Best Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats: Feeding Your Pets While You're at Work
- Abi
- July 31, 2022
- 1:58 pm
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Automatic cat feeders are a simple and beneficial solution for cat owners everywhere with busy lives. After all, it can be stressful for you and your cat when their dinner time is missed. Let’s look at the best automatic cat feeder for two cats.
We tested five products and found the Cat Mate 2-bowl feeder for cats and dogs to be the best automatic cat feeder for two cats. Busy pet owners who have to stay at work late, are often looking for a trustworthy feeder. These devices provide timely doses of food so your cat can eat and stay healthy while you don’t have to rush your daily tasks.
Our top pick is the Cat Mate 2-bowl feeder for cats and dogs, which is available on Chewy. It’s very easy to use, can dispense wet or dry food, and is simple to clean.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the best automatic cat feeder for two cats. We’ll discuss finding a product that’s right for you and your pets.
The Benefits of Using an Automatic Feeder for Your Cats
There are extensive benefits to using an automatic cat feeder. Automatic feeders may be your best option if you’re constantly working but have cats at home to cuddle after your travels. Cats can be on their own for a maximum of 24 hours before their water needs replacing. Cats also risk developing separation anxiety during extensive owner absences, so it’s best not to leave your pets alone for long periods regularly.
If you are away for an overnight business trip, your cats are in good hands with an automatic feeder. In addition, these handy devices remove stress if you have a busy schedule or can’t always make it home in time to pour out your cat’s breakfast or dinner.
Best Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats
If you’d like to experience the above benefits for yourself, you may want to consider buying one of our top cat feeder picks. These products are all available from Chewy:
- Cat Mate C200 2-Bowl Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder (Our Best Buy)
- TRIXIE TX2 Automatic Dog & Cat Dispenser (A Great Alternative For 2 Cats)
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station Gravity Refill Dog & Cat Feeder (Best Gravity Feeder)
- Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder (Able to Dispense Larger Amounts)
- HANAMYA Automatic Dog & Cat Waterer & Feeder Bundle Set (Best Value for Money)
If you’re searching for an automatic cat feeder for two cats, our recommendation is the Cat Mate c200 feeder, which has two bowls side by side. This product is perfect for a multi-cat household as it can be programmed to give your pets their evening meal if you are going to be late home from work.
A lid link clip is provided, which ensures that both lids will open simultaneously to feed both your pets at once. This means your cats will never have to share a meal and won’t be left fighting over one portion of food.
Alternatively, the feeder can be used to give one cat or kitten two daily meals over 48 hours if you are away for the weekend. The feeder has a timer that is easy to set and has increments of one hour, so you’ll be able to program it to your pet’s usual meal time.
The Cat Mate feeder is very easy to use as there are no complicated instructions and no assembly is required.
Spacious Bowls
The spacious bowls hold up to 14 oz of wet food (4 cups), which is enough for even the largest cats. This automatic feeder can also be used to feed small dogs, so it is perfect for anyone with a dog and cat. The lids open gently rather than popping open quickly. This is perfect for anyone with a nervous cat. The timer makes a slight ticking noise, similar to a clock, but not too loud.
Easy to Clean
The feeder is very easy to clean, so you won’t have to worry about hygiene or odor problems. The bowls are removable and can even be put in the dishwasher along with the lids.
Keeps Food Fresh
We also love the Cat Mate automatic feeder, that comes with an ice pack to keep your cat’s food cool until feeding time. This is beneficial during the warmer summer months as it will keep wet food fresh.
The ice pack will keep your pet’s food cool for approximately 8 hours. It measures 6.5 inches by 3.5 inches in width and 0.5 inches in height and can be placed underneath both bowls.
Long Battery Life
The Cat Mate feeder uses 1 AA battery, lasting approximately 12 months. The battery is used to operate the lids and uses very little power, meaning it’s long-lasting, and you won’t constantly have to buy new batteries.
Pros
- Can be used with wet or dry food and holds up to 14 oz of wet food.
- Includes an easy-to-use 48-hour timer that can be programmed to feed your pets at the right time.
- Able to feed two pets at once or feed one pet twice in a 48-hour period.
- 12-month battery life; uses one AA battery
- Great value for money
- Easy to clean, the bowls and lids are removable and dishwasher safe.
- Comes with an ice pack to keep your pet’s food fresh.
- Made from BPA-free plastic
Cons
- Not pest proof once opened. The food could attract insects if your cat doesn’t eat it. If used outside, raccoons, possums, and other animals may be able to open the feeder.
