The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Whisker Feeder-Robot

4.8

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Our testers appreciated that the Whisker Feeder-Robot had a variety of intuitive feeding options and the most useful app of any feeder tested. The feeder scored especially high marks for its features, effectiveness, timer accuracy, and portion control.

The design of the Feeder-Robot is simultaneously futuristic and friendly, though it's definitely on the larger side, so buyers should be ready for it to take up a fair amount of space. Despite it's bulky dimensions, the Feeder-Robot tapers to a 9 x 11.25 inch footprint. This makes it feel a little top heavy, though not enough to be concerned about cats knocking it over—bashing it with a ten-pound sandbag didn't budge it, so neither will your cat.

Set up out of the box was easy, taking us about 15 minutes, including downloading and syncing the phone application (by scanning a QR code on the back of the feeder), which is available on iOS and Android.

It's easy to dial in precise meal times and serving increments with the Feeder-Robot's robust settings, through which you can dispense up to a full cup of food as frequently as eight times a day. A dispenser that uses 1/4-cup increments is already installed in the Feeder-Robot, but you can swap it for an included 1/8-cup dispenser that provides more precise portion control (though this reduces the maximum single serving to 1/2 cup).

There's also a setting that dispenses just enough food to keep the bowl full, with the Feeder-Robot checking its level every 6 hours. If your cat doesn't overeat and you don't closely monitor servings, this "gravity mode" ensures that the feeder isn't dispensing an overflowing mound of food while you're away.

The Feeder-Robot's reservoir can hold up to 32 cups of dry food, though anything other than small, round kibble will likely need the included Hopper Insert. It's designed to more effectively funnel food into the dispenser, but also reduces the total capacity to 25 cups—still a substantial amount of food.

"The app is great!" one tester said, noting their general disdain for having to download an app for every new connected product before describing the Feeder-Robot as an exception. "The notifications provide peace of mind, so I can spend less time worrying about my cats while I'm away."

This same peace of mind is enhanced by the included backup battery, which can continue to run a feeder program even if the power goes out for up to 24 hours.

In addition to notifying you with a push notification at feeding times, the app also allows you to check food levels, build schedules, and tap a button to remotely dispense a snack-size serving. While we've yet to spend enough time with the Feeder-Robot to gauge the usefulness of the app's more in-depth features, they provide unrivaled insights for the cat-owning data nerd: tracking feedings over time, pulling out daily averages, and providing other insights that can be exported to a CSV file ready for Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.

Thankfully, the Feeder-Robot doesn't rely on the app. Whether a schedule is established using the app or on the control panel keypad, the Feeder-Robot stores the schedule locally and will continue to maintain the schedule even if it's offline. An easy-to-read blue indicator light highlights whether or not the unit is currently operating on a programmed schedule.

While the Feeder-Robot has a more high-quality feel than many of the other feeders tested—with beefy, trustworthy components that slotted together intuitively—it's worth noting that the clear plastic food reservoir on our test model arrived cracked. It was our impression that this was a shipping error rather than anything specific to the product or manufacturer. Regardless, the device performed flawlessly throughout our testing.

We were also less than satisfied with the included plastic bowl, since it can't be cleaned in the dishwasher and because some cats have skin allergies (however, all components are BPA-free). A dishwasher-safe, hypoallergenic glass bowl is sold separately, adding a $30 surcharge to an already substantial investment. We would have preferred other Feeder-Robot components were dishwasher-safe as well, though its washable components are easy to separate from the feeder's base and hand wash.

The Whiskers Feeder-Robot is available in four different color combinations, with the body available in black or white, in combination with a clear food hopper or a more opaque smoke-colored option. It also comes with a 90-day in-home trial period in addition to its 18-month warranty. There's even free shipping for customers in the contiguous United States.

Price at time of publication: $339

_{Maximum Capacity: 32 cups | Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 13 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best Budget

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder

4.4

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The PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder is our former "Best Overall" pick, and while it's still a reliable automatic feeder with several different configurations, it's no longer our favorite. It is, however, a full-featured automatic feeder available at a very reasonable price. While the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal, recommended elsewhere in this roundup, is marginally more affordable, it has more limited features, whereas the feeder from PETLIBRO has all the bells and whistles.

