Automatic cat feeder - comparison of the 11 best automatic feeders: types, features, how it works

A well-fed cat is a happy cat! Each device undoubtedly has a number of advantages and disadvantages; in addition, there are many models of such devices, which complicates the choice of this accessory. In this article, we will get acquainted with different types of cat feeders, consider their technical capabilities, and also, together with the portal experts, we will try to assemble such a feeder ourselves.

Choose a feeder based on the characteristics of your pet - some cats may refuse to eat from what they consider to be the “wrong” plate.

Automatic cat feeder. Pros and cons of using

Automatic cat feeders are appropriate if you spend most of your time at work or on business trips. Before making a choice, let's see what advantages and disadvantages such automatic food serving systems have. Advantages of automatic cat feeders:

practicality _ The automatic cat feeder is quite compact, so it can be placed in any room. Such devices are sold in different designs, which will not worsen the interior of your apartment. In addition, you can take the feeder with you on trips;
multifunctionality. Some devices not only include a pet feeding function, but are also designed to record voices;
possibility of precise dosage. The automatic device allows the pet to eat in portions, as a result of which the pet will be full throughout the day;
Ease of use . The cat feeder is quite heavy, so the animal will not be able to knock over the dish. You can leave the “unit” in any convenient place.

In addition to its wonderful qualities, an automatic cat feeder has several significant disadvantages:

high price . Not everyone will allow themselves to spend money on this device (however, there is an alternative solution - making the item yourself);
Problems often arise with the operation of the dispenser . It happens that it stops working;
Some models have a characteristic odor of the raw materials used for production. This scares the animal, and it refuses to feed from such a device;
does not always guarantee the safety of food fresh for one or several days.

INTERESTING FACT!

Among the variations of feeders, there are models that are equipped with a sound recording and playback device. You can record anything: the neighbor's cat or the owner's voice.

When is a device for automatically feeding fish needed?

An automatic aquarium feeder is a device that can be useful to every fish owner. Such a device is required in the following situations:

when the aquarium contains fish that require frequent feeding;
if the owner of the aquarium is at work for more than 12 hours;
in case of vacation, when there is no one to leave your pets with.

Such a device supplies the required dosage of feed in a timely manner. Which makes the care process easier. Feeders can be used in cases where the owner does not want to regularly monitor the process of feeding the fish, and prefers to use automated products.

How does an automatic cat feeder work?

At first glance, such a device, with its dimensions and filling, can cause mistrust not only in the animal, but also in the owner. However, there is nothing supernatural in the device. Let's look at some of the features of the electronic cat feeder:

Photo	Description
First you need to make sure that the device is functioning. To do this, check the charge of the batteries that it runs on (it is advisable to do this every time you leave your pet at home).
Dry or wet food is distributed into compartments that hold about 300 g.
Securely fix the lid of the automatic feeder.
Record your voice calling your pet for food (available if the device is equipped with a similar function).
Set a timer that will automatically open the feeder compartments after a set time.

NOTE!

Almost every feeder has three operating programs in which the opening time of the compartments is calculated: once a day for four days; twice a day - for 3 days; three times - within two days.

Feeder made from a plastic container

Unlike the two previous homemade devices, this feeder only works when the animal asks to eat. To make it, prepare:

plastic container with handle,
plastic bottle,
stationery clip,
a small ball, the diameter of which should be slightly larger than the neck of a bottle,
paper clips,
elastic rope, such as a thick rubber band,
stationery knife or scissors.

The operating instructions are as follows:

the bottle is cut so that it matches the length of the plastic container,
you need to cut a small circle in the bottom of the container so that the bottleneck fits there,
make holes in the lid of the plastic container,
insert the bottle into the container,
we tie the ball with a rope and pull it through the neck of the bottle, then fasten it in the holes of the bottles,
we pour food into the bottle and fasten the plastic container at a height sufficient for the animal to reach there with its paw,
We place a feeder under the structure.

The principle of operation of such a device is very simple: the animal hits the ball with its paw and food is poured into the bowl. It only works for dry food. First, you will need to train your pet to work with such a feeder.