- Batteries are not included with the feeder.
- If you are using the product for dogs, it’s recommended that you fasten it to a wooden board or similar as dogs will be able to move the bowl around the floor.
For those of you looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the Cat Mate, the budget-friendly TRIXIE automatic feeder is worth looking into. This product has two bowls that can be programmed to open at specific times to feed two cats, allowing you to go away for the day or even the weekend without worrying about your cats going hungry.
Each bowl holds up to 8oz of wet food, which is 1 cup, the perfect amount to feed an adult to senior cat.
Timer
Each bowl has a separate timer programmed to open at your cat’s usual meal time. The timer can be set to any time in a 48-hour period, meaning you can feed two cats at once or one cat twice. This product can also be used to feed small dogs as it’s slip resistant, and the feet will keep it firmly in place on most tiled or laminate floors.
Ice Pack
An ice pack is included in the purchase, which will allow pet owners to keep wet food fresh for longer. All you need to do is freeze the pack and place it underneath the food bowls to keep them cool all day.
Easy to Clean
Each food dish can be removed from the unit, which means that it’s very easy to clean. You can then wash the bowls either by hand or put them in the dishwasher. If correctly cared for, the feeder will last for years.
Power
The TRIXIE TX2 automatic feeder requires two AA batteries which are used to run the timer and open the lids.
Pros
- Easy to use; the timer can be set for 1 to 48 hours after you leave home.
- Can be used to feed two cats one meal each or one cat twice on the same day.
- Comes with an ice pack to keep wet food cool all day.
- Battery operated.
- Each bowl holds 8oz (1 cup of wet food), which is enough for all types of cats and some small dog breeds.
- The bowls are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Bowls are BPA-Free and Lead-Free
- Non-slip and tip resistant
- No assembly required
Cons
- Requires two AA batteries that aren’t included
- While this product is easy to clean, immersing the whole unit in water isn’t recommended as it may affect how well the product works. Cleaning instructions must always be followed.
- Hard to set the timers to precisely the right time. If you are feeding two pets at once, there may be a slight delay of 30 seconds to 2 minutes between bowls opening.
- Some cats and dogs can open the feeder.
Although the PetSafe Pet Food Station only includes one bowl, we’ve decided to include it in our two-cat round-up because it can dispense enough food for two cats. As your cat eats from the bowl, gravity will keep it refilled. The feeder is available in two different sizes and can hold either 8 or 16 cups of dried food which is enough to feed two cats while you’re away for the day or even the weekend.
Cleaning
The PetSafe feeder comes with a stainless steel bowl that is easy to clean and recommended by vets as the best material for your pets’ health. The bowl can be easily removed from the feeder and washed by hand or in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning simple and hygienic. Dry cat food is dispensed via a wide opening, which makes cleaning easier. The dispenser is also very easy to refill.
Material
The hopper has been manufactured with the health of your pet in mind; it only contains BPA-free plastic, which is very durable so that cats can’t knock the system over.
The feeder can also be locked into place to stop cats and dogs from knocking it over. This will help to prevent spills in your home. Overall, the PetSafe feeder looks very modern and will look great in any home. It’s fairly small, so as to be space-saving, making it ideal for a small apartment.
Pros
- Very easy to use, holds up to 8 cups of food which is enough to feed two cats.
- Stainless steel bowl, which is easy to clean.
- The hopper is made from BPA-free plastic.
- The feeder can be locked into place to avoid spills.
- Looks sleek and modern
- Space saving
- Allows your pet to eat at any time of the day, rather than having to wait for a timer to go off to provide a meal.
- Available in two different sizes; 8 or 16 cup capacity.
- Can also be used to feed small dogs.
Cons
- Food may get stuck in the feeder if you use dried cat food or kibble with larger chunks.
- Can’t be used to dispense wet food.
- Dry cat food will be sitting around, which may attract insects.
- In hot weather, the food in the bowl can become dry and stale
The C3000 is another excellent product by Cat Mate. This dispenser holds 26 cups of food and can be programmed to feed your cats a specific amount of food. This is beneficial as you can ensure your pets aren’t overfed while you’re out.
The hopper can hold a month’s food supply for one cat, approximately 3Kg (6.5lbs or 26 cups). While it’s not wise to leave your pets alone for so long, this is a great product to use while you’re on vacation if you have a friend or neighbor who can check up on your pets.
