Automatic feeder for cats: types and principle of operation. Automatic cat feeder: how to choose Animal feeders

If you're tired of not being able to relax with friends after work or suddenly having to go on a trip out of town for a day or two because you're worried about your pet, then an automatic feeder is what you really need. Automatic feeders for cats allow you to ensure that your pet is fed in the absence of the owner, so you don’t have to worry about your pet if you suddenly don’t have time to get to him on time.

In addition, some animals, due to their illnesses or characteristics, may require feeding with a strict diet - in such situations it will be quite difficult to do without an automatic feeder with a timer.

The simplest version of a cat feeder can be made with your own hands, but it will not allow you to really store food for a long time, and overly active pets can easily ruin all their food by scattering it around.

How to make a simple automatic feeder for a cat?

The easiest way to make an automatic cat feeder is to use dry food. Enough to take plastic bottle, cut off the top and bottom from it and secure it firmly to the cat's bowl, leaving a small hole in the side wall so that the food can spill out of it. In this case, as soon as your pet eats or moves the food away from the bottle, new food will immediately spill out of it. Of course, for overly active cats and long-term storage feed this option is not suitable.

Simple cat feeders without any electrical elements work on a similar principle.

Selection of automatic feeders

First of all, before choosing a feeder, you should decide what exactly is right for you and your pet. The simplest feeders with a minimum of automation are inexpensive, but are only suitable for storing dry food. Also, they almost never have a timer and are not able to ensure really good food preservation.

Automated feeders can operate using different principles. Yes, she can right time just open the compartment with the food so that it starts to fall out, or maybe move the lid over a separate tray with cat food poured in there in advance. At the same time, the most modern versions may include functions that allow even wet canned food to be stored for up to three days, which is an ideal option for kittens and pets who need specialized balanced nutrition.

Electric feeders use a timer and electrical signals to control them. At the same time, almost all existing models use ordinary batteries as a power source, which minimizes possible risks- starting from the possibility of a cat receiving an electric shock and ending with guaranteed feeding even during a power outage.

The most modern versions of electric feeders are even equipped with the ability to record the owner’s voice to give an appropriate sound signal about feeding in the most familiar way for the cat. This function allows you to quickly adapt your pet to new eating utensils, and also makes it possible not to feel completely abandoned during a long absence of the owner.

The autonomy of electric feeders allows you to install the feeder in any place that is convenient and familiar to your pet, so that he does not have to experience stress by not finding food where he is used to eating.

Automatic feeders with dispenser

Using an automatic feeder with a dispenser makes it possible to independently set the cat’s feeding schedule and determine the time for giving him food. Most of these feeders are designed for several cycles - no more than ten. However, due to the large volume of the feeder, such feeding can last for up to three days.

At the same time, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to feeders that also have automatic drinkers. This combination will allow you not to worry about your pet and is ideal for owners of picky cats who refuse to drink stale or stagnant water.

Some options for feeders with a dispenser may also include storage of different varieties of cat food, which allows you to maximally balance the diet and make it truly familiar and convenient for your pet, without forcing him to constantly eat the same food.

For smart or overly active animals, you can use a feeder with a labyrinth - this will make the feeding process more exciting and complex for the cat, develop its intelligence and allow the exclusively domestic animal to feel like a real hunter who catches the subtle smell of food and goes towards it.

Despite their simplicity and convenience, automatic feeders should be used responsibly. Before purchasing such an item, carefully read the instructions for using the feeder, its functionality, as well as reviews from other buyers - perhaps they will be able to tell you whether it is worth making a purchase.

After purchasing a feeder, do not leave home immediately. You should teach your pet to eat from it in advance, since changing the usual interior and eating utensils can lead the cat to bewilderment, and he simply will not find his food. If necessary, monitor the eating process and make sure that the cat independently finds the feeder and eats from it easily and without hindrance.

Check how the timer and dispenser work, if the feeder has them. Monitor her performance of feeding cycles, as well as your pet’s reaction to these events.

