The 10 Best Automatic Cat Feeders for Busy Pet Owners — Ranked and Rated

Today’s pet owners are busier than ever. One way to streamline the chaos of kitty mealtime is to invest in an automatic pet food dispenser. 

Even if you think an automatic feeder falls under the category of “Unjustifiably Needless Pet Gear,” you might be surprised to hear the benefits they offer. Some models connect to WiFi, allowing users to dispense food with the swipe of a finger. Others are equipped with microchip-reading technology, and some even let you watch your pet through a camera. Plus, an automatic feeder helps keep feline waistlines trim with pre-determined portions and slow-feed settings. 

Of course, each feeder is different, and some may suit your lifestyle and cat better than others. Our team has done the heavy lifting for you by working through countless reviews and products to bring you the best automatic cat feeders out there — no matter what type of cat you have, we’ve got a device that’s perfect for him.

Let’s check out our top 10 automatic cat feeders in several categories. 

The Top Picks for the Best Automatic Cat Feeder: Ranked and Rated

#1 Best Overall: WOPET Programmable Automatic SmartFeeder

Our choice for the best automatic cat feeder is the WOPET Programmable Automatic SmartFeeder for its large storage capacity and Wifi-enabled capability.

Control your cat’s mealtime from the convenience of your smartphone. This Wifi-enabled WOPET feeder accommodates up to 20 portions of dry kibble and will serve between one and six feedings per day.

If you’re nervous about leaving your precious pet alone during the day, an audio-enabled HD camera lets you keep tabs on your furry friend. You can also reassure a lonely cat with a 10-second recording of your voice announcing meals. 

The device’s camera is perfect for snapping candid shots of your fabulous feline, and the larger storage capacity (7 liters/29 cups) means food won’t run out as quickly. There’s also the bonus of backup battery power for emergencies; three D-cell batteries (not included) keep this feeder running when the power goes out.

Most customer complaints had to do with the WOPET app, including having difficulty saving changes.

Pros and Cons of the WOPET Programmable Automatic SmartFeeder

Best Automatic Cat Feeder Overall

WOPET SmartFeeder

• Wifi-enabled
• Holds up to 20 portions of dry kibble
• Audio-enabled HD camera
• Program up to 6 custom-sized meals per day
• Dual power supply (batteries and electric)

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2. Best for Wet Food: Cat Mate C500 Digital 5-Meal Dispenser

If you serve wet food, the Cat Mate C500 Digital 5-Meal Dispenser is a solid choice. And you can use it for dry cat food, too! With dishwasher-safe parts and built-in ice packs, it’s perfect for keeping wet food healthy and fresh.

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to figure out this device. A simple digital timer makes it easy to schedule up to five meals at a time. Programmed meals appear on the LCD display for easy viewing. It also features a tamper-proof lid to keep your kitty from eating multiple meals at once.

The Cat Mate C500 runs on three AA batteries (not included), which should last about a year.

Verified reviewers had two main complaints. Some had difficulty setting the timer. Others said that the ice packs didn’t last long enough to keep five meals fresh and safe.

Pros and Cons of the Cat Mate C500 Digital 5-Meal Dispenser

Best for Wet Food

Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder

• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Built-in icepacks keep food fresh
• A simple digital timer that’s easy to set
• LCD display for easy viewing

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3. Best for Dry Food: PETLIBRO 6L Automatic Cat Feeder

For cats who stick to dry food, the PETLIBRO 6L Automatic Cat Feeder is a definite winner. The dispenser’s secure twist-lock lid keeps food fresh and pest-free. A blue and red LED light indicates low food levels and gives you a heads up if the feeder is jammed.

The PETLIBRRO runs on a 5-V power adapter (included) or three D batteries (not included). You don’t need an app to use this feeder — just schedule up to six meals per day directly on the LCD panel. Other features include a large 6-liter storage tank and the ability to record 10-second voice messages for your kitty.

One downside to the PETLIBRO is its lack of a slow-feed option, an important feature for pet owners looking to curb speed eating. Some pet parents reported that their very determined kitties managed to break into the twist-lock lid and steal food intended for future meals. Others said that the feeder only worked intermittently.

Pros and Cons of the PETLIBRO 6L Automatic Cat Feeder

Best for Dry Food

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder

• The secure twist-lock lid keeps food fresh and pest-free
• Schedule meals directly on the LCD panel
• Slow-feed option
• Records 10-second voice messages
• Serves up to six meals per day

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4. Best for Multiple Cats: HUICOCY Pet Feeder with 2-Way Splitter 

Mealtime can be stressful for multiple cat households, but with the HUICOCY Pet Feeder with 2-Way Splitter it doesn’t have to be. Equipped with a 4.5-L split dispenser and plastic divider, this brilliant feeder encourages peaceful meals.

Food is stored and served in hygienic stainless steel. We love that the lid is transparent, letting you check food levels at a glance. It also features an anti-clog design, is designed to keep food crunchy and safe from kitties looking for unscheduled meals, and an anti-tip design.

