Smart automatic cat feeders have revolutionized the way cat owners manage their cats’ mealtimes. Whether you’re at work, traveling, or just want to establish a consistent feeding schedule, these high-tech devices ensure your cat gets their meals on time and in the right portions.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about smart automatic cat feeders, including their features, benefits, how they work, and what to look for when choosing one. We’ll then give you our unbiased recommendations for the best 6 smart automatic cat feeders that are currently available.

A smart automatic cat feeder is an advanced plug-in feeding device that dispenses food at pre-set times and portion sizes. Unlike traditional gravity feeders, which continuously release food as the bowl empties, smart feeders control portions and schedules with precision.

These feeders often come with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing pet owners to manage feedings through a mobile app. Some models include voice recording, multiple meal settings, and backup battery power, making them an excellent choice for busy pet owners.

Smart automatic cat feeders use programmable timers and portion controls to dispense dry or semi-moist food at scheduled intervals. Most feeders have a sealed storage container that holds the kibble, and an internal mechanism that releases the food into a dish according to the settings.

Many smart feeders connect to a mobile app, allowing you to:

• Schedule multiple meals per day, no matter where you are
• Adjust portion sizes
• Monitor food levels
• Receive notifications when food is dispensed
• Dispense food remotely from your phone

Some high-end models even feature cameras for monitoring your pet, so you can check in and be assured they are eating their meals while you’re away.

Automatic smart feeders are a real game-changer for cat owners, providing convenience, portion control, and peace of mind. 

With features like WiFi connectivity, app control, and voice recording, a smart cat feeder allows you to remotely manage mealtimes while maintaining your cat’s health and well-being.

Here’s why investing in a smart cat feeder can make a difference for your cat and for you!

Cats thrive on routine, and an automatic feeder ensures they eat at the same times every day. Consistency in mealtimes helps reduce stress and anxiety, especially for cats prone to food-related behavioral issues.

With a programmable feeder, owners can set up multiple feeding times, preventing early morning wake-up calls from a hungry cat! A smart feeder with app control even allows owners to adjust feeding schedules remotely via their phone, ensuring their cat’s routine remains intact no matter where they are.

Overfeeding is a common issue among indoor cats, leading to obesity, diabetes, and joint problems. A smart automatic feeder dispenses precise portion sizes, preventing overeating and helping cats maintain a healthy weight – and a longer life.

Most feeders also offer customizable portion controls, allowing owners to tailor feeding amounts based on their cat’s age, breed, and dietary needs. With a controlled feeding schedule, cats won’t have constant access to food, promoting healthier eating habits.

For cat owners with hectic schedules, a smart feeder ensures your pet gets timely meals, even when you’re not home. Whether you work long hours, travel frequently, or have unpredictable commitments, an automatic feeder eliminates the need to worry about feeding times.

The best models feature WiFi connectivity, allowing you to monitor feedings and even dispense extra portions from a smartphone app. This provides peace of mind, knowing your cat is being fed on time, even in your absence.

Traditional food bowls can lead to overfeeding and wasted kibble, especially if cats leave uneaten food behind, which you then have to throw away.

A smart automatic feeder only dispenses the right amount of food at set times, preventing excessive portions from sitting out and going stale. Some feeders even have built-in sensors to ensure the dish isn’t overfilled, making them a cost-effective solution for managing pet food efficiently.

By controlling portions and preventing unnecessary refills, these feeders help save both food and money.

Smart automatic cat feeders are designed to keep food fresh and prevent it from becoming stale or spoiled. Many models feature airtight storage compartments that seal out air and moisture, ensuring kibble stays crisp and flavorful for longer periods. Some feeders even include desiccant packs to absorb humidity, preventing mold growth and maintaining food quality.

For wet food, advanced feeders use refrigeration or cooling technology to keep meals fresh for up to 48-72 hours, reducing waste and keeping your cat’s diet safe and nutritious.

Unlike traditional bowls that expose food to air, bacteria, and pests, a smart feeder preserves freshness while ensuring your cat gets a healthy, great-tasting meal every time.

For households with more than one cat, feeding time can be a challenge—some cats may eat too quickly, while others may not get enough food. A smart automatic feeder ensures that each cat receives the right portion size at the right time, preventing food stealing and mealtime conflicts.

Advanced models can even be programmed for individual feeding schedules, allowing each cat to have a personalized meal plan. This is especially helpful for multi-pet homes where some cats require special diets or medication in their food.