Programmable
This sophisticated feeder has an LCD control and advanced programming features. You can choose not only the time of feeding but also pre-program the meal sizes and can feed your cat up to three times daily. There is also a frequent feed option, which is great if you’re feeding more than one cat or if your pet eats little and often.
Power Source
This product requires 4 C batteries which aren’t included in the purchase. The good news is that the batteries generally have a long life span when used with this feeder, so you won’t find that they are constantly running out of power. On average, the batteries last between six and nine months if you continuously use the feeder.
Easy to Clean
The Cat Mate is very easy to clean as it can be taken apart and washed by hand or in the dishwasher. You’ll be able to remove your pet’s dish, the hopper, lid, and nozzle, as well as the feed screw. This will allow you to keep the feeder very clean, and it will remain hygienic as long as it’s washed regularly.
Pet-proof
This product has been designed to be pet-proof. It has a snap lock lid which is impossible for cats and dogs to open. This allows you to control how much your pets eat and will help you avoid problems associated with overeating.
If you’re using the feeder for a dog, you may need to fasten it to a wooden board which will provide extra stability.
Pros
- Very easy to use and programmable to your pet’s specific feeding requirements.
- LCD control with long battery life.
- Pet proof; your cat won’t be able to break into the food dispenser.
- Able to store a large amount of food
- Great for weekends away and vacations
- Can be used for a small dog if fastened to a wooden board for durability
- Easy to clean as the bowl, lid and nozzle are all removable and dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Requires 4 C batteries that aren’t supplied
- Dogs may be able to move the feeder around or even knock it over, so, extra assembly will be needed to stop this from happening. (you will need to attach the feeder to a wooden board).
- Only suitable for dry food.
If you’re looking to buy a food and water dispenser at the same time, we have just the product for you. HANAMYA has produced a waterer and feeder bundle, which is excellent value for money. It’s made from sturdy ABS plastic and is very long-lasting.
The HANAMYA system has an automatic filling function which means your pet will never have to wait to get food or water.
The product also has clear containers, which makes knowing when it’s time to refill simple. The designers have also made the product easy to clean and odor and stain-resistant.
Pros
- Your pet will always have access to food and water due to the automatic filling feature.
- Great value for money
- Made from durable, long-lasting ABS plastic.
- Clear containers make refilling easy.
- Easy to clean and keep odor free
- Stain resistant
- Can be used with dry and wet food
Cons
- Often out of stock due to the high demand.
- No programable option
Best Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats: Buyers Guide
Multiple factors come into play when you are browsing all the available automatic cat feeders. The type, how much they can hold, the sizes, the number of meals, and more. Here are some things you may like to consider before making a purchase.
Type of Feeder
Two different automatic feeders come with their benefits and disadvantages. Which is best for you will largely depend on how long you are typically gone.
Dispenser
Automatic dispensers are the simplest option available. You fill the dispenser full of food, and as your cats eat away at the food, more falls out into their bowl. There isn’t any technology involved as gravity is the main source for the dispenser.
If you find yourself gone for much of the day, this feeder is an excellent option as you can balance how much food you add to the feeder.
Pre Portioned Feeder
Another option when searching for the best automatic cat feeder for two cats is pre-portioned feeders. These have set timers, voice commands, and portion control to better manage how your cat eats. Once you set the portions and the eating schedule, the feeder automatically fills their bowls when the timer goes off.
This feeder is more convenient if you are gone for more than a day and want to ensure your cat’s portions are controlled and timely in your absence.
How Much Cat Food Can the Feeder Hold
The next factor to consider before purchasing a feeder is size and capacity. If you have large cat food pellets, make sure your food isn’t going to get jammed in your automatic feeder. The same goes for the bowl size. Otherwise, you run the risk of a dispenser overflowing the food bowl and causing a spill.
Most importantly, be certain your feeder supplies enough food for the number of cats you have and the portions they require.
Size
An automatic feeder is a much different shape and size than your regular food bowl. While it may not take up a lot more space depending on the brand and type, it will likely still be larger than a standard bowl.
Number of Meals Distributed
The number of meals distributed ties in with the two different feeders.
Time-Based
Time-based distribution can provide multiple, specific meals to your cats that keep them from overeating.
Self-Feeder
Self-feeders provide a constant flow of food to your cats, so this type depends on your cat. If your cat is known to over-eat, then a never-ending supply may not be beneficial.
