Automatic cat feeder: with timer, dispenser, for wet and dry food, xiaomi, trixie, feed ex and others

How do automatic feeders work?

Automatic feeders have gained particular popularity among animal lovers. This is a universal device with which a pet can receive food without the personal participation of the owner.

According to the standard, all models have three operating modes:

once a day for four days;
twice daily for three days;
work for two days, feeding three times a day.

Modern automatic feeders are in great demand. They have a built-in timer that dispenses food in portions and at a certain time interval. It can be customized individually.

Minskin cat breed

What's the benefit? When leaving on a short business trip, the owner cannot see how his pet eats. Automatic feeders come to the rescue. In addition to a strict feeding regime, they develop discipline in the animal. The digestive system will not suffer from overeating, and there will be no relapse of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (if diagnosed).

Automatic feeder with segments

Types of automatic feeders

There are several types of feeder-dispensers, which differ in the design of the feed dispensing mechanism and the complexity of the technical equipment.

Automatic cat feeder with timer

The most universal are automatic feeders with a timer. They usually have a function for programming the exact time to serve food, as well as a cat food dispenser.

Automatic feeder with camera

Some feeders not only dispense food on a schedule, but create a real effect of the owner’s presence while he is not at home. These feeders are equipped with a video surveillance system that allows a person to monitor their pet, photograph it, and film it. Also, these feeders are often equipped with a two-way audio function, which allows the owner to talk to the cat, call him for dinner, or listen to his purr while eating.

Automatic feeder with cold element

The operating principle of these feeders is no different from others, but they are equipped with an additional cooling system that allows you to keep wet food fresh for some time.

Automatic drinker

In addition to automatic feeders, there are automatic drinkers, the operating principle of which is similar. They provide sufficient water to the pet at designated intervals. The most advanced models are equipped with carbon filters, made of antibacterial plastic and enrich the water with oxygen. They can be either in the form of a can with a bowl or in the form of a fountain.

Differences by type of action

There are four types of automatic feeders in total. Their principle of operation is slightly, but still different from each other.

With segments

Round in shape. They consist of a container divided into several parts (usually 3-4). The top is closed with a lid so that the pet cannot remove it on its own. One compartment remains open. The lid changes position at certain intervals, revealing the next part.

Additional drinker

Segmented bowls often come with an additional compartment. It becomes a drinking bowl or wet food, pate, and treats are placed there.

With hinged lid

Single and double. The latter are divided into two large containers, closed with lids. The opening time and portion size are set by the person. Designed for two or one feeding.

With dispenser

Programmable with dispenser

Large container with dispenser and built-in sensor. There is a bowl attached to it. According to the set time, the required volume of feed is poured out.

Modern models are equipped with a special microphone, with which the owner can record the sound of his voice or voice commands. The feeder “calls” or notifies the pet.

Mr. Cat recommends: how to make an automatic cat feeder with your own hands

There can be many options for automatic feeders, we will talk about them later in the article. The animal owner can do many of them with his own hands - slow-action, automatic, interactive, smart, swing feeders, automated with a dispenser and timer. Let's look at some designs that are quite easy to make yourself.

A simple automatic feeder made from plastic bottles

This design is also very easy to manufacture and will serve as an excellent replacement for a ready-made commercial feeder.

You will need:

two five-liter plastic bottles;
cutting tool - scissors or stationery knife;
scotch;
awl;
glue gun

The procedure for manufacturing the device is as follows:

Cut off the bottom of one of the containers and make a kind of pallet from it.
The second bottle will serve as a container for food - a small hole should be cut at the very bottom at the height of the tray.
Insert the container into the tray.
Secure the parts together using a glue gun or an awl and tape.
Pour the dry mixture into the container.

The tray will serve as a bowl where the food will gradually fall under its own weight as the cat eats the granules.

How to make such an automatic feeder, watch the video:

The simplest design of an automatic feeder

What you need to prepare:

A wooden board, an ordinary cutting board for the kitchen will do.
Disposable glasses of various sizes and heights, any other plastic containers, such as muffin tins.
Fasteners
Screwdriver.

Operating procedure:

The glasses are placed on the board randomly.
They are screwed to this kind of base.
Dry food is poured into the container in the amount of the required single dose for each.

First of all, the animal will definitely eat the dry mixture from a container that is wider and lower than the others and, therefore, most convenient for the pet. When the cat is thoroughly hungry, he will move on to the next glass, which is not as convenient as the first. The last place the cat will get food is from the narrowest and tallest glass.

Automatic watch feeder

This automatic feeder is a little more difficult to manufacture.

