Best Cat Feeder & Food Dispensers 2023 Review
For all the good pet parents out there, your beloved cat’s feeding program can be a big pain. This is especially true if you are always out for work. You have to keep asking neighbors to feed them for you, or even hire a cat sitter. However, there is an elegant solution to this problem in the form of the best cat feeders.
The first pet food dispenser came to be in 1947, and since then we have a lot of options available. You have a choice of fancy, expensive models and hi-tech programmable models, to simple units costing only a few dollars.
Either way, cat feeders will take the worry off your mind. Even if you are to be away for many days, the largest of these are capable of going for a few weeks before requiring a refill.
Knowing what cats need most when it comes to their feeding, we have compiled this cat feeders review so that you can choose which model best suits your needs. Whichever cat feeder you choose, you can be sure that it will serve your cats well.
Dive into this expert cat feeders review and make sure that your furry friends will never want when it comes to life’s most basic need.
Top Cat Feeders Compared
| Name | Dishwasher Safe | Automatic | Capacity | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trixie Activity Cat Feeder | Yes | No | N/A | 1 Year |
| SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder | No | Yes | 13.5 oz | 3 Years |
| AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer | No | No | 6 oz | 1 Year |
| Petmate Pet Café Feeder | No | Yes | 6 oz | N/A |
| Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder | Yes | Yes | 3 oz | Against defects |
| WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder | Yes | Yes | 7 liters | N/A |
| CATCH Interactive Feeder | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| Wangstar Pet Slow Feeder Bowl | Yes | No | 1.5 Cups | 180 Days |
9 Best Cat Feeders Review (2023)
- Trixie Activity Cat Feeder
- SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
- AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer
- Petmate Pet Café Feeder
- Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
- WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
- CATCH Interactive Feeder
- Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree
- Wangstar Pet Slow Feeder Bowl
#1 Trixie Activity Cat Feeder – Best Overall
The Trixie Activity cat food dispenser is our best pick due to its simple yet innovative design. Unlike other models, it will force your cat to work for its food. Not in a bad way, of course.
The Trixie Activity releases food or treats as your cat paws, scoops, and jabs. Cats are known to overeat, and only those who have had overweight cats know how hard it can be to make them get in shape.
Thus the Trixie controls how much your cat eats at a time and encourages more activity. It also helps to prevent indoor laziness. You can also adjust the amount of dry kibble that is dispensed and put cat food for indoor cats to maintain optimal health.
Features:
- 6 tunnels for multiple cats to feed easily.
- Adjustable level of output.
- Dishwasher safe.
- One year warranty.
- The cats agitate the feeder to get treats to come out.
Pros:
- Cats are naturally curious and active, and the Trixie Activity will keep them busy for hours.
- It is easy to use – just lift up the lip and pour hard treats or kibble.
- It is easy to keep clean and hygienic.
- Well-balanced, hard to turn over.
- It feeds multiple cats at a time.
Cons:
- Some cats can figure out how to game the system.
Verdict
This is hands down the best cat food dispenser you can wish for your cat. If your cats have issues with eating too much, if they get bored, or are simply too lazy, you can give them a change for the better with this wonder product.
#2 SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder – Best Premium Cat Feeder
The SureFeed Microchip cat feeder bowl is a hi-tech model that is suitable for homes with multiple pets. For example, if you have several cats in the house, or if the dog eats the cat’s food or some similar case. This feeder prevents greedy pets from eating too much, and thus prevents the huge problem of your cats getting overweight.
The SureFeed makes use of RFID radio chip technology. If your cat has a veterinary-implanted chip, it will store the chip information in its memory and open whenever it senses it approaching. It also comes with a chip that can also be worn on a light collar if your pet doesn’t have one.
This cat feeding station can store the information for up to 32 different chips, although it is recommended to use one feeder for one pet. The lid closes automatically once the pet goes away to maintain the freshness of the food.
For cats with anxiety issues, there is also a training mode where the lid closes in stages so as not to scare them off.
This model can hold both dry and wet cat foods and dispenses it proportionally. It is recommended by veterinarians because it helps prevent overfeeding. That makes it perfect for prescription feed.
When closed, the lid forms an airtight seal with the neoprene lip. This helps the feed, especially moist kibble, to stay fresh and tasty.
Features:
- This cat food dispenser uses 4 C size batteries to operate.
- It holds 400 ml of moist food or 13.5 oz.
- It can store information for up to 32 pets.
- It comes with a collar-mounted RFID chip, a grey split bowl, and a grey mat to complement the feeder.