Automatic feeders for dogs and cats are a very convenient device in cases where owners cannot always ensure that the animal eats on time and in sufficient quantity. You can make simple modifications of them yourself, and you can buy very “smart” devices in the store.

Main types of cat feeders

Depending on the appearance and built-in functions, it is customary to classify feeding devices for pets into several types. Each of them may differ in internal structure. A timer is one of the most important and indispensable functions for an automatic feeder. An automatic cat feeder with a timer is a device consisting of several compartments. Dry, wet food, pate are placed in it, alternating with water. After the time set by the owner has passed, the cat can eat and drink. The device runs on regular batteries, so power outages are not a problem for it. A mechanical feeder constantly adds food, in this case it is impossible to control the animal’s diet

Device without electronics (mechanical)

Designed for two plastic containers: one contains dry food, and the other is intended for pouring food into it from the first container. However, the use of this device is impractical, since the animal can eat all the food at one time, because it replenishes the bowl as it is emptied. The dispenser helps to accurately distribute the amount of food in the bowl

Cat feeder with dispenser

Designed for filling both wet and dry food. Typically, one load is enough for an average of 4–6 feedings. The device is equipped with a timer and a display where you can track the battery charge. The device can also be used as a drinking bowl. Feeders with a timer can be programmed several days in advance

Automatic dry food feeders with timer

Such a feeder is a device with a container into which a large amount of food is poured, and a free bowl into which food for the cat is poured after a specified time. You can program the device for several days and even weeks in advance. It depends on how big the loading bowl is. A great idea for an active animal that participates in exhibitions and competitions

Puzzle feeder

The design of these devices is thought out for trained pets. A smart cat will try to get food from a multi-level maze. The food in such a device always remains fresh, and the cat develops intelligence and remains alert throughout the day. The automatic drinking bowl for pets works on the principle of a feeder.

Automatic drinking bowl for cats

The automatic cat water bowl has good capacity and a stable body. Depending on the manufacturer, you can select the required volume of the water bowl. Some drinker options are equipped with a carbon filter, which allows you to keep the water fresh. Some drinkers can be filled remotely using special applications on your phone

Remote Control Models

An automatic cat feeder with an interactive function allows the owner to remotely control the consumption of food and water in the container. Using a specially installed application on your smartphone or laptop, you can monitor how much food the animal received and at what time.

NOTE!

The newest models can independently determine the required amount of food depending on the age and body weight of the pet.

Rating of the best automatic feeder models

Among the variety of automatic feeders for cats and dogs, there are models that differ in the range of functions, quality and cost. Let's consider the rating of the most popular modifications on sale today.

Pet-U

A device with a feed capacity of 3 liters. It is possible to establish a connection with the owner’s smartphone via Wi-Fi. With its help, you can change automatic settings, or independently, in remote mode, give a command to give food to the animal.

Another feature of this automatic feeder is the sound signal about the dispensing of a portion of food, in the form of a recorded voice of the owner or other sound. Hearing the recording, the pet runs to the feeder, where a portion of food is waiting for him. The feeder is equipped with an LCD display and buttons for setting operating parameters. Automatic time-based feed dispensing modes are available, or in manual mode when the animal owner is at home.

Specifications:

The weight of the device is 1.7 kg.
Dimensions – 21 x 29 x 37 cm.
Voice recording time is up to 10 seconds.
The size of the dispensed portions is from 5 to 195 grams.
Power supply is from 1.5 volt AA batteries.

The cost of the device on AliExpress ranges from 4358 rubles.

Allgreat Life Store

This device combines a food bowl and a water dispenser. In this case, the food is applied manually and left for the animal for the day. Water enters the drinking bowl as it is emptied. The set includes a food bowl and a water bowl, both made of stainless steel. Water is poured into a polypropylene bottle, which is mounted in a special holder.

The cost of the feeder-drinker on AliExpress is 471 rubles.