Remember that having just an automatic feeder prevents you from leaving your pet alone for too long, especially if there is no one else in the house with him. Cats - social creatures and they vitally need constant communication. If you leave your pet in isolation for a long time, it will mental state irreparable harm may occur. This is one of the reasons why manufacturers do not make automatic feeders that can store food and serve it for longer than three days.

To summarize, we can highlight a number of advantages that automatic cat feeders have:

The ability to leave the house without worrying about feeding your pet.
Good control over your eating schedule with a timer.
Teaching your pet to be independent.
Simplifying the care of your pet during a busy schedule.
Affordable price for almost everyone.

However, you should not delegate all your cat care to automated means. Remember that a cat is always a member of your family who requires from you not only regular feeding, but also communication and direct care.

Visit the profile section of our forum or leave your feedback in the comments below. More opinions — more useful information, someone will find it useful. If there are good and interesting videos on the topic of the article, write and I will insert them into this publication.

An automatic cat feeder solves a lot of problems. It makes it possible to safely leave your pet for the weekend or during vacation, regulate the cat’s nutrition without much effort, and also avoid taking your pet with you to a new frightening environment.

Automatic feeders for cats

Automatic feeder for cats (as the name implies) it independently supplies food in the correct portions so that the pet does not consume all the food in one day. Along with this wonderful invention, there is also an automatic drinking bowl for cats.

This is interesting! Some feeders make it possible to record the owner's voice. It sounds when the next portion is poured and the cat hears that it is time to eat.

Visually, the feeder looks like an elongated box with a lid on top or side, to which an open tray is attached. Some feeders have multiple compartments. The protective lids are well-locked so that the cat cannot open them on her own. The compartments open according to time, allowing food to be evenly distributed during the absence of the owners.

Types of automatic cat feeders and their principles of operation

Among the types of automatic feeders, we can distinguish a feeder with compartments, a timer and a regular one.

The feeder with compartments is divided into four parts, which makes it possible to feed your pet for a maximum of 4 days. At the appointed time, the compartments begin to rotate under the protective cover and one falls under the open part. You can program this bowl to serve once every day, or 2, 3 or 4 times. Accordingly, the period for which you can leave the cat at home alone depends on the number of servings per day.

The feeder is designed for dry and wet food, as well as homemade food (there is a special container for ice, which allows the food to remain fresh). There are models with voice recording. The device runs on batteries, which eliminates the possibility of turning off the feeder if the lights go out.

An automatic cat feeder with a timer is an example of accessibility and simplicity. This bowl is divided into two compartments with lids that open at the appointed time. This way the pet will be fed for 2 days. The bowl can also be used at regular times to teach your pet to eat on a schedule and in the right amount.

There are feeders with several timers. They are more expensive, but they will mix up to 2 kg of dry food (only that, other food will not work). At a certain time, the mechanism is triggered and the bowl is filled, and thanks to the sensor it will never overflow.

Note! The capabilities of this automatic feeder are amazing: up to 90 days of feeding.

Conventional non-electronic automatic feeders consist of a bowl with a container attached to it. As the pet eats, the food is poured into the bowl in the empty space. This feeder does not provide any special portion control. It is cheap, and the cat can knock over the structure or eat as much as she wants.

The choice of automatic feeder should be balanced and deliberate. A cat's nutrition is the key to its health and Have a good mood. Source: Flickr (denaehimes)

How to choose the right automatic cat feeder

Automatic cat feeders are mostly made of plastic or metal. These materials allow you to easily disassemble and wash the structure.

When choosing an automatic feeder, pay attention to:

Reliability. The safe and durable design ensures your pet won't tip it over.
Functionality. Feed supply must be timely and in sufficient quantity.
Durability. The feeder must be made of safe and durable material.
Simplicity. Choose such a device for its ease of use and accuracy of its functions.
Guarantee. Sellers are required to provide a one-year warranty on the use of the feeder. The main thing is to follow the instructions and do not try to open the compartments by force.
Modes. Feeders with compartments make it possible to feed your pet from 1 to 4 days. Check that all modes are working properly before leaving your pet.
Capacity. Manufacturers provide cat owners with a choice of automatic feeders - from 0.5 kg to 3 kg. Feeders with a large volume should preferably be equipped with a cooling reservoir.

