The 3 Best Collar Activated Cat Feeders

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Are you in search of a cat feeder activated by a collar? This might be to prevent other pets from accessing your cat's food or to monitor the portions for specific cats. 

Did you know owners of cats fed from automatic feeders have reported it’s easier to stick to a weight-loss plan.

Currently, the best cat feeder available in the market: The SureFeed Microchip/Collar Activated Pet Feeder. Discover why this our best automatic cat feeder and explore other alternatives if you prefer a more general automatic pet feeder.

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SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder – Our Choice

Our choice is the SureFeed Petcare Microchip/Collar Activated Cat Feeder. This device operates on batteries and employs RFID technology. It works through a unique collar tag that activates the system, which is included once in the package. It is compatible with microchips and allows app control, offering the ability to set portion sizes, monitor feeding patterns, and receive notifications. The feeder is programmable for up to 32 pets and suitable for dry and wet food. Additional collar tags and various accessories are available. It comes with a 3-year warranty so as pet owners give you peace of mind. Note that the Connect Hub, necessary for app operation, is sold separately, and rear covers are also available for separate purchases.

Pros:

1. Microchip Recognition: Utilizes microchip technology to grant access to designated cats based on their unique identification, ideal for multi-pet households.

2. Portion Control: Offers accurate portion control, ensuring each cat receives the appropriate amount of food.

3. Sealed Design: Features a sealed lid to keep food fresh and prevent pests or other animals from accessing it.

Cons:

1. Price: Typically more expensive than conventional feeders due to its advanced technology and specialized features.

2. Battery Dependency: Relies on batteries for operation, and if they run out, it may disrupt the feeder's functionality.

3. Limited Capacity: Has a relatively limited food storage capacity compared to some other feeders on the market.

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Wireless Whiskers AutoDiet Feeder

Consider the Wireless Whiskers v2.5 cat feeder, an advanced and enhanced model offering various features like AutoDiet Wizard programs and Detection Interval settings. 

This feeder helps control your pet’s diet, feeds different foods to multiple pets, and prevents under-eating. The SMART feeder ensures the right amount of food at the right time, promoting a regulated diet with portion control and locked-out mode. This feeder is easy to use, with a wireless tag attached to your cat’s collar. However, it is more costly than other collar-activated feeders.

Another option is the MeowSpace Microchip Selective Feeder Area, which is ideal for multi-cat households. It uses collar sensor technology or implanted microchips to manage food access, preventing pets from stealing food and allowing control of a cat’s diet. This feeder suits pets on specific diets and supports wet and dry food bowls. You can purchase an RFID collar sensor if your cat doesn’t have a microchip.

Pros:

1. Customizable Diet Control: Allows individualized feeding schedules and portions for each pet, making it suitable for multi-pet households with varied dietary needs.

2. Microchip Recognition: Uses collar tags for pet identification, ensuring the right pet receives the allocated food.

3. Scheduled Meals: Offers scheduled feeding times and portions, promoting portion control and preventing a greedy cat from overeating.

Cons:

1. Initial Setup Complexity: Some users find the setup process and programming slightly complex, requiring time and patience.

2. Reliance on Batteries: Requires batteries for operation, and if they run out, it might disrupt the feeder's functionality.

3. Higher Price Point: Tends to be more expensive compared to standard feeders due to its advanced features and technology.

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PORTIONPRO RX Automated RFID Dog & Cat Feeder

For a multi-cat household, the PortionPro Rx Automated RFID Feeder is a suitable choice for cats and dogs, regardless of size. 

This feeder employs patented access control technology to prevent food stealing among pets. By programming it, you can ensure that the right portion is dispensed to the right pet at scheduled times each day. 

The hopper holds up to 32 cups of kibble and can deliver up to 2 cups of food at a time, providing up to 6 feedings daily. The feeder’s ceramic-coated steel food bowl also ensures durability and helps control bacterial growth. Designed for RX or therapeutic diets, its precise portion control can aid in reversing or preventing a fat cat.

Pros:

1. RFID Technology: Utilizes RFID tags to control food access, ensuring the right pet gets the designated food portion.

2. Portion Control: Offers precise portion control and meal management, ideal for multi-pet households with different dietary needs.

3. Customized Feeding: Enables a personalized cat's feeding schedule and portions for each pet, promoting better eating habits

Cons:

1. Price: Typically higher priced due to its advanced technology and specialized features compared to traditional feeders.

2. Complexity in Setup: Some users may find the initial setup and programming a bit complicated, requiring patience and time.

3. Battery Dependency: Relies on batteries for operation, and if they run out, it may disrupt the feeder's functionality until replaced or recharged.

FAQs

How Do Microchip Feeders Work?

Microchip cat feeders work by scanning the individual microchips of each pet and allowing access only to that specific microchip. To begin with, you will need to connect your pet’s microchip or RFID collar to the feeding station, which is a straightforward process. The feeder’s memory can hold up to 32 different identifications.

What Are Microchip Feeders?

A microchip-activated cat feeder is an automatic cat feeder that scans your pet’s individual microchip, which allows access to the cat food dish. Microchip-activated feeders are great for managing how much your pets eat because you can control the portions for each cat if you have a feeder for each cat.

Are automatic feeders suitable for cats?

An automatic feeder ensures that your cat always has access to food, especially when your schedule varies. For instance, if your work hours change, the feeder guarantees your cat gets the proper meal portions even when you're absent consistently.

Is there a cat feeder that opens only for a specific cat?

You link your cat's microchip or an RFID collar tag from SureFeed with the feeder to enable it to open only for that specific cat when it approaches.

What are the bowls that open and close for cats?

The Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder operates by recognizing your pet's microchip or collar tag. When a registered pet approaches, the lid opens, allowing access to the food. The lid remains closed if an unregistered pet tries to access the feeder.

How long is it safe to leave a cat alone with an automatic feeder?

After 24 hours, it's advisable to have someone check on your cat daily, preferably twice a day. A friend or professional cat-sitter can ensure your cat has sufficient water and that the automatic feeder is functioning correctly.