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Best Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor

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If you’re a pet owner, you know that feeding your cat can be a hassle. You have to make sure that there’s food and water available for them at all times, and if you’re not home, they might go hungry.

One way to solve this problem is by using the best collar-activated cat feeder. In this article, we will review collar-activated cat feeders on the market.

These cat feeders are typically activated using a sensor tag on a cat’s collar, or even a microchip.

Being that there are really only two collar activated cat feeders on the market, we’ll also give you some options on some other best automatic cat feeders.

We hope this helps you find the best way to keep your cat fed and happy.

Reasons You Might Want a Collar or Microchip Activated Cat Feeder

  • You have more than one cat and can’t feed them separately.
  • You don’t want to worry about feeding your cats while you’re away from home or on vacation.
  • Your cat has a special diet that needs to be fed at regular intervals, such as diabetic food.
  • You don’t have enough time to feed your cat every day.
  • You are dealing with multiple pets in one household, such as dogs and cats
  • Your cat has the tendency to eat too much at once, and then vomit. Collar activated cat feeders can be set to disperse food slowly over a period of 24-hours
  • Your cat is on prescription food
  • Dispenses both wet or dry food, something many automatic cat feeders don’t do

The 3 Best Collar Activated Cat Feeders We Could Find

Best for Wet Food
Sure PetCare Microchip and Collar Activated Cat Feeder
$260.07
  • Holds 13.5 fl. oz, wet or dry pet food
  • Uses the cat’s Microchip ID or lightweight RFID collar tag to communicate with the feeder
  • Good for cat's that tend to overeat or are on prescription food
  • Battery operated
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05/18/2023 12:11 am GMT

Sure Petcare Microchip & Collar Activated Cat Feeder is a patented cat food dispenser that helps prevent pet obesity and annoying early morning wake-up calls. This is the best collar activated cat feeder we could find, with many good reviews and a 2020 Reader’s Digest Choice Award.

It works by allowing you to control your cat’s portion sizes and ensuring they don’t overeat. It also has the benefit of dispensing food if you’re out of town or working long hours.

This product has been designed with the latest technology in microchips and collar sensor activation, so it can be used with any type of microchip. The Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder has a unique design which lets you feed your pets wet or dry food at mealtimes without them stealing from each other. This allows you to give your pets the nutrition they need and helps to keep your home clean.

The Sure Petcare Microchip and Collar Sensor Cat Feeder is a great choice for pet owners who are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use feeder that can be used with any microchip or RFID collar tags.

This product comes with one tag you can attach to your cat’s collar. Also, you’ll get one grey single bowl and one grey split bowl. You can buy additional tags and bowls if you have multiple cats.

This best cat feeder lasts for up to six months on one set of batteries and can store the identities of up to 32 pets.

We also love that the Sure Petcare Cat Feeder comes with a 3 year warranty – a really awesome guarantee.

Click here to purchase additional tags

Best for Multiple Pets
Wireless Whiskers Collar Activated Cat Feeder
$269.99
  • You can use with up to 8 pets
  • Made for cats (or dogs) up to 18"
  • Works with AC power or batteries
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05/18/2023 12:12 am GMT

Wireless Whiskers collar activated cat feeder helps you feed your cat without any hassle. The new and improved v2.5 model has enhanced performance and even more features, like additional AutoDiet Wizard programs and No Night Feed programs. With Detection Interval settings, you can customize how often your pet is fed.

You can use this feeder with collar sensor to lock out specific pets, put your cat on a diet, feed different food to different pets, and figure out if your cat is under-eating.

Worried about your pet’s diet? Let Wireless Whiskers help! This SMART feeder automatically dispenses the right amount of food at the right time using collar sensors, so your furry friend can stay healthy and happy. With Portion Control and locked-out mode, you can rest easy knowing your pet is on a regulated diet.

Simply attach a wireless tag to your cat’s collar to use the Auto Diet SMART feeder. The wizard also tracks nutritional information such as calories burned from activity while dieting.