New discoveries have given us feeders with touch sensors, displays, and voice recorders. The most expensive, but improved ones, have an Internet connection so that the owner can connect to the feeder from a PC or phone and control his pet’s food remotely.

Important! Don't try to save on your pet's health by simply leaving a bag of food. Overeating is very harmful to cats.

Price range

The pet supply market offers both expensive designs and cheap feeders. Free-filling feeders without electronics and a timer cost about 200 rubles. A more functional feeder with 2 compartments costs more than 2,500 rubles. Automatic feeder for cats with a timer (the most affordable and reliable option) will cost you more than 1,500 rubles. Feeders with a large container and a timer cost more than 3,000 rubles.

It would be a good idea to purchase an automatic drinking bowl and a comfortable toilet for your pet. The absence of an owner is always stressful for a cat, and disproportionate feeding and an unclean litter box can only aggravate bad impressions.

The choice of automatic feeder should be balanced and deliberate. A cat's nutrition is the key to its health and good mood. But it already deteriorates during the absence of the owners. So take care of the well-being of your pet so that he greets you with a joyful purr.

Video on the topic

Top 10 Best Automatic Pet Feeders

#2 Automatic cat feeder for wet food - Feed and Go Automatic Feeder

The Feed and Go block can be controlled from the Internet. It has a built-in microphone as well as a webcam that will allow you to monitor your pets' activities even when you are not there. Additionally, you can also record your message to your cat so they can receive it before eating. It connects to the Internet using internal Wi-Fi. The feeder can handle 8 ounces of food and plan for six meals per day.

What we liked

The device allows users to remotely program serving times.
Schedules can be changed using the Internet.
Quite durable body
One feed option is launched with one click.
Works on dry and wet food.
The user can program 6 eating sessions at intervals of minutes or hours

What we didn't like

It is not convenient for unskilled people.
The device requires an Internet connection to operate.

#3 Feed-ex feeder with ice or water container

This is a low cost automatic cat food dispenser and small breeds dogs are programmed for 4 feedings. The time at which the container should open is set. A water container makes it possible to provide adequate nutrition for your pet.

What we liked
This pet feeder is relatively easy to use, with a clear manual.
It is made from durable materials different colors that will suit any interior. Battery operated and mobile to use, it is ideal for pet owners who intend to monitor their pet's food intake.
What we didn't like
No full hours

This model only has 4 feedings

The CSF-3 feeder allows your cats to feed using the same bowl or different bowls. It has a Super Feeder option that also distributes the food. This allows your pets to eat their meals in separate compartments without disturbing each other.

This product also automates the feeding process in various quantities, he cuts down from less than one cup to several cups of food daily. The timer allows you to program all feed cycles.

What we liked

Relatively flexible.
Can customize delivery schedules.
Power interruptions do not require reprogramming.
Works better for small granules.
A durable chute lid prevents cats from stealing their food.
Works for two cats with 8 feeding programs

What we didn't like

Difficult to assemble.
Does not have a backup power source.

This feeder is attractive and portable. It is also easy to program and you can satisfy special needs your pet. With this device, users can schedule feedings up to three times a week. In addition, each meal can have separate portions.

Some notable features of this feeder are:

modern and colorful design,

various portions,

24/7 LCD monitoring clock and much more.

If you are a busy cat owner, this device will be ideal for you.
LUSMO Automatic Pet Feeder

What we liked

The feeder allows pet owners to customize food portions.
Meal times can be changed according to different time.
Full stock can be maintained for up to 10 days
Lockable lid
Easy to read LCD monitor for time and battery status.

What we didn't like

Not dishwasher safe.
The device does not work with every type of feed, especially cube and long ones.

PetSafe 5 Pet Feeder - automatic feeder for cats. This device can feed your pet at least 5 times a day, although only 4 meals can be programmed. This automatic soft food feeder can help prevent your pet from overeating. And with its digital timer, you can choose a good feeding schedule and set an additional one hour increase in the interval between each meal.