When you’re choosing a smart cat feeder, keep in mind these important features:

The size of the food storage container determines how long the feeder can operate before needing a refill. If you’re frequently away, a larger-capacity feeder (4L or more) ensures your cat has enough food.

Portion control settings are also essential, as they allow you to customize meal sizes based on your cat’s dietary needs. Look for feeders that offer precise portion measurements to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.

Many smart feeders connect to a smartphone app, but the type of connection matters. WiFi-enabled feeders allow remote access from anywhere, making them ideal for busy owners who want to monitor feedings even while traveling. Bluetooth-only feeders require you to be nearby to adjust settings.

If you want real-time control and notifications, a WiFi feeder is the better option. However, make sure it has a stable connection to avoid disruptions.

A quality smart feeder should allow for multiple meal settings per day, with the ability to adjust portion sizes for each meal. Some models provide flexible scheduling for up to 10 meal times, perfect for cats who need small, frequent meals.

Having a feeder with manual feeding options as well is also useful if you ever need to dispense extra food outside the preset schedule.

When you’re looking at automatic cat feeders, it’s important to keep in mind how easy it is to clean. Keeping your smart automatic cat feeder clean is essential for your cat’s health and hygiene. Over time, food residue and bacteria can build up, leading to unpleasant odors, stale food, and potential health risks.

Look for a feeder with removable, dishwasher-safe components, as this makes cleaning much easier. Stainless steel food bowls are preferred over plastic because they are more durable, resistant to bacteria, and less likely to absorb odors.

Some feeders also feature detachable food storage compartments, allowing for a more thorough clean. 

When choosing a feeder, opt for one with easy disassembly and reassembly, so you don’t have to struggle with hard-to-reach areas. A feeder that is simple to clean and maintain will save you time and ensure your cat gets a sanitary, enjoyable feeding experience every day.

Power outages or WiFi disruptions shouldn’t mean your cat misses a meal. A feeder with a battery backup ensures continued operation even if the main power source fails.

Look for feeders with rechargeable batteries or the option to use standard – rather than specialist – batteries.

Having a battery backup feature is particularly important if you travel frequently or live in an area prone to power interruptions.

Not all automatic feeders can handle every type of cat food. Most models are designed for dry kibble, but if your cat eats semi-moist food, you’ll need a feeder that supports it.

If your cat eats dry food, then be sure to check the kibble size compatibility of the feeder, as some feeders work best with smaller pieces (5mm-15mm). If your cat prefers wet food, consider a timed feeder with refrigeration to keep food fresh until mealtime.

A common issue with lower-end automatic feeders is food getting stuck in the dispenser. Anti-jamming mechanisms ensure food flows smoothly, preventing missed meals.

Look for models with angled dispensing chutes, rotating paddles, or sensors that detect and correct blockages. A feeder that frequently clogs defeats the purpose of automation, so this is an essential feature to consider.

Some smart feeders allow owners to record a short voice message to call their cat at feeding time. This feature helps ease separation anxiety and keeps your cat comfortable with their routine.

App alerts are also useful, notifying you when food is dispensed, when the feeder is running low, or if there’s a technical issue. These reminders help ensure your feeder is always stocked and functioning properly.

Taking all of these important features into account, here are what we consider to be the Top 6 Smart Automatic Cat Feeders you can currently buy.

The Petlibro Automatic Dog Feeder with HD Camera and Two-Way Audio is a game-changer for owners who want to keep their cats fed, safe, and also be able to monitor them visually – as well as letting you speak to them in real-time through the two-way voice system. It allows you to set-up mealtimes through the app. You can also gives you the choice to set alerts that tell you when the food or battery are running low, or when there is a food blockage.

Pros:

• Customizable Feeding Schedules: Through the easy-to-use Petlibro app, you can set precise feeding times and portion sizes up to 10 meals a day, allowing you to tailor meals to your cat’s precise dietary needs.

• High-Quality Camera: The feeder has a 1080p HD camera with night vision, allowing you to check-in on your cat in real-time, any time and from anywhere.

• Two-Way Communication: The built-in microphone and speaker mean you can communicate with your pet remotely, providing comfort and interaction for you both.

• Large Food Capacity: It holds up to 5 liters of dry food – that’s about 21 cups of kibble – reducing the need for you to constantly refill the machine, and ensuring a consistent food supply for up to 5 days.
• Stainless Steel Bowl: The stainless steel feeding bowl ensures hygiene for your cat, as it’s resistant to the buildup of bacteria – plus it’s super-easy to clean.
• Dual Power Supply: It operates via plug-in power and has a battery backup, ensuring continuous functionality during any power outages.