The Wireless whiskers cat food dish also prevents your beloved pet from gorging and vomiting by dispensing smaller amounts of food over 24-hours.

The main problem with this automatic feeder is that it’s the most expensive collar activated cat feeder.

Best Selective Feeding
MeowSpace Microchip or Collar Tag RFID Enclosure
  • RFID activated pet enclosure for feeding
  • Makes it easy to give a cat medicated food
  • Gives cat peace from other pets while eating
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The MeowSpace Microchip Selective Feeding Area is a great choice for pet owners who want to control their cat’s diet and give cats their own space while they eat. It also prevents your pets from stealing each other’s food, which can be a common problem in multi-cat households.

This automatic cat feeder uses collar sensor technology and microchips that are implanted in your pet’s body to allow entry into an enclosed space. The MeowSpace Selective Pet Feeder is great if you have one pet that is on medicated food. You can leave bowls of both wet and dry food.

If your cat doesn’t have a microchip, you can buy an RFID collar sensor to put on your cat’s collar.

Other Automatic Cat Feeders to Check Out

Unfortunately, there aren’t many choices when it comes to collar activated cat feeders. However, if you’re not interested in the Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder or the Wireless Whiskers Automatic Cat Feeder, here are a few other best automatic cat feeders that cat parents might be interested in:

Best Budget
PetSafe 5 Meal Programmable Cat Food Dispenser
$48.95
  • Ideal for households with just one pet
  • Dispenses up to 5 meals or treats per day for your cat
  • Great for cats who are on a diet or tend to overeat
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05/18/2023 12:14 am GMT

PetSafe Programmable Pet Food Dispenser is an automatic feeder for cats and dogs that can be programmed to dispense up to 5 meals a day. The size of the food dispenser makes it ideal for cats.

You can add both dry and semi-moist cat food, and each compartment holds 1 cup of food.

This option is great for cats that eat too quickly or who are on a diet. We also love that this automatic cat feeder is dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.

Setting up meals is easy with the LCD heads up display. The feeder is battery operated and requires 4 D-cell alkaline batteries which are not included.  

The PetSafe Cat Food dispenser doesn’t work well for a household with multiple pets.

Best for Two Cats
WellToBe Cat Food Dispenser
$59.99 ($59.99 / Count)
  • Good for households with 2 pets
  • The food dispenser plays your voice when it's time to eat
  • Good for portion control
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05/18/2023 12:15 am GMT

The WellToBe Two-Way Voice-Activated Automatic Cat Feeder is a great choice for cat owners who want an automatic feeder that can be controlled by their voice. Your pets will come running when they hear a recording of you saying it’s meal time.

This best cat feeder is really easy to program with an LCD display – storage capacity is 13 cups of dry food.

The WellToBe automatic cat feeder is powered by both a power adaptor and a set of batteries. That way, if power goes out, your cat feeder will still work using the batteries.

The food bowls and container are removable and really easy to clean.

You’ll also love the infrared sensor that prevents food from clogging, and a flashing blue light tells you when cat food is running low!

Best Voice Activated
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder
$69.99
  • Dispenses up to four meals per day
  • Voice activated with a 10 second recording of your voice
  • Easy to program LCD display
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05/18/2023 12:15 am GMT

Looking for a way to make sure your pet is fed regularly and feels loved and connected to you even when you’re away?

Look no further than the PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder. This handy device can be custom-configured with meal times and portions based on your pet’s age, weight, and activity level, so you can relax knowing your furry friend is taken care of.

Plus, the easy-to-use LCD screen makes setup a breeze. Your cat will come running when it hears a 10-second clip of your voice saying meal time is ready.

Best Technology
PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder with Stainless Steel Bowl
$99.00 ($99.00 / Count)
  • You can feed your cat from your phone
  • Fresh Lock system keeps food dry and fresh
  • Minimalistic and sleek design
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05/18/2023 12:17 am GMT

Are you looking for the best automatic cat feeder? The PetKit Automatic Pet Feeder is an affordable option that can be controlled from your smartphone.

