Automatic cat feeder: review of the best models + recommendations for making a feeder yourself

Cats 24930

Thanks to an automatic feeder, your cat will always have enough food. This is especially necessary if you plan to be away from home longer than usual. An automatic feeder will ensure that your cat is well-fed. But where can you get such a miracle device? Option one is to buy. The cost of such feeders depends on the configuration, manufacturer, type and ranges from 900-12,700 rubles.

Option two is to make an automatic cat feeder with your own hands from available materials. This method will help you not only save your family budget, but also show your creativity.

What is an automatic feeder

An automatic feeder is a device that will automatically pour food into your cat's bowl. The most important part of the design is the tank, where a lot of feed must be poured in advance. There is a pipe attached to this tank. The food will flow through the pipe directly into the bowl.

Automatic feeder allows your cat to eat at any time

Some industrial models have a built-in timer: you can set the feeding time on it, and then the food will go into the bowl at the right time. This is useful for those pets who are recommended to feed by the hour.

Types of automatic feeders:

• simple mechanical;
• electronic;
• "puzzle";
• with several compartments for dry and wet food, for water;
• with dispenser;
• with timer;
• with remote control;

A DIY cat feeder is a great gift for your beloved pet.

Thanks to the dispenser, the cat will not overeat

Principle of operation

Most store-bought models have a special sensor, which is necessary to monitor the amount of food in the bowl. But with this mechanism, the container will be constantly replenished, and the animal may overeat.

This can be dangerous, especially if your pet has a big appetite and finds it difficult to stop. Therefore, automatic feeders with a built-in timer are more popular . Usually it is activated only a few times a day and gives the pet the necessary dose of food. Automatic feeder with a built-in timer The owner can adjust the volume himself, since the amount of food depends on the size of the pet and the breed.

The main feature of this design is that the food will not spoil. All dog owners know that even dry food should not be stored outside the packaging, as it can dry out quickly. If you use automatic feeders, the food will remain fresh.

Advantages of automatic cat feeders

The feeder (automatic feeder) has many advantages. Many owners strive to make such a feeder themselves or purchase it in a store.

Automatic cat feeder with timer

Pros:

• Suitable for cats who are prescribed a diet, such as split meals.
• Dust, dirt, and excess moisture do not get into the food.
• The food won't dry out.
• The design with 2-3 compartments allows you not only to pour food in advance, but also to pour drinking water.
• You can put a lot of food in the feeder so that the cat can eat it for 2-5 days.
• There are feeders that allow you to pour a large amount of food, which will last for 90 days.

Automatic feeders with a large supply of food will help when the owner needs to leave for several days. In such cases, you need to choose a model with a built-in drinking bowl so that your pet always has fresh water.

Important! An automatic feeder is convenient if the owner does not like to get up early to feed the cat.

Such a device will be useful in a house where several cats live: all pets will be able to eat whenever they want, and there will be enough food for everyone.

Feeder "Puzzle"

Automatic feeder for two cats

What if there is not one, but two cats in the house? It is much easier to maintain and keep track of one than several. In fact, this will not bring any major difficulties.

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Such animals adapt well to new places. In addition, your pets will never be bored, they can play with each other.

Each cat needs to organize its own sleeping place, toilet and bowl. Of course, there are no quarrels and it is very important to ensure that both cats receive food and no one is offended.

Purchasing an automatic feeder for two cats is not for everyone. Each cat has its own individual character and temperament.

We need to think about how to place the bowls so that everyone feels comfortable while eating.

When purchasing a feeder, it is recommended to pay attention to the presence of an automatic drinker. This is also very important for pets.

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Tools and materials

DIY play complex for cats

To make an automatic cat feeder with your own hands, you will need the following tools and available materials:

• plastic bottles;
• food containers;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• office supplies: knife, paper clips, eraser, clips, scissors;
• scotch;
• electronics (for a feeder with a dispenser).