Necessary materials:

A mechanism that should be removed from an old wall clock.
Batteries for quartz watches.
An empty, short, wide metal can with soft edges, such as candy or snacks.
Some clay for creativity that does not require firing.
Plywood sheet of small thickness.
Glue.
Fasteners This can be tape with two adhesive surfaces or electrical tape.
Four rubber suction cups of small diameter.
Quick-drying paint without toxic substances.
Tools for work – jigsaw or wood saw, hammer, screwdriver, brush.

In order to assemble the device, you must:

Carefully coat the metal container with clay, creating partitions that will divide the improvised bowl into several parts.
In the center you should leave a space in the shape of a circle, where you should secure the clock mechanism, for example, using double-sided tape.
Strengthen the hour hand by attaching a piece of plywood to it. You can use electrical tape or glue for this.
Cut out a piece in the shape of a circle with the diameter of a bowl from a plywood sheet.
Apply lines of four sectors to the manufactured lid, corresponding to their location in the bowl.
One plywood sector needs to be cut out.
Using fasteners, secure the improvised lid to the homemade bowl. You can use small nails or screws.
It is advisable to hide the heads of the nails under decorative elements, for example, made of the same plywood, painted in bright colors.
Glue rubber suction cups to the bottom of the bowl.
Color the bowl and lid.

It is necessary to insert batteries into the clock mechanism and secure the hand so that it rotates the lid every two hours.

If you place a container with ice under the bowl, then this homemade automatic feeder can also be used for wet food or canned food.

Interactive homemade feeder

In order to make this simple device yourself, you should prepare:

A plastic container with a lid (shish kebab or any other).
0.5 or 1 liter bottle.
A small ball (cat toy).
A small piece of soft wire.
An elastic band for office work.
A large paper clip or paper clip.
Scissors or stationery knife.
An awl or thick needle.

Then you should do the following:

Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle.
In the bottom of the container, cut a circle corresponding to the diameter of the bottle.
Make a small hole in the lid of the container.
Pass the wire through the rubber ball.
Attach a rubber band to the wire. Pull it through the bottle, the entire container and the hole in the top of it.
Secure the rubber band with a paper clip or paper clip so that the rubber ball is held tightly in the narrow neck of the bottle.
Screw the container to the wall.
Place a cat bowl under it.
Pour food into the wall container.

In order for the granules to spill into the bowl, the cat must push the ball into the bottle with its paw. The animal needs to be shown how it can get its own food.

The video shows how you can make such an automatic feeder:

Container rattle feeder

For this version of the automatic feeder you will need:

Rectangular container or small plastic bottle.
Cutting tool – knife or scissors.
Fire - can be obtained using a lighter or matches.

To make the structure you need:

Make several holes of different diameters in a plastic container using a knife or scissors.
Melt their edges slightly so that the pet does not get hurt.
Pour dry food granules into a bottle or container, put a few small toys in there, and mix.

In order to get a toy or food, the animal must play with the container, rolling it or moving it. Thus, the predator will obtain food for itself during the game.

Here is an example of making such a feeder:

Programmable automatic feeder

This device is more complex and requires programming skills.

You will need the following supplies:

cardboard box;
adhesive stick or an empty case for it;
sheets of thick cardboard;
scissors;
brass tube;
adhesive composition, better for construction;
servo;
microcontrollers.

During the manufacturing process it is necessary:

Remove the adhesive stick from the case and wash it. It will act as a feed dispenser.
Place the brass tube in the case.
Glue it with construction glue.
Check the device. Due to the rotating mechanism of the glue stick, the brass tube should extend up to 3-4 cm.
Make holes in the walls of the case for attaching to the servo drive.
Secure the case to the servo with construction adhesive. The entire trigger mechanism should be 15-20 cm long.
Cut a circle out of cardboard and attach it to the trigger mechanism.
Attach this platform to a sheet of cardboard, which should correspond in size to the size of the box. This sheet will act as a pusher, sliding along the walls of the container.
Make a round hole in the box. It should align with the top and bottom points of the pusher.
Add food and close the box with a lid.
Program the controller so that the platform lowers every half day.

This box can hold up to five kilograms of food, which is enough for a medium-sized cat for two weeks.

You can use plastic instead of cardboard.

Standard (mechanical)

No built-in technology. Food is poured into a small container, which immediately “feeds” the food into the bowl. Its principle is based on the fact that the animal always has access to food. This option is the most budget-friendly, but it is not suitable for everyone. A standard feeder is not recommended for animals prone to overeating or obesity.

