3 Best Cat Feeders with Collar Sensor & Automatic Feeders

Have you got a multi-cat household that makes feeding time more difficult than it should be? Welcome to the club!

I have three cats; one of them is greedy, eating all the food, while my other two get bullied out of the way. Two of my cats are now miserable, and my third greedy and fat cat is overweight. If you have cats on medicated diets or dogs that will eat anything they can get their paws on, things get even more complicated.

When I heard about microchip cat feeders (also known as RFID pet feeders, cat collar food bowls, and collar sensor cat feeders), I knew they would be a game-changer. These feeders only release food to the correct cat, meaning all your felines are receiving the right food and a healthy amount. I bought some of the top products on the market and tried out each to discover the current best performer.

In this article, I review my findings, listing the pros and cons of all the feeders I tested. Are you ready to discover the best collar-activated feeders on the market and take the hassle out of feeding time? Let’s get started!

My Top Pick

Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder

The Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder is the best cat feeder with a collar sensor. When using this snazzy piece of kit, my felines all ate the food that was meant for them and only them. It also works with both wet and dry food and uses your cat’s microchip to ensure the compartment only opens up for them. Feeding time is so easy when using this feeder!

Buy on Amazon

If this is not the microchip-controlled cat feeder for you, there are two other great models too. However, as a relatively new product, there are not loads of collar-controlled cat feeders on the market.

Nevertheless, other automatic cat sensors also do a great job of controlling portion size, which I have also reviewed. Keep reading to find out all the best products available on the market today.

Best Cat Feeders with Collar Sensors

Before we delve into the reviews of the automatic cat feeders with collar- sensors, I want to talk you through what I am looking for in the ideal bowl. This gave me something to base my search on and made sure I fairly compared all products.

• Collar Activated: There are many automatic cat feeders on the market, but I wanted to use only collar-activated cat feeders to be effective in my multi-cat household.
• Type of Food: Many feeders can only take dry food, but I ideally wanted a feeder that could handle both. I like feeding my cats a variety of different food, so I wanted a feeder that works for both types.
• Microchip Activated: You can get RFID at feeders that use collar tags. However, a better option is to find a bowl that uses your cat’s microchip as a sensor so that if your cat loses their collar, the bowl still works.
• Airtight Storage: Automatic cat feeders cover helps keep the food fresher for longer. I wanted a feeder with airtight storage to ensure my cats’ dinner would stay fresh.
• Cost: Technology like this does not always come cheap, so I wanted to find a cat feeder with a collar sensor that was as affordable as possible.

With all these things considered, here are my favorite cat feeders with collar sensors to make feeding time stress-free and ensure none of my cats are fed too much or too little food.

1. Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder (Best Overall Product)

The Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder is the best cat bowl that opens with a collar. I have been using three of these feeders in my home for the past few months, and they have solved all my issues.

All my cats are microchipped, and I set each bowl to open in response to each of my cat’s specific microchip IDs. This ensures my cats can only access the food in the bowl synced with their chip. If your cat is not microchipped, the bowl also does come with a lightweight RFID collar tag that you can put onto your pet’s collar.

The Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder can also be used for wet and dry cat food. It holds up to 400ml, which is plenty for my cats, and I can simply weigh the food out before putting it inside the feeder to know my cats are receiving the correct portion sizes.

You’ll also find that this feeder has a neoprene lip which the lid seals into, meaning that food storage is airtight, helping to keep it fresher for longer. The tighter the seal, the less likely persistent and greedy cats will try to break in too. I have had no problems with this since using the product.

Lastly, this bowl has a “training stage,” which is ideal for timid cats to get used to the automatic opening and closing of the lid. Once they are used to the mechanism, you can change the settings to the usual mode for a seamless transition.

Pros

Cons

2. Sure Petcare Microchip Feeder Connect with Hub (Best for Portion Control)

Next is another Sure Petcare model, but this time more high-tech. I introduce the Sure Petcare Microchip Feeder Connect with Hub, the fanciest feeder around!

As with my number one recommendation, this feeder is microchip activated to stop your cats from stealing each other’s food. It also functions as an RFID cat feeder with a collar tag for those kitties that have not been microchipped. This is also effective at stopping dogs or other pets from eating food that isn’t theirs and acts as an effective dog-proof cat feeding station.

This feeder also has a Hub that connects to the Sure Petcare mobile app. Via the app, you can set the weight of one portion. When filling up the bowls, LED lights on the feeder indicate when you’ve reached the weight limit.

Conveniently, the bowl is split into two and is suitable for wet and dry food. You can set different weight limits on each side of the bowl. For example, you could set 30g of dry food in one half and 60g of wet food in the other. This feature is excellent for keeping an eye on what food they like best and ensuring your cat receives a nutritionally balanced diet.

