The 5 best automatic cat feeders we tested with multiple cats

The best automatic cat feeders reliably dispense wet food, kibble, or both. Our top picks include a camera feeder and one that keeps canned food cold.

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The best automatic cat feeders can be a great tool for people with busy schedules or mobility limitations. An automatic cat feeder can ensure your cat gets regular meals in the exact portions they need. Some feeders can even prevent cats in multi-cat households from swiping food from their companions' bowls. 

Not all automatic cat feeders come with the same features, and some are more appropriate for different households. Among the 10 automatic cat feeders I tested, the Whisker Feeder-Robot is my top pick thanks to its performance, ease of use, and cat-proof design. My budget pick, the Petlibro Air, is also a great option, especially if you have multiple cats or want to spend less on a feeder. 

At a minimum, a good feeder will dispense meals in your desired portions and intervals, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. It should also be easy to program, thoroughly clean, and reliable, like our recommendations below.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best automatic cat feeders

Best overall: Whisker Feeder-Robot - See at Chewy

Best for wet food: Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder - See at Chewy

Best budget: Petlibro Air Automatic Pet Feeder - See at Chewy

Best for multi-pet homes: SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect and Internet Hub - See at Sure Petcare

Best with camera: Petlibro Granary Camera Monitoring Feeder - See at Chewy

Best overall

The Feeder-Robot by Whisker is a reliable feeder that won't let you — or your cat — down at mealtime. I've tested this feeder in our two-cat home for over three years and haven't missed a meal, even when the power or WiFi stops working. Plus, its large-capacity hopper has a cat-proof squeeze-to-open mechanism, so even our most determined cat can't break in. 

The Feeder-Robot offers easy programming through its companion application, allowing you to set up to eight meals a day or use a gravity-feed setting for continuous feeding. The app also monitors the food level. Thanks to its local storage, the feeder will dispense food on schedule even without an internet connection. In the case of unexpected power outages, a rechargeable backup battery (sold separately) keeps the feeder running. 

Unlike some of our other picks for the best automatic cat feeders, the Feeder-Robot doesn't have a camera or two-way audio. It also has a higher price tag than other contenders with more features, but it's still our top choice because we believe reliable technology from a reputable company is worth the investment. You can also try it at home for 90 days before you commit.

Best for wet food

When the best wet cat food is on the menu, board-certified veterinary nutritionist Donna Reditic recommends Closer Pet's line of ice-pack feeders, like the Cat Mate C500 5 Meal feeder. This feeder includes ice packs to keep your cat's food fresh. In testing, ice melted within 8 hours and food stayed cooler than room temperature for about 14 hours. 

The feeder took less than five minutes to program, and the dishwasher-safe lid and tray made cleanup quick. However, I recommend following the manual carefully and practicing with the feeder before you leave home — during testing, a misaligned food tray resulted in a missed meal.

The five-meal feeder has smaller bowl sizes to accommodate more meals. My largest cat struggled to reach all the food in the bowl, and this problem could be worse for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, says registered veterinary nurse and cat welfare assistant Laura Watson. The larger bowls in the Closer Pets two and three-meal feeders may work better for some cats. You can purchase add-ons, like additional ice packs and a stainless steel tray.

Best budget

The Petlibro Air Feeder is an affordable win for cat parents, especially if you have multiple cats like I do. While budget-friendly, the feeder doesn't skimp on quality, much like the brand's Capsule fountain, our top pick for the best cat water fountains. The feeder includes a stainless steel bowl, which is preferred by veterinarians like Dr. Bradley Krohn at The Vets, since stainless steel helps minimize bacterial growth compared to plastic. Plus, the feeder has a secure press-to-release lid, control panel cover, and anti-paw rotor that keeps even my most determined cat from getting extra kibble.

Whenever I put my cats' food bowls side-by-side, one cat eats while the other hangs back. Even when I offer separate bowls a little farther apart, they'll stop eating to give each other the side eye. To address this kind of situation, Watson recommends placing feeders in separate areas or rooms to prevent territorial behaviors and anxiety. The compact design of the Petlibro Air allows us to spread out feeding stations around the house, while the wallet-friendly price makes buying multiple feeders more feasible. 

Even with its small footprint, it holds a generous 8.5 cups of food, and the light-resistant hopper keeps kibble fresh. You can program it to dispense six meals a day, with a minimum meal size of 1 tablespoon. When the kibble level falls to 10%, the feeder will flash a red light and display a "low food" message.

Best for multi-pet homes

Do you live in a multi-pet household with a sneaky snacker? The SureFeed Microchip Feeder Connect uses your pet's microchip or the included RFID collar tag to grant personalized feeder access so pets can't steal food from each other's bowls. Geller says it's ideal for special diets, weight management, or simply an enthusiastic eater.