PETKIT

This automatic feeder is designed specifically for cats and small breed dogs. The sealed bin allows you to keep the food fresh longer, preventing its premature spoilage. The PETKIT smart feeder allows you to keep in touch with the owner via a Wi-Fi connection. To do this, you need to download a special application to your smartphone, which will allow you to control the device remotely: set the feed dispensing time and portion sizes. If necessary, the owner can independently, through a smartphone, command the device to give an additional portion of food to his pet. Works both from the home power supply and from the built-in batteries. Thanks to this, the animal will not remain hungry, even during a power outage.

The cost of the device on AliExpress is 19,496 rubles

Automatic pet feeders are an excellent solution for those people who are forced to stay away from home for a long time. In combination with automated drinking bowls and “smart toilets,” they create the necessary life support system for animals until the owner returns from work or a short business trip.

Basic recommendations for choosing an automatic cat feeder

In order to maintain the correct regime and diet of your pet using an automatic feeding device, it is necessary to take into account important points.

Rule	Decoding
Material and color	It is important that the device is made of high-quality plastic or metal. Notches, scratches and chips are unacceptable on it. If there is an unpleasant odor from the device, then this purchase should be abandoned. Pay attention to the color of the device: it is better to choose a neutral shade, as it will not irritate the cat’s eyesight.
Operating mode and programming	In most models, you can set an individual feeding regimen. This should be done based on the length of time between meals. Pay attention to models that can be programmed for several days.
Bowl volume and feeding method	Depending on the manufacturer, the volume of the feed container may vary. For some it reaches 3 kg, and for others? no more than 1.5 kg. It is most convenient if the device supplies food to the compartments in small portions.
Device Security	The structure should be as stable as possible so that the pet cannot tip it over. It is also important to determine in advance the location where the device will be placed. Take care of the animal's comfort and do not allow it to remain hungry.
Performance and operation	In a specialized store, make sure that the feeder is functioning, ask the manager to clearly show the device in operation. The device should be used at home strictly according to the instructions in the instructions.
Service and warranty	You should not purchase a product if it does not come with a warranty card; this is the only way the device will be serviced (repaired, adjusted) free of charge for a year.

ON A NOTE!

When purchasing an automatic device for feeding a cat, you need to pay attention to the weight and age of the animal. This is necessary in order to determine the required dose of food for one meal.

How to choose a cat feeder

To correctly choose the best dispenser option for your cat, you need to consider:

Capacity. The size and frequency of dispensed portions, as well as the maximum operating time of the device, depend on the volume of the feed storage container (from 0.5 to 3 kg).
Type of feed. There are models designed to be filled with wet and dry food, while others operate exclusively on granules.
Power supply (from mains or batteries).
Functionality. All functions are selected individually based on the needs of the pet and its owner. Feeders may have: a different number of operating modes;
programming;
timer;
audio recording;
the ability to connect to the owner’s mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.);
display;
video camera, microphone, speakers;
drinking bowl;
backlight;
an ice container or cooling bag to keep natural and wet food fresh;
sensors for monitoring occupancy, etc.
The automatic feeder can have many additional functions, which can be controlled from a panel or remote control

Material. Stainless steel containers are considered more hygienic, but they are heavier and more expensive.

Safety. The product must be stable so that the cat does not drop it.

Not all cats need an automatic feeder in principle. Our cat always eats as much as she needs at the moment and never overeats. We calmly leave her alone for the whole day, pouring more food into her bowl. By evening there is still food left. And the neighbor has several cats that eat without measure and cannot stop.

Review of popular models of automatic cat feeders

From the following list you can highlight the most interesting options for automatic cat feeders, characterized by their individual capabilities.

11th place. Model Karlie-Flamingo

The “2 in 1” device (feeder + drinker) is designed for several uses. The container is designed for dry food; it can hold up to 2 kg of food for your pet. The drinking bowl is made in the form of a bottle. The flow of food and water occurs as the bowls are emptied.

Automatic feeder

10th place. Moderna SMART model

The device is not equipped with electronics and is characterized by small capacity. The food will last for 1–2 days, depending on the cat’s diet. The advantage of the design is ease of cleaning and operation.

