Are automatic feeders good for cats?

Automatic feeders are good for cats and their busy parents, and the wide range of types available means you'll have no trouble finding the perfect one for your needs. Choose a feeder you can program for set mealtimes, or pick one that has an added Wi-Fi option so you can feed your cat whenever you want. Microchip-activated options can help ensure the dog or other pets stay out of the cat's food, while slow cat feeders will help prevent gorging and help with weight control regimens.

How do automatic cat feeders work?

Most automatic cat feeders work by dispensing food at preset times that you choose and program into the feeder. Newer models may connect to your Wi-Fi and let you feed your kitty remotely whenever you want, while old-school automatic feeders simply use gravity to refill the bowl whenever it's empty. Another type of automatic feeder only opens when a pet with a recognized microchip or tag is detected, to keep other pets from eating the wrong food and help control and monitor food intake.

Can I control an automatic cat feeder from my phone?

Most automatic cat feeders and treat dispensers are mobile friendly and hook up to your home Wi-Fi so you can control them remotely. Easy-to-use iOS and Android apps allow you to interact with the dispenser and dispense treats with a touch of your phone screen, and some models even let you talk to your cat through a microphone and see her through the integrated camera.