Wet Vs. Dry Food Feeder
There are both wet and dry automatic cat feeders, so it depends on how you feed your cat when determining which one you should use. A dry food dispenser can’t efficiently dispense wet food, while a wet food dispenser is exclusive to wet food.
Technology Used
There are several different technological methods automatic cat feeders can use. For instance, smart feeders use upgraded timers, microchips, magnetic, or radio frequencies to feed your cat.
Microchip cat feeders have automatic lids for when your cat, who has the matching ID, is in close range and can open their food. If your pets routinely go to their food bowls when they are expecting food, this may be the option for you to keep their food fresh and your cat replenished.
Likewise, magnetic cat feeders feed your furry friend by detecting a magnet in or on their collar.
Somewhat similar to magnetic and microchip feeders, radio frequency feeders use radio waves to detect a barcode on your cat’s matching collar or tag.
Power Source
This aspect of automatic feeders is essential. You should determine what power source you use, such as plugged, charged or battery powered. The last thing you’d want is for your cats to be left hungry because the food dispenser doesn’t have power.
Other Features
Other features to consider are the sturdiness of your dispenser and its durability. If you have cats that can get rowdy, you don’t want them knocking over their food supply. After all, that deprives them of their food and will cause an unsightly spill.
Ease of Use
Some technologies can be advanced and confusing. If you are unfamiliar or unsure how to use some of these dispensers, it might be best to buy a more straightforward one. If you’re used to technology, then ease of use shouldn’t be an issue.
Best Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats: FAQ
Here are the answers to common questions that cat owners have about automatic feeders and how to care for their cat.
How long can I leave my cat home alone?
The answer to this question will depend on a variety of factors, including your cat’s age, health, and temperament. If you have an adult cat who is healthy and has a calm temperament, you may be able to leave them home alone for up to 24 hours. However, if your cat is young or elderly or has any health conditions, you will need to be gone for a shorter period of time.
That being said, you shouldn’t neglect your pet. If you are going away, it’s a good idea to have a friend or neighbor look in on your pet and spend some time with them, even if you have an automatic feeder.
What should I put in my cat’s automatic feeder?
The type of food you put in your cat’s automatic feeder will depend on their individual dietary needs. If your cat is on a special diet or has any allergies or sensitivities, you will need to choose a food that is appropriate for them. You will also need to consider how much food your cat needs per day and how often you want the feeder to dispense food.
How do I clean my cat’s automatic feeder?
It is important to clean your cat’s automatic feeder on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of bacteria and mold. Most feeders come with instructions on how to clean them. You will need to disassemble the feeder and wash all of the parts in warm, soapy water after each use, especially if you’ve been dispensing wet food.
What to do if your cat thinks the feeder is a toy?
If your cat is playing with the feeder or trying to tip it over, you will need to take measures to secure it. Some feeders come with suction cups or other means of securing them to a surface. You may also need to train your cat not to play with the feeder.
Do I need to worry about my cat getting overweight if I use an automatic feeder?
If you are concerned about your cat gaining weight, you can choose a feeder that dispenses a small amount of food at a time. You can also control how often the feeder dispenses food and select a food that is lower in calories. If your cat has weight issues, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to find out how to help your pet lose weight.
What to do if your cat is scared of the feeder?
If your cat is scared of the feeder, you will need to take measures to help your pet feel more comfortable around it. You can try placing the feeder in a room where they feel safe and gradually moving it closer to their usual eating area. You can also try training your cat with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, when they approach the feeder.
Should I leave cat food out all day?
It is not recommended to leave dry cat food out all day, as it can go stale and attract insects. If you are using an automatic feeder, you can fill it with fresh food before you leave and empty it when you get home. Most feeders come with an ice pack which will allow you to keep wet food fresh.
How can you feed two cats when one overeats?
If you have two cats, and one of them is overweight, you can use an automatic feeder that dispenses a small amount of food at a time. You can also place the feeders in different rooms so that the cats can’t see each other eating.
Investing in a feeder that can be programmed to dispense food by reading your cat’s microchip is also an option, as each cat will then only be able to eat their own food.
Best Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats: Conclusion
When looking at an automatic cat feeder, there is plenty for you to consider in terms of design, technology, and meal distribution. If you want to feed two cats together, your best option is the Cat Mate C200 2-bowl automatic dog and cat feeder from Chewy. This product is excellent value for money and can be used with dry or wet food.
Above all, remember to keep your cats and their health in mind. With this buying guide on hand, you’re certain to find the best automatic cat feeder for two cats.
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