Automatic feeder

9th place. Trixie

Feeder for cats for one feeding, which is set using a timer. The lid of the device opens after the set time has elapsed. The automatic feeder is suitable for using dry and wet food, as it has an ice container installed, which helps keep the product fresh.

Auto feeder Trixie

8th place. Trixie 4

The device has four sections with a capacity of up to 500 ml. Adjustable using a timer. The time range of the device is 96 hours.

auto feeder Trixie

7th place. SITITEK

The automatic cat feeder is designed for 6 feedings. The trays are slightly smaller than the previous model, the device is battery-powered, and has a voice recording function that sounds three times before adding food.

Automatic feeder SITITEK

6th place. SITITEK Pets Mini

Automatic device designed for four feedings. Its total capacity is about 2 kg of feed. Designed mainly for storing dry food.

Automatic feeder SITITEK Pets Mini

5th place. Automatic feeder Feed Ex

The design is perfectly programmable and has a sound recording function. Great for long-term use (3-5 days). One feed tray has a volume of up to 60 g. The total capacity of the feeder is up to 7 kg of dry food.

Automatic feeder Feed Ex

4th place. Feed-ex model for 4 feedings

The device is equipped with an additional tray for ice or water. The food is placed in separate compartments. The automatic feeder is also equipped with a touch screen. This function controls the filling of the tray and the distribution of feed.

Automatic feeder Feed Ex

3rd place. Anmer Alien

The device is designed for 6 feedings, which can be of different volumes. The design contains a sensor that controls the addition of feed, preventing the tray from overflowing.

Automatic cat feeder

2nd place. PetWant PF-102

This device supplies food automatically using a sensor, which is also used for control. The food enters the bowl as it disappears.

Automatic feeder PetWant PF 102

1 place. Petwant

This is a universal model of automatic feeder that is useful for both cats and dogs. The device operates on batteries and has the option to record the owner's voice. Designed for five feedings a day.

Automatic feeder Petwant

TOP 8 automatic feeders for cats and dogs

To facilitate the selection process, we have compiled our own rating based on the listed parameters. A summary table for all parameters will be at the end of the article, read to the end

1 place. Tenberg Yummy

Automatic cat feeder with timer Tenberg Yummy

Rating: 9.8

The Tenberg Yummy automatic feeder combines key qualities: it has reliable protection against tampering, a dual power source (battery + adapter) and at the same time low cost.

Pros:

dual power supply (battery + adapter);
reliable protection against opening (the cover is located in a recess and is securely fixed);
Suitable for wet and dry food;
intelligent key lock;
You can choose the color of the feeder (5 colors).

Minuses:

up to 5 feedings without refilling.

Expert comment: “The Tenberg Yummy automatic feeder is optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. It has a dual power source, and with a battery (no need to spend extra money on batteries). The design includes protection against tampering: fixing the lid in a recess, locking the buttons and anti-slip feet.”

Customer review: “I liked the design of the feeder, it looks good in the kitchen! I chose a pink shade to match the color of the set!))) Compared to ordinary bowls, the automatic feeder looks big. It’s a bit like a robot vacuum cleaner, but it’s still cool and looks stylish!”

2nd place. Petwant 4.3 l for dry food with video camera

Petwant 4.3 l with video camera

Rating: 9.7

The Petwant automatic feeder has a video camera, is powered by an app, and has a fairly spacious 4.3 liter tank.

Pros:

1 MP video camera;
application for work and integration with a smartphone;
audio messages;
dual power supply (battery + batteries).

Minuses:

high cost (from 14,000 rubles);
you need to buy 3 size D batteries (not included);
only for dry food.

Expert comment: “A good intellectual feeder. Powered by an app, integrates with a smartphone, and has a video camera. It has two power sources, but you need to purchase batteries separately. If you have the opportunity to buy such a feeder, then feel free to buy it.”

Customer review: “It’s convenient to feed your cat remotely and not have to worry about its condition while traveling, because you can always see what it’s doing. There were no complaints during operation; in the absence of Wi-Fi, it works as usual. Convenient and practical thing.”