Described as looking like a "sleek coffee maker" by one tester, the PETLIBRO has a power adapter and a battery backup (which uses 3 D-cell batteries). It has a decent interface for programming a feeding schedule on the LCD screen on the front of the device. You can also record a short message to draw your pet to the bowl for feeding time. Also included is a slot for a desiccant bag to keep kibble dry. However, since PETLIBRO recommends changing the desiccant every two weeks, it may not be worth consistently buying filter refills unless you live in a very humid climate.

Testers were mixed on how difficult programming the PETLIBRO could be, with some wishing for an option to set the feeder using a.m./p.m. times instead of a 24-hour clock. But while we may be more used to the a.m./p.m. split, programming with a 24-hour clock eliminates any ambiguity and makes it less likely you'll set the device to feed at the wrong time. You can schedule up to 4 feedings a day, which can each be customized to serve your preferred portion size. However, you can't set a different schedule for different days, such as weekends—the PETLIBRO will run the same schedule every day.

Our testers were also split on the food reservoir, which requires both hands to open. It's meant to ensure that your pet can't gain access to the kibble in the reservoir, but testers found it aggravating to open and refill. Cleaning was also a bit of a chore, with multiple components that had to be washed by hand.

But the biggest downside to the PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder was its stability—it was the only feeder that was knocked over and spilled food during our stability test. To be fair, we were walloping feeders with a 10-pound sandbag, so we still think the PETLIBRO will hold up well under most feeding conditions. But if your cats are especially rowdy, or if you plan on using the feeder for a dog, you might want to look elsewhere.

Still, this is an overall excellent feeder, especially for the price. While we are highlighting the more affordable model as our "Best Budget" pick, we also tested and can recommend the PETLIBRO Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder, 2.4G Wi-Fi Enabled, which is nearly the same feeder but with Wi-Fi connectivity and an included app. It also features a stainless steel bowl.

While the connected version's app didn't impress as much as the software included with the Whisker Feeder-Robot, our tester still found it a useful added feature.

"I'd definitely recommend it," our tester said. "I like the app component and being to control the feeder remotely with your phone. You can also get notified if something has malfunctioned."

There are other optional configurations of this feeder available as well, including a larger capacity 6-liter version and a version with a semi-opaque reservoir that makes it easier to see how much food is left.

Price at time of publication: $80

_{Maximum Capacity: 4 or 6 liters | Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 4.74 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best with Wi-Fi

WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder with WiFi

4.5

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While our testers found the WOPET 6L Automatic Feeder trickier to set up on a Wi-Fi network than our Best Overall pick, anyone looking for an app-connected automatic feeder will find it a viable alternative to the much pricier Whisker Feeder-Robot.

Described as "a little tricky" by one tester, the WOPET Automatic Feeder insisted on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection rather than 5 GHz, but setup headaches were otherwise minor. While not quite as slick as our top pick, the WOPET app was easy to use, with an attractive interface.

The app allows for detailed control of feedings and is able to schedule up to 15 meals a day. You can adjust the portion sizes dispensed in 5-gram units and build weekly schedules. For example, you could set the WOPET Automatic Feeder to dispense meals during weekdays but not on weekends. The app will track when feedings are dispensed, and notify you if it runs low on food or if a meal is not dispensed because the bowl is already full.

The feeder is white and sleek, with a semi-opaque hopper that makes it easy to see how much of its substantial 6-liter capacity has been filled. But the minimal design may go a little too far for some, since you mostly have to rely on the app to operate the feeder—there are only three buttons on the feeder's front interface, one of which allows you to dispense a portion of food manually.

While we found the WOPET 6L Automatic Feeder to be reliable when testing scheduled and overnight feedings, in our first test, it only dispensed five pieces of kibble instead of a full serving. In subsequent tests it dispensed the correct amount on time, but it was a worrying introduction to a machine that must be trusted with our pet's health when we're away. We suspect that this isn't a chronic problem with the feeder and was only caused by newly loaded kibble not settling properly into the dispenser chute. We've found WOPET feeders to be consistently reliable when reviewing previous models but felt it was worth noting in this review.

The WOPET has several other useful features, including a battery back-up to ensure your pets are fed even if your house loses power. You can also make a recording of your voice calling your cats to their mealtime, a feature included in several other feeders we tested.