Bottle device

A simple automatic feeder made from plastic bottles

Drinking bowl for cats: do-it-yourself automatic fountain

The simplest model can be made from ordinary plastic bottles.

Materials:

• plastic eggplants (bottles) with a volume of 5 liters - 2 pcs.;
• stationery knife;
• awl;
• scissors;
• glue;
• lace or rope.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Cut off the bottom of one of the bottles.
2. Cut a spatula or scoop from the bottom.
3. Cut 2 holes in the second jar. Their size should be equal to the height of the bowl spatula.
4. Insert the spatula into the hole inside the bottle.
5. Secure the structure with glue or rope.
6. Add dry food.

This design is only suitable for feeding dry food.

Feeder with dispenser saves time

There is an easier way. Tools:

• food container;
• plastic bottle;
• stationery clip and paper clips;
• ball or small toy;
• scissors;
• rubber;
• stationery knife;

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Trim the bottle so that its length is equal to the height of the container.
2. Make a hole at the bottom of the container to insert the neck of the bottle.
3. Make 2 small holes in the lid.
4. Connect all the parts.
5. Tie a rubber band to the ball or toy, pull it through the bottle and secure it to the holes in the lid.

Pour in food and secure the structure at a low height. Place a bowl below. The cat will touch the ball or toy, then the neck will open and the food will pour into the bowl.

Important! The kitten will love this feeder.

With a do-it-yourself dispenser

Homemade production

At the present stage, a wide variety of drinking bowls for chickens are being produced. Numerous photos serve as proof of this. However, not all devices are suitable for a large number of chicks. For this reason, it is better to make them at home with your own hands from scrap materials.

Use of plastic

Using a plastic bottle you can make a good device for chickens. And numerous photos and videos serve as excellent proof of this. Creating such a drinking bowl will not be difficult. Among the tools with materials, you will need to use a plastic container, a screwdriver, screws, and cutting devices. You also need to take two bottles.

To build a water device for chickens with your own hands, you will need to follow some steps:

1. The top part of the bottle should be cut off, moving 5 cm away from the neck. You should get a kind of cup.
2. The plastic container must be attached with screws to the resulting container from the inside, creating a kind of lid within the lid.
3. Stepping back 5 cm from the neck of the smaller bottle, it is recommended to make small holes. Their height should not exceed the depth of the large bowl.
4. The structure must be inserted into a pre-made frame or screwed to the wall with screws. Can be filled with water.

Nipple design

Even if the household is not large in size, there may be a need for automation. It will help simplify the care process. If you plan to breed broilers, you will need to feed them well. And in such a situation, nipple drinkers would be the best option. For broilers, making such a device from scrap materials will not be difficult.

You can build a drinking bowl with your own hands using a pipe, an outlet, a plug, a drip eliminator or nipple, a water tank and a liquid level regulator.

To get a homemade drinking bowl, you need to perform a few fairly simple steps:

1. Mark the places on the pipe where you need to drill holes for the drip eliminator. There must be at least 20 cm between them. The diameter of the holes is 9 mm.
2. It is recommended to screw nipples into the holes.
3. Install a plug on one side of the pipe.
4. He recommends cutting a hole for the hose at the bottom, inserting a thread into it and screwing the hose itself in directly.

The homemade drinking bowl is completely ready for use. You can find out what nipple devices are by watching the video.

Creating an automatic device

For broilers and other breeds of chickens, an automatic homemade drinker may be required. It’s not difficult to make it yourself. To do this, you will need to use a shallow container, a 1.5 liter bottle, and clamps for fastening.

In order to obtain a homemade design for broilers, you will need to perform some simple steps:

1. Attach the clips to your chosen container.
2. Fill the vessel with water and insert the fasteners so that they are 0.5 cm from the bottom.

At this point, the homemade drinker for broilers and chickens of other breeds is completely ready for use. In order to understand how such devices are created, you can look at numerous photos and videos.

