Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.
My kittens love to eat, all the time. As soon as I get up and walk up to the part of the room where their food bowls are placed, there they are, as if they teleported without making a sound, suddenly rubbing against my legs and meowing. They especially love their wet food. And if I go out for the day or take a two-day trip, leaving them safely locked inside the house with video surveillance, there is just no way I can leave enough wet food that won’t get spoiled or be eaten immediately, rather than saved for later.
Automatic Wet Food Feeders
I’ve heard about automatic kibble dispensers, which can be set to release kibble and dry food at certain times. However, I have always just left enough dry food in the bowls so they can graze when they want to, and this has done the trick so far. But wet food is a different story. It tends to get spoiled quickly, and Minnie, being so greedy, will do her best to try and clean up all the bowls before I have even left the house. Poor Nara and Miki probably just get to lick the leftovers afterward. Luckily, Miki is not very fussed about wet food, but Nara also loves it.
So, I came upon an automatic wet food dispenser, which I have to say is a game changer. It has six compartments that open up one by one at a preset time. This means there could be a maximum of 6 meals in 24 hrs, or as little as one. I got two feeders, one for each kitten, as I know Miki will not be too interested, and they provide them with 4 meals of fresh wet food in 24 hrs. There is a place to put coolers below the food bowl compartment to make sure it doesn’t get spoiled.
What Did Kittens Think?
The feeder makes a bit of a subtle noise as it turns the top cover, revealing the next food-filled compartment, followed by a gentle beep. At first, both Minnie and Nara were unfazed. Then Nara got closer and was actually the first one to figure it out. Minnie was there within a minute, as soon as she heard Nara eating. They got used to the feeder instantly, and even now, when I’m at home, they go to it to see if there is anything there, despite it not being used. It’s a handy way to keep wet food fresh for just over 24 hours while providing the kittens with tasty meals.
Miki Doesn’t Care
Miki’s affection for wet food is unpredictable and different from one day to the next. There are a couple of wet food brands and tastes he likes, but not every single time. He will frequently change his mind and bluntly refuse something he ate enthusiastically just the day before. And with Minnie being a quick eater and going from one food bowl to the other, it’s difficult to give him an opportunity to eat in peace.
If you asked Miki, the most important thing is that there is an abundance of dry food, ideally in multiple locations around the house, so he can eat when he pleases. Between the three floors, he chose the attic as the most desirable place to rest and eat, and this is where I regularly need to fill up the food bowl. He also now loves using the water fountains, and I catch him drinking from them often. He definitely drinks more than the kittens, which is due to his choice of food.
Satisfied Purchase
All in all, I am very pleased with the automatic feeder purchase. My only regret is that in the summer, it will be more challenging to keep the cooler parts frozen for longer, depending on the room temperature. Still, it’s made my life easier and has ensured my kittens have full bellies even when I’m not there.
- Read her previous article: Purring Machines: Minnie & Nara’s Unique Personalities
- Read her next article: Hunter Gatherer Kittens: So It Begins
Automatic Wet Food Feeders
