morning food requester, one is definitely more vocal than the other when breakfast time rolls around before dawn.
Poutine the cat, captured in a candid moment, showcasing a silly expression while relaxing on a tie-dye blanket.
An automatic dispenser removes you from the feeding equation, preventing your cat from associating early morning disturbances with meal provision. The feeder dispenses food automatically, allowing you to sleep undisturbed while your cat gets their breakfast.
Beyond early wake-up calls, automatic feeders are beneficial for managing other food-related behaviors. If your cat tends to be overly focused on food or overeats, distributing their meals into smaller, more frequent portions is highly recommended. This feeding approach mirrors a cat’s natural eating habits and helps them feel full for longer periods. Achieving this with a busy schedule can be challenging. An automatic feeder makes it simple to provide smaller meals throughout the day, even when you are not at home.
Quick Tip: For cats that eat too quickly, consider incorporating puzzle feeders. Combining puzzle feeders with an automatic dispenser is an excellent strategy. Use the automatic feeder for morning or daytime meals, and puzzle feeders for other feedings. Slow feeder inserts can also be used within the automatic feeder’s bowl to further slow down eating.
Furthermore, if your cat has specific health conditions that require consistent and timed meals, an automatic feeder is incredibly helpful. Consult with your veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist to determine the appropriate meal sizes and feeding frequency for your cat’s needs. An automatic dispenser simplifies adherence to these dietary schedules.
Potential Drawbacks of Automatic Cat Food Dispensers
Despite their advantages, automatic cat food dispensers do have potential downsides. One concern is the possibility of malfunction, which could leave your cat without food. This is a key reason why relying solely on automatic feeders when you are away for several days is not recommended. Instead, arrange for a pet sitter to check on your cat and ensure the feeder is functioning correctly.
Many automatic feeders are primarily designed for dry food, although wet food options are available. If your cat’s diet consists mainly of wet food, your choices might be more limited. Wet food compatible dispensers often require more upkeep, typically involving ice packs to keep the food fresh until mealtime.
However, there are wet food automatic cat food dispenser models that eliminate the need for ice packs. PetLibro’s refrigerated wet food automatic feeder can store up to three meals over three days. Feedings can be scheduled via an app, allowing you to control the duration the food is accessible. I have personally found this type of feeder very convenient for days when I am away from home for extended periods.
Addressing Mechanical and Design Issues
Another potential problem is feeder blockages. This reinforces why it’s not wise to leave your cat completely unattended for days, even with an automatic feeder. Regular checks are necessary.
The design quality of automatic feeders varies. Some models offer limited control over portion sizes and feeding frequency. Generally, more technologically advanced feeders provide greater flexibility and app-based control over feedings. However, features vary significantly by manufacturer.
Lastly, some cats might be initially wary of automatic feeders due to the noise of food dispensing. While most cats quickly associate the sound with mealtime and approach eagerly, particularly sensitive cats might be startled. If your cat is easily frightened, consider sticking with puzzle feeders as a primary feeding method.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
With a wide array of automatic feeders available, selecting the right one for your needs is essential. Here are crucial features to consider:
Cost
Budget is a primary consideration. While advanced feeders may offer appealing features, a more affordable model can still meet your basic needs effectively. Conversely, the most expensive feeder isn’t always the best choice if it includes features you won’t use.
Control Over Portions
Feeders vary in how they control food dispensing. Some use pre-portioned compartments, while others dispense set amounts. Simpler models merely release food as needed, offering minimal portion control and little advantage over a standard food bowl.
For electronic feeders, check the precision of portion control and dispensing increments. Also, determine if programming can be done locally or remotely. This leads to the next feature:
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Do you need app-based control? Wi-Fi-enabled feeders offer features like monitoring dispensing times, adjusting schedules and portions remotely, and accessing additional functionalities. Some models even include cameras, allowing you to watch your cat eat!
Ease of Cleaning
Like litter box maintenance, regular cleaning of your automatic feeder is essential for hygiene. Choose a model that is easy to disassemble and clean to prevent bacterial growth and food staleness. Stainless steel bowls are generally easier to clean and more hygienic than plastic ones. Furthermore, plastic bowls are generally not recommended for cat feeding in general.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food Compatibility
Consider your cat’s primary diet. Dry food feeders are widely available, but options for wet food are more specialized due to preservation requirements. If you feed wet food, look for models specifically designed to keep wet food chilled.
Additional Features
Automatic feeders come with various extra features, some of which might be appealing or useful. For example, some feeders allow voice recording to call your cat to meals. While not essential, features like this can be a fun addition, though they might not be suitable for skittish cats. My own automatic feeder has this feature, and it’s amusing to have my cats hear “My dudes, it’s time to eat” before their meal is dispensed.
Is an Automatic Cat Food Dispenser the Right Choice for Your Cat?
To determine if an automatic feeder is suitable for your cat, consider these questions:
- Is there an automatic feeder within my budget compatible with the type of food I feed my cat?
- Does the feeder have the features I need and desire?
- Am I prepared to maintain the feeder properly?
- Will I feel disconnected from my cat by not feeding them directly?
- Can I sufficiently enrich my cat’s life through other means, like puzzle feeders, to compensate for not hand-feeding?
- Is there a specific behavioral issue that an automatic feeder could resolve?
- Would a microchip-activated feeder be more beneficial? (Consider RFID tag feeders by PetLibro and PortionPro Rx, but these require your cat to wear a collar).
If you conclude that an automatic feeder is a good fit, the next step is choosing the right model. Based on client feedback and personal experience, some models consistently perform well.
Recommended Dry Food Automatic Cat Food Dispensers
Dry food feeders are abundant, making selection challenging. PetLibro is my preferred brand. I personally use their feeders and consistently find them superior. In fact, I own three PetLibro automatic feeders for my two cats – two for dry food and one for wet food.
I appreciate PetLibro feeders for their precise portion control, adjustable down to 1/12 cup increments, which is ideal for smaller, frequent meals. This is particularly useful for clients aiming to spread out feedings to reduce food begging and keep cats satiated throughout the day. PetLibro offers a range of models, including one with a built-in camera, so you can observe your cat – or Poutine – awaiting their meal while you clean their stainless steel bowls.
A ginger cat named Poutine gazes hopefully at two automatic cat food dispensers, showcasing empty bowls in anticipation of his next meal.
Enhancing Feeding with Enrichment
Dry food automatic dispensers can be easily combined with enrichment strategies. Puzzle feeders are excellent for providing mental stimulation. While automatic feeders typically dispense into standard bowls, you can enhance them with slow feeder bowls.
Consider using a ceramic slow feeder bowl that fits within the feeder setup. Alternatively, silicone slow feeder inserts can be placed inside the existing bowl. These inserts have ridges that slow down eating, making automatic feeders suitable even for cats prone to eating too quickly.
Recommended Wet Food Compatible Automatic Cat Food Dispensers
Wet food automatic feeders are less common, primarily due to the challenge of keeping wet food fresh. Most wet food feeders rely on ice packs, like the Ownpets model which can store up to six meals. However, models like the PetLibro Polar use refrigeration for better preservation.
Another option includes single-compartment feeders suitable for one wet food meal while you are out. The WellToBe feeder combines a dry food tank with a single wet food compartment with an ice pack. Other ice-pack-based options include models from Ownpets and Cat Mate, offering multi-meal compartments to keep food chilled.
Ultimately, deciding if an automatic cat food dispenser is right for your cat involves careful consideration of various factors. There is no single perfect choice for every cat. However, in the right circumstances, they can be an invaluable tool for cat care.
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