3rd place. Tenberg Flunky

Automatic feeder with dispenser Tenberg Flunky

Rating: 9.6

The second automatic feeder from the popular Tenberg brand. Simple and reliable mechanism, large feed reservoir and wide range of portion sizes.

Pros:

large tank 6 liters;
dual power supply (battery + batteries);
two feed dispensers (5 g or 10 g increments), adjustable portions from 5 to 390 g;
easy programming.

Minuses:

you need to buy 3 size D batteries (not included);
only for dry food.

Expert comment: “One of the best models in the class of automatic feeders with a reservoir and dispenser. It has a large feed reservoir (6 liters), a dual power source (but batteries are not included, you will have to purchase them in addition). Easy to set up and has two dispensers.”

Customer review: “This feeder allows you to give your cat a specific amount of food at a specific time of day. Each time you can set a different amount of food, for example, I give my cat more food for breakfast, but set it to a light lunch. You don’t need to measure out the food yourself, gram by gram; the feeder does that. This is very convenient for me, because sometimes I am not at home all day.”

4th place. Automatic feeder TRIXIE for two feedings TX2 600 ml

TRIXIE for two feedings TX2 600 ml

Rating: 9.1

One of the few models of automatic feeders with a hinged lid. Quite popular and inexpensive.

Pros:

Suitable for wet and dry food.

Minuses:

works only on batteries (not included in the complex);
designed for 2 feedings;
cheap plastic;
loud clockwork.

Expert comment: “Not a bad model, one of the few in its class (with a hinged lid). Its low cost and easy setup have made it quite popular among pet owners.”

Customer review: “Chinese plastic, batteries are difficult to install. The clock mechanism is very loud."

5th place. SITITEK Pets Pro (4 feedings)

SITITEK Pets Pro

Rating: 8.9

Automatic feeder from the famous SITITEK brand with a 4-liter tank. Like all feeders with a reservoir and dispenser, it is only suitable for dry food.

Pros:

LED backlight (cannot be turned off);
4 liter tank.

Minuses:

single source of energy (adapter);
only for dry food;
settings are reset after a power outage;
The buttons on the control panel are hard to press.

Expert comment: “In general, this is a normal model of an automatic feeder and has a beautiful design. Unfortunately, it has only one power source (adapter), therefore, in the event of a power outage in the house, the animal will be left without food. There is LED lighting, but it does not turn off, which is not very convenient if the room should be completely dark.”

Customer review: “Works properly, even if there is a short power surge. 4 feeding modes with the ability to select portion sizes. But the choice is very limited! If you follow the daily norm based on the weight of the animal, it may not be suitable for you. There was a power outage for an hour, after turning on the feeder the time was set to 12:00, but it continued feeding according to the given program, just with a reference point of 12:00.”

6th place. Smart automatic feeder Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element

Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element

Rating: 7.9

Automatic feeder of the Petkit brand in the Xiaomi family with a dispenser and operation from the application. Intended for dry food only.

Pros:

work from the application;
5.9 liter tank;
steel bowl.

Minuses:

cost (from 18,000 rubles);
you need to buy batteries (not included);
possible failures.

Expert comment: “This is the case when the presence of a large number of functions and sensors greatly reduces the overall reliability of the device. Xiaomi Petkit Fresh Element uses almost everything: a Hall sensor, a strain gauge sensor, a high-precision current sensor, an infrared sensor (10 different sensors in total), a mobile application. But, unfortunately, all this leads to individual breakdowns: failures in portion sizes, application failures, etc.”

Customer review: “The feeder itself decided that it would give out one portion instead of two at a time. We just left for a neighboring town for a day, and when we arrive, the cats are hungry.”

7th place. "Feed-Ex" for dry food 2.5 l

Feed-Ex 2.5 l

Rating: 7.2

A very popular model, one of the cheapest among automatic feeders with a reservoir and dispenser. Easy to set up, but has significant drawbacks.