Peculiarities

Made from durable polypropylene.
The product has five compartments with one dry container.
Has reliable protection against vandalism of furry friends.
This device is relatively easy to program and also has a digital timer.
The removable food tray makes cleaning easy and is dishwasher safe.
The device requires four D-Cell batteries.
Manufacturer's warranty for one year.

What we liked

Automatic food dispenser and digital timer.
Has an accurate digital timer.
Easy to assemble and program.
Has an easily removable food tray.
Can be washed in dishwasher.

What we didn't like

A little noisy when in use.
Batteries are not included

The design of the feeder is very similar to the Petmate feeder. However, it does have a few updates. It is made with LCD screen for easy operation. It also has voice recording. It is programmable and can feed your cat three times a day.

What we liked

Large capacity.
It is also durable and heat resistant.
Convenient for outdoor use.
Records the owner's voice.

What we didn't like

Not suitable for wet food or products.
Quite expensive.

#8 New technologies for your pets Sititek Pets Pro Plus

This feeder is for advanced owners who keep up with the times and are not ready to part with their pet. The feeder contains everything you need for full life pet away from its owner.

Feed container capacity 4 liters

Microphone

Built-in speaker

Camcorder

The feeder is controlled through a special application

What we liked
Ideal for owners who are rarely at home
You can see and talk to pets
Easy to clean
What we didn't like
It may be difficult to manage if you are not comfortable with technology

This device has a transparent container for food products, and this allows the pet owner to check the food level correctly.

This feeder has a simple design that looks beautiful in the kitchen. It is made from strong PET plastic and is a BPA-free plastic that is safe and recyclable.

What we liked

Good quality.
It looks good for the price and it fits well with most kitchen designs.
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Clear and transparent bin for checking food level
Quite cheap compared to ours comparative analysis feeders.

What we didn't like

The tray opening is too narrow.
The filling procedure is not very convenient.

This feeder is suitable for cat owners who are always on the go. It has a snap-on lid and a rotating bowl that closes when cats finish eating. The device closes easily and can keep fresh food in order.

It may be ideal for pet owners who travel a lot and small cats.

What we liked

Two in one device: for storing food and also for feeding pets.
Impressive delivery system.
Nourishes pets for several weeks.
No refilling is required as it automatically refills the bowl.
Food stays fresh thanks to the closing mechanism.

What we didn't like

Automatic cat feeder is a solution to many problems. It allows you to leave your pet at home alone for several days without fear that it will go hungry, and also to properly regulate its diet.

The automatic cat feeder itself serves food to the pet in the correct proportions so that the cat does not eat all the supplies in one day. In addition to this wonderful device, there is also an automatic waterer for cats.

Externally, this device looks like an elongated box with a lid on top or side with a tray attached to it. Some feeders have several feeding trays at once. The protective lid is perfectly locked so that the cat cannot open it on his own. Feeding trays are opened strictly at a certain time, thereby evenly distributing the contents of the diet for the entire time the animal owners are away from the house.

Types of feeders. How do they work

Automatic cat feeder it's unlikely to be done with your own hands, so it’s best to purchase it in a store.

Among the types of automatic feeders are:

with compartment;
with timer;
standard.

The compartmented device is divided into four parts, allowing the cat to eat food from the feeder for a maximum of four days. At a certain time, the feeding trays rotate under the lid, after which one of them opens. You can program them to feed once a day, or two, three, or four times. The period for which the pet can stay at home alone depends on the volume of the daily portion.

You can put both dry and wet food in the feeder, as well as natural food(It also has a special compartment for ice, which keeps the food fresh). Today you can even buy a model that allows you to record your voice. The feeder runs on batteries, so it will definitely not turn off, even if the lights are turned off.

A cat feeder with a timer is the ideal of simplicity and accessible use. It is divided into two sections, closed with lids. Each of them opens at a certain time. This way the cat will be well-fed for two days. The feeder can also be used on regular days to accustom your cat to eating at a certain time and in a normal amount.

Bowls equipped with several timers are also sold. They cost more, but they contain almost two kilograms of dry food. At a specific time, the mechanism is activated, the bowl is filled with food, and the sensor prevents it from overflowing. This automatic feeder is really very useful, because with its help a pet can stay full for ninety days.