- You get a three-year warranty with the feeder.
- It is compatible with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA) and 15 (FDXB) digit microchip numbers
Pros:
- This pet food dispenser prevents overfeeding.
- It helps with greedy cats who steal from others because it will only open when the right tag is near.
- This food dispenser for cats has a wide base, so cats won’t overturn it.
- It is good for wet kibble and will keep it fresh with the airtight seal.
- Easy button control.
Cons:
- Once open, it will keep open if another cat is feeding even if the tag moves away. This encourages bullying from aggressive cats.
Verdict
This cat feeder is just perfect for homes with multiple cats. If one pet bullies others to steal their food, this cat feeder will defeat them easily. Plus, the airtight sealing is a great addition.
#3 AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Feeder and Waterer – Best Budget Cat Feeder
The AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing pet feeder is an affordable dual-function model. It also doubles up as a waterer when needed, courtesy of two types of storage hopper for solid food or water.
With its large storage capacity, this is a great cat food dispenser that can be used to make sure your furry friends are well supplied for days. It makes use of gravity to keep the food or water flowing so long as there’s some left in the hopper.
The base is made of PP plastic, while the hopper is food-grade PET. These two materials are super-easy to clean, do not degrade easily, and are very hygienic. It comes in a classic marble color to fit any home decor.
You can use it for both cats and dogs given its large size. It has a rubber base for increased stability so that even large pets like dogs won’t turn it over and spill food over.
However, because it makes of gravity to dispense food, you shouldn’t use it with wet kibble. Dry or liquid food is best so that it comes out at the right rate. Additionally, it will do nothing for compulsive eaters because it replenishes the bowl as soon as your cats eat.
Features:
- It can hold up to one gallon of water or six pounds of dry food.
- An innovative connector prevents the spilling of water during and after refilling.
- Both the pet waterer and feeder are backed by a one year warranty.
- They are made of either PP or PET plastic
- Removable hopper and bottle for easy cleaning.
- It has a large open mouth design for easy refilling.
- Marble colored finish, with non-skid rubber feet.
Pros:
- Very durable.
- It is easy to use.
- Dual functionality makes it a valuable buy.
- It has a large capacity so that you can leave your cats for extended periods.
- It is cheap and easily affordable by anyone.
Cons:
- It doesn’t control the rate of feeding.
Verdict
The AmazonBasics SelfDispensing cat feeder is a good and affordable addition for any home. Its large capacity and dual-use capacity will be valuable whenever you need to travel and leave your pets at home.
#4 Petmate Pet Café Feeder
The Petmate Pet Café is one of the most popular cat feeders on the market. The manufacturer has many years of experience in manufacturing pet products. Thus you can be sure that this is the most pet-friendly cat food dispenser you can get for your feline friends.
There are different models that can be used for dispensing pet food and water. They operate using gravity, where the food or water drips into the feeder as the cats eat. If you have enough space, it’s worth buying one of the top cat water fountains to encourage your pet to drink more.
The bowls are airtight so that once you fill them with food it stays fresh for days. They are suitable for dry and liquid kibble, although it moist food may be slower and cause a blockage in the unit.
Houses with multiple pets will appreciate this pet food dispenser because of its large capacity. It can be used for cats, chickens, dogs, and other pets. Due to its large capacity, it can hold enough pet food for more than a week.
Another major advantage is that the base locks securely into the hopper. Due to its wide base, pets will not be able to knock it over. It also means that they will not be able to push it around the house courtesy of its rubber base.
It is available in three sizes, from 3 to 12 gallons. It also comes in a choice of several different colors so that you can choose the one that will best complement your house’s decor style.
Features:
- Dimensions are 8.6” to 12.9” to 10.9”.
- The product weight is 1.2 pounds.
- It holds up to 12 pounds of dry pet food.
- Made of PETmaterial, and is available in different colors.
- Extra-wide mouth and removable lid for easy refills.
- Suitable for all kinds of pets.
- Pet food descends using gravity. For dry food, they will have to agitate the base which makes it more fun, especially for cats.
- Different models are available for food and water.
Pros:
- It’s easy to use, you just need to unscrew the wide top and pour in the food.
- You can use it for a variety of pets.
- Its large capacity is suitable for long periods of absence.
- Automatic food dispensing means that your pets will always be supplied.
- You can buy different models depending on whether you want it for water and food.
- You can choose from a range of sizes and colors to suit your house styling.
