The best automatic cat feeder
Our test cats ate from 8 automatic feeders for six weeks. The Kibbly Timer 4 delivered the most accurate portions and kept working when the Wi-Fi went down.
Sarah Miller
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
September 4, 2026
6 weeks · 8 models
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In this guide
Our picks at a glance
Kibbly Timer 4
Portions are off by only 2 grams on average, and it runs on batteries during a power outage.
Read the full review
FeedClock Mini
A simple timer with two compartments for wet food with an ice pack.
Read the full review
Kibbly Cam
With a camera, so you can see whether your cat has eaten.
Read the full reviewPrices checked September 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Prices may change.
Why you can trust us
Sarah Miller has tested home appliances since 2017 and previously spent five years at a consumer advocacy group. For this guide we tested 8 models over 6 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.
Who is this for?
An automatic feeder is handy if your cat needs small portions at set times, or if you’re away for a day. For longer than a day, we always recommend a pet sitter.
How we tested
We weighed every portion to measure accuracy, tested what happened during a power or Wi-Fi outage, and checked whether our cats could break into the feeder.
Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: BrasQ
Our full test methodTest results compared
| Model | Rank | Test score | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibbly Timer 4 | Our pick | 8.8 | $99 |
| FeedClock Mini | Budget pick | 7.6 | $45 |
| Kibbly Cam | Upgrade | 9.0 | $169 |
Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can my cat break into an automatic feeder?
With three of the eight models, our cats managed to get to the food supply. Our pick has a locking lid.
How long can I leave my cat alone with an automatic feeder?
One day at most. A cat also needs fresh water, a clean litter box and attention.
- Test protocol for automatic pet feeders, BrasQ (2026)
- Manufacturer specifications and manuals
- Prices and availability checked.
- First version published after testing 8 models.
Sarah has tested vacuums, mops, air purifiers and dehumidifiers since 2017. Before joining BrasQ, she spent five years as a test coordinator at a national consumer advocacy group. She studied industrial design at Ohio State and lives in Columbus with her family and a long-haired cat.
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