Interactive

They are a puzzle bowl or a labyrinth. They are used if the cat does not control himself while eating - he grabs as much as he can with his mouth. Aimed at developing discipline. The pet will have to use his ingenuity to get food for himself.

Heated and cooled

A bowl without a dispenser (container), but with the ability to heat/cool food and maintain the optimal temperature depending on the type of food. The feeder has a built-in sensor with a thermometer.

Built-in scales

If your cat is diagnosed with obesity or, due to illness, needs to clearly regulate the amount of food, you should think about purchasing a bowl with built-in scales. This way the owner will no longer need to constantly search for the right dosage. Just pour food into the bowl and the display will start showing the weight.

Metal

We make feeders with our own hands

A puzzle feeder can be purchased at a pet store, or you can make it yourself from scrap items.

You can use a small closed box. Cut holes in it slightly larger than the size of the cat's paw so that he can crawl inside and fish out his treat. Pour dry food or other treats inside and watch how your cat solves this problem.

Cats enjoy playing

It is important that the animal does not decide to feast on cardboard, then your option is an industrial plastic feeder.

A simpler option: make holes in a plastic bottle slightly larger than the crackers that will be inside. Add food. The cat will diligently roll the bottle along the floor, getting food.

Pieces of treats fall out of the holes

Automatic feeder made from plastic bottles

An automatic feeder can be built from several plastic bottles:

Take 2 empty five-liter bottles.
We turn one into a container. For this:
We make a hole in the lid, larger than pieces of dry food. The cover will secure the structure when connecting the parts.
For the bottom part, cut out the second five-liter bottle in the shape of a tray on one side and make a round hole for the neck of the first bottle (container) to insert it with the neck down. Thus, food will be automatically added to the vacant space after the pet eats a certain amount of food.
To prevent the portion of food from being very large, the lower part of the structure can be made from a smaller bottle or a kind of limiter can be made from half of any small bottle:
the height of the small element is adjusted depending on the desired portion of food: the closer to the bottom of the tray, the less food will fit in it.
This feeder is suitable for dry food

Video: detailed master class on making an automatic feeder

Types of materials

There are two materials used in the manufacture of feeders: metal and plastic. Let's look at each of them.

Metal

Programmable, segmented, containerized and with a hinged lid. Equipped with technical devices. Allows you to set the time, number of feedings per day, portion weight. They are characterized by high strength and moisture resistance. An excellent option for pets on a strict diet. Some models have the ability to feed your pet three or more times.

Internal organization

Plastic

These include a standard automatic feeder. It has no sensors. The container is simply filled with food, which is then poured into the bowl as it is emptied. Suitable for cats without a tendency to uncontrolled eating.

A simple automatic feeder made from plastic bottles

Cat harness: main types and DIY options

The simplest model can be made from ordinary plastic bottles.

Materials:

plastic eggplants (bottles) with a volume of 5 liters - 2 pcs.;
stationery knife;
awl;
scissors;
glue;
lace or rope.

Step-by-step instruction:

Cut off the bottom of one of the bottles.
Cut a spatula or scoop from the bottom.
Cut 2 holes in the second jar. Their size should be equal to the height of the bowl spatula.
Insert the spatula into the hole inside the bottle.
Secure the structure with glue or rope.
Add dry food.

This design is only suitable for feeding dry food.

Feeder with dispenser saves time

There is an easier way. Tools:

food container;
plastic bottle;
stationery clip and paper clips;
ball or small toy;
scissors;
rubber;
stationery knife;

Step-by-step instruction:

Trim the bottle so that its length is equal to the height of the container.
Make a hole at the bottom of the container to insert the neck of the bottle.
Make 2 small holes in the lid.
Connect all the parts.
Tie a rubber band to the ball or toy, pull it through the bottle and secure it to the holes in the lid.

Pour in food and secure the structure at a low height. Place a bowl below. The cat will touch the ball or toy, then the neck will open and the food will pour into the bowl.

Important! The kitten will love this feeder.

With a do-it-yourself dispenser

By type of food

Conventionally, feeding can be divided into two types: natural and based on industrial products. The first option includes food that the owners themselves prepare for their pets. This is boiled chicken or beef mixed with cereals. At the same time, you need to take into account the fact that with such a diet, the cat may not receive the required amount of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, boiled sea fish, fermented milk products (cottage cheese), vegetables and fruits are added to the diet. We must not forget about special vitamin complexes.

Ready-made food is no less popular. Manufacturers produce products depending on the age of the pet, the presence of chronic diseases or food allergies. Industrial feeds already have all the necessary minerals, so there is no need to stock up on vitamins separately.