A number of reviewers reported that this cat feeder quit working soon after they purchased it.

Pros and Cons of the HUICOCY Pet Feeder with 2-Way Splitter 

Best for Multiple Cats

HUICOCY Automatic Cat Feeders

• Split dispenser and plastic divider ensure peaceful meals.
• Hygienic stainless steel design
• Keep food crunchy and long-lasting
• Anti-clog design

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5. Best for Overweight Cats: PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Feeder

Automatic feeders like the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Feeder are great for cats who need a little help with weight management. And this model offers a few perks that will keep your cat’s diet on track. 

Portion sizes are easy to program with the feeder’s display. If your cat has a habit of gulping down her food in a flash, there’s a slow-feed setting that dispenses kibble over a 15-minute period. This helps prevent vomiting and indigestion. 

This model dispenses up to 12 servings of dry or semi-moist cat food. Servings can be as small as ⅛ cup: perfect for distributing small bites throughout the day, which has been shown to promote healthy feline weight. 

Unfortunately, this model does lose points with us by requiring a separate purchase for the power adapter. Moreover, some reviewers said that they experienced issues with the interface and that the clock “loses time,” which leads to inaccurate feeding scheduling.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Feeder

Best for Overweight Cats

PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Programmable Dog & Cat Feeder

• Great for cats who need help with weight management
• Flexible portion sizes, from ⅛ cup to 4 cups
• Slow-feed setting dispenses kibble over a 15-minute period
• Made with BPA-free plastic and hygienic stainless steel

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6. Best for Large Food Storage: Roffie 7L Automatic Pet Food Dispenser

For pet owners with more than one cat (or who just like the convenience of not having to refill bins constantly), the Roffie 7L Automatic Pet Food Dispenser’s generous storage capacity is a serious plus. This affordable feeder holds 7 liters (29 cups) of your cat’s favorite dry food. Depending on your cat’s portion sizes, that can last from a few days to over a week.

This automatic food dispenser allows you to record a voice message that will play when it’s time for your pet to eat. It features battery backup in case there’s a power outage. And a two-year warranty is included.

This feeder is only compatible with dry kibble between 0.2-0.6 inches in size, so measure accordingly.

Some reviewers said that this pet food dispenser quit working shortly after purchasing it. Others said that it wasn’t sturdy, so their pets were able to break into the storage bin.

Pros and Cons of the Roffie 7L Automatic Pet Food Dispenser

Best for Large Food Storage

7L Automatic Cat Feeder with Timer Schedule Feature

• Generous storage capacity
• Sealed cover keeps food fresh
• Records your own voice message
• Two-year warranty

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7. Best for Small Spaces: DOGNESS Mini Programmable Feeder

If space is in short supply, this adorably shaped, pastel-hued (pink, mint, or white) DOGNESS Mini Programmable Feeder won’t disappoint. At only 13.6 inches high, this feeder is less intrusive than some of the larger models. Reviewers mention its quiet design, so the noise shouldn’t drive you crazy, either. And it includes a stainless steel bowl that’s easy to keep clean.

The DOGNESS runs on USB power, and a bonus: it includes a self-activating battery for power failures. This feeder doesn’t require an internet connection, which could be seen as a pro or a con, depending on the user. It holds up to 2-liters of food. 

One user reported that the power cord detaches too easily.

Pros and Cons of the DOGNESS Mini Programmable Feeder

Best for Small Spaces

DOGNESS Mini Programmable Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder

• Quiet design
• Runs on USB power with self-activating battery for power failures
• Holds up to 2-liters of food
• Stainless steel bowl is easy to keep clean

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8. Best Microchip Option: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Microchip-reading feeders like the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder solve the headache of managing cats on different diets. They’re ideal if you have one cat on a prescription diet or one who’s trying to lose some weight. A microchip feeder is equally helpful for cats who steal each other’s food. 

The SureFeed smart feeder detects your pet’s microchip and distributes wet and dry food according to your pre-programmed preferences. The Sure Petcare app lets you keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits, tracking how much your cat eats, how often, and when. It also monitors food levels, so you always know when it’s time to refill. 

Have a pet that’s not microchipped? They can still use this smart feeder with the included RFID collar tag. If you need an extra tag, you can buy them separately. 

One downside we found was that using the app requires the Sure Petcare Hub, sold separately. Also, some pet parents reported that other pets in the household figured out some rather ingenious ways how to access food in the feeder.

Pros and Cons of the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Best Microchip Option

SureFeed Microchip Small Dog & Cat Feeder

• Manage cats on different diets
• Compatible with all ID microchips
• Sure Petcare app lets you keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits
• Holds both wet and dry food

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9. Best Splurge Option: Whisker Feeder-Robot Pet Feeder

If you can swing the heftier price tag, this highly acclaimed Whisker Feeder-Robot Pet Feeder is a favorite among busy pet owners. The AutoPets Connect app makes it easy to customize meals and snacks. 

