We all have busy schedules nowadays, so having the option to automate daily tasks like feeding the cat can be a real time saver. Plus, it just feels good to know your bestie has a nice full belly.

Pet product manufacturers have smartly recognised this desire of pet parents everywhere, and there are now dozens of automatic cat feeders available from a number of top brands. You have a lot of options.

To help you figure out which option is right for you, we have researched the internet's favourite models and broke them down based on the features cat owners care about most. Whether you’re looking for a basic gravity feeder or a full-fledged product to program perfectly timed and portioned meals, we’ve got the best automatic cat feeder options to fit your — and your kitty’s — needs.

These are the best automatic cat feeders in 2020.

Best for value Image: amazon The Good Program up to 12 daily meals • Adjustable portion sizes • Slow feed mode Program up to 12 daily meals • Adjustable portion sizes • Slow feed mode The Bad Power supply sold separately Power supply sold separately The Bottom Line The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder is the best bet for pet parents who want to program multiple daily meals in set portions. The PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Feeder is the best bet for pet parents who want to program multiple daily meals in set portions. Capacity: 5,678 ml

5,678 ml Meals: Up to 12

Up to 12 Power source: Battery/Adapter £136.99 from Amazon PetSafe Healthy Pet For pet parents who want to program multiple daily meals in set portions.

It can be used with both dry and semi-wet foods of varying kibble shapes and sizes. One standout feature that cat owners will love is the slow-feed option. This mode dispenses your cat’s food over a period of 15 minutes, which helps prevent your kitty from bingeing and then vomiting their meal. There’s also an immediate feed button that allows you to give your feline a little nibble in between their regularly scheduled mealtimes.

It comes with its own bowl and stand, which attaches to the feeder, but you can also use it with your kitty’s favourite dish. The pet-proof dispenser keeps prying paws out, and food fresh. The majority of the parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack for added convenience when it comes time to wash the unit, and are made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel.

Perfect for single or multi-cat homes, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed allows pet parents to program up to 12 different daily meals, ranging in size from 29 ml to 946 ml. The large capacity hopper holds up to 5,678 ml of kibble at a time, which should last most felines quite a while before needing to be refilled.It can be used with both dry and semi-wet foods of varying kibble shapes and sizes. One standout feature that cat owners will love is the slow-feed option. This mode dispenses your cat’s food over a period of 15 minutes, which helps prevent your kitty from bingeing and then vomiting their meal. There’s also an immediate feed button that allows you to give your feline a little nibble in between their regularly scheduled mealtimes.It comes with its own bowl and stand, which attaches to the feeder, but you can also use it with your kitty’s favourite dish. The pet-proof dispenser keeps prying paws out, and food fresh. The majority of the parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack for added convenience when it comes time to wash the unit, and are made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel.

Best for features Image: amazon The Good Voice recording feature • Infrared sensor • Ultra-low power consumption Voice recording feature • Infrared sensor • Ultra-low power consumption The Bad Battery operated Battery operated The Bottom Line All the bells and whistles cat owners want in an automatic feeder, and it’s super simple to program. All the bells and whistles cat owners want in an automatic feeder, and it’s super simple to program. Capacity: 6,000 ml

6,000 ml Meals: Up to 4

Up to 4 Power source: Battery/USB £54.99 from Amazon WESTLINK Pet Feeder All the bells and whistles cat owners want in an automatic feeder.

What makes this

It includes many pet-proof features to help prevent overeating, including a locking hopper lid and two-key programming. Another bonus: the bowl and hopper are removable for easy cleaning.

