By the Joybuy Editorial TeamPublished July 14, 2026
Whether you're away for a business trip or a well-deserved holiday, leaving your cat alone is often a source of anxiety. How can you be sure they're eating enough, but not too much?? That their kibble will stay fresh?? The automatic cat feeder has emerged as the ideal solution for feeding your companion at set times and in precise amounts. Say goodbye to stress and hello to peace of mind.
This guide breaks down the must-have features and presents our selection of the year's best models to help you make the right choice for both you and your feline friend.
The market is flooded with models offering a wide range of options. To cut through the noise, focus on these three essential points.
The majority of modern feeders are smart feeders. Through a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi connection, you can schedule meals and adjust portions remotely, wherever you are. A good Wi-Fi cat feeder will notify you as soon as a meal is served and alert you when the hopper is running low. It's the key to total control and simplified daily management.
To truly keep an eye on your pet, a feeder with a camera is a feature that makes perfect sense. It allows you to watch them eat live, and more importantly, interact with them using the built-in microphone and speaker. It's a perfect function for maintaining your bond, ensuring everything is okay, and reassuring them with the sound of your voice, even from thousands of miles away.
The size of the hopper is a detail not to be overlooked, especially if you'll be away for several days. A 4-litre model holds about 2 kg of kibble, enough to last nearly 20 days for an average-sized cat. Have multiple furry friends?? The challenge then is to prevent the greediest one from stealing the others' food. The solution: a feeder for multiple cats, which uses an identification tag (RFID) to open the food door only for the right cat.
We've vetted three standout models, each designed to meet a specific need.
Why it stands out?: The PETKIT YumShare Solo is the ultimate high-tech model. It features a 1080p HD camera and an AI that can detect leftover food in the bowl to prevent overfeeding. Its dual-hopper design is a real bonus for adding variety or mixing two types of kibble.
Highlights?:
Who is it for?? For tech-savvy owners who want to keep an eye (and an ear) on their companion and control their diet down to the last gram. Perfect for a single cat or for varying their diet.
Why it stands out?: The homerunPET feeder is all about reliability and record-breaking battery life. Its standout feature?? A battery that lasts 6 months, offering absolute peace of mind, even during a power outage. It focuses on the essentials: dispensing the right portions at the right time and keeping kibble crunchy.
Highlights?:
Who is it for?? For those who prioritise reliability, simplicity, and maximum battery life. Ideal if you don't want to worry about power outages or finding the nearest outlet.
Why it stands out?: The Catlink FRESH 2 solves the mealtime headache in multi-cat homes. Using RFID collar identification, it recognises each pet and serves their designated portion. It's THE solution to stop the greediest cat from stealing from its housemate's bowl.
Highlights?:
Who is it for?? A must-have for large (feline) families, especially if one cat is on a special diet or if you have a little glutton who crashes every meal.
These three flagship models cover the most common needs. Are you looking for a different capacity, a unique design, or a specific feature?? Our full catalogue is filled with other gems. Explore our range to find the perfect feeder for you and your companion.
Yes, as long as you choose a suitable model. A standard feeder will dispense the same portion to the first cat that comes along. For personalised management, it's essential to opt for a feeder for multiple cats that works with a microchip or an RFID collar, like the Catlink FRESH 2. It's the only way to ensure each cat eats their own portion, and only their portion.
Absolutely. The best models are designed for these contingencies. Most include a dual power supply (mains and backup batteries) that takes over during a power cut. As for Wi-Fi, there's no need to worry: once the schedule is programmed, the feeder stores it in its local memory and operates autonomously, even without a connection. Models like the homerunPET, with its 6-month battery, take this security to the next level.