This sleek, modern looking appliance is built with your pet’s safety in mind. It features an auto-locking lid, anti-jam technology, a chew-proof cord, and BPA-free plastic. A built-in battery provides backup power, which should last 24 hours in power-saving mode.

The Whisker Feeder-Robot Pet Feeder accommodates both dry and semi-moist food. Removable parts make the device easy to clean.

While reviews were overwhelmingly positive, one customer reported that the app was “glitchy.” Another said that reaching customer service was difficult.

Pros and Cons of the Whisker Feeder-Robot Pet Feeder

Best Splurge Option

Whisker Feeder-Robot Smoke Hopper Dog & Cat Feeder

• Favorite among busy pet owners
• Auto-locking lid and chew-proof cord
• Sleek, modern look
• Can be used for both dry and semi-moist food

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10. Best Budget Option: PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Cat Feeder

The PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Cat Feeder proves you can find a reliable cat feeder without spending an arm and a leg. This affordable gadget dispenses wet or dry food in 1-cup portions. We love that it takes up minimal vertical space, making it easy to place in any home. This feeder runs on 4 D-cell batteries (not included). 

This automated cat feeder serves up to five meals. It’s made of BPA-free plastic and includes dishwasher-safe food trays. And, best of all, it’s easy to program.

Although this device received excellent ratings, a surprisingly high number of users reported that their pets quickly figured out how to access all of the meals in one sitting.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Cat Feeder

Best Budget Option

PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder

• Takes up minimal vertical space
• Serves up to 5 meals
• Made from BPA-free plastic
• The affordable and reliable cat feeder

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How You Can Benefit From an Automatic Cat Feeder

Unsure if a programmable feeder is right for you? Consider the following benefits:

• No more delayed meals: Make life easier with pre-programmed dinners so Fluffy won’t go hungry if you’re delayed in traffic. Fans of the snooze button can schedule their cat’s breakfast, putting an end to early morning wake-up calls.
• Helps with weight management: According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of the cats in the U.S. are overweight.  Automatic feeders combat pet obesity with portion control and slow-feed settings. And unlike gravity feeders, many programmable feeders let you monitor your cat’s eating habits.
• Ideal for long work days: For people who work long or irregular hours, an automatic feeder can be a real lifesaver.
• Useful for coordinating different diets: Automatic feeders make it easier to manage multiple diets. Some microchip models can detect which animal is at the feeder and will dish out goodies accordingly.
• You’ll enjoy peace of mind: It’s nerve-wracking for some cat owners to leave their pet home alone. An automatic feeder lets you relax knowing your cat will be fed on time — even if you have to stay late at the office.

Of course, no pet tech comes without its share of drawbacks. A feeder will need to be washed regularly, which can be troublesome with certain models. Oversized kibble can get jammed, and some feeders won’t work with wet food. 

There are also experts who caution against leaning too heavily on an electronic stand-in for kitty mealtime. After all, there’s no substitute for one-on-one interaction with your pet. 

What to Look For in an Automatic Cat Feeder

Pet tech has evolved over the years, and automatic food dispensers are no exception. Many of today’s feeders can connect to the internet, use apps to schedule meals, and even keep pets and owners connected through audio-enabled smart cameras.

Depending on your budget and needs, you can stick to a simpler, no-frills model or opt for a high-tech feeder with all the bells and whistles. Either way you go, here are some key features to consider while shopping:

• Food storage capacity: Multiple cat households that use more food may have larger storage needs. Only using it to feed one cat her lunch? A smaller feeder will suffice.
• Food compatibility: Are you dishing up dry food or wet food? Some models only work with dry food, so look for a feeder that can function with your cat’s preferred nibbles. And don’t forget to check the size, too — with some models, larger-sized kibble can get jammed. 
• Washability: Busy pet owners don’t need another chore, and a cat feeder that’s complicated to wash could be a dealbreaker. Look for devices with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.
• Power source: Many feeders can use batteries, great news if you’re concerned about your cat going hungry during a power outage. Some models use WiFi and smartphone apps to coordinate mealtime, which could be a bonus for tech-savvy users — or a nuisance for folks with spotty internet access. 
• Cat-proof security: For cats known to finagle their way into the food storage bin, cat-proof security is essential. We recommend looking for a secure lid and an un-tippable design for cats with a penchant for stealing.
• Affordability: Automatic cat feeders range in price, so you’ll need to weigh your feeder wish list against your budget. Thankfully, we’ve found plenty of reliable cat food dispensers — at every price point.

Our Criteria and Experience: How We Chose the Best

In creating recommendations of any animal products for our readers, we research multiple options in search of the ones that give you the best bang for your buck. We’ve included automatic cat feeders with a more hefty price tag, but they have lots of handy features, such as a camera to catch your cat on film while eating. A feature that every automatic feeder should have is the ability to be programmed to feed your cat at specific times, or be operated by the owner from a remote location. We found the best automatic cat feeders to dispense dry food and wet food, an option that fits nicely into a small space, one for multiple cats, and one that holds days worth of storage.

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