For your information! The choice of menu determines the model of the automatic feeder that could meet all requests.

For dry food

For dry

Almost any type of dry food will do. The granules have a dense structure and do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. If the cat owner goes on a business trip for several days, then container automatic feeders are an ideal variation.

The owner will not have to worry about the pet, since this model can be configured to work for 2-3 days or even longer. The only thing you need to worry about in this case is an automatic drinker designed for no less time.

For wet food

For wet

If the owner prefers to cook on his own, another problem arises - how to provide the cat with fresh food throughout the day. Heated and cooled bowls work here.

They allow you to maintain the desired temperature for a long time. Thanks to them, the pet will not be forced to eat spoiled or chilled food.

In addition, there are special gadgets that at a certain time will simply open the lid of wet cat food, which is also very convenient. This option goes well with an automatic dry food feeder.

Dangerous! If natural food has not been eaten within a day, it is better to throw it away. At room temperature it is stored very little and is fraught with severe poisoning.

Mixed option

Prepared food cannot be stored as long as industrial food. This means that you won’t be able to stretch out food over several days even if you want to. But if the owner is simply late at work, there is a way out. Segment or flip-top feeders work great. They are aimed at regulating nutrition during one day.

Types of feeders:

A top container with a bowl underneath. In this case, it is important that the structure is heavy, otherwise a curious cat may turn it over;
Single container with hinged lid. When it rises, the cat has access to food, but the portion size is not controlled;
Flat feeding bowl with portioned sectors. The lid has one hole and, turning, opens new segments with food over and over again. These feeders are difficult to knock over, but they are designed for a maximum of 4-6 meals.

If you are leaving the animal for two days or more, we advise you to take a closer look at automated feeders with a dispenser, in this case you will be able to determine the portion size daily during your absence.

By size

Before purchasing, it is important to know the height and weight of the animal. It is not advisable to purchase a feeder for a Caucasian Shepherd dog for a small pet and vice versa. Manufacturers take many details into account. The size of a cat is no exception.

For large cat breeds

For large breeds

This category includes Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Pixie Bob, Savannah, Kuril, American, Karelian or Mekong Bobtail. For them and their brothers, the best option would be a feeder with a container from 4 to 10 liters.

These are usually designed for continuous operation for up to 4 days. They have several operating modes. You can adjust the feed supply at your own discretion.

The exact dimensions depend on the height, weight, and health status of the patient. For example, for stomach diseases, veterinarians recommend increasing feeding up to 3-4 times, but reducing the serving size.

For small ones

If you have a medium-sized breed, such as a Japanese Bobtail, a container unit is a good choice - models with a volume of 2 to 5 liters are suitable. For four meals a day or with a diet on dry food - from 2 kg. Selecting a bowl from the segmented category - from 300-450 ml.

Universal

Universal, suitable for dogs

If both cats and small dogs live in the house, the owner will involuntarily think about purchasing a universal feeder. It wouldn't break the budget. There would be no need to distribute devices throughout the apartment.

However, experts recommend purchasing such a product only if the animals are peaceful and get along with each other. Even the best friends can have conflicts over food.

Universal automatic feeders are container devices with a volume of 7-10 liters. They are equipped with several bowls where food is poured. They also have built-in sensors that allow you to adjust time, portion volume and the ability to control via the Internet. This is an ideal option for cats and small breed dogs.

Popular models of automatic cat feeders

Tenberg Yummy

An advanced technological model that feeds up to 5 times in one load and needs to be charged only once a month, or even less often. A simple settings interface that everyone will understand.

Yummy has two power sources - from a wall outlet and a built-in battery. Save on buying batteries. Another advantage is the difficulty of opening this compartment for the animal.

The best part is that you can record your voice to call your pet to the automatic feeder. Wow.

Petwant universal

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 the 220 V network. You can find out the price and buy it here.

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 here.

Tenberg Flunky

The beauty of the feeder is that you can fill it with up to 6 liters of food and give it out in portions up to 4 times a day. In this case, you can give out different portions at different times of the day.

Suitable 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 order.

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 here.

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.

Automatic drinker-feeder SITITEK Pets Uni

This is a 3 in 1 - a feeder, a drinking bowl, and a fountain. Relaxation and proper nutrition for the cat are guaranteed.

In Russia, such a miracle costs 3,450 rubles (buy here), 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) 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.

Peculiarities

Modern models are equipped with additional functions that simplify interaction with the feeder. Let's look at each of them.

