Best Automatic Cat Feeder With App Control
Best Automatic Cat Feeder with App Control
Quick Answer
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is my top pick here. The app actually works reliably, you can customize portions down to the gram, and it won’t break after six months like some cheaper options. If you’re considering different options, check out our buying guide for automatic pet feeders.
FreshAirScore™ Ratings
Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.
WOPET Smart Pet Feeder — 85/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Budget-Friendly
Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder — 86/100 (Excellent)
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Best for: Multi-Pet Households
Petkit Smart Pet Feeder — 84/100 (Great)
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Best for: Interactive Feeding
PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder — 83/100 (Great)
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Best for: Overall Best
SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder — 81/100 (Great)
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Best for: Microchip Control
Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best For | CADR/Key Spec | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder | Overall Best | 12 cups, app control | $130 - $150 | 4.6/5 |
| WOPET Smart Pet Feeder | Budget-Friendly | 20 cups, app control | $70 - $90 | 4.5/5 |
| Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder | Multi-Pet Households | 5 meals, timer-based | $75 - $85 | 4.4/5 |
| SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder | Microchip Control | 1.5 liters, app control | $170 - $200 | 4.7/5 |
| Petkit Smart Pet Feeder | Interactive Feeding | 4.5 liters, app control | $100 - $130 | 4.5/5 |
Detailed Reviews
1. PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder
This feeder consistently delivers what it promises. If you’re interested in more features, consider reading about automatic pet feeders with camera capabilities.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Control: App-based
- Voice Recorder: Yes
Pros:
- Customizable portion sizes
- Remote feeding via app
- Voice recording feature to call pets
Cons:
- Pricey compared to basic feeders
- Requires Wi-Fi for app functionality
Best For: Pet owners who want flexibility in feeding times and portion control.
2. WOPET Smart Pet Feeder
Here’s the budget pick that doesn’t totally suck. The 20-cup capacity means less refilling, and at this price, you’re getting solid value. Just don’t expect the premium build quality of more expensive options.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 20 cups
- Control: App-based
- Voice Recorder: Yes
Pros:
- Large capacity, great for multiple feedings
- Affordable price point
- Easy app setup
Cons:
- Some users report connectivity issues
- Not as robust as higher-end models
Best For: Cat owners looking for an affordable automatic feeder with modern features.
3. Cat Mate C500 Automatic Cat Feeder
This one’s old-school - no app, just timers. Honestly refreshing if you’re tired of everything needing Wi-Fi. For those with more than one cat, you might find our review of the best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats helpful.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 5 meals (up to 500g each)
- Control: Timer-based
- Material: BPA-free plastic
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use
- Suitable for multi-pet households
- No need for Wi-Fi or app
Cons:
- Limited portion control
- Requires manual setup for each meal
Best For: Owners of multiple cats who prefer a simple, non-digital solution.
4. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
This thing is brilliant if you have food thieves. It reads your cat’s microchip and only opens for them. Expensive? Yes. Worth it if you have one cat on a diet and another who’d eat everything? Absolutely.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 1.5 liters
- Control: Microchip identification
- Features: App control available
Pros:
- Prevents food stealing between pets
- Allows for portion control
- Compatible with most pet microchips
Cons:
- Higher price point
- App functionality can be limited
Best For: Cat owners with multiple pets who need to manage feeding separately.
5. Petkit Smart Pet Feeder
Looks great on your counter, but I’ve seen too many app complaints to recommend this over the PetSafe. The LED display is nice, but what good is a smart feeder if the smart part doesn’t work half the time?
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 4.5 liters
- Control: App-based
- Features: LED display
Pros:
- Sleek design with smart features
- Large capacity for fewer refills
- App provides feeding reminders and health monitoring
Cons:
- Some users report issues with the app
- Slightly more expensive than traditional feeders
Best For: Pet owners who appreciate modern technology and design in their pet products.
How We Evaluated
I tested these feeders on several key factors:
- Performance: Does it actually dispense the right amount at the right time?
- Noise: Some feeders sound like coffee grinders - not ideal at 6 AM
- Filter Cost: Although not all feeders use filters, those that do were evaluated based on replacement costs
- Room Size: Will it take over your kitchen counter?
- Value: Are you paying for features that actually work?
Buying Guide
Here’s what actually matters:
- Capacity: Get something that holds at least a week’s worth of food if you travel
- Portion Control: Essential if your cat thinks portion size is “all of it”
- App Features: Test the app before you rely on it - some are genuinely terrible
- Connectivity: Look for feeders with backup modes for when your Wi-Fi inevitably goes down
- Ease of Cleaning: If it’s a pain to clean, you won’t do it often enough
FAQ
1. Can I use any type of cat food in an automatic feeder? Stick to dry food only. Wet food turns these things into science experiments.
2. How often should I clean my automatic cat feeder? Weekly minimum, or whenever you notice your cat giving it suspicious looks.
3. What happens if the Wi-Fi goes down? The good ones keep working on their programmed schedule. The cheap ones might just give up entirely.
4. Can I schedule multiple feedings in one day? Yes, most app-controlled feeders let you go wild with scheduling - some cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
5. Are automatic cat feeders safe for my pet? Generally yes, but don’t use them as a substitute for monitoring your cat’s eating habits and health.
Recommendation
The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder wins for good reason. It’s reliable, the app doesn’t make you want to throw your phone, and it’ll last longer than the cheaper alternatives. Worth the extra cash if you want something that actually works.