Pros:

low battery indicator;
easy setup.

Minuses:

powered only by 4 1.5V type “C” batteries (not included);
a lot of money is spent on frequent battery changes (from 1 to 3 times the cost of the feeder itself per year);
animals easily open the automatic feeder;
frequent settings failures, many “glitches”;
frequent mechanism breakdowns;
cheap plastic;
small container for dry food (2.5 l).

Expert comment: “A very popular cheap model with significant drawbacks. The first is the actual expenditure of money on the purchase of batteries or accumulators. The cost of using an automatic feeder will increase at least 2 times. The second is insufficient reliability, a large number of “glitches” and ease of opening for animals.”

Customer review: “I didn’t notice any flaws until I left for two days. Upon arrival, three cats, mad with hunger, were waiting for me. It turned out that the food was smeared on the walls of the tank, from the outside it seemed that the feeder was about a third full, but inside a funnel had formed and the mechanism was not throwing anything into the tray. After that, I began to carefully monitor the feeder. It turned out that she has a lot of glitches. It does not work well if the tank is less than half full of food. Sometimes it is triggered by vibration or a loud sound (for example, a sneeze), sometimes the rotational mechanism that dispenses food jams, and the photosensor glitches constantly - today, for example, it was a very sunny day, and although direct sunlight did not fall on the feeder, the photosensor glitched, and at 16 o’clock the feeder did not give out food.”

8th place. "Feed-Ex" for 6 feedings

Feed-Ex for 6 feedings

Rating: 6.4

A very popular feeder due to its price. The biggest disadvantage is the lid, which pets can learn to open in 2-3 days.

Pros:

price (about 3000 rubles);
Suitable for wet and dry food.

Minuses:

pets can easily open the lid once or twice;
flimsy plastic;
powered only by 4 1.5V type “C” batteries (not included);
frequent settings failures;
short service life.

Expert comment: “The feeder stands out among its competitors due to its low price, which does not go unnoticed. The main disadvantage of this design is the ill-conceived lid, which most pets open. The feeder only runs on batteries, which you will need to purchase (not included) and spend extra money on. But they will last for quite a long time, since the energy consumption during operation is insignificant.”

Customer review: “I bought 2 feeders on February 24, 2018, blue and pink, one for each cat. The clocks were constantly confused, on Monday they opened at the same time - by Sunday with a difference of 5 minutes. By September one broke down, after pressing start now it was spinning without stopping (blue), I ordered a green one. On February 20, the pink one also broke. The service life of the feeder is less than a year. The cats are sad.”

Automatic cat feeder - reviews from real owners

Review: “Feed-Ex PF2Y Automatic Pet Feeder? a convenient thing if sometimes you need to go away for a couple of days. Advantages: a very convenient device, solves the problem of timely feeding of pets. Disadvantages: other than the price, there are no disadvantages.

There are situations in life when you need to go away for several days, but none of your relatives, friends and good acquaintances can (or does not want) to stop by and feed the animal that you have tamed and for which you are now responsible. And here comes to the rescue... tadam... automatic feeder!!!

Review: “Feed-Ex PF2Y Automatic Pet Feeder? very convenient and useful thing. Pros: very comfortable, cute and useful. Disadvantages: containers can be made smaller, but their number is greater than 6.

There has been a need for something like this for a long time. I often travel for a long time, sometimes up to 1–1.5 months. Was it always a problem? cat. I tried to give it to someone, it’s hard for people to tolerate someone else’s animal: sometimes it picks something up, sometimes there’s a lot of fur, sometimes it gets up at 5 in the morning, sometimes it climbs into the child’s crib...”

Review: “Feed-Ex PF2Y Automatic Pet Feeder? for those who care about their animals. Advantages: convenient, safe. Disadvantages: price. A completely convenient device for regular and gradual feeding of your pet.

Suitable either for very lazy owners, or those who are forced to be away from home for some time.”

