Have you ever visited a fellow pet parent and noticed that they had a nifty automatic feeder? You may be wondering if such a gadget might make your life simpler while you’re home and out of town. Consider the following before you bring one into your home.
What kinds of automatic feeders are available?
Automatic feeders work well for both wet and dry foods. Wet food dispensers usually include a freezer pack to keep the food fresh until it pops open. Dry food dispensers may pop open, rotate, or gently disperse a measured portion of kibble from a larger reservoir.
On the one hand, automatic feeders can be controlled by simple low-tech timer mechanisms. On the other hand, they be ultra-high tech, boasting features such as digital programmable displays and smartphone apps!
Which situations are best for an automatic feeder?
Believe it or not, automatic feeders are best suited for when you’re going to be home. They’re a clever solution for early morning kitties who like to wake their parents for their breakfast. They’re also a nice back up option for those days that you know you’ll be coming home late, or if your cat prefers to eat a snack in the middle of the day while you’re still at work.
Keep in mind, though, that while dry food dispensers can last for several days at a time, wet food dispensers will likely need to be washed and replenished daily.
Will an automatic feeder be all my cat needs while I’m out of town?
Nope! Nothing beats real live human to feline interaction. Your cat needs more than just food and water everyday. A trusted caretaker can play with your kitty and monitor his or her health. Having someone stop by your apartment daily also means that you have an extra line of defense in case any other important automated systems malfunction, such as heating and cooling.
Are you looking for someone to check on your kitty while you’re out of town? Contact us to be paired with one of our attentive pet sitters today!
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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts. Photo by meineresterampe on pixabay.