Dosing

This mode is very convenient if the cat has a special diet due to illness or obesity. The volume can be adjusted individually, but by default such feeders have about 3 dosing options.

Scales

Bowls with built-in scales are a great item for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. With their help, it becomes possible to feed your pet evenly without overloading the gastrointestinal tract with large portions.

Temperature support

What to do if your pet is picky and prefers not to start eating right away? Or if the family is forced to urgently leave long before the cat’s scheduled feeding? Manufacturers took these points into account by releasing bowls with automatic cooling and heating. By setting the desired temperature, the owner does not have to worry about food spoiling at room temperature.

Timer

In the modern world, the situation where all family members are at work (study) all day has become standard. Therefore, bowls with a built-in timer have become especially relevant. Thanks to it, owners can set the optimal feeding time.

Voice recording

If before the owner himself called the cat for the next dinner, now the equipment can do it for him. Some devices have a built-in voice recording function. A person can voice the necessary commands or just words to attract the pet’s attention.

Remote control

There are models that operate from the Internet and regularly send data. They control what is happening online and notify the owner about every meal (down to the volume eaten in grams).

This is a very convenient function for those who are often absent from work, but still need to monitor their cat’s eating behavior.

Photo and video shooting

This is not just food control, but also a great way to see what your pet is doing while completely alone. The device either sends pictures via an app on your smartphone or continuously records video. You can watch your pets at any convenient time.

Review of popular models of feeders with dispenser for cats

This review contains the 10 best automatic cat dispensers so that you can choose the ideal feeder for your pet.

10th place. Ferplast Cometa Bowl

Photo of Ferplast Cometa Bowl feeder from the store int.ferplast.com

This feeder with automatic lid and timer is one of the best budget options. It has a capacity of 0.4 liters and can be programmed for up to 44 hours. This feeder can be used if you are leaving the animal for a couple of days.

Pros: affordable price; stable; removable bowl; ease of use; timer.

Cons: not suitable for wet food; does not control portion size; small bowl volume.

9th place. Feed Ex with LCD display and ice bin

Photo of the Feed Ex feeder with LCD display and ice container from the store www.feedex.ru

This feeder has four compartments with a total volume of 2 liters. The lid rotates, thereby opening access to food. A convenient small display shows the time and battery charge level.

Pros: spacious bowl; cooling system; suitable for dry and wet food; timer; recording voice messages; affordable price.

Cons: the feeding regimen can be set up either once for 4 days, or twice for 2 days, which is not suitable for everyone, so leaving the cat with it for a long time will not work.

8th place. Feed Ex for dry food

Photo of Feed Ex feeder for dry food from the store www.feedex.ru

This feeder with a container capacity of up to 2 kg is suitable for dry food only. Using the timer, you can set the number of servings for a period from 1 to 99 days.

Pros: large tank volume; ease of use; affordable price; recording voice messages; sensory protection against overflow of food; removable bowl.

Cons: only for dry food.

7th place. Large automatic feeder Feed Ex

Photo of a large automatic Feed Ex feeder from the store www.feedex.ru

This is the most spacious feeder presented in this review. It is suitable for those who need to set up a feeding system for a long time. The huge tank holds up to 10 kg of dry food and gives out from 1 to 8 servings per day.

Pros: large container volume; ease of use; ability to choose portion sizes; reliable cover and stability; removable bowl.

Cons: it runs on mains power, so it may be inconvenient to be located away from outlets; a long wire that a cat can play with and damage the power system; Suitable for dry food only.

6th place. SITITEK Pets Maxi with timer

Photo of the SITITEK Pets Maxi feeder from the store www.sititek.ru

This is a capacious feeder with a total volume of 2 liters with 6 sectors that open on a timer. You can choose several feeding modes, up to 6 days.

Pros: roomy; easy to disassemble; Suitable for both dry and wet food; small display; recording voice messages; affordable price.

Cons: 6 servings maximum, which may not be enough; There is no cooling system, so it is not advisable to leave wet food in it for a long time.

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5th place. Petwant PF-102

Photo of the Petwant PF-102 feeder from the petwant.ru store

A more advanced model with touch controls and stylish design. The capacity of the bowl is 4.3 liters.

Pros: large tank; beautiful appearance; LCD display and touch control; timer; voice messages; retains memory of the feeding mode in the event of a power failure.

Cons: only for dry food; high price.

4th place. Petwant PF-105

Photo of the Petwant PF-105 feeder from the petwant.ru store

The feeder has 5 sectors of 240 ml each and a rotating lid.