Do-it-yourself automatic cat feeder? tips and nuances for making

To make an automatic feeder for pets, you will need some materials and equipment:

old wall clock (with battery);
large tin can (from canned food or other product);
clay that does not require oven drying;
a piece of thin plywood;
hacksaw or painting knife, tape measure, pencil;
glue or double-sided tape (electrical tape will also work).

Let's look at step-by-step instructions for building a pet feeder.

Photo	Description
Take a tin can and coat its outer part with clay. We form the required number of compartments, including for the dial. Leave to dry.
Next, use special glue or double-sided tape to install the clock mechanism in the circle prepared in the center. Don't forget to replace the battery with a new one in advance.
Now mark the desired size of the circle on the plywood (it should correspond to the size of the main bowl). We cut out the workpiece and connect it to the long arrow. It is she who will move the lid, gradually opening the trays.
Paint the top of the feeder the color you want and wait until the smell goes away. Use a self-tapping screw to securely fasten the structure cover.
After this we proceed to attaching the legs. To do this, you will need silicone or rubber pads. They will ensure the stability of the device on the floor, due to which the animal will not knock over the feeder.
Once the device is ready, call your pet and show him where he should eat from. Don't worry, your cat will quickly learn to use the feeder.

We make feeders with our own hands

A puzzle feeder can be purchased at a pet store, or you can make it yourself from scrap items.

You can use a small closed box. Cut holes in it slightly larger than the size of the cat's paw so that he can crawl inside and fish out his treat. Pour dry food or other treats inside and watch how your cat solves this problem.

Cats enjoy playing

It is important that the animal does not decide to feast on cardboard, then your option is an industrial plastic feeder.

A simpler option: make holes in a plastic bottle slightly larger than the crackers that will be inside. Add food. The cat will diligently roll the bottle along the floor, getting food.

Pieces of treats fall out of the holes

Automatic feeder made from plastic bottles

An automatic feeder can be built from several plastic bottles:

Take 2 empty five-liter bottles.
We turn one into a container. For this:
We make a hole in the lid, larger than pieces of dry food. The cover will secure the structure when connecting the parts.
For the bottom part, cut out the second five-liter bottle in the shape of a tray on one side and make a round hole for the neck of the first bottle (container) to insert it with the neck down. Thus, food will be automatically added to the vacant space after the pet eats a certain amount of food.
To prevent the portion of food from being very large, the lower part of the structure can be made from a smaller bottle or a kind of limiter can be made from half of any small bottle:
the height of the small element is adjusted depending on the desired portion of food: the closer to the bottom of the tray, the less food will fit in it.
This feeder is suitable for dry food

Video: detailed master class on making an automatic feeder

Review of great deals: price per feeder

Experts agree that it is best to buy an automatic cat feeder in a specialized store. Such retail outlets provide a warranty on the operation of the device for at least 12 months. Sellers of these devices also provide a certificate for selling pet equipment. Typically, certified devices for feeding animals are sold in pet stores. Prices for designs depend on the model of the device, its functionality and the manufacturer’s brand. So, if you buy a feeder with automatic operation from Feed ex, you will pay about 3,000 rubles for it.

While purchasing a Trixie device will cost no more than 2,000 rubles. As a result, it is worth noting that every owner should buy a feeding accessory for their pet, based not only on their own financial preparedness, but also pay attention to the functionality of the device and ease of use.

Criteria for choosing a feeder

Automatic feeders can be of various types, depending on the type of food. Some devices are designed for dry food only. There are also models that can be used for both live food and specialized pellets. A do-it-yourself automatic fish feeder takes into account all the necessary parameters. Before starting installation, it is important to determine the following criteria.

Mechanism of action

This criterion depends on the type of feed used. For small granules, a drum mechanism is used. If the fish are regularly given sticks or flakes as food, a screw mechanism is used.

Number of feedings

This criterion depends on the type of fish and age. Adult fish can be fed 2-3 times a day. But if there are fry, the number of feedings increases to 7-8 times per knock.

Feed hopper size

It is selected depending on the number of aquarium inhabitants. Standard bins can be installed. However, if the owner of the aquarium will be absent for a long time, it is recommended to use larger containers.