Even Garfield would approve of this automatic cat feeder with its large capacity hopper and precise portioning system — from 10 to 400 grams per meal. It does have fewer meal options than some others on this list, but programming this unit is much simpler.What makes this WESTLINK really special is the ability for pet parents to record a special message of up to 10 seconds for their kitty. When meal time rolls around, the message plays as a signal to your feline that it’s time to eat — as if the food hitting the bowl wouldn’t be enough. That said, there’s also an infrared sensor on this feeder, which checks the bowl for food before dispensing. If it senses there’s still food in the bowl, it will skip your programmed mealtime. Kitty might be a bit hungrier once they finally do get around to eating, but this ensures that food is not wasted and stays as fresh as possible.It includes many pet-proof features to help prevent overeating, including a locking hopper lid and two-key programming. Another bonus: the bowl and hopper are removable for easy cleaning.

BEST FOR SPECIAL DIETS Image: amazon The Good RFID-controlled • Sealed lid prevents tampering RFID-controlled • Sealed lid prevents tampering The Bad Can’t feed multiple meals Can’t feed multiple meals The Bottom Line A great option if you have a multi-cat home where one feline requires a special diet or medication. A great option if you have a multi-cat home where one feline requires a special diet or medication. Capacity: 590 ml

590 ml Meals: 1

1 Power source: Battery £99.99 from Amazon Sureflap Surefeed The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder ensures that the right pet is consuming what they need.

It’s also an excellent choice if your cat requires medications to be dispensed during the day. Because the lid is sealed, it keeps flies, ants, and other yuckies out of your cat’s food, and is ideal for serving up wet food without drying out.

If you want to spruce up your cat’s mealtime further, there are optional accessories available including coloured bowls and mats. The batteries should last for up to four months of daily use, and the low battery indicator will let you know when it’s time to change them. It can be used with both wet and dry foods, and the three-year warranty gives added peace of mind.

If you have an extra special kitty who requires a prescribed diet or is on a weight-management program, this automatic cat feeder is perfect. It’s super high-tech, and uses a RFID collar system to only dispense food to the correct kitty (especially important when you have more than one cat in the house). It is also compatible with any implanted microchip for added convenience. This way, they get their special food, while any other pets are access-denied. Since the SureFeed Microchip Feeder can store up to 32 microchip identifications, there’s plenty of space to store all your cats.It’s also an excellent choice if your cat requires medications to be dispensed during the day. Because the lid is sealed, it keeps flies, ants, and other yuckies out of your cat’s food, and is ideal for serving up wet food without drying out.If you want to spruce up your cat’s mealtime further, there are optional accessories available including coloured bowls and mats. The batteries should last for up to four months of daily use, and the low battery indicator will let you know when it’s time to change them. It can be used with both wet and dry foods, and the three-year warranty gives added peace of mind.

Best for tight budgets Image: amazon The Good Sealed compartments • Dishwasher-safe • Budget-friendly Sealed compartments • Dishwasher-safe • Budget-friendly The Bad Daily filling required • One compartment always available • Battery powered only Daily filling required • One compartment always available • Battery powered only The Bottom Line If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that won’t break the bank, the PetSafe Automatic Feeder is for you. If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that won’t break the bank, the PetSafe Automatic Feeder is for you. Capacity: 1,183 ml (five chambers)

1,183 ml (five chambers) Meals: Up to 5

Up to 5 Power source: Battery £39.90 from Amazon Petsafe Eatwell All the convenience of an automatic cat feeder without the hefty price tag.

The

The BPA-free, dishwasher-safe food tray makes for easier cleanup. Keep in mind that while there are five chambers, one will be available to your cat right away. The spinning system is nice, as you can check how much food your kitty has (or hasn’t) eaten at the end of the day. There’s also a two-meal version available if your pet doesn’t require as many meals.

Because of its compact and lightweight design, this feeder is also a great pick for when you have to travel with your cat and want to keep them on their regularly scheduled meals. Even if you aren’t super tech-savvy, this feeder is easy to program.

