Automatic Cat Feeders for Multiple Cats

Feeding several cats with one automatic feeder is possible, but it works best when the cats eat the same food, in similar amounts, and get along at meal times. If any of those isn't true, you may need a different set-up.

Option 1: one feeder with two bowls

Some feeders split each portion between two bowls. This suits two cats who eat the same food and don't mind eating side by side.

Things to check:

• How the food is divided — some designs split each portion roughly in half, which may not suit cats with different needs.
• Total capacity, since you're feeding twice as much.
• Whether the bowls are far enough apart for your cats to feel comfortable.

Option 2: one feeder per cat

Placing a separate feeder in different spots often reduces tension. Cats are generally solitary eaters, and some feel more relaxed eating away from each other. Separate feeders also let you set different portions and times for each cat.

Option 3: microchip feeders

If one cat is on a prescription diet, needs to lose weight, or simply steals food, a microchip or RFID-tag feeder may help. These feeders only open for a registered cat. They're often used alongside a timed feeder rather than replacing it.

Microchip feeders typically:

• Read the cat's existing implanted microchip, or a collar tag.
• Keep food covered until the right cat arrives.
• Are often designed for wet or dry food served in a bowl, rather than dispensing timed portions.

Stopping food stealing

• Feed in separate rooms or at different heights (a confident climber can eat on a shelf).
• Use a microchip feeder for the cat with the special diet.
• Keep an eye on weight changes — a cat losing weight may be getting pushed away from the bowl.

Capacity planning

More cats means more food and more refills. As a rough approach, work out the total daily amount from your pet food packaging, multiply by the number of days between refills and compare that with the feeder's stated capacity. Leave some headroom, and remember that storing food for long periods can affect freshness.

Before you buy

• Do all your cats eat the same food in similar amounts?
• Do they eat calmly together?
• Does any cat need a special or prescription diet?
• Where will each feeder go, and is there a power socket nearby?

Browse automatic cat feeders, filter by number of cats in the comparison tool, or tell our product finder about your household. For wider tips, see choosing pet products for multi-pet households.