Cons:

• Price Point: The super-advanced features make this a higher price feeder, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious owners.

The PAPIFEED 5G WiFi Automatic Cat Feeder offers a great solution for cat owners seeking to automate their pet’s feeding schedule, with its remote app control, slow feeder mode and easy to clean parts – all without breaking the bank!

Pros:

• Remote App Control: With 2.4G & 5G WiFi connectivity, you can manage feeding times and portions through the Smart Life app, ensuring your cat has their meals on time, even when you’re not home.
• Customizable Feeding Schedule: The feeder allows you to set up to 10 meals per day, with 1-12 portions per meal.
• Anti-Clogging Mechanism: Equipped with an infrared detector, the feeder prevents food blockages, ensuring uninterrupted meal dispensing and reducing maintenance worries.
• Compatibility with Smart Home Devices: Integration with Alexa and Echo allows for voice-activated feeding commands, adding convenience for tech-savvy pet owners.
• Detachable Components for Easy Cleaning: The feeder’s design includes removable parts, simplifying the cleaning process and promoting better hygiene for your pet.

Cons:

• No Wet Food Compatibility – This feeder is designed for dry kibble only, which may not be ideal for cats that require wet or mixed food in their diet. Owners looking for a feeder that accommodates a variety of food types may need to consider other options.

The oneisall Automatic Cat Feeder for 2 Cats is designed to simplify mealtimes for multi-cat households. With a generous 5-liter capacity, it gives you the ability to schedule up to 6 meals for each cat per day, for up to 10 days, ensuring your cats are well-fed, even when you’re not home.

Pros:

• Dual Feeding Design: Equipped with two stainless steel bowls and a splitter, this feeder dispenses portions into separate bowls that are 11 inches apart, preventing competition and ensuring both cats receive their fair share.
• Large Capacity: The 5-liter (approximately 20 cups) food storage allows for multiple days of feeding without frequent refills, making it ideal for busy pet owners, those who work long hours away from home, or if you go away on a short trip.
• Customizable Feeding Schedule: Users can program up to six meals per day with adjustable portion sizes, catering to the specific dietary needs of each cat, and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Voice Recorder: You can record a 10-second message for you cats, letting them know it’s mealtime or to communicate with them as they eat.
  
• Battery Backup: In addition to its plug-in power source, the feeder supports battery operation, ensuring uninterrupted functionality during power outages.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive control panel makes setting meal times and portions straightforward, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cons:

• Noise Level: Some users have noted that the dispensing mechanism can be a little noisy, which might startle sensitive cats during feeding times.

The PETLIBRO Automatic Wet Food Cat Feeder With Refrigerator is a sophisticated device designed to ensure your cat enjoys fresh meals even when you’re not home. With advanced features like semiconductor cooling and app integration, it offers a modern solution to feeding your cat fresh wet food even when you’re away.

Pros:

• Maintains Freshness: Utilizing semiconductor cooling technology, this feeder keeps wet food fresh for up to three days, ensuring your cat always has access to quality meals.
• App-Controlled Feeding: The integrated app allows you to schedule and manage feeding times remotely, providing flexibility and peace of mind.
• Safety Features: Equipped with an anti-pinch lid sensor, the feeder prevents accidental closures while your pet is eating, enhancing safety during mealtimes.
• PawShield Design: The innovative PawShield design prevents pets from accessing food between scheduled feedings, maintaining portion control and hygiene.
• Easy to Clean: Designed with detachable components, the feeder simplifies the cleaning process, promoting better hygiene for your pet.

Cons:

• Plastic Food Tray: Some users have expressed a preference for a stainless steel tray over the plastic one that comes with the feeder.

The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is a versatile solution for cat owners seeking to manage their pet’s feeding schedule conveniently. With smartphone connectivity and compatibility with Alexa, Apple, and Android, you can schedule your cat’s mealtimes and precise portion amounts whether you are at home or away.

Pros:

• Customizable Meal Scheduling: You can program up to 12 meals per day, with portion sizes ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups, catering to various dietary needs and helping maintain a consistent feeding routine.
• Slow Feed Option: The Slow Feed setting dispenses meals larger than 1/8 cup over a 15-minute period, which is beneficial for cats that tend to eat too quickly, aiding in digestion and preventing overeating.
• Large Capacity: With a 24-cup food hopper, the feeder minimizes the frequency of refills, making it suitable for busy pet owners or those with multiple cats.
• Smartphone Integration: The feeder connects to your smartphone via the My PetSafe app, allowing you to schedule, adjust, and monitor feeding times remotely. This ensures your cat’s meals are timely, even when you’re away.
• Alexa Compatibility: Integration with Amazon Alexa enables voice-activated feeding commands, adding convenience for those who utilize smart home devices.
• Dishwasher-Safe Components: The stainless steel bowl, bowl holder, lid, and hopper are all dishwasher-safe, making cleaning the feeder super-simple.