You can also use the mobile app to track when you last fed your pets, a great feature for busy households where double feeding could accidentally happen, and how much food your cats eat on each visit to the bowl. By tracking changes in your cat’s eating habits, you can easily keep an eye on their health.

This feeder only makes it in at number two because it is expensive. If you are buying a cat feeder with a collar sensor as you have a multi-cat household, purchasing one of these bowls for each cat carries a hefty price tag. The additional smart features aren’t worth the extra money for me, but if you have the cash to splash, this could be a great choice.

Pros

Cons

3. Wireless Whiskers Automatic Pet Feeder (Best for Busy Owners)

Although this feeder doesn’t work with wet cat food, it is an excellent choice for anyone that feeds their cat kibble and is looking for an RFID cat feeder. The bowl has a lid that always remains closed unless it senses the wireless collar tag nearby. Simply attach the tag to your cat’s collar, and only they will be able to gain access to their dinner.

Unfortunately, the bowl is incompatible with microchips, and collar tags are a little less reliable as cats, especially outdoor kitties, can lose their collars accidentally. However, each tag is unique. This means you can keep more than one of the feeders in your home and don’t have to worry about the collar tags interfering with their operation.

I also rate this product if you’re looking for an automatic cat feeder that feeds your cat at specific time intervals throughout the day. This is great for helping to control your pet’s diet and a fab alternative to traditional cat bowls, which will suit a busy owner. Your felines will be fed without you even lifting a finger! In fact, this is the only product on the market with scheduled feeding times and a collar sensor, making feeding time even more manageable.

To use, simply fill the large container, which can hold up to 5lbs of dry food, and attach it to the feeder. Depending on your settings, the kibble will then drop into the bowl at various intervals throughout the day. You can set your cat’s allowance using the Adjust AutoDiet feature to tailor the amount released towards your individual cat’s needs.

Pros

Cons

Best Automatic Cat Feeders (Alternatives to Cat Feeders with Collar Sensor)

As there are only three cat feeders with collar sensors currently on the market, which I understand may not be for everyone, I decided to review the next most similar product: automatic cat feeders.

These are generally more affordable, and while they are not as effective at preventing greedy cats from stealing other cats’ food, they are great at controlling portion size and helping make feeding time less stressful.

Here are my top products that you’ll also love.

1. Casfuy 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder (Best Timed Feeder)

The first automatic cat feeder I recommend is the Casfuy 5-Meal Automatic Cat Feeder. I used to use this before switching to a collar-activated feeder and think it is an excellent tool for helping control portions.

There are five different sections in this bowl where you can put wet and dry food. You then set a timer for each separate compartment so that your cat can only access one portion of food at a specific time, helping to control the amount of food your kitty eats.

Due to being able to time each compartment, busy people who work long hours or are away a lot will also benefit from this feeder. The sealed cover means the food stays fresh until the compartment is opened and means your cat gets a regular feeding routine regardless of what you are up to. Moreover, there is also a built-in voice recorder so that you can leave your cat a message to help comfort and reassure them when they are eating.

Unlike solely battery-powered feeders, this automatic cat feeder has a dual battery and charging port to supply power to the bowl. This means that if batteries are running low, you can charge it up to keep it running while you run to buy some more.

Pros

Cons

2. PetSafe Healthy Pet Pre-Portioned Food Dispenser (Best for Fast Eaters)

Next up, we have the PetSafe Healthy Pet Pre-Portioned Food Dispenser.

This product only works with dry food, but it allows pre-determined food portions to drop into the bowls at the selected times, helping feed your cats a healthy amount and stick to a set feeding schedule. As this feeder works on a timer, it is another excellent product for owners who are away from home often or struggle to get up for an early morning feed.

You’ll also love this product if you have cats that eat too quickly, as you can set slow dispense settings to stop them from having access to their whole bowl at once. While nothing stops a greedy cat from eating other cats’ food, this will help train them to eat more slowly and is an effective way to control the amount they eat.

This is also a great automatic feeder for owners with more than one cat, as you can buy an additional splitter accessory that attaches on and divides the food released into two bowls. Because of this, you’ll only need to buy one dispenser for two cats, helping you save money.

Pros

Cons

3. WOPET SmartFeeder (Enables Voice Recording & Video)

Although only suitable for dry cat food, the WOPET SmartFeeder is another great automatic cat feeder you may be interested in, which delivers up to six meals per day.

You can schedule what time you want each meal to drop from the dispenser from a convenient mobile app and set the amount of food released in each potion. This fine level of control makes it great for cats that need going on a diet and can be tailored to any cat’s individual health and needs. Alternatively, you can manually feed your cat through the app too.