Price at time of publication: $90

_{Maximum Capacity: 6 liters | Dimensions: 7.6 x 14 x 14.2 inches | Weight: 4.75 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best for Wet Food

Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Dog & Cat Feeder

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Similar in design to our Portable pick (the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal), the Cat Mate C500 Digital 5 Meal Dog & Cat Feeder uses a rotating, multi-compartment tray rather than dispensing food through a chute. This makes it ideal for semi-wet or wet food since you can load each compartment yourself and schedule when it's "revealed" to your cat or cats. But wet and canned cat food spoils more quickly than dry food and should be refrigerated after opening, making it harder to set out in advance. The Cat Mate C500 solves this problem by including two ice packs beneath the rotating tray.

While this makes the Cat Mate C500 useful for pre-loading wet food that might otherwise need refrigeration, it's still not a great option for serving wet food when you're away. We found that the two ice packs kept the food cold overnight but weren't long-lasting enough to extend past 24 hours.

Cat owners who are likely to find the Cat Mate C500 useful include anyone who is sick of their cat waking them up and would rather the cats adjust to waiting by the feeder for their scheduled mealtime. It could also be useful for scheduling a serving of food if you are going to be at work late.

The C500 can be programmed for up to 5 scheduled mealtimes, with each compartment holding 1.25 cups of food. Programming is straightforward, but one tester advised that users pay close attention that they're distinguishing a.m. and p.m. to avoid a missed meal.

The Cat Mate C500 is also easy to clean since the top cover and the food tray are dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publication: $60

_{Maximum Capacity: 1.7 liters | Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.89 x 3.7 inches | Weight: 14.8 ounces | Food Type: Wet or dry}

Best for Maximum Food Storage

Faroro 7L Automatic Pet Feeder

4.5

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The Faroro 7L Automatic Cat Feeder holds more dry cat food than any feeder we tested, other than our Best Overall pick (and even the Whisker Feeder-Robot has a smaller capacity when using its insertable hopper), making it the best choice if you would prefer to refill your feeder as infrequently as possible.

Setting up the Faroro was easy, with instructions available in multiple languages and a decent LCD interface. The Faroro is shaped like a white tower, and unlike many other feeders, its programming buttons are on top of the device instead of the front. This is a convenient location that makes it easy to see the controls, but our testers felt a little let down by the touch buttons, which were a little mushy and small.

Still, these were minor design flaws in an overall robust package. Across multiple feedings, we found the Faroro to be reliable in both timing and portion sizes. It allows for detailed scheduling of up to four meals a day and can serve portions as small as two teaspoons. Plus, it includes features like a battery backup, so you can feel secure your cats will get fed when leaving them home alone.

Price at time of publication: $70

_{Maximum Capacity: 7 liters | Dimensions: 9.65 x 8.27 x 15.12 inches | Weight: 4.45 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best for Multiple Cats

PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats

4.2

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In previous versions of this roundup we recommended that owners of multiple cats check out the WellToBe Automatic Pet Feeder with Two-Way Splitter, which holds up to 20 cups of food and includes features like a voice recording and battery backup. After more comprehensive testing, we found the WellToBe operated effectively and dispensed food accurately. However, our testers disliked a number of design choices, including its short power cable, strange button placement, and how the two bowls don't snap on to the feeder, necessitating finicky adjustments.

Instead, our testers preferred the PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats. We believe it is the better pick for anyone who would prefer a feeder that provides a separate bowl for each cat. Plus, those separate bowls are both stainless steel, which we prefer to plastic bowls.

The PETLIBRO Granary looks a little like its namesake, with a round, silo design that reminded one tester of an air filter. The feeder has a locking lid that will keep your cats out, though one tester did find it a little too smooth to grip easily. Overall, we found the Granary to be among the easiest to set up of any device we tested, with intuitive programming on a digital display that presented useful information cleanly. You can program up to ten meals a day and can adjust portion control down to the tablespoon, with a maximum meal serving that's more than four cups of dry food.

The Granary has other useful features, including a battery back-up, manual feeding button, and the ability to record a short "come and get it" message to your cats. Similarly to the other PETLIBRO feeder we recommend in this roundup, you can also insert a desiccant bag in the kibble reservoir if there's a chance of high humidity spoiling the stored food.