Pet parents can enjoy all the convenience of an automatic cat feeder, without the hefty price tag, thanks to this unit.The PetSafe Five-Meal Automatic Feeder features five chambers which can hold up to one cup of food in each spot. Because of its covered, spinning design, it can be used with both wet and dry foods of varying shapes and sizes — there’s also nothing to get jammed, unlike with hopper-style feeders.The BPA-free, dishwasher-safe food tray makes for easier cleanup. Keep in mind that while there are five chambers, one will be available to your cat right away. The spinning system is nice, as you can check how much food your kitty has (or hasn’t) eaten at the end of the day. There’s also a two-meal version available if your pet doesn’t require as many meals.Because of its compact and lightweight design, this feeder is also a great pick for when you have to travel with your cat and want to keep them on their regularly scheduled meals. Even if you aren’t super tech-savvy, this feeder is easy to program.

BEST For Capacity Image: amazon The Good Easy to fill and clean • Free feeds • Low tech Easy to fill and clean • Free feeds • Low tech The Bad Can’t control portions • Can’t schedule feeds Can’t control portions • Can’t schedule feeds The Bottom Line The feeder offers a bare bones option for those who prefer the convenience of not having to fill their cat’s dish every day. The feeder offers a bare bones option for those who prefer the convenience of not having to fill their cat’s dish every day. Capacity: 3,548 ml

3,548 ml Meals: N/A

N/A Power source: N/A £23.77 from Amazon Van Ness Auto Feeder Large capacity means you can go a long time between having to refill the reservoir.

The

Because of its large capacity, this automatic feeder is perfect for multi-cat homes. It’s made with USFDA-approved, food-contact materials that are safe for pets to use. The removable lid also makes for easy filling and cleaning, and it’s dishwasher-safe for added convenience. Tight on space? This feeder’s square design tucks nicely into a corner.

If overeating isn’t a problem for your feline and they can be free-fed without gorging themselves, a gravity-style feeder can provide the convenience of an automatic feeder in an affordable and easy-to-use package.The Van Ness Medium Auto Feeder holds up to about 3,500 ml of kibble at once, which means you can go a long time between having to refill the reservoir. It’s available in a choice of three different sizes, so if you find you like more or less food storage you can choose the best one for your needs.Because of its large capacity, this automatic feeder is perfect for multi-cat homes. It’s made with USFDA-approved, food-contact materials that are safe for pets to use. The removable lid also makes for easy filling and cleaning, and it’s dishwasher-safe for added convenience. Tight on space? This feeder’s square design tucks nicely into a corner.

Best for smart features Image: amazon The Good Program up to 12 daily meals • Adjustable portion sizes • Slow feed mode Program up to 12 daily meals • Adjustable portion sizes • Slow feed mode The Bad Programming can be challenging • No empty alert Programming can be challenging • No empty alert The Bottom Line If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that is remote control enabled, look no further than the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder. If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that is remote control enabled, look no further than the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder. Capacity: 6,000 ml

6,000 ml Meals: Up to 12

Up to 12 Power source: Battery/Adapter £161.32 from Amazon PetSafe Smart Feeder Monitor and dispense meals with this remote control enabled feeder.

The

The feeder is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and allows pet parents to monitor their kitty's feeding from anywhere for added peace of mind through its WiFi connection. In the event of a power failure or the feeder somehow going offline, the battery backup will continue to dispense food for your kitty. Many of the components are dishwasher safe for added convenience.

The locking lid and child lock feature also help to keep tricky cats from sneaking more food than they should have, while the pet-proof dispenser keeps prying paws from stealing extra portions. The Slow Feed and Feed Now options are perfect for kitties who eat too fast or need extra noms before bed.

If you like the idea of being able to remotely monitor and dispense your feline companion’s meals, look no further.The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder can be programmed to dispense up to 12 meals daily, and the hopper holds up to 6,000 ml of food, so you don’t have to refill it too frequently.The feeder is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and allows pet parents to monitor their kitty's feeding from anywhere for added peace of mind through its WiFi connection. In the event of a power failure or the feeder somehow going offline, the battery backup will continue to dispense food for your kitty. Many of the components are dishwasher safe for added convenience.The locking lid and child lock feature also help to keep tricky cats from sneaking more food than they should have, while the pet-proof dispenser keeps prying paws from stealing extra portions. The Slow Feed and Feed Now options are perfect for kitties who eat too fast or need extra noms before bed.

