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Question: Automatic pet feeder while you're away.?

(Posted by: VetTech1016 on 2007-05-23 14:44:07)

I'm flying out of state from Friday night until late Monday night. I really don't want to have to board my cat because she hates carriers, car rides, and cage to the point where she stresses herself out, hisses at anything and anyone, and doesn't eat much. I was looking into an automatic pet feeder but I have no experience with them or heard of their reliability. She can't be free fed because she'll eat anything she's offered in one sitting and stuff herself. She eats twice daily. I was thinking of buying one and having a friend come in and check on her at least once over the weekend to make sure it's working. (I would of course test it out before leaving) I'd also have an automatic waterer. Anyone have experience with these? Having my friend come over to feed her for us was my original idea - but we've asked them several times in the past plus she's been sick lately so I thought it'd give her a break, especially since she'd have to stop by first thing in the morning Sat., Sun., and Mon. plus coming in the evenings each day. It will be my back up plan if I can get a good automatic feeder in time. Good idea about having a back up battery. I love the idea of leaving treats around the house for her. Thanks. :)

Posted by: cherripepe on 2007-05-23, 15:16:38

Both are great. If your cat will gorge herself, make sure you get one with a timer and not a "gravity " based product, or it will just spill more food out every time she empties the bowl. Just have your friend check and make sure the chute isn't getting jammed so poor kitty doesn't starve. If you give your cat treats normally, hide some around the house for her to find while your gone. My cat doesn't hate me nearly as much when I come home if I've left her little treats to hunt for.

Posted by: tikitiki on 2007-05-23, 14:49:24

I've used them before, worked great! Went away for 3 or 4 days, no problems. My cats are the same, once I left a huge bowl of cat food out, was supposed to last the weekend, and then some lol. It was gone when I got home, and I suspect by how bloated the cat looked, it was gone the first day....

Posted by: anonymous on 2007-05-23, 14:52:26

I have gotten a food/ water dispenser type thing for my cats. It's good because it just keeps filling itself.

Posted by: Cece on 2007-05-23, 15:01:15

Yes, an automatic water thing would be excellent, we own one. But if she gorges herself, an automatic feeder might not be very healthy. Of course, the simplest solution is just to have your friend come over everyday and give her two servings, so that the cat does not stuff herself too much.

Posted by: krazykhrystyne on 2007-05-23, 15:11:15

When I was a vet assistant we recommended them for diabetic patients who had to eat on a schedule when their owners weren't home with them. They seem to work very well. I have three cats and we just leave the food out - one of them was a binger/ over-eater but he got over after his first long weekend tummy ache. :o) If you spend the money on an automatic feeder be sure it has battery back up in case the power goes out.

Posted by: Dawnie on 2007-05-23, 16:11:56

Don't forget to overfill the litter box! lol My friends went away and i was cat sitting, and i waited until the next day after they left to go over, and her litter-maid was jammed, right in the middle, the poor cats were trying to tinkle around the arm for who knows how long. and i couldn't get it to move! so i scooped around it, and went and bought a cheap litter pan for the next 4 days.. its a good thing i went to visit! she was thinking she was all set with a litter-maid and an automatic feeder/ waterer.! Just a tip! lol