Pros: easy to use; easy to disassemble; beautiful modern design; works on batteries and mains; stable; made of quality materials; recording voice messages.

Cons: small volume; no cooling system for wet food; maximum 6 servings; the cost is higher than that of analogues.

3rd place. Petoneer Nutri Vision Feeder

Photo of the Petoneer Nutri Vision Feeder from the petoneer.ru store

This is a 3.7 liter smart device with a built-in video camera and night vision function. The application will send you a push notification if your pet independently pressed the food dispensing button and ate without your permission.

Pros: It is possible to take photos and record videos via the cloud, talk to your pet and listen to its voice using two-way audio; hidden slot for external battery for autonomous operation.

Cons: only for dry food; high price.

2nd place. SITITEK Pets Pro Plus

Photo of the SITITEK Pets Pro Plus feeder from the store www.sititek.ru

Another advanced smart device with remote control via the Hoison app. The container holds up to 2 kg of feed.

Pros: smart system for setting the feeding mode automatically or via a smartphone (the application can be installed on several devices at once); connection via Wi-Fi; spacious bowl; modern design; illumination at night; two-way audio communication; video camera for monitoring your pet online.

Cons: works only from the network; only for dry food; Currently only the Chinese version of the Hoison application is available; high price.

1 place. Petkit Fresh Element Mini

Photo of the Petkit Fresh Element Mini feeder from the petkit.com.ru store

This feeder was the winner of our review. It combines high quality, versatility and nice design. The bowl capacity is 1.5 kg, enough for two weeks of feeding.

Pros: sufficient volume; compact dimensions; thoughtful design; smart timer; setting a diet or selecting an individual diet through the application; container sealing and desiccant; antibacterial materials; shockproof bowl with magnet; lockable lid.

Cons: only suitable for dry food; power supply only from the mains.

Examples of brands

We will only talk about some of the most popular automatic feeders so that you have some idea of what you can buy in stores.

Tenberg Yummy

The Tenberg company produces segmented automatic feeders and reservoir feeders with a dispenser for dogs and cats. The products are popular due to their reliability, high quality, and functionality - the manufacturer made sure that the feeder had only the necessary options.

This made it possible to make the price affordable for the majority of the population, while maintaining the quality of premium equipment.

Suitable for dogs and cats, has 5 compartments with a capacity of 270 ml. A timer is placed on the lid; at the set time, the feeder mechanism rotates and the next section opens.

You can place dry and wet food.

Tenberg Flunky

Reservoir with Flunky dispenser

The volume of the tank is 6 liters, thanks to which it is possible to store the entire supply of feed intended for several days. The kit includes medium and large dispensers, allowing you to set the optimal portion based on the size and weight of the animal.

The dispenser is designed for 4 feedings per day. The output frequency is changed on the LCD panel, which is hidden under the cover of the device. This way you can easily set up feed dispensing from 1 to 4 times a day.

Both feeders have a voice recording function so that the owner can invite his pet to the table, even when he is not at home. It has been noticed that cats are best oriented towards the voice of their owner. It is this factor that was taken into account by the manufacturer of the accessory.

Xiaomi

An interesting gadget from a global manufacturer. It is no longer possible to count what this Chinese manufacturer does not produce, from mobile phones to sneakers. So he decided not to forget about our little brothers.

Xiaomi automatic feeders and automatic drinkers have a relatively low price, but at the same time they have many advantages.

You can monitor its work via your smartphone through a special application. Moreover, many functions of the device can be configured using a smartphone.
It has a timer, according to which the cat is given food exactly on time.
The volume of the container for dry granules is approximately 4 liters. The supply is quite sufficient.
The container is completely sealed. This is necessary in order not to provoke your pet with your favorite smells.
Automatic locking in case of device failure for any reason.
The automatic feeder operates on batteries.

Watch an interesting and informative video in which you will be told in detail about this Xiaomi automatic feeder.

Feed-Ex PF6P

Segment bowl divided into 6 equal parts. The depth of each container is 5 cm (0.3 l). The total volume is 2 liters or 1 kg of feed. Battery operated. The total weight of the product is about 2 kg.

Trixie TX2

Designed for 2 feedings. The model is intended for cats only. Volume – 0.6 liters. Additionally included are 2 cooling packs. They are placed specially under bowls to maintain optimal temperature and freshness of food.

Petkit Fresh Element Mini

Universal automatic feeder for cats and small dogs. Volume – almost 3 liters (1.5 kg of dry food). Works over a wireless network. Transfers data through an application available for Android and iOS. You can remotely change the portion size and timer. The airtight material protects the food from exposure to air, allowing the food to be kept in the container for several days. The model is equipped with a lock against small children and against mechanical impact.