BEST FOR INDEPENDENT CATS Image: amazon The Good Easy to set up • Food levels can always be seen • Rubber feet for secure placement Easy to set up • Food levels can always be seen • Rubber feet for secure placement The Bad Not timer programmable Not timer programmable The Bottom Line If your pet can be trusted with this much independence, there's no reason not to go with this product. If your pet can be trusted with this much independence, there's no reason not to go with this product. Capacity: 2720 ml

2720 ml Meals: N/A

N/A Power source: N/A £12.99 from Amazon AmazonBasics Food Feeder If your pet can be trusted, there's no reason not to go with this product.

However, if your cat is not one to over-eat, then this

While this product is technically not automatic, it is self-dispensing, which will still make sure that your cute friend doesn't go unfed. Plus, its design makes it easy to set up and clean.

If you left an entire box of chocolate chip cookies around your friends, odds are that there wouldn't be any left by the time you came back. If your friends were cats, this feeder would not work.However, if your cat is not one to over-eat, then this AmazonBasics Gravity Pet Feeder could be the perfect fit.While this product is technically not automatic, it is self-dispensing, which will still make sure that your cute friend doesn't go unfed. Plus, its design makes it easy to set up and clean.

BEST FOR PAMPERED CATS Image: amazon The Good Timer programmable • Voice recorder Timer programmable • Voice recorder The Bad Pricier than most Pricier than most The Bottom Line If keeping your home chic is as important to you as your cat is, this white design will look good while getting the job done. If keeping your home chic is as important to you as your cat is, this white design will look good while getting the job done. Capacity: 7,000 ml

7,000 ml Meals: Up to 4

Up to 4 Power source: Battery £69.99 from Amazon WESTLINK Automatic Feeder Its sleek design will make dry cat food seem a bit more attractive.

The design of this

And don't worry about the power going out while you're away: This dispenser has a back-up battery system, though batteries aren't included.

This feeder does it all. It controls the portion size of each feeding (which can be scheduled to up to four times a day), lets you leave a voice recorded message for your pet, and looks good while doing it.The design of this WESTLINK dispenser is different from most. Its sleek white exterior won't clash with your decor, and its narrow shape will fit just about anywhere.And don't worry about the power going out while you're away: This dispenser has a back-up battery system, though batteries aren't included.

BEST FOR SMALLER CATS Image: amazon The Good Voice recorder • Timer programmable Voice recorder • Timer programmable The Bad Only holds 3 lbs of food • Needs to be plugged in Only holds 3 lbs of food • Needs to be plugged in The Bottom Line If your small friend doesn't eat too much, this small feeder has everything it needs. If your small friend doesn't eat too much, this small feeder has everything it needs. Capacity: 1,500 ml

1,500 ml Meals: Up to 4

Up to 4 Power source: Battery/Adapter £49.99 from Amazon Iseebiz Automatic Feeder This voice-recorder-included pet feeder is as durable as it gets.

This robot-shaped

It's rather fairly priced for having all the perks of other, more expensive, feeders. Plus, a good amount of reviewers claim that it is indestructible and its shape helps in preventing their cat from breaking in to it. It also has a voice recorder so you can talk to your cat.

We swear, we didn't choose this feeder because of the adorable kitten in the picture. Well, maybe a little...but there's a lot more to it.This robot-shaped Iseebiz feeder is perfect for smaller cats who don't need too much food per meal. After all, there's no need to pay for what you don't need.It's rather fairly priced for having all the perks of other, more expensive, feeders. Plus, a good amount of reviewers claim that it is indestructible and its shape helps in preventing their cat from breaking in to it. It also has a voice recorder so you can talk to your cat.

Source: Mashable

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