Programming the feeder was fast and easy: I used a treat to entice my less food-motivated kitty to stick her head through the opening. Once you register all pets in your household, you can use the app to switch between housemates. Only the authorized microchip or RFID collar tag will unlock the secure lid. Rogue kibble won't stand in the way of a cat-proof seal, so even messy eating won't prevent a secure closure. However, a second cat could sneak around the back while the lid is open and prevent it from closing. To prevent this, you can purchase and install an optional rear cover.

This feeder features a built-in scale, a tool recommended by veterinary nutritionists for accurate portion control. Once the weight of the empty feeder bowl is programmed in the app, you can easily set your desired portion size in grams. The app also tracks your cat's feeding history, including visit times, duration, and how much they ate. However, the app isn't perfect. I experienced occasional freezing while saving new settings. If you prefer a more affordable option, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder offers microchip and RFID collar tag access without app connectivity.

Best with camera

If you like to check up on your cat while you're away, the Petlibro Granary may be a great choice for your home. The automatic feeder has a 1080-pixel camera with a wide-angle lens that provides a clear view of the feeder bowl and the surrounding area, day or night. The feeder also shines when it comes to meal customization and precise portion control. You can schedule up to 10 meals a day, and portion sizes are adjustable down to 1/12 cup. 

Like the Feeder-Robot, the Granary features a companion app for scheduling meals and low-food alerts. Three D batteries (not included) prevent missed meals during power outages. Plus, its small footprint, affordability, and twist-off cat-proof lid make it a top recommendation. 

There's no phone support, but if you run into an issue, you can send the team a message online for email support. With this feeder, you can swap the single feeder bowl for a dual one. However, the experts I spoke to recommend feeding cats in separate areas of the room or even in different rooms to minimize anxiety between feline housemates. 

What to look for in an automatic cat feeder

The best automatic cat feeders come in many shapes and sizes and have a number of different functions. Ultimately, the best feeder for you and your cat will depend on your needs and their preferences. To help you navigate your options, I've analyzed expert insights, conducted thorough research, and tested 10 feeders with my two cats. Below are the essential features to consider when choosing the best feeder for your cat. 

Accessibility: A feeder is only useful if your cat can comfortably eat their food. A few features that can make mealtimes more accessible for your cat include the feeder's: 

• Height: Automatic feeder bowls at floor level may not suit older cats or those with joint pain. Watson says to consider a raised feeder or one you can securely raise so your cat can eat without lowering their head as much.
• Bowl design: Some feeders have recessed food compartments, which brachycephalic breeds like Persians, Himalayans, or British Shorthairs may find difficult to eat from. Feeders with shallow, wide bowls are typically more accessible for cats. 
• Placement: Feeders that require electricity need to be placed near an outlet. This often means your cat must have their back to the rest of the room as they eat, which Watson says can make them feel vulnerable. Cordless feeders like the Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Feeder Connect and Cat Mate C500 5 Meal provide more flexible placement options. While some smart feeders offer battery backups, such as the Whisker Feeder-Robot and PetLibro, they have limited function while in battery mode.  

Power supply and WiFi connection: The best automatic cat feeders will have a battery backup in case of power outages. For smart feeders, opt for models that dispense on schedule regardless of WiFi connectivity. 

Number of meals dispensed: Watson recommends mimicking cats' natural eating habits by providing multiple small meals throughout the day. She says to choose a feeder that can dispense at least five meals daily, or you can add some extra meals by putting food in their bowl yourself a few more times throughout the day. 

Ease of assembly and cleaning: When testing cat feeders, we considered setup features like assembly time and connection to WiFi, when applicable. We also considered the difficulty of disassembling and cleaning the feeder. If you find the cleaning process complicated, you might clean the feeder less often. This can result in stale food and bacteria growth, which may lead your cat to avoid the feeder or even make them sick. 

Price: Our testing revealed a link between price and feeder reliability but not necessarily between price and number of features offered. Weighing the pros and cons of each feeder and prioritizing the functionalities most important to you will help you find a reliable feeder in your budget. Batteries are often sold separately, and upgrades like glass or stainless steel bowls may add to the cost.

Warranty and customer service: Automatic feeders use moving parts and sometimes technology to function properly. This makes on-demand troubleshooting and the ability to return the feeder or get a replacement a big bonus.

How we tested the best automatic cat feeders

To test the performance of the nine feeders, we developed a series of standardized tests using insight from a veterinarian, certified cat behaviorist, and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.  

Ease of assembly: We evaluated how long it took to assemble and set up each feeder, including connection to WiFi and mobile application when applicable.   

Ease of programming: We evaluated the ease of programming features, including setting the number of meals per day, adjusting meal sizes for portion control, and overall app usability or user-friendliness of each feeder's control panel. We prioritized feeders with cat-proof control panels — it's important that curious paws can't accidentally change feeder settings. 