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe, so you need to clean it manually.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a good quality but easily affordable cat food dispenser, this is the perfect model. It is large, versatile, and simple. It is also very easy to use.
#5 Vanness AF3 3-Pound Auto Feeder
The Vanness AF3 is a small lightweight and versatile cat feeder. It can also be used for small dogs and is the best-selling model for that category. The reason for that is because it costs less than $3, so you can be sure that you will be getting great value for your money.
The Vanness auto feeder features a wide mouth with a removable lid. That makes it easy to refill it with dry kibble. It can hold up to 3 pounds of food, which is enough for several cats. It can also last several days if you use it for only one pet.
The flip cover has two functions: it keeps curious cats from getting stuck inside the feeder, and it also makes it easy to refill the feeder. It is convenient and fast and prevents spilling.
Also, this cat feeding station is dishwasher safe. Its parts are removable, including the base and the hopper. It is thus easy to clean and maintain hygiene for this model.
Features:
- It is approved by the FDA for all types of pets.
- It has a removable lid, making it easy to refill and keep clean.
- It is dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning.
- You can purchase a feeder for both water and dry feed depending on your needs.
- You can fit up to 3 pounds of pet food in this model.
- The base is periwinkle blue for style.
Pros:
- It is very cheap.
- Easy to use, clean and maintain.
- Pets won’t be able to tip it over, thanks to the wide base.
- It is made of environmentally friendly PET plastic.
- It is versatile and can be used for different pets and purposes.
Cons:
- You can’t control the rate of feeding with this model.
Verdict:
If you are working with a modest budget and want a high-quality cat feeding station, this is the right model for you. Its versatility and size are definite advantages if you have multiple pets. Go on and get it here from Amazon.
#6 WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder
The Wopet automatic pet feeder is an electronic feeding bowl that is not only suitable for cats but also works for dogs among other pets. It allows you to schedule feeding times for different pets, adjusts their food potions, and even record a message for your pet.
For one, it features a button and an LCD screen for easy programming. That way, you can schedule up to 4 automated feedings to take place every day thanks to an inbuilt timer.
You can also set the food portions from a minimum of 2 teaspoons to a maximum of 4.5 cups each time. However, this only applies to dry food. Wet cat food will clog up the entrance, which will cause problems for your pet.
The Wopet automatic pet feeding station allows you to set routines for same-time feeding every day. That way, your feline pals can know when feeding is due. This also helps to avoid anxiety.
It comes with a built-in microphone so that you can record voice messages for your cats. This message plays during every feeding time which helps to ease their anxiety and remind them when feeding time is due.
This automated feeder holds up to 20 cups of feed. For cats, this will be enough to last a few days in case you have to travel. It is also convenient because it can be powered by mains power or D batteries. Thus, if the power goes out, your pets won’t have to go hungry.
It has a top lock feature which can help to avoid spilling in the rare case that the cats knock it over. It also features infrared technology to prevent overspilling.
Above all that, you also get professional 24-hour customer service for every day of the year.
Features:
- The feeding tray is removable and dishwasher safe.
- It has a timer that you can use to schedule feeding times for different pets.
- It locks in at the top so that food will not spill even if it were to fall over.
- The infrared induction system prevents too much food from flowing out.
- It holds up to 7L or 20 cups of dry kibble.
- It has a voice recording system so you can record custom messages for your pet.
- You can use a control panel with an LED display to program the feeder.
Pros:
- The high tech feeder is great for scheduling feeding times for your pets.
- The voice recording feature is an innovative idea.
- Infrared induction prevents overfeeding.
- Large capacity.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- You can experience various defects when using it with batteries.
Verdict
This is a very hi-tech and innovative pet food dispenser. While you can use it for all types of pets, it is best used for cats. The feeding times and portions are all adjustable.
#7 CATCH Interactive Feeder
The Catch interactive feeder from The Company of Animals is a simple yet challenging feeder for cats. It consists of smoothly rounded spikes between which you should scatter the cat food. The cats will have to paw and grope for their meal, which considerably extends meal times.
This is a very advantageous feature in any pet food dispenser. Cats that eat too much can get overweight easily, which in turn causes unexpected health problems. By stretching meal times and making the cats work for their meals, it helps control their eating.
In addition, it also makes feeding times more active and fun for them. It is a fully interactive cat feeder, so it will stimulate them both mentally and physically.
The innovative design is suitable for both dry and wet kibble. Cats of any size can use it to eat without being underfed. However, you will have to measure out the portions yourself because it doesn’t have a storage compartment.
