Automatic cat feeders

I've been using a Wal Mart feeder that is somewhat suspect for years.  Other than chewing through batteries and having a few design flaws, its been great.

however it only offers about five meals, and I'm going to need about two.

Thought I'd just go on Amazon and find something that looked good.  Was about to buy this, until I saw a few reviews that worried me:


figured I'd ask the experts before I pulled the trigger.  Thoughts?

Don't do it! I went through 3 in a span of 4 years. The first one was AMAZING, and lasted a couple of years, but sadly, a lightning storm power surge fried it. No biggie, ordered a new one. BUT, they apparently changed the model and made it cheaper. The next one lasted a month and a half, and the 3rd one lasted about 6 months. I put it in storage when I moved, and it didn't work a couple months later when I went to use it again. 

There are reviews for feeders here: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/category/automatic-feeders I'm not sure if the one you are considering is there but you can see reviews for other similar feeders.

Are you using the feeder for dry or canned food? I like the Petsafe 5 compartment feeder. It works well for both dry and canned food.

To be fair, mine was this model: Petmate LeBistro Feeder

I think it was $80 each time I purchased it. Hence my hesitation to buy another one after it broke the 3rd time. The new model seems to be much more reasonably priced. But sometimes cheaper price = cheaper parts.

I will add, it was SUPER handy when it did work. I had a cat that would meow her head off at 4am wanting food, so this was a way to keep a little of my sanity.

I bought one 2 years ago and never had a problem with it. The only thing i don't like about it, is that my cat can stick his paw up where the food comes out and he can release some of it before the schedule time to go off

I am the automatic cat feeder.

Kittens Mom said:

I am the automatic cat feeder.

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True that!

LTS3 said:

 
There are reviews for feeders here: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/category/automatic-feeders I'm not sure if the one you are considering is there but you can see reviews for other similar feeders.

Are you using the feeder for dry or canned food? I like the Petsafe 5 compartment feeder. It works well for both dry and canned food.

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Dry food, but unfortunately I need to go more than five days. I have a similar one now.

Jano437 said:

 
I bought one 2 years ago and never had a problem with it. The only thing i don't like about it, is that my cat can stick his paw up where the food comes out and he can release some of it before the schedule time to go off

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Are you talking about the same model that I posted?  Appears to be  common issue - cat gets an early feeding.

Are you using one that does it at certain times each day? Or just one of those ones that free feeds? 

greenlawnracing said:

 
Are you talking about the same model that I posted?  Appears to be  common issue - cat gets an early feeding.

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Yes, same model