How to make a cat feeder from plastic pipes with your own hands

An excellent feeder with a large supply of food can be made from fan or plastic pipes.

Materials:

• straight plastic or fan pipe 1 meter long;
• board 1 m long;
• fastening - 2 pcs.;
• corner 90° - 1 pc.;
• corner 45° - 2 pcs.;
• cover - 1 pc.

Progress:

1. Assemble the 45° and 90° angles and attach them to the lower end of the pipe.
2. Attach a second 45° angle to the top end of the pipe and cover it with a lid.
3. Attach the fasteners to the wooden board and insert the pipe into them.
4. Sand the edges of the bottom 45° corner with sandpaper until they are smooth, otherwise the cat may get hurt.
5. The pipe is attached to the wall. It is necessary that the pipe be covered by a canopy.
6. Cat food is poured through the top hole in the pipe.

The pipes make a very convenient device

Sloppy pets

If your dog is messy when eating food, or is large in size, it is better to choose a sippy cup. In such a container, water will be retained even if it is accidentally touched. Water enters the dishes from a large container through a membrane.

The sippy cup is used even when the animal has long ears or a beard. Such dishes have one important advantage - they can be used during a road trip.

Special travel bowls have a special design. Outwardly they look like a bottle. They have a special device through which the animal drinks water. On long trips, such a capacity comes in handy.

Automatic watch feeder

An original feeding structure can be made from an old watch.

What you will need:

• quartz wall clock;
• bowl with compartments - 1 compartment in the middle and 4 along the edges;
• wide iron or plastic jar;
• board or block of wood;
• thin sheet of plastic or plywood;
• clay (environmentally friendly);
• rubber suction cups;
• scotch;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• pliers;
• nails - 2–3 pcs.;
• file;
• small battery in working order;
• flexible copper wire;
• lighter;
• felt-tip pen.

All starting materials must be environmentally friendly, without harmful substances.

How to do:

1. Remove the mechanism from the watch.
2. Cut the bottom from a wide metal or plastic can. The height of the sides should be about 3-4 cm. First you need to mark the line with a felt-tip pen, and then cut the metal with scissors or wire cutters.
3. Using a file, polish the sharp edges of the cut bottom so that it is impossible to get hurt on them. If the jar is plastic, the edges can be made smooth by melting them with a lighter.
4. Cut a small cube out of wood and insert it into the clock. This cube should be positioned so that the clock hands rise above the jar.

Now you need to prepare the feeder itself. To do this you will need a bowl with compartments. It can be made from clay, then wait until it hardens, and then bake it in an oven for 2-3 hours at 200 °C.

Important! The bowl should fit in the jar.

DIY watch feeder

How to connect all the parts to make a feeder:

1. Fold the hour hand in half and secure it to the mechanism located inside the wooden cube using tape.
2. Insert the battery into the mechanism. And use wire to attach its mechanism in the central compartment of the bowl.
3. Cut a circle out of plywood or plastic. This is the lid of the feeder. Make several holes in the center of the circle for the screw that holds the arrows. On one side of the circle, cut a hole equal in size to one compartment of the bowl.
4. Hammer 2 nails into the lid. The distance between them should be equal to the length of the arrow bent in half. Cut off the sharp ends of the nails.
5. Cut another cover from plywood. Remove the fastening that holds the second hand from the clock and attach it to the underside of the plywood cover. Insert the second hand into this mount, cut it evenly and seal it with tape.
6. Connect the feeder and the lid. Attach rubber suction cups to the bottom so that the structure does not slip on the floor.

You can decorate the feeder. Pour food into it and offer it to the cat.

Where to get examples to make a toy for a cat

Cat food puzzles can be purchased at pet stores or ordered online. There are a lot of varieties of purchased useful feeder toys: from simple to complex.

They can come in different sizes and can be made of different materials, such as wood, cardboard or plastic.

Here you will have to think about whether your pet can cope with the complexity of the puzzle. Parts or holes may be disproportionately large or too small in relation to the size of the cat's paws. Or the rotating elements move too tightly, if this is provided for by the design of the toy.