To announce feeding time, you can use the voice recorder to play a message to your furry friend while you’re not there. This is great to bring them comfort and reassurance when you’re busy. Moreover, this feeder has a secret smart camera so you can check in on and chat with your pet from afar too! I love how this helps the two of you to feel connected, even from a distance.

You can even use the camera to take photographs or videos of your cat. Because they are unaware that the camera is there, you can get some cracking shots that are great for sharing on social media. WOPET even has its own social network where other cat parents can share their pictures!

Pros

Cons

4. Iseebiz Automatic Cat Feeder (Best for Reducing Mess)

Another great option is the Iseebiz Automatic Cat Feeder. With this product, you can feed your cat up to four meals at different times throughout the day. Portion sizes are also easily adjustable to ensure you’re feeding your cat the right amount, helping to establish healthy eating habits.

I also love that this automatic feeder does have an infrared detector in-built in the shoot. This means that if your cat doesn’t eat their previous meal, the next one won’t come out, perfect for protecting your floor from unnecessary spills. It can also detect and prevent any blockages to keep things running smoothly.

Other perks include its large 3lb capacity, dual power supply, and the ability to voice record a 10-second message for your cat. It is also BPA-free and easy to clean – it simply needs to be dissembled and wiped with a damp cloth before being put back together.

The main drawback of this feeder, like many others on this list, is that it only takes dry kibble. So, if you feed your cat wet food, you’re better off using another feeder. However, the container where you keep the food is designed to keep the biscuits fresh and is the ideal place to store your cat’s food. With this feeder, the days of stale food are long gone!

Pros

Cons

5. WOPET Automatic Cat Feeder (Best for Grazing Cats)

Last but certainly not least, I bring you the WOPET Automatic Cat Feeder.

In my opinion, the biggest benefit of this product is that you can schedule up to 15 meals per day. If your cat is a grazer rather than one to gobble down all their food in 2-3 sittings each day, this is a fantastic option! It ensures that they have fresh food every time they come to eat, rather than food that’s gone stale from sitting in their food dish all day.

Similar to the other WOPET feeder, this also connects to a mobile app, giving you the option to feed manually from your device if you prefer. You can also play a recorded voice message of up to 10 seconds long to your cat each mealtime, letting them know it’s feeding time.

The portion sizes are in 5g intervals from 5g up to 250g. This makes it super precise at feeding your cat the right amount, regardless of their age, breed, size, or health. This is great for cats that are on controlled diets or busy owners who need a machine to do the feeding for them.

Unfortunately, this feeder for cats is only suitable for dry food. However, with a huge 6L capacity, it makes for convenient storage and feeding! There is also a handy infrared sensor that can detect the level of food in the disk, preventing it from overflowing or getting jammed. Plus, the feeder automatically notifies you when the food levels are low.

Pros

Cons

Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor Buying Guide

As you can see, there is a range of automatic cat feeders on the market but finding a selective collar sensor cat feeder is more challenging.

That said, depending on your needs, you may only need an automatic food dispenser. Here are the things you should ask yourself before purchasing any products to help point yourself in the right direction.

Type of Food

I like to feed my cat a mixture of wet and dry food. This way, they get the most balanced nutrition, and their dinner time is more exciting. Therefore, I wanted a feeder capable of holding both wet and dry food.

If you also want to give your cats access to both, or if you have a fussy feline that refuses to eat kibble, make sure you look out for feeders that can handle both types of food. On the other hand, an individual cat feeder that works with dry food is perfect if you’re only feeding kibble.

Type of Sensor

I knew I wanted a collar-activated feeder to help control the portion size my three cats were getting and stop my overweight and greedy cat from eating the others’ food! For me, selective feeders that only opened in response to unique collar tags or microchip IDs were essential.

If you need a feeder to help you stick to a feeding schedule, make the food stay fresher for longer, or control the portion sizes, then a feeder activated by motion sensors or timers may be more beneficial.

Airtight Storage

Knowing that the food you leave out for your cats will stay fresh is essential. The tighter the storage, the fewer ants or other nasty critters will sneak their way in, and the less likely your greedy cats will manage to break in! Therefore, you should opt for a feeder with airtight storage.

Thankfully, most collar-activated pet feeders seal tightly shut. Some feeders also come with ice packs to help wet food stay fresh, as this can quickly become unappetizing when it gets warm and is left sitting around.

Cost

Lastly, the cost is vital as microchip-activated cat feeders do not come cheap! As there are only three products currently on the market, there is not much choice you have in terms of the price range. And unfortunately, you often need a pet feeder with a collar sensor for each pet you own.

If you have more than one cat, purchasing one feeder can help solve your feeding issues and can dramatically keep costs down. I look at some possible scenarios in the section below to help you identify how many RFID pet feeders you need.

How Many Feeders Do I Need?

