Which automatic cat feeder is right for your pet

Proper feeding of pets is very important for their health. The automatic cat feeder allows you to dose portions of food. And even in the absence of the owner, his pet will always be full, because the feed is supplied strictly on time. This is one of the best options for people with irregular work schedules or those who like to hang out with friends in the evenings.

Principle of operation

Automatic feeders (feeders or dispensers) have more than just their functional features. They have different designs and dimensions. This means that feed stocks can be more or less. The number of portions placed in them often corresponds to ten or even more.

The most popular automatic cat feeders:

1. With a simple design. Arranged in such a way that as the pet eats food, a new one comes from the container into the bowl. Not suitable for pets that can regularly overeat.
2. Round. They have several segments. Inside there is a container, divided into parts, the number of which determines the number of meals the pet will eat. In the container lid, one segment is open. After a period set by the owner, the lid is rotated and a new portion of feed becomes available.
3. Devices with a hinged cover. These are disposable feeders that are designed so that at a certain time, the pet can eat.
4. With software. In accordance with the set time, food comes into the bowl from a large container installed above it. The most advanced and expensive models have the ability to call pets. To do this, the owner must write down a familiar phrase with which he notifies the cat that it is time to eat.

In addition to feeders, there are also automatic drinkers for pets, which they also need. They serve as an indispensable addition, without which it will not be possible to fully meet the nutritional needs of the cat.

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Automatic cat feeder: selection criteria

To choose the right auto feeder for your pet, you need to consider the following points:

• his age;
• breed and size;
• required number of feedings;
• the volume of a single portion;
• the period of time during which the cat should eat meals without the control of the owner.

The feeder with built-in rechargeable batteries will allow the cat to eat normally even with a prolonged power outage.

If there is more than one cat in the house, it is better to choose an automatic feeder with the "multiket" function. Since the dominant, or “boss,” often keeps other pets away from food, they may begin to lose weight. But such a feeder, programmed by the owner, will not allow anyone to eat more than they should. Cat food will only be supplied to those who are hungry. The feeder reacts to a signal from a sensor in the collar.

Feeders are made of plastic or metal. The choice depends on the characteristics of the pet and his preferences, since heightened sensitivity to one of the materials can affect the feeding process. If the cat does not have negative feelings, the owner is better off buying a stronger and more durable product that is easy to clean and disinfect. Defects are unacceptable.

It is best to choose feeders in neutral colors or soft, pastel ones. They will not annoy sensitive and emotional pets. The volume of the feed compartment should be optimal, it is not necessary to keep it in it for too long.

Before buying, be sure to check the stability of the feeder. If the cat drops it, then it will be without food for a long period of time. You should also check the operation of this product. If there are no failures and violations, then the pet should like the feeding. Care should be taken to obtain a purchase guarantee. Moreover, the purchase of some car feeders with a large number of functions will have to spend a considerable amount.

What is interesting about the automatic cat feeder with a timer

Most domestic cats wake up very early. They start waking up their masters to get food. Not all owners are happy with this. On the contrary, many are outraged by this behavior of their beloved pets. However, purchasing an automatic cat feeder with a timer can easily solve this problem. Now you can not be afraid to leave your companions at home alone. Lunch time will always be constant.

Modern feeders have built-in timers that can be programmed for several feedings, most often up to four.

Food serving modes are programmed as follows:

• feed for 4 days once a day;
• feed dispensing 2 days, 2 times a day;
• feed 4 times a day.

Using the LCD control panel, you can set the desired weight for each portion. The owner's voice, recorded on the microphone and amplified by the built-in speaker, will invite the furry pet to eat. The container is tightly closed with a lid. It is filled dry food manually. At the specified time, it will enter the automatically retractable food bowl. To prevent the cat from having "supper" in the dark, the area near the feeder is illuminated by an LED lamp.

Approximate price for various types of car feeders:

• without built-in electronics - from 200 rubles;
• from several compartments for feeding - from 2,500 rubles;
• with a timer - from 1,400 rubles;
• with a large feed container and a timer - from 2 800 rubles.

The programmable feeders for wet feed have a dedicated ice compartment. Cooling keeps feed much longer.

Read also the article: how to make a paddock for dogs?

How to make a simple DIY auto feeder

Some cat owners want to design their own auto feeder for their pet. The manufacture of such a useful device does not require a lot of materials or components. Some of them can be found in almost every home. These are feeders with a mechanical principle of operation; they are not equipped with advanced electronic devices, or even sensors.

With a simple auto feeder you can:

• adjust the pet's diet and protect it from overeating or hunger;
• to protect against possible metabolic disorders, as well as related diseases, including obesity and diabetes;
• Don't be afraid to miss a feed because of forgetfulness or busyness.

Self-made auto feeders are not always convenient. Movable cats can simply scatter food. Feeding time will be difficult to regulate.

There are many ways that suggest how to make an auto feeder with your own hands, practically from improvised means.

