Luckily, instead of trying to find someone to feed your cat while you’ve held up at work again, you can now get your pet an automatic cat feeder, which won’t only help you manage your hectic schedule but also add essential portion control for your furry friend’s diet. Image credits: freepik Insights from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine underscore the importance of portion control in preventing issues like obesity and diabetes in cats. They also highlight how automatic feeders foster healthier eating habits tailored to cat’s needs. More advanced cat feeders come with a wide array of features, from basic gravity-fed designs to cutting-edge Wi-Fi-enabled programmable units. Some even feature cameras, video with night vision, and single — or double-feed hoppers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seeking an upgrade, our team at Bored Panda spent hours researching different cat feeder brands and listening to what cat parents have to say on the topic. We compared features such as size, food capacity, maintenance needs, ease of assembly, and whether cat food dispenser parts were dishwasher-friendly. Here’s our takeaway. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details. Our Community Picks Best Overall: PETLIBRO Cat Feeder With Timer and Voice Recording $69.99 Runner-Up: PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats $89.99 Also Great: Kacoomi Automatic Cat Feeder and Water Dispenser $29.99 Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Overall Automatic Cat Feeders
Our research concluded that stainless steel is the best material for a cat feeder. It’s durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t harbor bacteria. Plus, it will keep your feline’s food fresher. We’ve rounded up our two favorites below. Cat feeders are a great way to regulate your feline friend’s portion size, prevent overeating, and cultivate healthy eating habits. This can be highly beneficial for managing weight and promoting overall cat health and longevity. Moreover, these feeding machines allow you to control feeding schedules, giving you the flexibility to manage your cat’s diet. Some advanced feeders with monitoring features also allow you to track your cat’s feeding patterns and adjust remotely, enhancing your control over their nutrition. Finally, automatic feeders offer convenience by automating the feeding process, saving you time and effort while ensuring your cat’s nutritional needs are met. Some cat feeders are dishwasher-friendly, making them easy to clean and maintain.
How do automatic cat feeders work?
Automatic cat feeders are designed to store and dispense pre-measured amounts of dry cat food at specific times. These smart devices usually consist of a container to hold the food, a dispensing mechanism, and a programmable timer or app interface that allows you to set feeding schedules. When it’s time for a meal, the feeder releases the predetermined portion of food into a bowl or tray for your furry friend to enjoy. It’s a convenient and reliable way to ensure your cat is fed even when you’re not around.
Can an automatic feeder help meet my cat’s dietary needs?
Every cat’s diet should be based on lifestyle, health requirements, size, activity level, and other factors. If your cat needs to lose weight, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to maintain its health. Cats are often fussy eaters, and factors like the presence of other animals, loud noises, and unclean food containers can discourage them from eating. Even if you use an automatic cat feeder, Cornwell Feline Health Center suggests being mindful of your cat’s needs and monitoring the amount of food your cat eats to prevent health issues related to poor nutrition, such as arthritis, diabetes, and obesity.
Can multiple cats share the same feeder?
Sarah K. Abood, DVM, PhD at the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, recommends feeding kittens and adult cats separately, each according to their age, size, lifestyle, and health requirements, to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
How long can you leave a cat alone with an automatic feeder?
Many vets suggest hiring a pet sitter or boarding cats when you’re out of town. Consider using an automated cat feeder with a pet sitter to ensure consistent feeding times. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on caring for your pets while you are away. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.