An automatic cat feeder is an essential tool for any cat owner who wants to ensure their pet stays fed when they’re not around, whether it’s during the workday or on short trips. These feeders are also ideal for providing precise portions to cats on specialized diets or for automating early morning feedings, so your feline friend stops waking you up and instead waits by the feeder for their meal.
We tested 24 different models to determine the best automatic cat feeder for a range of needs. Our evaluation focused on factors like timing accuracy, portion control, user-friendly software, and additional features. You can find more details about our testing process in the “How We Tested” section below.
After months of testing, we found that the PETLIBRO AIR WiFi Feeder is the top choice for most cat owners. It offers a long battery life and a user-friendly app that makes feeding your cat convenient and reliable.
Best Overall
PETLIBRO AIR WiFi Feeder
An automatic cat feeder is a must-have for cat owners who need to keep their pets well-fed while they’re away, whether it’s during a busy workday or a brief vacation. These feeders are particularly useful for delivering precise portions for cats on special diets and can automate early morning feedings, so your cat learns to wait by the feeder instead of waking you up for breakfast.
We evaluated 24 different automatic cat feeders to find the best one for various needs. Our assessment considered factors like accuracy in timing, portion control, ease of use, and additional features. For more information on our evaluation process, see the “How We Tested” section below.
After thorough testing, we determined that the PETLIBRO AIR WiFi Feeder stands out as the best option for most cat owners. It combines an impressive battery life with a user-friendly app, making it a convenient and reliable choice for feeding your cat.
Maximum Capacity: About 8.5 cups | Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.4 x 7.1 inches | Weight: 2.86 pounds | Food Type: Dry | Power Source: 5200mAh lithium-ion battery | Mobile App: Yes
Best Upgrade
Whisker Feeder Robot
After extensive testing, the Whisker Feeder-Robot stands out as the most impressive automatic cat feeder we’ve evaluated. This versatile feeder offers a range of intuitive feeding options and features the most user-friendly app among all the models we tested. It received top marks for its functionality, timer precision, and portion control. However, its high price and large size might be more than some cat owners are looking for.
The Feeder-Robot combines a futuristic look with a friendly design, though it is notably large compared to other feeders. Buyers should anticipate it occupying a significant amount of space. Despite its size, it has a 9 by 11.25-inch footprint, making it feel a bit top-heavy. Nevertheless, it proved sturdy in our lab tests; even a ten-pound sandbag couldn’t move it, ensuring it won’t tip over easily.
Setting up the Feeder-Robot is straightforward and took us about 15 minutes, including downloading and syncing the app via a QR code on the back of the unit. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The Feeder-Robot offers precise meal timing and portion control, allowing you to dispense up to a full cup of food up to eight times a day. It comes with a 1/4-cup dispenser installed, but you can swap it for a 1/8-cup dispenser included in the package for more accurate portions—though this limits the maximum serving size to 1/2 cup.
It also features a “gravity mode” that maintains a full bowl by checking food levels every six hours. This helps prevent overfeeding if you’re not monitoring the feeder closely.
The Feeder-Robot’s reservoir can hold up to 32 cups of dry food. For larger kibbles, the included Hopper Insert helps funnel food into the dispenser, though it reduces the total capacity to 25 cups.
The app keeps you informed about feeding times and food levels, and the backup battery ensures the feeder continues to function for up to 24 hours during a power outage. You can also set feeding schedules directly from the control panel, with the unit maintaining its schedule even if it’s offline. An easy-to-read blue indicator light shows the feeder’s operational status.
The app notifies you at feeding times, lets you check food levels, create schedules, and remotely dispense a snack-size portion. It also tracks feeding history, providing daily averages and insights that can be exported to CSV files for review with your veterinarian.
One drawback is the included plastic bowl, which is not dishwasher-safe and may cause issues for cats with skin allergies. A dishwasher-safe, hypoallergenic glass bowl is available separately for an additional $30. While it would have been preferable for more components to be dishwasher-safe, the washable parts are easy to remove and clean by hand.
The Whisker Feeder-Robot comes in four color options: black or white with a clear or smoke-colored food hopper. It includes a 90-day in-home trial and an 18-month warranty, with free shipping within the contiguous United States.