If you only have one kitty, then one feeder is enough. But what about households that have two or more cats? Do you need a separate microchip-controlled cat feeder for each? The answer depends solely on your need for a cat feeder…

One Greedy Cat

If you have one greedy cat and one cat that always goes hungry, purchasing a single microchip-activated cat feeder for your underweight cat will solve the problem. This way, your overweight cat will only have access to its own food. If you put down the correct portion size, they won’t be overeating.

Prescription Food

The same scenario could work for one of your cats if they have prescription food. By purchasing a cat feeder with a collar sensor for your cat on medication, you can rest assured, knowing your other felines won’t have access to or be eating the prescription food.

However, purchasing a separate feeder for each cat will help encourage your prescription cat only to eat their medicated food. Otherwise, they could eat the “tastier” non-medicated food instead, but if all cats had their own microchip-activated bowls, this wouldn’t be possible.

Different Aged Cats

If you are trying to get your elderly cat and your kitten to eat their own age-specific food, then purchasing two feeders would be required to prevent them from having access to each other’s food.

There are so many scenarios that make it impossible to list through them all. If you purchase a cat feeder with a collar sensor for each of your cats, this would be the most effective solution, no matter your problem. However, I understand that these are expensive, especially if you have multiple feeders for your household. Try to think through your situation and see what the best answer could logically be.

Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor vs. Automatic Feeder

You may wonder what the real difference is between cat feeders with collar sensors and an automatic feeder.

The main difference is the mechanism that makes their food accessible.

Cat Feeder with Collar Sensor

A collar-activated cat feeder is a cat feeder that recognizes cats unique RFID collar tags or microchips and only opens the food bowl cover for them. This means that cats can only eat the food intended for them.

Because of this, microchip or collar sensor feeders are fantastic when used in multi-cat households to control precisely what each of your cats is eating. This is especially true for cats that are on prescription food, have different eating habits, such as a greedy cat and a slow grazer, or are of different ages and thus need different nutrients from their diet.

A household with other animals or small dogs can also benefit from keeping food away from greedy animals!

Automatic Cat Feeders

On the other hand, automatic cat feeders are not cat-specific but release food at a set time. You can set the feeding schedule using the device or for more advanced feeders using your mobile phone. You can also control the portion size it dispenses.

This makes automatic cat feeders ideal for people who have busy lives and struggle to stick to a consistent feeding pattern. They are also great at controlling portion sizes; some even let you know if your kitty has already been fed that day to prevent accidental double feeding.

However, because automatic cat feeders are not selective, they are not as effective at keeping greedy cats away from food that isn’t theirs or ensuring cats don’t eat medicated food. That being said, creating a strict feeding schedule instead of having food laid down 24/7 can help cats get equal amounts of food.

FAQs

Q: How do microchip cat feeders work?

A: Microchip cat feeders recognize a unique microchip ID number or RFID tag and open the lid from the food bowl for that cat and that cat only. This stops other cats or pets from eating food that isn’t rightfully theirs.

Q: How can I stop cats from eating each other’s food?

A:You can purchase a cat feeder with a collar sensor to stop your cats from eating each other’s food. You can also try creating a set feeding schedule which should help your cats get more equal amounts of food. Additionally, try feeding your cats in different rooms.

Q: Can cats only live on dry food?

A: Cats can only live on dry food if it has the correct balance of nutrients combined with a healthy water intake. If your cat feeder only takes dry pellet food, this is still healthy for your cat; I just personally prefer providing a mix.

Q: What is the best cat feeder with collar sensor?

A: In my opinion, the best cat feeder with collar sensor is the Sure Petcare Microchip Cat Feeder. This works using microchip IDs to keep cats’ food separate and is cheaper than the other product on the market while working excellently.

Q: Why should I use a cat bowl with collar sensor?

A: You may benefit from using a cat bowl with collar sensor if you have one greedy cat that eats too much food, or if your cats are on different diets due to age or medication reasons.

Q: What is the best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats?

A: In my opinion, the best automatic cat feeder for multiple cats is the PetSafe Healthy Pet Pre-Portioned Food Dispenser as you can buy an accessory to direct the food into two different bowls. This avoids the need to purchase two cat feeders!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

An automatic collar sensor cat feeder can solve all kinds of mealtime issues. If you have one cat that overeats, cats on different foods for age or health reasons, or other pets that eat your cats’ dinner, I recommend purchasing a microchip-activated cat feeder. Your problems will disappear!

There are only three products on the market, so there isn’t much shopping around. However, rest assured that these products are amazing! That being said, you may also benefit from other automatic cat feeders, such as timed feeders that automatically release pre-portioned food.

Hopefully, you can use the opinions and advice in this article to find the perfect feeder so that you have healthy and happy cats.