Cat owners know the struggle—Fluffy meows incessantly when it’s time to eat. With an automatic cat feeder, you can feed Fluffy on a schedule without lifting a finger.
Automatic dual cat feeder use technology to conveniently feed your feline friends. At preset times, a food compartment will open and release a portioned meal into a bowl.
Some models have ice packs to keep wet food fresh for 24 hours. Others connect to apps so you can schedule and monitor feedings remotely.
But how does the machine know when it’s time for Whiskers to eat breakfast? Let’s dig into the mechanics behind automatic cat feeders.
Timers Set the Schedule
At the heart of every auto-feeder is an internal timer. This allows you to program feeding times to the hour. So if you want to serve up dinner at 6 pm, just set the timer.
Electronic timers are often battery-powered. Some basic models have dials you turn to set times. More advanced WiFi feeders sync to your smartphone and can be programmed remotely. Timers activate the release mechanism when it’s go time. This brings us to the next key component.
Food Compartments Portion and Release
The food compartments do the dirty work. Dry kibble, canned meat, or treats go into these built-in reservoirs.
Compartments have rotating lids that remain closed between feedings. When the timer hits the scheduled mealtime, the lids spin open to reveal the food.
Gravity slides the kibble or canned bits down into the bowl. Portions are pre-determined based on reservoir size. Once empty, the lids close until next time.
Some feeders have ice packs in the wet food compartments. These help keep food fresh for 24 hours without spoiling.
Sensors Detect When Bowls Are Full
What happens if your cat doesn’t finish her 3pm feeding before the 5pm round? Sensors help prevent uneaten food from going to waste.
Optical sensors “see” how much food is still in the bowl. If your cat leaves bits behind, the feeder won’t release more until the leftovers are gone. This prevents overfeeding.
Special tilt sensors also detect food level. If the bowl seems too full, the feeder will skip the next release. Once the bowl empties, normal service resumes. These sensor technologies help keep portions in check and cut down on food waste.
App Connectivity Offers Remote Control
Newer WiFi-enabled cat feeders connect to your smartphone. This allows you to control your cat’s meals from anywhere.
Apps let you conveniently set feeding schedules, portion sizes, and more. You can also monitor your cat’s eating habits. The feeder sends alerts if bowls run low or batteries need changing.
Of course, apps require the feeder to have built-in WiFi. But the convenience of remote feeding control may be worth the splurge.
Feline-Friendly Features
Today’s cat feeders cater to discerning felines. Some have programmable voice recordings of your voice. This helps kitty know it’s chow time!
Slow-feeding modes gradually increase kibble flow. This prevents fast eaters from gorging and getting sick.
Night vision cameras let you watch kitty eat. And anti-jam features make sure nothing blocks the food flow.
From keeping food fresh to preventing overeating, automatic feeders have clever designs. Timers, compartments, sensors, and apps combine to deliver meals on the dot. Just be sure to read reviews and choose a feeder suited to your cat’s needs.