The standard device is a bowl with a container attached to it. When the pet eats food in the bowl, the food is poured into the empty space. This feeder has virtually no control over the portion size. It's cheap, but the cat can essentially eat as much as he wants out of it, or just knock the contraption over.

Right choice

As a rule, such feeders are made of either plastic or metal. These materials make it easy to disassemble and wash the device.

When choosing automatic cat feeder it is worth paying attention to reviews, left on the Internet, as well as to the following points:

reliability. The stronger the structure, the less likely it is to tip over;
functionality. Food arrives on time and in normal quantities;
wear resistance. The feeder is made of durable and high-quality materials;
ease. Precise functionality and ease of use;
operability of existing modes;
capacity. There is a choice here - from five hundred grams to three kilograms. Large bowls must have a cooling reservoir.

Today you can buy a bowl with a sensor, voice recorder, display, and so on. You can even connect it to the Internet so you can always monitor your pet.

Prices

You can find both expensive and quite budget devices on the market. Non-electronic feeders without a timer will cost from two hundred rubles. A bowl with expanded functionality and two trays costs two and a half thousand. Feeder with a timer - one and a half thousand.

A comfortable cat litter box and an automatic waterer are a good addition. Absence of owner – stressful situation for an animal, and poor nutrition or a dirty toilet will only make things worse.

You need to choose feeders carefully, approaching the process with all attention and responsibility. Good food guarantees good health And great mood pet. But the mood deteriorates so much when your beloved owner suddenly leaves you at home all alone. So, take good care that your pet even alone he was full and satisfied, and then he will definitely greet you upon his return joyful, happy and healthy, which is very important for everyone who has a cat.

An automatic cat feeder is a device that is designed to dispense food to a cat (dry or wet) at predetermined intervals.

Do you think you will find it useful?

If you need to leave your cat alone at home for several days or medicinal purposes feed on a schedule, then this device is a godsend.

In this article you will learn important information about automatic cat feeders, such as types, popular models, prices and customer reviews. Details below.

When you leave your pet alone for several days;
If you often forget to feed your animal;
When the pet is prescribed fractional meals by the hour and it is not possible to thoroughly adhere to the medical regimen;
If the cat needs to be given dosed medicine over time.

You can buy a feeder similar to the one in the photo.

How does an automatic cat feeder work?

The algorithm of actions for the owner of a feed dispenser is simple (you can watch it in a video example of one of the models).

Basically, you only need to make a few moves:

Pour into the food dispenser container as much food as you would plan to give to the animal for the entire period of your absence;
Set the timer;
Record a voice message to the cat (if this function is provided in the device);
Kiss the cat on the nose and go about your business.

How does the dispenser work?

The feeder, designed for daily use, consists of two trays covered with a lid with a hole for feeding. A timer signal will alert the cat that it is time to feed. Simultaneously with the signal, the rotating device turns the compartment with food towards the hole.

A feeder designed for longer periods of absence by the owner can feed a cat regularly for 4 days.

A feeder with an audio recording function will also call the cat for dinner in your gentle voice.

Advantages of automatic cat feeders

Briefly about the joys an automatic cat feeder will bring to your home:

It is easy to clean;
You can choose a model that runs on mains or batteries;
The food in such a feeder is protected from moisture;
Different compartments make it possible to simultaneously store both dry and wet food;
The feeder will never open at odd or unscheduled times;
The timer develops an acquired instinct in the animal and it will not miss the appearance of food in the feeder;
Some types of feeders also have a compartment for water;
Possibility of voice recording;
The cherry on the cake is the maze feeders. They are intended for highly intelligent cats and cats who enjoy “fighting” for their daily bread;
Affordability – most models are affordable for all cat owners.

Types of feeders

Automatic bowl feeder

Externally, this device is almost no different from a regular bowl. Except for the lid and general “coolness”. Most often, feeder bowls are battery operated. This is good if there are power outages in your home or if your cat is seen chewing on cables and wires.

There are specimens for 4, 5 feedings and even 6.

Some models of bowl feeders have an ice compartment. This helps wet food stay fresh longer.

