Automatic cat feeders solve three problems simultaneously: they ensure consistent meal times when you are at work or travelling, they provide precise portion control for weight management (critical given that an estimated 50% of UK cats are overweight), and in multi-pet households, microchip-activated feeders prevent food stealing — a common cause of one pet gaining weight while another goes hungry.
The UK automatic feeder market has matured significantly, with options now ranging from basic timed dispensers to smart WiFi models with built-in cameras that let you watch your cat eat from your phone. The key decision is whether you need to feed wet food, dry food, or both — because most automatic feeders are dry-food-only, and the few that handle wet food use fundamentally different designs.
Feeder Types Explained
- Gravity feeders: The simplest type — a hopper empties into a bowl as the cat eats. No portion control, no scheduling. Suitable only for cats who self-regulate (most don’t). Not recommended for weight management.
- Timed dispensers (dry food): Programmable to release a set portion at set times. Capacity typically 2-6 litres. The most popular and practical type for most owners.
- Timed compartment feeders (wet food): Multiple sealed compartments that rotate or open at scheduled times. Usually 4-6 meals, often with ice packs to keep wet food fresh. Essential if your cat eats primarily wet food.
- Microchip-activated feeders: The bowl opens only when the registered cat’s microchip (or RFID collar tag) is detected. Remains sealed the rest of the time. The only effective solution for multi-pet households with dietary conflicts.
- Smart/WiFi feeders: App-controlled feeders with remote scheduling, camera monitoring, portion tracking, and push notifications. The premium tier.
Quick Comparison: Best Automatic Cat Feeders UK 2026
| Product | Food Type | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SureFeed Microchip Feeder | Wet + Dry | Microchip ID access | Multi-pet / Prescription diets |
| PetLibro Granary Smart Cam | Dry only | 1080p camera + app | Overall best smart feeder |
| Cat Mate C500 | Wet + Dry | 5 compartments + ice packs | Wet food / Short trips |
| PetSafe Smart Feed | Dry only | 12 meals/day + app | Weight management / Grazers |
| Catit PIXI Smart Feeder | Dry only | PIXI app ecosystem | Existing Catit users |
Our Detailed Reviews
1. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder — Best for Multi-Pet Homes
The SureFeed is the only automatic feeder that solves the multi-pet food-stealing problem definitively. It reads your cat’s implanted microchip (the same chip used for legally required identification) and opens the sealed bowl lid only for that specific cat. When the cat walks away, the lid seals again — keeping the food fresh and inaccessible to other pets. This is essential for cats on veterinary prescription diets (kidney, urinary, diabetic) where consuming the wrong food is medically dangerous.
The SureFeed Connect version adds app connectivity — tracking how much each cat eats and alerting you to changes in eating patterns (an early warning sign for many feline illnesses).
2. PetLibro Granary Smart Cam — Best Smart Feeder
PetLibro has rapidly become the dominant smart feeder brand globally, and the Granary Smart Cam demonstrates why. The integrated 1080p camera with night vision allows you to watch your cat eat in real-time from your phone, two-way audio lets you talk to your cat (useful for anxious cats who respond to their owner’s voice), and the app provides complete meal scheduling, portion control, and feeding history analytics.
3. Cat Mate C500 — Best for Wet Food
The Cat Mate C500 is one of the very few feeders that reliably handles wet food. Five sealed compartments each hold a full meal, and twin ice packs beneath the food tray keep wet food fresh for up to 48 hours (in a cool room). Each compartment opens at a programmed time, making the C500 ideal for weekend trips or long working days when you feed your cat wet food.
For what to put in your automatic feeder, see our Best Wet Cat Food and Best Dry Cat Food UK guides.