Ciottoli Dispenser

Mechanical variety. Made in Italy. It is a product with an individual design solution. Volume – 3 liters. Allows you to eat when the cat wants. There is a special area around the container and container. It is filled with sand or stones to improve stability. The devices are equipped with anti-slip feet.

Pour food into the feeder

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.

Care

You can’t wash a smart automatic feeder that easily. It is cleaned regularly, completely disassembled. Every month the containers are disinfected with baking soda. If you neglect hygiene measures, leftover food will begin to rot, which will provoke the appearance of mold or dangerous bacteria. And this is fraught with serious poisoning.

After purchase, warranty cards and receipts are retained. Often an unpleasant situation occurs when one of the functions suddenly stops working. If your pet knocks over or breaks the feeder, it means it is not suitable for him. You will have to stop using the purchased model and look for another one.

Training

A furry household member may completely refuse to eat from modern cutlery. The owner will have to work a little to teach the pet to eat from a new bowl. It's very simple: the cat needs to remember the signals that indicate food intake. To do this, set a timer at the same time for several days so that a conditioned reflex appears.

Shy animals may be afraid of the harsh noises that certain models make. If this happens, it is better to replace the feeder with a simpler one or choose the one that makes the least disturbing sounds.

Temperamental and impatient animals will try to do everything to enjoy the delicacies at their first desire. They can bend, break or simply scratch the device. To avoid such cases, it is better to purchase a product with an opaque container or with a tight-fitting lid so that the pet cannot understand where the food is.

Automatic feeder example

How to choose an automatic feeder

The choice of an automatic feeder should be approached with all responsibility. The choice depends on what food you feed your pet, how often and how long your cat stays home alone.

Modern electronic automatic cat feeders allow you to record the owner's voice; they can be programmed for 1 or 2 feedings per day, depending on the number of compartments. Recent developments allow you to control the feeder via a computer via the Internet. It is worth noting that automatic waterers for cats are also sold along with automatic feeders. In my cat's diet, the main place is given to wet food. I don’t leave him alone for more than 2 days, so for me the best option is a feeder with a timer and four compartments.

The feeder should be:

quality;
stable so that the pet cannot turn it over;
made of durable safe materials;
be sure to have a manufacturer's warranty;
the container must be removed for cleaning;
easy to program.

Popular models of electronic automatic feeders:

Petwant universal;
PetWant PF-102;
Anmer Alien;
Feed-ex;
SITITEK Pets;
Trixie (Trixie) automatic feeder for dogs and cats “TX 4”;
Karlie-Flamingo (Karlie-Flamingo) “WATER+FEED BOWL” drinking bowl + feeder;
Moderna SMARTO.

What to consider when choosing

When choosing a model, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the number of servings per day. On average, smart bowls are designed for 3-4 feedings. Models are made for 5-6 servings or as many as the owner wishes.

If all family members are away from home for a long time (for example, during regular trips for several days), you should think about purchasing an automatic feeder with a large container. For large breeds, bowls are selected according to the height and weight of the adult animal. This will save you from unnecessary costs.

What to look for when choosing?

When choosing an automatic cat feeder, consider the means, your needs and goals. You may not need expensive models with video recording if you just want to provide your cat with food during your workday. However, regardless of the technical equipment, there are a number of features that are worth paying attention to when choosing any feeder:

Spacious container. Calculate how long you will be away from home and how much your cat should eat during this time. The food container must be of sufficient size to provide enough food for the animal;
Safety. The bowl should be made of high-quality materials, ideally stainless steel;
Weight. The device must be stable so that the animal does not accidentally knock it over;
Type of device power supply : mains or batteries;
Shutter sound. It sometimes happens that cats are initially afraid of the sound of an automatic feeder, so give your pet time to get used to it, or change the model.

Help fight obesity

Careless owners do not monitor the diet of their ward. Some even calmly share the goodies from the table, teaching their pets to beg. The load on the stomach increases, and with an inactive lifestyle, the body begins to suffer from excess weight. And then the veterinarian makes a disappointing diagnosis - obesity.

The specialist prescribes a strict diet for the patient. Now you will not only have to spend money on veterinary food, but also clearly monitor the time, number of servings and their volume. Automatic feeders can help them with this.

Dwelf cat breed

Built-in technology allows you to almost completely remove the obligation to measure, calculate and even control. When entrusting a task to a “machine”, it is enough to regularly view reports through the mobile application. If necessary, you can remotely change the set parameters to others.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's move on to evaluating automatic feeders. Let's consider their advantages.