The only downside our testers noted was the meal splitter, which can be adjusted to serve different sized portions to different bowls. In practice, we found it tricky to make precise adjustments. It was a minor flaw in a feeder that was otherwise a favorite of our testers.

Price at time of publication: $90

_{Maximum Capacity: 5 liters | Dimensions: 13.6 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best Portable

PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

4.8

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Similar to our other PetSafe recommendation, the PetSafe Eatwell 5-Meal Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder uses four D-cell batteries instead of plugging into a wall. But unlike the larger six-meal feeder, this one has several features that would make it the perfect choice for anyone hoping to travel with their pets.

Most notable is the clever all-in-one design, which rotates to reveal the next portion of food on a set schedule rather than dispensing food into a separable bowl. This means you can't clean the bowl separately from the five-portion carousel, but it also makes the Eatwell a cinch to pick up and move around. This may not matter much if your feeder will occupy the same position in your kitchen for years, but anyone with reason to move the feeder around is sure to find its form factor convenient.

The cover of the PetSafe 5-Meal Pet Feeder lifts up to reveal all five compartments and the otherwise hidden programming buttons. There's nothing fancy about the software interface, which uses a small LCD screen to program exact feeding times—rotating in up to four new meals during the day, with the schedule repeating in subsequent days. You can also suspend or restart feeding without losing your programmed schedule.

As with our other PetSafe pick, the 5-Meal doesn't provide a lot of flexibility and is best for pet owners who stick to a regular feeding schedule every day. But that simplicity was also a virtue, since more complicated machines left some testers wondering if they had properly set the feeder, which was never a problem with the straightforward PetSafe programs.

"It's a really solid cat feeder," one tester said, while indicating they would recommend it to a friend. "It's sturdy, well-designed, and is easy to assemble and use."

The five-section carousel is made from BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publication: $50

_{Maximum Capacity: 5 cups | Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 18 inches | Weight: 3.28 pounds | Food Type: Dry}

Best Battery

PetSafe Six Meal Feeder

4.6

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The PetSafe Six Meal Feeder is battery-power only, using 4 D-cell batteries. While we generally feel that it's preferable for automatic cat feeders to have both the ability to plug into a wall outlet and a battery back-up (in case your house loses power while you're away), there's no denying the extra flexibility a battery-powered device can provide. Rather than being limited to a wall outlet, you can place the PetSafe Six Meal Feeder anywhere, allowing it to live wherever is most convenient. Plus, with a battery life of up to 9 months, there's very little risk of losing power while you're away, especially if you insert new batteries before a trip.

The PetSafe automatic feeder isn't the most fully featured feeder on this roundup, but its combination of easy programming, useful features, and tactile buttons makes it a sturdy, reliable option. Feedings can be programmed to any time of day (in 15-minute intervals) on the LCD screen. It's easy to set up to six different feeding times a day. Or, set one feeding time, and the PetSafe carousel will dispense one of its six meals into the bowl every day at that same time. There's also a separate button for dispensing a meal right away. Since you fill the six compartments individually, you determine the portions—up to one cup per meal.

While these basic options make programming easy, it also means the PetSafe feeder may not work for very specific meal plans. For example, if you need to feed cats at different times day-to-day, there's no way to do that since the PetSafe dispenses at the same time (or times) every day.

"Everything about it was straight to the point, and there wasn't anything particularly bad about it," one tester noted, characterizing the general consensus that the PetSafe Six Meal Feeder was a solid, no-frills option.

While primarily used for dry food, the PetSafe also works with semi-moist kibble, though testers did find that some kibble stayed behind after feedings were dispensed, and sometimes food stuck in such a way that it got in the way of easily closing the lid. Still, these were minor issues that didn't impair any of our tests of its scheduled operation.

Overall, we found the PetSafe Six Meal Feeder simple and easy-to-use, with features that make it a solid pick for anyone looking for a basic feeder. Plus, the BPA-free bowl and the food carousel are dishwasher safe, making it one of the easiest automatic feeders to clean.

Price at time of publication: $100

_{Maximum Capacity: 6 cups | Dimensions: 15.7 x 9.6 x 6.4 inches | Weight: 2.85 pounds | Food Type: Dry or Semi-wet}