How to program such a feeder:

If you are leaving for 4 days, then program for one daily feeding;
If for two days, then twice a day;
And in a one-day absence, the feeder can feed the cat 4 times.

Automatic cat feeders with timer

This feeder consists of two trays closed with lids. When the timer goes off, one of the lids opens. Who is this feeder suitable for? For those who are leaving for no more than two days and for those who want to teach their pet to eat on a schedule and walk in formation (crossed out).

Automatic dry food feeders with timer

In this design, there is one container for food, but it is large (about 2 kg). Dry food is measured out by a dispenser and, at a signal, poured into the tray. The sensor on the feeder monitors the fullness of the tray and excess food will not be poured in until the tray is empty. This electronic cat feeder is expensive, but it lasts a long time.

Mechanical cat feeders

No: sensors, sensors, timers, microphones and batteries.

There is: a container with food and a tray. The tray is emptied and food is added to the empty space.

Popular models of automatic cat feeders

Assistant for 5 feedings a day with the ability to record your voice. The feeder will work even if the lights turn off, since it has batteries in addition to power from a 220 V network. You can find out the price and buy it.

PetWant PF-102

The feeder will help to automatically supply food depending on its quantity. The feeder is controlled using touch keys. You can find out more details.

Anmer Alien

The “space” automatic feeder allows you to divide food into 6 meals. Moreover, they can be of different sizes. There is an overfill prevention sensor. You can buy it on the website.

Feed-ex feeder for 4 sectors

With such a feeder, the cat can be fed up to 4 times a day, the min timer is 1 hour, the max timer is 24 hours. The volume of a single serving is 300 g.

There is only one obvious drawback - the feeder is not intended for long-term absence of the owner.

The price in Russia is 3,400 rubles, but we did not find this brand for sale in Ukraine.

Feed-ex feeder for 4 sectors with ice/water compartment

In addition to the above, it is equipped with a sensor that controls the filling of the tray and an adapter that reduces the volume of food (which is important for kittens).

Cost – 4000 rubles.

Feed-ex programmable feeder

Capacity about 7 kg, portion size 60 grams/360 grams, has a voice recording device.

Price in Russian stores – 5000 rubles

Automatic drinker-feeder SITITEK Pets Uni

This is a 3 in 1 - a feeder, a drinking bowl, and a fountain. Relax and proper nutrition cat guaranteed.

In Russia, such a miracle costs 3,450 rubles (to buy), in Ukraine – 1,600 hryvnia.

SITITEK Pets Mini automatic feeder for cats and dogs (4 feedings)

In total, about 2 liters of food can be placed in such a feeder. Its dimensions are 32 * 12.5 cm.

Price 3250 rubles or 1500 hryvnia.

Automatic feeder SITITEK Pets Maxi for cats and dogs (6 feedings)

This feeder differs from the previous model in the number of lots, portion sizes (they are 50 grams less) and the ability to record a voice message that will sound three times before feeding.

In Russian pet stores it costs 3,390 rubles, in Ukrainian – 1,580 hryvnia.

Trixie (Trixie) automatic for dogs and cats “TX 4”

This feeder consists of 4 sections of 500 ml each. The timer range is 96 hours, and the cost is 1,310 hryvnia or 2,800 rubles.

Trixie (Trixie) cat feeder for one feeding

The feeder is designed for 300 ml of food, suitable for both dry and wet food, and has an ice container.

Plus - rubber feet that prevent the feeder from sliding on the floor.

The downside is the feeder, which is for one feeding ONLY for one feeding. That is, it will not be enough for two days of cat independence.

It costs 400 hryvnia in Ukraine and 900 rubles in Russia.

Moderna SMART

This feeder is not equipped with electronics, it also has a small filling capacity - 1.5 liters and this is the main disadvantage of the feeder. One of the advantages is that it is easy to disassemble and clean.

Costs 200 hryvnia/450 rubles.

Karlie-Flamingo "WATER+FEED BOWL" drinker+feeder

The functionality is clear from the name. We have already introduced you to this type of feeder. Advantages: bottle-shaped drinker.

The price is 1,225 rubles in Russia and 570 hryvnia in Ukraine.