All processes are controlled by technology. Away from home, anywhere you can view the current data sent by the device.
Wide range - you can choose a product based on the needs and health characteristics of your pet.
The presence of a touch screen allows you to quickly and efficiently adjust settings.
An excellent purchase for busy people who often go on business trips or simply love to travel.
Working with discipline. The cat learns to eat at a strictly designated time.
An ideal tool if your furry friend has digestive diseases.
Operates from mains or batteries.
Models are available for dogs and cats at once, as well as for feeding several animals.
If you don't have enough money, you can make a bowl yourself.

Now let’s find out what problems a potential buyer may encounter.

Price. The more improvements, the higher the price.
The equipment may fail. If used incorrectly, the “life years” of smart bowls are reduced several times.
Not all models are dishwasher safe.
Some products are very complex and take time to learn.

Bowl selection

To make the right choice, you need to take into account a number of features. It is worth dwelling on each of them in more detail.

Material

First of all, it is worth deciding on the material of the product. Most often used:

metal,
plastic,
glass or ceramics.

Each of the options listed has its pros and cons.

Metal plates are versatile and durable. They are easy to clean and heavy enough that the cat cannot move them while eating. However, there are also thin-walled products that slide easily across the floor. The disadvantages include two points: if the metal is different from stainless steel, it may oxidize or begin to rust. In addition, when knocked over or hit, steel models rattle quite loudly, which can frighten your pet.

Plastic plates are the most common. In stores you can find many shapes, sizes and colors, among which it is quite easy to choose not only a comfortable, but also a beautiful model. The advantages include high durability, ease of care and low prices, which allow you to change cat dishes as your pet grows. The main disadvantage is lightness. Most likely, your cat will have to travel with food throughout the premises. And if the place for feeding is equipped on the windowsill, then there is a very high probability of simply dropping the entire lunch on the floor. In addition, low-quality products have an odor that is invisible to humans but unpleasant to cats. It may cause you to refuse to eat.

Glass and ceramic models do not have this drawback and are generally the safest for use with food, and due to their impressive weight they will not slip on the surface. The only unpleasant moment is the possibility of accidentally breaking it by dropping it from a height or hitting it with your foot. In addition, they are much more expensive than plastic ones, but for adults, frequent plate changes are not so necessary. The only feature unique to glass and ceramic products is the need to carefully monitor the appearance of chips so that a fragment does not fall into the animal’s food, or the animal is not injured by an uneven edge.

Size and shape

With size (diameter), everything is simple - the larger the cat, the larger the bowl it needs, but the height of the sides directly affects the ease of use, both by the owner and the four-legged owner. For example, many cats do not like it when their whiskers rub against the edges of the bowl while eating, so you should not choose products that are too deep. At the same time, dry food in saucers dissipates too quickly and scatters on the floor. The best option is to use two bowls: shallow for liquid food and medium deep for dry food.

It is also worth considering the breed of the cat. For example, those with a “flattened” face may find it inconvenient to collect leftover food from the bottom of a deep dish. At the same time, long-haired breeds will get very dirty if liquid food is served in a saucer.

As for the shape, it should be based on the space available to the cat. If the space allocated for feeding is spacious enough, it is better to purchase round bowls. If the cat eats on a windowsill or in a narrow corridor, you should give preference to oval shapes. As for beautiful angular plates or bowls with “ears,” many pets may not like the fact that pieces of food get stuck in the corners and dry out. In addition, they will be difficult to wash later.

Many owners opt for a universal double bowl, in one half of which food is placed, and in the other half water is poured. It is worth noting that the vast majority of cats are very critical of the freshness of water, and when using a double plate, food will inevitably get into it. This is especially bad in the summer, when due to the heat, water with dry food that gets into it becomes unusable in just a couple of hours.

Accessories

You can complement your eating area with a number of accessories. The most popular and convenient ones are a rug and a stand for bowls.

The rug, on the one hand, simplifies cleaning, since you don’t have to scrape dried pieces from the floor, and on the other hand, it prevents the plates from slipping. In addition, many owners consider buying a rug as a way to decorate the interior.

The stand, in turn, is designed to make the process of food absorption more convenient. Dog owners note that when fed “from the floor,” their pets, especially large breeds, develop spinal curvature and other diseases. Cats, by their nature, are more miniature and flexible, so there is no urgent need to purchase a stand that lifts the bowls above the surface. But if your pet feels comfortable with it and is not afraid of an unfamiliar object, you can safely leave the stand.