But we have already decided that this is not our path. You can just look at what the food puzzle looks like and understand how it works.

Therefore, it is better to start with the simplest ones. Also, you should not give several puzzles at once; it is better to give one to master first. And see how interesting the new fun will be for your pet.

Automatic feeder with servo motor

A do-it-yourself cat feeder with a dispenser will allow you to measure out precise portions of food and serve it at the appointed time. You can make such a device yourself using a servo motor.

Tools:

• simple servo motor;
• continuous servo motor;
• Arduino controller;
• encoder KY-040;
• power supply 12 V, 1 A;
• auger 10 cm high;
• PVC tee with a diameter of 15 mm;
• alphanumeric LCD display based on HD44780 controller;
• button;
• hot glue;
• drill;
• jigsaw;
• food box (plastic, with high sides);
• mounting box made of MDF 9 mm thick.

With dispenser

Master Class:

1. Take a ready-made auger or use an auger from an old meat grinder. Attach the continuous servo motor to the base of the auger.
2. Test the mechanism inside the tee. If it works well and without interruption, secure it in the tee with glue.
3. Cut 2 square holes in the MDF box (for the servomotor and for the control panel display), as well as 3 round ones (for the auger).
4. Find a suitable panel on which the feed button, LCD display and encoder will be installed. Attach the structure to the box.
5. Attach a small spoon to the servomotor bar for stirring food.
6. Attach a food box to the body.
7. Assemble electronic components using the Arduino system. Solder all components with a soldering iron.

To set a timer, you must first press the encoder, set the time, turn the encoder and press it again, confirming the action.

Making a cat feeder with a dispenser with your own hands will require skill from the owner and some material costs, but it will pay off well.

For your information! In stores, such feeders cost about 12 thousand rubles and even more.*

Automatic feeders of industrial production

You can find a variety of models of automatic animal feeders on sale. Many devices are equipped with a dispenser, timer, dispenser and even a sound signal. The best are considered:

• Catit Senses;
• Smart HD Pet Feeder PF03;
• Stefanplast Break Reserve;
• Feed-Ex PF100;
• Petwant PF-102 White;
• SITITEK Pets Ice Mini;
• 4SITITEK Pets Pro Plus;
• SITITEK Pets Tower-5;
• Ferplast Cometa Bowl;
• Petwant PF-105;
• Beeztees Cat Mate C3000;
• Triol;
• Cat Mate C50;
• Trixie.

Main varieties

Manufacturers offer a varied range of animal feeding devices. These can be electric feeders and devices of a mechanical operating principle, complex electronic systems controlled via the Internet and smart feeders (toy feeders). Such helpers provide the pet with food from a day to several weeks (depending on the amount of food).

Mechanical

The proposed Triol model is one of the simplest mechanical versions. It is designed to feed the fluffy cat exclusively with dry food, filling the cat's food container immediately after feeding. Therefore, the diet naturally suffers. Using this device often will not benefit the cat, but in rare cases the feeder will pay off.

Electronic

The most popular among this group are Feed Ex models. This is a rather complex device equipped with electronics. The display displays all information on the operating mode and carries out its programming. Some devices are equipped with a sensor that reacts to the approach of an animal with a key fob on its collar.

With different compartments

Feeders with multiple compartments allow you to feed your cat a variety of foods. The compartments can store wet, dry food, and canned food. Their storage is supported by a built-in ice container, which preserves pre-prepared portions as well as a refrigerator. The model is made of food-grade plastic and is easy to clean. The best sellers are Cat Mate C50, SITITEK Pets.

Remote controlled

Currently, remote-controlled feeders have become especially popular. Their advantage over others is that the owner can regulate the feed supply via the Internet. A program set on a smartphone or computer will ensure constant communication with the possibility of guaranteeing that the cat receives the required amount of food at the appointed time. By purchasing feeders of the PETNET SmartFeeder model, you can safely leave your pet alone for a long period of time.

