Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder Review

Quick Answer

The Cat Mate C500 is my top pick for automatic feeders. Its programmable timer, dual power setup, and ability to handle both dry and wet food make it genuinely versatile. Plus, at $60-80, it hits the sweet spot between features and price.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	CADR/Key Spec	Price Range	Rating
Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder	Versatile Feeding	5.5 liters capacity, 5 portions	$60 - $80	4.5/5
PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed	Small to Medium Pets	24 cups capacity, programmable timer	$60 - $80	4.4/5
Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder	Large Dogs & Cats	20 cups capacity, 4 feeding times	$80 - $100	4.3/5
Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder	Multi-Pet Households	7 liters capacity, voice recording	$70 - $90	4.2/5
PetFusion Ultimate Smart Feeder	Tech-Savvy Owners	App-controlled, 6.5 liters capacity	$100 - $130	4.6/5

Detailed Reviews

1. Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder

Overview:
This feeder holds up to 5 meals and keeps your pet on schedule, even when life gets chaotic. I’ve tested several feeders, and the C500 just works reliably.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 5.5 liters
• Portions: 5
• Power: Battery or AC Adapter

Pros:

• Programmable timer nails meal times
• Dual power means no skipped meals during outages
• Handles both dry and wet food (rare combo)

Cons:

• Takes up more counter space than expected
• Wet food compartments need daily cleaning

Best for Whom:
Busy pet parents who need reliable scheduled feeding for cats or small dogs may also find value in Best Automatic Cat Feeder For Multiple Cats.

2. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed

Overview:
The name says it all - this one keeps things simple. No fancy features, just consistent portion control that actually works.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 24 cups
• Portions: Adjustable from 1/8 cup to 4 cups
• Power: AC Adapter or 4 D-cell batteries

Pros:

• Huge capacity for multi-pet homes
• Dead simple programming (finally!)
• Dishwasher-safe parts save time

Cons:

• Sounds like a coffee grinder when dispensing
• Dry food only

Best for Whom:
Multi-pet households that want straightforward feeding without bells and whistles.

3. Wopet Automatic Pet Feeder

Overview:
Built for big appetites, the Wopet handles larger portions and pets. Just don’t expect the app to work perfectly.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 20 cups
• Portions: 4 feeding times
• Power: AC Adapter or backup batteries

Pros:

• Massive food capacity
• Programming is actually intuitive
• Works with dry and semi-moist food

Cons:

• App connectivity is hit-or-miss
• This thing is huge - check your space first

Best for Whom:
Large dog owners or frequent travelers who need serious capacity.

4. Arf Pets Automatic Pet Feeder

Overview:
The voice recording feature sounds gimmicky, but pets actually respond to it. Portion consistency can be wonky though.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 7 liters
• Portions: Adjustable
• Power: AC Adapter

Pros:

• Voice recording keeps pets engaged
• Good size for medium pets
• Easy cleanup

Cons:

• Portions vary more than they should
• Feels a bit flimsy compared to others

Best for Whom:
Multi-pet families who want that personal touch, but I’d test portion consistency first.

5. PetFusion Ultimate Smart Feeder

Overview:
The most expensive option here, but the app control actually works well. Just know you’re paying premium prices.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 6.5 liters
• Portions: Adjustable (up to 1 cup per meal)
• Power: AC adapter

Pros:

• App works smoothly (shocking, I know)
• Great capacity for extended trips
• Voice recording feature included

Cons:

• Overpriced for what you get
• Useless without Wi-Fi

Best for Whom:
Tech lovers with money to burn, though honestly, the C500 does 90% of this for half the price.

How We Evaluated

I tested these feeders on five key factors:

• Performance: Does it dispense food consistently and on time?
• Noise: Will it scare your pet (or wake you up)?
• Filter Cost: Maintenance and replacement part costs
• Room Size: Will it actually fit in your space?
• Value: Are you getting your money’s worth?

Buying Guide

Here’s what actually matters:

1. Capacity: Match it to your pet’s appetite and how long you’ll be away
2. Programmability: Skip anything with confusing controls
3. Power Options: Battery backup saves the day during outages
4. Feeding Type: Most only handle dry food - wet food compatibility costs extra
5. Ease of Cleaning: Daily cleaning beats dealing with stuck kibble

FAQ

1. Can I use the Cat Mate C500 for wet food?
Yes, it handles both dry and wet food. Just clean the wet food compartments daily.

2. How long can the Cat Mate C500 hold food?
The 5.5-liter capacity lasts several days for most cats, longer for smaller portions.

3. Is the Cat Mate C500 easy to program?
Pretty straightforward. Most people figure it out in under 10 minutes.

4. What happens if the power goes out?
Battery backup keeps it running. Just remember to check battery levels occasionally. For those interested in backup options, see Best Automatic Pet Feeder With Battery Backup.

5. Are automatic feeders suitable for all pets?
Most adapt quickly, but anxious or very food-motivated pets might need extra time to adjust.

The Cat Mate C500 earns my top recommendation because it balances features, reliability, and price better than the competition. If you’re considering other options, check out our Automatic Pet Feeder Buying Guide 2026. Save your money and skip the overpriced smart feeders unless you really need app control.