Automatic food dispensers have gained massive popularity by reducing the manual effort of feeding your pet. That said, hundreds of options can be found in the market for these food dispensers, each available with a unique design, functionality, capacity, and price range. So many choices make pet parents overwhelmed and confused in selecting the best yet smart cat food-feeding gadgets.
If you are eager to know how to select the best cat food dispenser and, not to mention, the best way to use them for your pet, you’ve landed at the right place. Aside from selection, a beginner might want to know how to use automatic cat food feeders perfectly to keep their feline friends energetic, ensuring their well-being. This Pet Life Experts guide will let you know everything a beginner must know before purchasing automatic feeders for cats.
Automatic Cat Food Feeder | Understanding & Significance
The best automatic cat food feeder is a life-changing gadget that is made to serve a predetermined amount of food for your pet at the scheduled time, ensuring your cat won’t miss a meal. Having a cat food dispenser helps you in the most useful ways. Several reasons why this feeding dispenser for cats benefits you are feeding consistency, peace of mind, improved sleep, and easy access.
In addition, this food dispenser is best for multi-cat households because of its tech-forward features and intake of fresh food for your cat. Before we move forward with the guidance tips for using these feeders, let us tell you some tips for selecting the best option for use.
Tips To Choose Automatic Cat Food Feeder
Choosing automatic cat feeders for cat food requires careful consideration. Here are some of the key factors that you need to bear in mind before choosing these feeding gadgets.
Size and Capacity
Feeder size and capacity must match your cat’s needs.
Power Source
Prefer buying the model that comes with a battery backup.
Smart Features
For added convenience, consider having app-controlled feeders.
Portion Control
Based on the dietary needs of cats, pick feeders with adjustable size portions.
Food Compatibility
Check if the chosen feeder is designed to align with wet or dry cat food options.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy disassembling, cleaning, and maintenance must not be neglected during shopping.
Budget Considerations
The market is filled with dispensers for every budget, from basic to premium tech gadgets.
Other Factors
Some other aspects also need to be checked, like battery backup, camera functionality, multiple pet profiles, and level of noise.
Some General Steps To Use Automatic Cat Food Feeder
Here we’ve mentioned some easy tips for using the best automatic cat food dispenser:
Setup
- Insert batteries
- Fill the food trays
- Turn on the feeder
Program
- Set Settings
- Schedule feeding time
- Monitor meal times
Train
- Place the feeder near your pet
- Make them comfortable with gadget
- Slowly transition them from bowl to feeder
Understand Your Requirement For Types Of Cat Food Dispenser
As you know, wholesale automatic cat food feeder manufacturers have a variety of dispensers to offer for pet owners. Here, some major types are discussed to help you with the best selection:
Gravity Dispensers
These types of dispensers come with a simple design and rely on gravity for food refills. The bowl will automatically get filled as your cat’s keeps eating. But it doesn’t have a portion control feature.
Programmable Dispensers
These are the high-tech options with advanced technology setting feeding times, camera recording, voice recording, app connectivity, and portion control as well.
Step By Step Guide to Use an Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
Pet owners can get help in setting up and using automatic cat food feeders through our detailed and comprehensive guide.
Setting Up Your Automatic Cat Food Feeder
Have a look at the steps involved in setting up an automatic cat food dispenser.
Unbox & Inspect the Dispenser
Inspect all parts of the dispenser to ensure nothing is out of order or damaged.
Assemble The Feeding Device
Assemble the gadget using the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the device.
Clean Device Before First Use
It is suggested to properly clean all portions of the device that will come in contact with food.
Programming Your Cat Food Dispenser
The next step is programming the functionality of the device, ensuring the preferences of your feline friend.
Set up The Feeding Times
Know the feeding requirements of your cat and set the device’s timer accordingly for meals.
Adjusting Portion Sizes
Make sure that you adjust the portion size to the right amount for your cat per their dietary and nutritional needs.
Testing The Dispenser
To test the functioning of the device, it is suggested to test the feeder and run a few cycles for it.
Addition Of Food To Feeding Dispenser
There comes the next step of adding food to the feeder:
Consult Your Veterinarian
It is recommended to get a vet’s consultation to know the right amount of food to be fed to your pet per meal, ensuring ideal feeding frequency.
Program The Feeder
Next up, pet parents have to program the dispenser with the favorite meal of their cat and set up the best portion size.
Fill The Hopper
Measure the amount of food carefully and add the required diet in the hopper until it is filled with your cat’s food.
Maintain Freshness
To maintain freshness and hygiene, it is necessary to ensure that the food is properly stored in the dispenser.
Train Your Cat To Use Automatic Cat Food Dispenser
After the food is being dispensed in your automatic feeder for cats, it’s time to give some training to your felines to get acknowledged with the device.
Introduce Gradually
It is necessary to familiarize your cat with the gadget before you completely rely on it.
Place It Near Your Cat
Try keeping the feeder at the place where your cat usually sits often to grab their attention.
Try Bowl Hack
Practice giving food to a cat in a regular bowl and then suddenly switch the bowl on the feeder’s top.
Maintain a Proper Cleaning Routine
Along with the daily use of gadgets, pet parents need to be careful with maintaining hygiene.
Clean Regularly
Plan a day for cleaning this dispenser, and vacuum it thoroughly per the manufacturer’s instructions after disassembling it.
Use Soapy Water
To clean out the germs from the dispenser, it is suggested to use warm, soapy water that will prevent bacteria buildup as well.
Let It Dry Properly
Be sure of no residue left behind and prevent fungus and mold. Keep the dispenser air-dried completely and assemble it again.
In A Nutshell
Keeping your pets well-fed, energetic, and healthy is the need of every pet parent, and using an automatic cat food dispenser is the smart way to achieve this. The right dispenser can be selected per your budget and cat’s preferences. With a proper setup and use, you can ensure the consistent feeding of healthy meals to your cat. Whether it’s dry food or wet food, an automated feeder accommodating the needs can be selected to ensure portioned meals even when you are away from your pet.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Times Must I Clean My Dispenser?
It is advised to clean these feeders at least once or twice a week to maintain hygiene and ensure a healthy diet.
Is Use of Wet Food in Automatic Dispensers Okay?
Not every dispenser is good for wet food, so make sure to invest in one that is specifically designed for wet food.
How Do I Train My Cat To Use Automatic Dispenser?
It is advised to gradually introduce the dispenser alongside their usual diet and slowly enhance the portion size.
Can I Purchase These Dispensers for Multiple Pets?
Yes! You can have dispensers designed for multiple pets with large capacities and custom compartments.
What Do I Do If the Feeder Battery Goes Out?
Some cat food dispensers are fully equipped and come with a battery backup to ensure a consistent feeding schedule.
