Who should use an automatic cat feeder?

An automatic cat feeder is ideal for people who work all day, travel for work, or need to give their cat smaller meals while they’re losing weight. Choosing the right feeder depends mainly on whether your cat eats kibble or wet food, and whether you need to monitor them remotely.

A feeder helps your cat eat the right amount at the right time every day, even when you get home late. Splitting food into several smaller meals can also stop your cat from eating too quickly and vomiting, and keeps you from being woken up at 5 a.m. by a hungry cat.

This article covers 6 criteria to consider before buying, then compares 4 Petone feeders sold at Xmart: F13, F14, F24-C, and F26.

6 criteria for choosing an automatic cat feeder

1. Food type: kibble or wet food?

This is the most important criterion. Dry food feeders have a large hopper and a kibble dispenser, so they can’t be used for wet food. If your cat eats wet food, you need a rotating tray feeder with multiple separate compartments and a cooling pack.

2. Capacity and number of meals

Kibble feeders typically hold 3–6 L, enough to feed a cat for several days. Wet food feeders are measured by the number of compartments, with each compartment holding one meal. Think about the longest you’ll be away to choose the right capacity.

3. App control (Wi-Fi)

A Wi-Fi feeder lets you set schedules, dispense extra food remotely, and view feeding history on your phone. Button-operated feeders are cheaper and simpler, but you have to set them up directly on the device. If your router only broadcasts on 5 GHz, check whether the feeder supports it.

4. Camera

A camera lets you see whether your cat actually ate, whereas a feeder without a camera only tells you that food was dispensed. It’s well worth it if you’re often away for several days.

5. Backup power

The feeder should have a backup battery so it can still dispense kibble during a power outage. A plug-in-only feeder will stop completely when the power goes out, causing your cat to miss a meal.

6. Feeding tray and cleaning

Choose a removable 304 stainless steel tray: it won’t retain odors and is easy to wash daily. The kibble hopper should also be removable for cleaning, as oils from kibble can turn rancid over time.

Compare 4 Petone automatic feeders

List prices at Xmart on 22/10/2026, including tax. The F14 is currently listed as “Contact us,” so you’ll need to ask for the price directly.

Which feeder should you choose?

Best value for people who work: F24-C. Its 6L capacity is enough for several days, the camera lets you make sure your cat has eaten, and the feeder still dispenses kibble during a power outage.

Note: Wet food can spoil if left out for too long, even with a cooling ice pack. Wet food feeders are suitable for one day, not for trips lasting several days.

Tips for using a feeder safely

1. Test it for a few days while you’re still at home. Check that the feeder dispenses at the right time and in the right amount, and that your cat is used to eating from it before you leave.
2. Weigh a test portion. The weight of each portion varies depending on kibble size, so weigh a test portion to set the right serving size.
3. Always install backup batteries if the feeder supports them, and replace the batteries before long trips.
4. For wet food: only put in an amount your cat will finish that day, use the cooling ice pack, and discard any leftovers when you get home.
5. Clean regularly: wash the feeding tray daily and wipe the kibble hopper every time you refill it. Do not pour water directly onto the powered unit.
6. If you’ll be away for several days, you should still ask someone to stop by. The feeder takes care of meals, but it can’t replace cleaning the litter box and checking your cat’s health.

Frequently asked questions

Can feeders be used for wet food? Only tray-style feeders can, such as the Petone F26 and F13. Hopper-style feeders for kibble, like the F14 and F24-C, are for dry food only.

Will the feeder still dispense food during a power outage? The F24-C continues dispensing dry food using backup D batteries. The F26 is cordless, so it’s unaffected. The Wi-Fi version of the F14 has a dual power supply.

What if my router only supports 5GHz Wi-Fi? The F24-C supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. For other feeders, check with Xmart before buying.

How long can I be away while the feeder still has enough food? It depends on how much your cat eats each day. A 6L feeder like the F24-C holds enough dry food for several days, but you’ll still need someone to come by to change the water and clean the litter box.

What if my cat won’t eat from the feeder? Place the feeder where your cat usually eats, and offer food in its old bowl alongside it for the first few days. Feeders with a voice recording feature, like the F14 and F24-C, can play your voice at each mealtime to call your cat.

Conclusion

Choose a feeder based on the type of food first, then consider its features. For cats that eat pâté, choose the F26 or F13. For cats that eat dry food, choose the F14 for simplicity, or the F24-C if you want to monitor your cat with a camera and have peace of mind during power outages.

Browse and order from Xmart’s collection of cat feeders. Enter code XMART10 to get 10% off your first order. For advice, call the hotline at 0903 898 478 (Ho Chi Minh City) or 0704 471 438 (Hanoi).

See also: Cats That Don’t Drink Enough: Signs and 7 Ways to Help Your Cat Drink More [insert link after publishing].

Sources

Specifications and prices are from the Xmart product pages as of October 22, 2026: Petone F13, Petone F14, Petone F24-C, Petone F26.