Automatic Cat Feeders Are Taking Over TikTok. Should You Get One?
With our busy schedules, sometimes the ability to be at home with our cat can become sparse — especially with working a 9 to 5 job. Regardless, cats still need food, water, and company when one is working late or traveling for a few days. That's why some cat owners are relying on automatic cat feeders to get the job done. One such cat feeder is going viral on TikTok with a built-in camera and voice recorder. Plus, there's a handy app that cat owners can download on their phones to schedule feedings.
@cat.mando via TikTok
The automatic feeder comes with a patented rotor on the cat food dispenser and a secure twist-lock lid. These are designed to keep pets from getting into the food before their feeding time. It also comes with a triple seal lock to keep the kibble fresh. A bowl provided for dining is made from food-grade stainless steel — providing healthy and hygienic feeding.
Another fancy feature of the automatic feeder is the ability for a cat owner to record a 10-second message to their pet. This can give a pet with a little more separation anxiety some peace of mind.
@cat.mando I only promote gear I actually use and I gotta admit this feeder is so awesome #petlibro #grannary #petlibropartner #cattips #fyp
TikTok user @cat.mando raved about the feeder for his cat, Mando. In a recent TikTok video, he writes the caption, "I only promote gear I actually use and I gotta admit this feeder is so awesome."
In the video, he states, "...if something were to happen to me, and I couldn't take care of Mando, it gives me peace of mind knowing that this would feed him automatically for weeks."
Is an automatic feeder the right way to go for your cat? While convenient for a late night out or a sudden emergency, an automatic cat feeder is not a substitute for an owner. A 2019 study showed that cats were more confident and calm when their owners were around. They also found the cats became stressed when their owners left.
So an automatic feeder is definitely handy to use for certain occasions. But cat feeders are not a replacement for an owner or a cat sitter.