

Overall, automatic cat feeders range from $10 for basic low-end models to $250 for a cutting-edge unit. Simple gravity-powered feeders are generally the cheapest choice, while automatic feeders with high-tech smartphone connectivity integrations will come at a higher cost. There’s an automatic feeder for almost every budget. The Best Automatic Cat Feeders Fit Your Budget This is especially important if you plan to leave the house for a few days and are relying on the feeder to keep your cat fueled up while you’re away. Just as the best water fountains have a high water capacity, the best automatic feeders have large hoppers or compartments capable of storing a generous amount of food. The Best Automatic Cat Feeders Have a Large Food Capacity Those who are extremely food-driven will require a secure system that only humans can manipulate. Less secure automatic feeders are acceptable for laid-back cats. The Best Automatic Cat Feeders Are Secure, Ensuring That Your Cat Can’t Hack the SystemĪ poorly designed automatic feeder is no match for a motivated and crafty cat’s desire to eat. While top-of-the-line automatic feeders boast compatibility with every shape and size of kibble you can dump into them, you’ll have to do a little more research to find a feeder that’s compatible with wet or raw food. Make sure that your automatic feeder works with the type of food your cat likes. Great Automatic Cat Feeders Are Compatible With Your Cat’s Favorite Food We scoured customer reviews to ensure that all the feeders we’ve recommended work quietly and consistently with as few malfunctions as possible. These feeders can’t handle the food you put in them, they malfunction, they clank and whirr, and ultimately, they don’t feed your cat. Jamming and malfunctioning are constant realities when dealing with poorly designed automatic cat feeders. What Are the Qualities of the Best Automatic Cat Feeders? The Best Automatic Cat Feeders Are Smooth and Quiet Though we’ve recently added some new products to our list of top picks, you can see an in-depth video review detailing five of our favorite automatic cat feeders.

Our experts have also made note of factors affecting user experience such as programmability, app connectivity, noise level, and more.

Throughout the testing period, our experts observed various performance indicators such as portion accuracy, timing consistency, and malfunction frequency.

Most of the products on this list have been tested in depth by our experts. We spent hours researching the different types of automatic cat feeders, exploring the various products on the market, and reading hundreds of customer reviews. We’ve also read thousands of customer reviews and, with the help of our own cats, we got hands-on experience with most of the automatic cat feeders on this list. We’ve consulted veterinary experts about potential health and safety concerns, and talked to animal behaviorists about what makes a product cat-friendly. We’ve researched, tested, and reviewed hundreds of cat products, including a range of pet tech and accessories like water fountains, toys, and feeders. At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Automatic Cat Feeders But before we jump into the reviews, let’s talk about what we looked for when choosing the best automatic feeders. In addition to our top recommendation, we’ve selected six more of the best automatic feeders you can buy. Its rotating design keeps the food secure while the built-in ice packs keep it fresh. Though less advanced than some of our other recommendations, it functions well and is compatible with any type of cat food. With its versatility and consistent performance, the Cat Mate C500 is our top pick for the best automatic cat feeder on the market. Whether you seek greater control over your cat’s food intake or simply want to keep them well fed while you’re away from home, an automatic cat feeder could be the ideal solution. Read more about how we’re supported here. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing.