Capacity: We measured how much food each feeder could hold and noted any additional features, like low food indicators.

Power and WiFi: We prioritized feeders that ran on batteries or had a backup battery option in the case of a power outage. For feeders with battery backups or WiFi, we tested their ability to dispense meals on schedule even with limited power and no WiFi connection.

Cat accessibility: We prioritized feeders with wide, shallow bowls free of obstacles, such as a food dispenser jutting out from above the bowl or narrow openings. An open feeding area, like the one offered by our top pick, the Feeder Robot, allows cats to approach the bowl comfortably and eat without feeling trapped. Feeders with cordless designs and long-lasting batteries provide more placement options, further reducing mealtime stress for skittish cats, especially in multi-cat households. 

Number of daily meals and customization of meal size: We ranked the feeders by the number of meals they can dispense in a day and the size of those meals.  

Ease of cleaning: Following the manufacturer's instructions, we disassembled and washed each feeder after two weeks of testing, evaluating any challenges with disassembly, reassembly, or cleaning.

Noise: The best automatic cat feeders are quiet beyond the natural clatter of kibble in the bowl. Watson emphasizes the importance of quiet operation, especially for timid cats. Loud, sudden noises can startle cats with sensitive hearing, she says. To evaluate noise levels objectively, we used a "Sound Meter" app to record the average decibel rating during each feeder's dispensing cycle.

Durability: As cat parents, we understand the persistence of a hungry cat. To assess durability, we simulated a food-motivated cat's attempts to breach the feeder by using a fork to try to pry open the lid with moderate pressure. For feeders with rotating food compartments, we used a fork to attempt to pull the next meal toward the dispensing opening. Lastly, for vertical feeders, we pushed them over three times to check if food spilled out or if the hopper or bowl detached.

In addition to these key evaluation criteria, we considered the cost, footprint, warranty, and customer service associated with each feeder.

Automatic cat feeder FAQs

Are automatic cat feeders worth it?

While giving your cat meals yourself can help strengthen your bond and food puzzle feeders can provide mental enrichment, the best automatic cat feeders ensure your cat receives regular meals in precise portions. These feeders are often beneficial if you're not home or have mobility limitations that restrict your feeding routine. Feeders that can recognize individual cats, such as the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect, can even keep other pets from stealing from other bowls. Vets often recommend automatic feeders for these reasons, Krohn says.

What is the best continuous cat feeder?

Watson recommends mimicking a cat's natural eating patterns by feeding them several small meals throughout the day — ideally at least five. "Cats spend up to 70% of their daily activities on feeding-related behaviors and hunting for food no matter how well-fed they are," she says. Our best overall pick, the Whisker Feeder-Robot, dispenses up to eight meals a day in portions as small as 1/8 cup. It also offers a gravity-feed option for continuous dispensing. The more economical Petlibro Granary Camera Feeder can dispense up to 10 meals daily in portions as small as about a tablespoon.

What is the best cat feeder for traveling?

Among the best automatic cat feeders we tested, the Petlibro Air is a budget-friendly option with a small footprint that makes it ideal for packing. It does have the smallest food capacity, but the 8.5-cup hopper provides ample food storage for two weeks or more, depending on your cat's portion sizes. The Petlibro Air also offers a battery backup option and doesn't require WiFi connectivity. 

How do I choose an automatic cat feeder?

When choosing the best automatic cat feeder for your home, it's important to consider your cat's needs as well as your priorities. Khorn recommends features that promote healthy eating habits, like precise portion control and scheduling to avoid overfeeding or missed meals. Durability is also key, in addition to features that deter food-motivated cats from extra snacking, like two-handed opening mechanisms or microchip/RFID tag access. Watson says some cats have special needs, so paying attention to your cat's eating habits can help you discover their preferences. Some cats may do better with an elevated feeder, a quiet feeder, or one that has a wide bowl.

What is the best automatic food dispenser for multiple cats?

While feeders with two bowls may seem like a great solution for multi-cat households, many experts advise against them. Feeding cats too closely together can trigger territorial behavior and anxiety. Watson says cats might block access to the food, leading to social conflict. With its small footprint and wallet-friendly price, the Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder may be a great option for multi-cat homes. Buying multiple feeders and placing them around your home can reduce competition and increase natural foraging behaviors. The best automatic cat feeders for households with enthusiastic eaters or cats on special diets may be microchip or RFID feeders, like the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect. This type of feeder only allows registered cats to access the food bowl.  

How do I feed my cat wet food while away? 

Reditic recommends Closer Pet's line of ice pack feeders, like the Cat Mate C500 5 Meal Digital Automatic Feeder, for feeding cats wet food at scheduled times. This feeder uses a cat-proof carousel and ice packs to keep up to four pre-scheduled meals chilled and has one open compartment for immediate serving. Just keep in mind the brand advises against storing wet food for extended periods in hot temperatures.