You can set up to 10 different feeding times or control when food is dispensed using the app.

The PetKit Automatic Pet Feeder is powered by an AC adapter (included) or batteries (not included). The feeder also comes with a one-year warranty.

The app can be glitchy and doesn’t always work correctly.

Best Gravity Feeder
PetSafe Healthy Cat Food Station
$19.95
  • Holds 2-4 pounds of food, depending on size
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
  • Slim design; you can also purchase a matching water dispenser
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05/18/2023 12:08 am GMT

If your cat doesn’t have issues with overeating, you might want to consider a gravity automatic cat feeder. This feeder is best for dry cat food and can hold between 2-4 pounds at a time.

The PetSafe Health Cat Food Station Gravity Cat Feeder is a great choice because it keeps food fresh and accessible to pests.

This automatic cat feeder is really easy to clean – the top comes off so you can wash it in the dishwasher.

One downside to this feeder is that it doesn’t work well with wet food, more is it good for a greedy cat.

The main positive of a gravity cat feeder is that it’s much cheaper than any other option on our list.

If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that will work with both wet and dry food, consider the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat Feeder.

Collar Activated Cat Feeders vs Automatic Cat Feeders

Cat waiting by an automatic cat feeder
Cat waiting by an automatic cat feeder

As cat parents, you might be trying to figure out where you really need a collar activated cat feeder when there are so many automatic feeders on the market with timers and voice activation.

Benefits of Collar Activated Cat Feeders

The main reason to go with collar or microchip activated is if you have multiple pets. That way, the feeder will know which food to dispense to what pet.

Collar activated cat feeders also have the ability to dispense wet food unlike many automatic cat feeders.

Disadvantages to a Collar Activated Cat Feeder

While the Sure PetCare Collar activated cat feeder gets great reviews, it doesn’t hold much food. Only 13.5 ounces. You’ll need to refill it on a regular basis, making it not usable for vacations.

However, the Wireless Whiskers feeder holds a greater amount of food.

What to Consider Before Purcashing an Automatic Cat Feeder

When it comes to choosing the best cat feeder for your pet, there are a few things you need to think about:

  • Whether you want a collar activated cat feeder or an automatic one
  • The size of the food container/hopper
  • How many meals per day you want the feeder to dispense
  • If you want to record a message for when it’s time to eat
  • Whether you want the feeder to be battery-operated or plug in, or even both!
  • If you want a feeder that can be controlled by voice
  • The price of the feeder and whether it has any extra features like an LCD screen or infrared sensor to prevent food from clogging.

How Does a Collar Activated or MicroChip Pet Feeder Work?

Collar activated pet feeders are designed to dispense food when they detect an RFID chip on your cat’s collar (or even a microchip implanted in their skin.) The feeder will only work if it detects the right ID tag.

This means that multiple cats can eat from one bowl without fighting over who gets what and the food will only go to the right pet. It also means that you can’t use a collar activated feeder if your cat loses their tag – and there’s no way to get the food out of the feeder without the chip. Howver, you can buy a backup RFID collar tag as a replacement if your cat loses theirs.

Microchip activated pet feeders work in pretty much the same way as RFID-activated feeders , but with a chip inside your cat instead of on their collar.

Pros and Cons of Collar or Microchip Activated Feeders for Cats:

Pros:

  • You can program the feeder to dispense food at specific times (or only when triggered by an RFID collar tag). This is great if you have more than one cat that needs different types of food and don’t have time for all their meals.
  • You can control how much each pet eats by programming the feeder with a meal size, so you won’t need to worry about overfeeding your greedy cat!
  • Great for cats that tend to overeat, or who are on prescription food
  • Good for households with multiple pets

Cons:

  • If it loses power or there’s a glitch in the programming, your cats will go hungry.
  • If your cat loses their tag, they won’t be able to get any food from the feeder.
  • Some models are battery operated while others need to be plugged in, so you’ll need to consider where you want to put it and whether it needs an outlet nearby.

How Does an Autmatic Cat Feeder Work?