Automatic feeder for cats from plastic bottles

Before you start making an automatic bottle feeder for cats, you need to prepare the following items:

1. Two plastic bottles of different sizes.
2. Glue gun.
3. Stationery knife or scissors.
4. Awl, lace.

They will be enough to make a small but roomy zoogadget for dry food. And then you can start doing your plans:

1. Use a utility knife or an awl to make a hole in the bottom of the smaller bottle. And then, using sharp scissors, remove the bottom and neck. Cut out a small semicircle so that the bottle looks a bit like a scoop. Make two holes in the second bottle. The first one is large, its size should correspond to a regular pet bowl. It is from here that he will eat food. The second hole is a regular circle, the diameter of which should be equal to the diameter of the smaller bottle.
2. Insert the blank obtained from the smaller bottle into the hole so that the semicircle is closer to the place where the feed will flow through it. Secure the resulting zoogadget with an awl and lace. The upper part must be closed with a suitable lid or piece of cellophane, tightly wrapped around it with an elastic band. Now dust and small debris will not get inside.
3. Pour in feed, close the top with a lid.

Such a device will dispense food gradually as it is consumed. The feeder is useful for cats that do not have problems with excess weight. It is also suitable for several mobile individuals that consume energy quickly and need frequent "feeding".

Small feeder made of plastic container

This uncomplicated design dispenses a portion of food only at the request of the cat.

To make this useful item, you will need:

• plastic container with one or two handles;
• a small plastic bottle and ball for cats with holes, the diameter of which is slightly larger than its neck;
• ordinary stationery clip (binder);
• paper clips;
• lace or rope;
• stationery knife.

If you follow the instructions, you can effortlessly make your own automatic cat feeder. Stages of work:

1. Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle so that its length is equal to the height of the taken container.
2. Cut a circle in the bottom of the container, into which the neck of the bottle will fit tightly.
3. Make 2 holes in the container lid.
4. Place the bottle with the neck down in the container.
5. Pull the string or elastic through the holes of the ball and direct it into the neck of the bottle. Fasten to the lid of the plastic container using the holes made earlier.
6. Fill the bottle with dry food.
7. Secure the container in a place accessible to the cat. Put a bowl for food below.

Any cat will quickly understand what is going on and how to eat with this feeder. As soon as she hits the ball with her paw, it will bounce to the side and slightly open the neck for the dry food. If the feeder is made for a kitten, he needs to visually demonstrate the process of obtaining food. Perhaps even more than once. But on the other hand, in the future, such a meal will become a developmental toy for him and will have a beneficial effect on his intelligence.

Many do-it-yourself automatic cat feeders have a single principle of operation. First of all, this is a container for food with a lid, at the bottom of which there is a bowl.

Automatic cat feeder - puzzle

This type of feeder is very easy to make. It is intended rather for the cat to obtain treats and requires some mental stress from the pet. You will need a flat plank, the size of which you can choose at will. Tiny plastic toys, pieces of tubes, cubes in a chaotic manner are glued to it with a glue gun. After the trough is dry, you can scatter various delicacies over its surface.

The cat's task will be to get them all. And, of course, eat. Your pet's interest in such fun with a tasty reward depends on how the obstacles are placed on the board. The price of a toy made is incomparable with the joy of a cat, recklessly extracting sweets.

Possible problems

During the operation of automatic cat feeders, unexpected accidents are possible. Problems may appear. For example, a cat for some unknown reason refuses to eat from a new bowl.Or he doesn't want to get his own food by hitting the ball. Perhaps the new item has an unpleasant smell for the pet, or it is simply annoying. First of all, the purchased item must be washed. This will be beneficial for your pet's health. Especially if he does not leave the apartment.

If something is broken in the purchased zoogadget, you should not try to fix it. It is better to present the warranty card in a specialized workshop and the repair will be carried out by specialists, which will certainly extend the time of its further service.

It so happens that the cat, as if on purpose, overturns the feeder. Perhaps this is true. This is how she expresses her dissatisfaction with this subject. This demonstration can only be stopped by changing the purchased feeder to a more massive one.

A smart device requires a careful attitude. All actions and algorithms must be thought out in advance. Before you can start feeding your pet from the advanced feeder, it will need to be completely disassembled. And then just wash it with special care.

The food block should be disinfected at least once a month. All parts and containers are washed with a solution baking soda, which, moreover, removes unpleasant odors. If you do not do this, harmful microorganisms parasitizing on food debris will begin to multiply on the inner walls of the trough and in the bowl. This can lead to malfunctions of the digestive organs in the pet, as well as intestinal upset.

Pet benefits

Each version of the automatic feeder is good in its own way. But the long absence of the owner can have a negative effect on the condition of the beloved pet. Unfamiliar people who periodically come to feed the cat can cause additional stress on her. Since she can experience a sense of fear and uncertainty in front of them. If food is served systematically and no one bothers it, the feeling of anxiety will disappear. The cat will calmly wait for the owner.

The ability to get food on time will save pets from nervous breakdowns. They will not overeat due to the strong feeling of hunger. Therefore, diseases will bypass them. Before leaving home for a long time, the owner should check the condition of the batteries in the feeder.

Quality automatic cat feeders made by well-known manufacturers, compared to homemade ones, can last a long time. Their functions are better calculated and their work is much more reliable.

The models have a modern look and fit organically into any interior. Distributed nutrition, received in optimal portions, will preserve the health of the pet for a long time and prolong its existence.

Automatic cat feeder - video