Maximum Capacity: 32 cups | Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 13 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Food Type: Dry | Power Source: Plug and backup battery | Mobile App: Yes
Best Budget
FEELNEEDY Automatic Cat Feeder
Simplify your pet’s feeding routine with the FEELNEEDY Automatic Cat Feeder, a cutting-edge solution for busy pet owners. This WiFi-connected feeder boasts a 3L capacity, making it ideal for both cats and small to medium-sized dogs. With its advanced features, you can manage your pet’s meals conveniently from anywhere using your smartphone, ensuring they are well-fed even when you’re not at home.
The feeder supports 2.4G WiFi, allowing you to control feeding schedules and portions remotely through the user-friendly app. You can program up to 10 meals per day and dispense up to 36 portions, offering flexible feeding options tailored to your pet’s dietary needs. This ensures your pets receive the right amount of food at the right times, promoting a healthy eating routine.
Designed for dry food, the FEELNEEDY feeder is perfect for managing your pet’s meals with minimal effort. Its sleek and modern design fits seamlessly into any home decor, while its easy-to-clean components make maintenance simple. The feeder’s reliable performance and innovative features make it an essential tool for maintaining your pet’s feeding schedule and overall well-being.
Whether you’re at work, traveling, or simply busy at home, the FEELNEEDY Automatic Cat Feeder provides a dependable solution for keeping your pets happy and healthy.
Maximum Capacity: 2 liters (~8 cups) or 6 liters (~25 cups) | Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.1 x 12.2 inches (2 liters), 9.5 x 7.7 x 14.2 inches (6 liters) | Weight: 2.9 pounds (2 liters), 3.9 (6 liters) | Food Type: Dry | Power Source: Plug-in and three D-cell batteries | Mobile App: No
Another Great Budget Option
Sarpaws Automatic Cat Feeder
Keep a close watch on your beloved feline and ensure they’re always well-fed with the F17C Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera. This advanced smart feeder features a 1080P HD camera, delivering clear video quality even in low light conditions thanks to its night vision capability. Whether you’re at work or away on vacation, you can check in on your cat anytime, from anywhere, using the 5G WiFi connection, and monitor their feeding habits in real-time.
The F17C feeder offers more than just feeding; it also includes interactive features to enhance your connection with your pet. The 2-way audio system allows you to speak with your cat, providing comfort and interaction even when you’re not home. Additionally, the 10-second voice recorder lets you leave personalized messages that play during meal times, ensuring your pet feels loved and reassured. With smart motion and sound alerts, you’ll be notified of any activity around the feeder, offering peace of mind.
Designed with your cat’s safety in mind, this feeder comes equipped with low food and blockage sensors that alert you to potential issues, ensuring a reliable feeding experience. The user-friendly app allows you to schedule feeding times, monitor food levels, and adjust portions, making it easy to keep your cat’s diet on track. The F17C Automatic Cat Feeder is the ideal solution for pet owners who want to blend technology with pet care, keeping their cats happy, healthy, and well-connected.
Maximum Capacity: 4 or 6 liters | Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 4.74 pounds | Food Type: Dry | Power Source: Plug-in and three D-cell batteries | Mobile App: Yes
Best Portable
PETKIT Automatic Pet Feeder
Enhance your pet care routine with the PETKIT Automatic Pet Feeder, crafted for ultimate convenience and connectivity for both cats and dogs. This advanced feeder boasts a high-definition camera with 1080P resolution and night vision, allowing you to keep an eye on your pets clearly around the clock.
Featuring 2.4G WiFi connectivity, the PETKIT feeder offers effortless control through a smart app. This app lets you schedule feeding times, dispense food, and interact with your pets in real-time, making it easy to manage your pet’s diet and well-being even when you’re away from home.
The feeder is equipped with a two-way audio system, enabling you to communicate with your pets and offer comfort through your voice. Its non-stick food bowl simplifies cleaning and maintenance, preventing food residue buildup.
Designed to handle various types of dry pet food, the PETKIT feeder blends modern technology with practical functionality. Its sleek design complements any home decor, providing a reliable and effective way to keep your pets well-fed and connected.
Maximum Capacity: 3 cups (1.5 per bowl) | Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Food Type: Dry or wet | Power Source: One AA battery
