Cats are creatures of habit, which means that the cat food is always expected to be in the bowl at the usual time, without delay. If you live alone with your house cat, have a job that requires you to work shifts, or aren’t always available at the same time for other reasons, automatic cat feeders provide a technological solution to this timing problem. With an automatic food dispenser like this, your cat will be well cared for even in your absence.

Every automatic cat feeder works according to the same principle: it is filled with cat food that remains inaccessible to the cat until it is unlocked at a predetermined time via a timer system. This involves the use of a lid, dial, or pouring system similar to a gumball machine, for example. Depending on the model, automatic feeders like this are suitable for dry cat food, wet cat food, or both. The quantities can be easily portioned with a dry-food dispenser. An automatic feeder for wet cat food is a little more complicated in its construction because, unlike a food dispenser for dry cat food, it needs to keep the wet food cool or fresh. It does this by means of an ice pack or airtight locking mechanism. The control panel on an automatic cat feeder is usually located under a flap so that the kitty can’t accidentally manipulate the timer itself. Before leaving your pet alone with the cat food dispenser, you should rehearse the automated feeding under supervision. Your pet may initially respond to the device with mistrust and will have to internalise the connection between food and machine first.

When buying automatic feeders & food dispensers for cats, make sure that the device is easy to programme and clean. Robust workmanship and sturdiness are also important criteria. If possible, the cat food dispenser should include a rechargeable battery or battery operating mode to ensure that it will work even if there is a power failure. An automatic cat feeder with remote control can also be programmed or unlocked from a distance. Keep in mind that a model for a large cat or for several cats being fed at the same time needs to have a larger capacity. The individual models vary in terms of the number of meal times that can be programmed. Consider whether you need automatic feeding only for individual meals or whether you occasionally have to leave your cat alone overnight.
Some automatic cat feeders have chip-reading features that prevent unauthorised cats from helping themselves to food at the machine. This is practical when medications are intended to be administered via the food, for example. Please consult your veterinarian beforehand because some medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, etc., should not be dispensed by the automatic feeder. This is to ensure that your pet actually takes the medication. Discover automatic cat feeders & cat food dispensers from renowned manufacturers like Trixie or SURE FLAP in our online shop.