If you have a busy lifestyle, a cat can be a great pet. Because cats are independent enough to do their own thing when you’re not around. The one thing you do need to be around for though, is feeding time. So, if you plan on being away for a couple days or if you’ve settled your cat into a meal routine, an automatic feeder is a smart investment.
An automatic feeder will ensure your cat eats on time — and to your schedule — with the right portions to ensure kitty is fit and healthy. Which is reassuring when you’re not at home. We can’t guarantee that an automatic feeder will mean your cat is chill about you leaving them home alone, but they certainly won’t go hungry.
If you’re new to the world of automatic cat feeders, here’s some information that will help you decide what kind of machine will work best for you and your faithful feline, plus a round-up of the very best automatic feeders available right now.
What is an automatic cat feeder?
Let’s get the basics under our belt (or collar, perhaps). An automatic cat feeder stores cat food and releases the food at set times, usually controlled by a timer or some kind of smart function. Some feeders can be set to provide once square meal per day, others — as you’ll see below — can schedule 10 or more.
Do cat feeders use wet food or dry food?
It’s a question worth asking before you commit to buying anything. And which type of food does your cat usually eat? Most automatic feeders dispense dry food, which is easier to drop through the automatic mechanisms. Plus, it’s easier to clean up after with dry food than wet food. Wet food dispensers do exist but they require regular cleaning and a little more attention overall than dry food feeders.
How long can you leave a cat with an automatic feeder?
Ultimately it depends on the capacity on the feeder. Some will hold weeks’ worth of food. But automatic feeders should never be a replacement for human interaction. Your feline friend could develop separation anxiety so pick one that suits their needs, such as one that allows you to leave voice recordings — yes, really, they exist — which is great for cats who are not used to being alone for long stretches of time.
Are cat feeders dishwasher safe?
Some of them are. If you’ll be using the feeder often and have a dishwasher, look for dishwasher-safe containers or bowls so you aren’t stuck hand-washing all the bits and pieces. If you’re someone who often muddles up feeding times, pick a programmable feeder that will remember for you. If your cat will continue to snack all day long, choose a feeder that dispenses a specific amount of food.
What is the best automatic cat feeder?
To help you figure out which cat feeder is right for you, we’ve researched the best models and made a selection based on the kinds of features that cat owners care about. Whether you’re looking for a basic gravity feeder or a full-fledged product to program perfectly-timed meals, we’ve got the best automatic cat feeder options to fit your needs — and your kitty’s, of course. Just choose the, ahem, purr-fect one.
These are the best automatic cat feeders in 2025.