Model with timer

The Feet Ex model is a large plastic container with a bowl-shaped lid, divided into a certain number of compartments. They rotate in a circle, opening at a given time. This feeder involves the use of both dry and wet food, and is designed for a period of 60–90 days.

The automatic feeder is equipped with a timer that gives access to food over a period of time from an hour to a day. Portions can range from 60 to 350 grams. A special feature of these models is the presence of an ice container, which allows you to store the product for a long time

Another important advantage is the equipment with a sound signal, which notifies the owner of a meal in the voice of the owner.

Puzzle bowl

If you are actively training your cat, purchase a unique puzzle feeder with mazes. She can not only feed the cat, but also force her to show intellectual abilities.

A smart toy will give you the opportunity to play actively, and for your ingenuity you will receive food as a reward. However, before leaving the animal alone, make sure that the cat is up to the task assigned to it. Similar designs are offered by Cat it Senses.

Feeder with dispenser

The cat food dispenser is very convenient and effective to use. The operating principle of the installation is as follows: at a predetermined time, the dispenser opens the container and the required amount of food falls into the bowl. After this, the container is closed.

The convenience of the device is that all food in the container is not exposed to moisture, since it is tightly closed with a lid. The Ferplast Zenith model also provides reliable protection against an animal that decides to eat unscheduled.

This is interesting: How to properly fill a cat's litter box

Criterias of choice

The automatic feeder is selected based on the needs of the animal. In this case, the following criteria must be taken into account:

• Size and weight of the animal: the larger it is, the more food it needs.
• Find out in advance how many feedings the feeder is designed for.
• For a pet with an excessive appetite, feeders with a timer, dispenser and dispenser are suitable.
• If the cat eats enough food and does not overeat, you can make it a regular feeder.
• The structure must be strong and stable.
• The device must be made of environmentally friendly materials - metal or food-grade plastic.

Two bottles make a simple but convenient feeder.

The cat must quickly find a new “miracle of technology” on its own, so the automatic feeder is placed in the pet’s usual feeding place.

Important! Before leaving, the owner must carefully check the condition of the device. It needs to work perfectly.

How to train a dog

Owners who already use automatic feeders assure that there are no difficulties in constructing such a structure. The animal can quickly get used to such a novelty. This is because the dog gets tasty food.

If the bowl is equipped with a food alarm system, the dog can get used to it after a certain time. Once she begins to understand that the signal is a reason to eat, she will quickly get used to the new device. A conditioned reflex will force her to act. Training puppies is quite simple.

How to care for an automatic feeder

Regular cups are easy to wash immediately after feeding. Caring for an automatic feeder is a little more difficult. About once a week they need to be taken apart and washed thoroughly. Once a month, disinfect all its parts with a baking soda solution.

Important! It is always necessary to ensure that pieces of food do not clog the passage in the feeder, otherwise the cat will not be able to eat, and the food will begin to rot inside the device.

There should always be a cup of water next to the feeder. If there are several cats in a family, then each will need a separate automatic feeder. However, some cats can take turns eating. In this case, you need to give them more food.

A DIY cat feeder will be a great gift for a pet and will make life easier for overly busy owners: their pets will always be fed to their fullest.

*Prices are as of February 2022.

What's the use of it

There really are a lot of advantages to such an unusual toy. We'll deal with everyone. To put it very simply, a food puzzle is a food dispenser, that’s all. But…

By the way, zoologists agree that this type of nutrition is more correct than with free access to dry food.

1. If your pet has problems with excess weight, this useful device will help reduce the amount of food eaten and ensure the burning of excess weight through greater physical activity.
2. May help animals prone to vomiting from haste while eating. This toy feeder encourages leisurely eating of food or treats.
3. It forces you not only to exert physical effort, but also trains your cat’s intelligence. A homemade food puzzle for a cat will make it more active, dexterous, and smarter.