Features:
- It consists of a single plastic device with smoothly rounded spikes from which a cat has to get its food.
- You can easily clean it in your dishwasher.
- Available in a range of colors.
Pros:
- It challenges your cats mentally physically, which keeps them happy and active.
- Easy to use and clean.
- It prevents overfeeding in cats, thus helping you avoid a number of issues that could otherwise arise.
- Interactive feeding keeps your cats busy, especially lazy indoor ones.
- It is very affordable.
Cons:
- It lacks a storage feature for longer feeding sessions.
Verdict
This cat feeding station is very simple and functional. All users who have bought are full of praise for its effectiveness in preventing binge eating. However, be aware that wet food will make a mess.
#8 Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree
The Catit Senses 2.0 is an improvement from the original Catit Food Maze. It is based on the idea that cats can be very lazy, so it pays to make them work for their feed. It features a rotating cylinder with spaces from which your cats can paw out their kibble in snack-sized portions.
It is one of a set of Catit Senses 2.0 toys which you can rotate to keep your cats from getting bored. This way, you can put it a different one every few days or weeks.
Apart from the spinning top, it also has a wide stable base to prevent spillage and knocking over. This is a new design after some enterprising cats were found to do exactly that and get the kibble directly from the top.
It is easy to disassemble and clean because it is dishwasher safe. It is also made of BPA free, cat-friendly and hygienic plastic materials.
Features:
- Wide base for increased stability.
- Has 3 levels of difficulty to challenge cats.
- You can disassemble it for easy cleaning.
- Narrow top opening prevents cats from ‘gaming the system’.
- It is part of a full range of Catit 2.0 products that can be rotated periodically to keep cats busy.
Pros:
- It prevents overfeeding by controlling the rate at which cats get their food.
- It makes cats work to access kibble, keeping them active.
- Very stable.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Large storage, capable of holding kibble for a few days.
Cons:
- It won’t work very well with wet food.
Verdict
Cats love playing, and more so when it rewards them with food. Your cats will love this simple cat feeding station which rewards their efforts with tasty treats.
#9 Wangstar Pet Slow Feeder Bowl
The Wangstar pet slow feeder is a simple-design feeding bowl for both cats and dogs. It features a jungle design to make feeding slower and more interactive. Plus, it makes feeding times more fun for your cats.
Contrary to what common bowls use, the Wangstar makes use of heavy-duty plastic for extra stability and durability. Its base is made of non-slip plastic to prevent sliding and tipping over.
By slowing down the rate of feeding considerably, this innovative bowl reduces choking hazards and chances of your cats becoming obese. Plus, it is very affordable compared to the high-tech cat feeders.
Features:
- It is made of heavy-duty plastic which is approved for pets.
- Jungle design keeps the rate of feeding at a minimum, thus prolonging feeding times considerably.
- Non-slip rubber pads on the bottom prevent skidding and tipping over.
- It measures 7.2” at the top, 8” at the bottom and 1.9” high.
Pros:
- Very stable.
- Controls feeding rates, helping to keep away choking, bloating and obesity in cats.
- Cheap.
- Fun to use helps to keep cats busy at feeding times.
Cons:
- This model does not have a storage compartment for long-time storage of kibble.
Verdict
Feeding cats can be challenging, especially if they are compulsive eaters. This is a simple feeding bowl which will help to control them and keep them busy when eating.
Cat Feeder Buying Guide
Cat food dispensers come in various designs. From simple bowls to sophisticated electronic devices with scheduling, here are a few of the things you need to look out for.
- Portion control – check that the unit can control the portion sizes and rate of feeding. Those that allow freedom of eating can cause health problems.
- Scheduling – a good cat feeder, especially the digital ones, should allow you to schedule feeding times so that your pet shall be taken care of even when you’re away.
- Material – some plastics can be toxic to your cat. Check that the unit is composed of accredited material.
- Battery Power – if the unit uses battery power, check that it works as well as when it is connected to mains.
- Multiple Cats – If you have more than one cat, make sure that the feeder eliminates competition so that every cat can get to eat.
- Cat fountain – I highly recommend you consider buying a ceramic cat water fountain separately to keep your feline hydrated.
All the products featured in this cat feeders review excel in some or all of these features to ensure that your cats have the best possible feeding stations.
Conclusion
Cat feeders have evolved from the typical bowl. They are now designed with a variety of features to improve feeding habits for your cat and improve feed efficiency. This cat feeders review covers every type of cat food dispenser available so that you can choose the one that best fits your budget and unique needs.
