In this guide
Out of the house all day, a cat that wakes you at 5 a.m. demanding breakfast, or one that wolfs everything down at once? An automatic cat feeder solves part of that: it releases dry food at the times and in the portions you set, so your cat can eat little and often even when you’re not home.
Quick answer: for one cat, the PETLIBRO Granary (3 L) offers up to 6 meals a day with battery backup. For two cats that get along, the oneisall dual-bowl feeder (5 L) splits each meal into two stainless steel bowls. The VOLUAS (4 L) is a simpler option, but it only does up to 4 meals a day.
Why small, frequent meals#
According to International Cat Care, cats in the wild eat frequent small meals throughout the day and night. Most pet cats are fed two larger meals to fit our schedules. The organization recommends, where possible, dividing the daily ration into at least five portions over the full 24 hours, using timed and puzzle feeders.
It also warns that free access to food can lead to overeating and obesity, and that eating from the same bowl with no effort can leave indoor cats bored or frustrated. A timed feeder controls portions; a puzzle feeder adds the “hunting” effort. They work well together.
A few more points from the same guidance:
- Follow the packet as a starting point and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight; weighing dry food is more accurate than scooping.
- Cats prefer shallow bowls where their whiskers don’t brush the sides.
- In multi-cat homes, cats generally don’t like sharing bowls or being watched while eating — feed them in separate areas.
- Ask your vet if you’re unsure about your cat’s ideal weight or daily amount.
What to check before you buy#
- Meals per day. To reach the five-plus portions International Cat Care suggests, the feeder needs to allow at least 5 meals.
- Portion size. Smaller portion steps make it easier to split the daily amount accurately.
- Backup power. Batteries keep it running during an outage.
- Kibble size. Each feeder has a maximum kibble size; check yours.
- Cleaning. Removable bowls and hoppers are easier to keep clean. The base with the motor usually can’t be washed.
The feeders we picked#
Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):
| Model | Capacity | Meals per day | Portion size | Backup power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETLIBRO Granary | 3 L | Up to 6 | 1–50 portions of 2.5 tsp | 3 D-cell batteries |
| oneisall dual-bowl | 5 L (20 cups) | Up to 6 | ≈10 g per portion, per bowl | 4 AA batteries (not included) |
| VOLUAS | 4 L | 1–4 | 0–40 portions of ≈6–7 g | 3 D-cell batteries (not included) |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Best for one cat
PETLIBRO Granary Automatic Cat Feeder, 3 L
Who it’s for: one cat on dry food, and owners who want enough meals to follow the “little and often” advice.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Up to 6 meals a day, each from 1 to 50 portions (2.5 teaspoons per portion).
- 3 L hopper with a twist-lock lid, sealing strip and a desiccant bag.
- USB-C power plus 3 D-cell battery backup; PETLIBRO says the batteries last about 30–50 days.
- Infrared anti-jam stop, and a 10-second voice recording for meal calls.
- Kibble 2–15 mm. 24-month warranty. 4.1 out of 5 from 11,955 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: the listing says not to wash the feeder base. Replace the desiccant bag as the manufacturer instructs.
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Best for two cats
oneisall Automatic Cat Feeder for 2 Cats, 5 L
Who it’s for: two cats that get along and eat the same dry food.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Two stainless steel bowls set about 16 inches apart, each getting the same amount; bowls are dishwasher safe.
- 5 L / 20 cups of dry food; up to 6 meals a day, about 10 g per portion (per bowl). Kibble under 0.5 in.
- Dial-based setup, 10-second voice recording.
- Runs on DC power with 4 AA backup batteries (not included).
- 4.6 out of 5 from 4,445 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: both cats eat at the same time from the same machine. For cats that compete or guard food, separate feeders in separate spots are a better match for International Cat Care’s advice.
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Simple option
VOLUAS Automatic Cat Feeder, 4 L
Who it’s for: owners who want a straightforward feeder with an LCD screen and a larger hopper.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 1 to 4 meals a day, 0–40 portions per meal, about 6–7 g per portion.
- 4 L hopper; LCD screen; removable parts for cleaning.
- USB power (5 V adapter) or 3 D-cell batteries (not included).
- 10-second voice recording. 1-year warranty. 4.4 out of 5 from 12,555 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: 4 meals is below the “at least five portions” International Cat Care suggests; you can add a puzzle feeder for an extra meal.
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Getting your cat used to it#
- Run the feeder while you’re home for a few days to make sure it dispenses the right amount and your cat isn’t scared of the sound.
- Weigh one portion on a kitchen scale to check the real amount against the listing.
- Keep water in a separate spot, away from the food — see our cat water fountain guide.
Bottom line#
An automatic feeder makes it easier to give several small meals and control portions. For one cat, the PETLIBRO Granary covers up to 6 meals with battery backup; for two friendly cats, the oneisall dual-bowl splits every meal; the VOLUAS is simpler but stops at 4 meals. Total daily amount is a question for the food packet and your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How many meals a day should an automatic feeder give?
International Cat Care recommends dividing a cat's daily ration into at least five portions spread over the full 24 hours, using timed and puzzle feeders. The total amount per day should follow the food packet and your vet's advice.
Can an automatic feeder dispense wet food?
The three feeders in this guide are for dry food (kibble). Each listing gives a maximum kibble size: 2–15 mm for the PETLIBRO and under 0.5 in for the oneisall.
Is a dual-bowl feeder good for two cats?
It can help two cats that get along. International Cat Care notes that cats generally don't like sharing bowls or being watched while they eat, so cats that don't get along may do better with separate feeders in separate rooms.
What happens if the power goes out?
All three models accept backup batteries: 3 D-cells for the PETLIBRO and VOLUAS, and 4 AA (not included) for the oneisall, according to their listings.
Sources
- International Cat Care — Feeding your cat or kitten
- Amazon.com — PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder (ASIN B0953SDCRG)
- Amazon.com — oneisall Automatic Cat Feeder for 2 Cats (ASIN B0C5X2G933)
- Amazon.com — VOLUAS Automatic Cat Feeder, 4 L (ASIN B09LD2CD1L)
Links open in a new tab. Specs, availability and prices can change after publication — always check the product page before you buy.