Automatic cat feeder with LCD display

Cat parents should know that automatic cat feeders work in much the same way as collar-activated pet feeders, but they use a timer instead of an RFID tag. Most automatic cat feeders have two timers; one for how long to wait before dispensing food and another for when it should stop feeding your kitty.

Some models will also let you record a message that will play when it’s time for your cat to eat. This can be helpful if you’re away from home and want to make sure they’re fed on schedule.

The Pros and Cons of Automatic Cat Feeders:

Pros:

  • You can set it and forget it – the feeder will dispense food at the times you’ve programmed it to.
  • If your cat is on a special diet, you can program the automatic cat feeder to give them only the right amount of food at each meal.
  • Some models come with an infrared sensor to prevent food from clogging the dispenser.
  • If you’re away on vacation, an automatic feeder will make sure your kitty doesn’t go hungry.

Cons:

  • If there’s a power outage or glitch in programming, your cat might not eat until you get home (or they could overeat). You’ll need to provide a backup source of food in case this happens.
  • It’s best not to leave your cat alone with an automatic feeder for more than four days, as they might get bored or stressed out without you around (even if someone else is checking on them).
  • Some models aren’t battery-operated and need to be plugged in, so you’ll need to consider where you want to put it.
  • Some cats have figured out how to stick their paws into an automatic cat feeder to get more cat food out
  • Not as good for households with multiple pets, although there are a couple options that can feed two pets at once

Are Automatic Cat Feeders Good for Cats?

Automatic cat feeders are a great way to make sure your kitty is fed on schedule, especially if you’re away from home or have a special diet for them.

However, they’re not perfect – there’s always the chance of a power outage or programming glitch that could mean your cat goes hungry. If you do decide to get an automatic feeder, make sure you have a backup food supply just in case.

Some cats may be a little timid while using these feeder at first, but they should get used to it in a short amount of time. All in all, an automatic cat feeder will generally provide your cat with a better experience of eating at the same intervals each and everyday. This helps greatly if your trying to get your cat on a diet!

Are Automatic Cat Feeders Worth the Money?

That depends on your individual situation. Automatic cat feeders can range in price anywhere from $60 to $200, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that fits your needs.

If you’re away from home a lot or have a special diet for your cat, an automatic feeder is definitely worth the money – – it’ll ensure that your kitty is fed when you’re not there to watch them. However, if you’re only gone a couple days per week or don’t need one of the more advanced features like an infrared sensor, then perhaps buying a cheaper model might do just as well for less money (more on those later).

Are Automatic Cat Feeders Safe for Cats?

Generally, yes. Most automatic cat feeders are made from plastic that has been tested and approved for pet use (some models even have a rating).

As with any product though, there is always the chance of something going wrong. If you’re worried about your cat’s safety, it might be a good idea to watch them eat from the automatic feeder at first to make sure they don’t have any problems.

The Different Types of Automatic Cat Feeders

There are three main types of automatic cat feeders – gravity-fed, battery operated, and plug -in.

Gravity-fed feeders rely on the weight of the food in the container to push it through a small opening and into the bowl below. These are generally more affordable than other types of automatic feeders, but don’t always work well with certain foods (like wet canned cat food).

Battery operated automatic feeders usually work by dispensing food out at scheduled intervals using a rotating wheel or some other mechanism. These tend to be more expensive than gravity-fed feeders, but are often better for wet foods and can even dispense multiple meals per day (if you want).

Plug -in automatic feeders plug directly into an AC outlet and require no batteries. This means these models are often larger than other types of feeders and may take up more space in your home. They can distribute multiple meals per day depending on how many outlets you have available for them to plug into, but will cost more money over time because of their electricity usage.

Why The Best Automatic Cat Feeder is Good for an Overweight Cat

If you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder, it’s probably because your cat is overweight or has special dietary needs.

Overweight cats tend to eat more than normal weight cats, which means they need a larger portion size and/or frequency of feeding in order to meet their caloric requirements. Unfortunately, most veterinary-recommended diets are made with standard adult portions in mind – meaning they don’t provide enough calories for an obese cat.