Cons:

• Price Point: The advanced features and smart capabilities contribute to a higher price compared to basic feeders, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious pet owners.

The PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera is a high-tech solution for cat owners who want to remotely monitor and feed their cats with ease. With 1080P HD video and night vision, you can check in on your cat anytime, while the two-way audio allows you to talk to and comfort your cat from anywhere.

Pros:

• 1080P HD Video with Night Vision: The high-definition camera with 140° wide-viewing angle is also equipped with infrared night vision. This allows you to monitor your cat’s activities day and night, ensuring peace of mind regarding their well-being.

• 2-Way Audio Communication: The feeder’s two-way audio enables you to interact with your cat remotely, offering comfort and reducing separation anxiety when you’re away.

• App-Controlled Feeding: Through the dedicated smartphone app, you can schedule up to 10 meals per day with precise portion control, tailoring feeding times and amounts for each meal to your cat’s dietary needs.

• Reliable Portion Control: The feeder dispenses accurate portions, aiding in weight management and preventing overeating, which is crucial for your cat’s health.

• Sturdy Build Quality: Users have noted the feeder’s robust construction, ensuring durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for pet owners.

Cons:

• Connectivity: The feeder supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, which may be a drawback if you have a 5 GHz network. If so, you’ll need to adjust your home Wi-Fi settings. If you’re not sure how to do this, then check out this useful guide on How To Change 5Ghz to 2.4Ghz to Connect Smart Devices.

If you’re still unsure about getting an automatic cat feeder, here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

A smart automatic cat feeder dispenses food at specific times that you schedule, ensuring your cat is fed even when you’re not home.

Most models feature programmable portion control, WiFi connectivity, and app integration, allowing you to set up and adjust feeding times, and monitor food levels remotely. Some feeders also have cameras and voice recording features to keep your cat engaged during meals, and to keep the two of you in contact no matter where you are.

Some cats are hesitant to use an automatic feeder at first. To ease the transition:

• Introduce the feeder gradually, letting your cat inspect it while empty.
• Manually dispense food and encourage your cat to eat from the dish.
• Use voice recordings or familiar sounds to signal mealtime.

Most models are designed for dry kibble only, while a few others feature refrigeration or cooling technology to keep wet food fresh for up to 48-72 hours. If your cat eats wet food, look for a refrigerated smart feeder with sealed compartments to maintain freshness.

Keep in mind that wet food feeders tend to require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent spoilage and ensure hygiene. 

It’s important that you don’t put wet food into a feeder which is only meant to hold kibble. If you do, you will ruin the feeder and cancel your product warranty.

Absolutely! Portion control is a key feature of smart cat feeders, helping prevent overfeeding and obesity. By setting precise meal sizes and schedules, you can ensure your cat gets the right amount of food based on their age, weight, and activity level.

For more information about this, you can check out our guide on How Much Should I Feed My Cat?

Many smart feeders come with battery backup options, ensuring your cat’s meals stay on schedule even if the power goes out. Check if the model you choose supports rechargeable batteries or standard battery operation as a backup feature rather than specialist batteries which can be expensive to replace.

It’s possible, as long as your cats are used to taking it in turns to eat from the same bowl.

Some smart feeders do allow for individual feeding schedules and portion control. However, if one cat tends to steal food, a microchip-activated feeder might be a better solution, as it dispenses food only for the assigned cat.

Smart automatic feeders are designed to keep cat food fresh with airtight storage compartments, desiccant packs, and moisture-sealed lids. These features help prevent stale kibble, food contamination, and pest infestations, ensuring your cat enjoys a fresh, high-quality meal every time.

Yes! Many app-controlled cat feeders have a manual feeding option, allowing you to dispense extra food as needed. This feature is great for adjusting portions on the go or giving your cat a special treat between scheduled meals.

For busy cat owners, smart automatic feeders offer convenience, reliability, and peace of mind. They ensure your cat is fed on time with controlled portions, help prevent food waste, and support a healthy feeding routine. If you’re frequently away or want better portion management – or maybe you have mobility issues – a smart feeder is definitely worth considering.