Therefore, if you’re feeding your overweight cat a diet recommended by their vet and they’re still gaining weight then it may be time to consider switching over to another one that meets their caloric needs better (this is especially true if you also have a busy lifestyle).

The best automatic cat feeder for an overweight cat is one that allows you to set the portion size and frequency of feeding according to their individual needs. This means that you can customize the amount of food they get each day, which will help them lose weight gradually and safely.

So, What’s The Best Automatic Cat Feeder?

In the end, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If your cat is overweight and/or has special dietary needs then an automatic feeder with customizable portion sizes may be a good choice – especially if they don’t like eating dry kibble (like many obese cats tend to do). However, if your pet just needs to eat at regular intervals throughout the day then any type of automatic feeder will do!

How often should you feed your cat?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, how old is your feline friend? Kittens need to be fed more frequently than adult cats because they’re growing and have a high energy requirement.

Second, does your cat have any health problems? Cats with diabetes, for example, need to be fed smaller meals more often throughout the day in order to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Lastly, what type of diet is your cat on? If they’re eating a wet food diet then you may only need to feed them once or twice a day, while cats on a dry food diet will need to eat more often (usually two or three times per day).

In general, most adult cats can be fed once a day as long as they have free access to fresh water. However, if you’re unsure about how much food to feed your cat then it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Are automatic pet feeders dishwasher safe?

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the make and model of automatic pet feeder you have. Some models are dishwasher safe while others are not, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying to clean your feeder in this way.

Generally speaking, most plastic or metal parts of an automatic pet feeder can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher without any problems. However, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer first if you’re unsure about whether your unit is machine washable or not!

What’s the best cat feeder for multiple pets?

If you have more than one cat then it’s best to get an automatic feeder that can accommodate multiple pets. This way, each of your cats will have their own food bowl and won’t have to compete for access to the feeder.

There are a few different types of automatic pet feeders on the market that can cater to multiple cats, such as timed feeders and microchip activated ones. However, if you only have one cat then any type of automatic feeder will do!

The best kind of automated pet feeding system for multiple pets is a gravity-fed model that dispenses food when your cat steps on the foot pad or presses down on the lever. These feeders usually hold enough food for at least two meals (sometimes up to four) and are very easy to refill when needed.

How long can a cat go without eating?

Cats do not need to eat as often as humans, but they still require regular access to fresh water and food in order to stay healthy. In general, adult cats can go up to 24 hours without eating as long as they have access to water. However, kittens and pregnant or nursing cats may need to eat more often – typically every six to eight hours.

If your cat does not have access to food or water for an extended period of time then they may become dehydrated or suffer from nutrient deficiencies. If you’re concerned that your cat isn’t eating enough then it’s best to consult with a veterinarian who can assess their diet and recommend changes if necessary.

An automatic cat feeder can help keep your cat on a feeding schedule and prevent them from going hungry.

Conclusion on the Best Cat Feeders

The best cat feeders are those that you can customize with your needs in mind. If you need a unit for multiple pets, consider getting an automatic pet feeder like the gravity fed models we’ve discussed here. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian and partner with our team of experts before choosing what kind of automated feeding system is right for your home!

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best automatic cat feeder for your needs. The most important factor is usually how many pets you have, as some feeders are only designed to accommodate one or two cats. You’ll also need to consider the type of diet your cat is on, and whether they have any health conditions that might affect their ability to use the feeder correctly .

The best kind of automated pet feeding system for multiple pets is a gravity-fed model that dispenses food when your cat steps on the foot pad or presses down on the lever. These feeders usually hold enough food for at least two meals (sometimes up to four) and are very easy to refill when needed.

If you’re looking for a feeder that is dishwasher safe, consider getting a plastic model with few parts that can easily be taken apart. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying to clean your feeder in this way, as some units are not meant to be washed in the dishwasher.

We hope this article helps you choose the right selective cat feeder for your beloved pet.

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