Automatic Cat Feeders (Again)

[237SJ]

I`ve never seen one of these in action. Does the compartment pop open and stay open or does it close down after a certain amount of time?

[Buenchico]

The only type I've ever used are the rotary ones, where the slot in the top moves round one position at pre-set times. Fairly obviously, only one compartment is accessible at a time:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cat-Mate-C50-Meal-Feeder/dp/B0002AR0D8

However, as far as I can tell from looking at them in pet stores (and from viewing them online), the ones with spring-up flaps then remain open.

I've actually found that it's just as easy to put out several lots of canned food around the house, with even more lots of dried food (with water in lots of places too, so that if food gets dropped into one or two bowls there are still uncontaminated ones elsewhere in the house). I reckon that most cats will hardly notice if I'm gone for a couple of nights (but I wouldn't want to leave them any longer) although, since Patches had her 4 children, the longest I've been away from them so far is 30 hours.

[237SJ]

Thanks Chris. I went to Pets At Home today and the C50 was the one they didn`t have in stock. If the slot only stays open for a certain time and the cat is asleep or out in the garden, it might miss the food. That`s how I figure it anyway. I know some auto feeders can record a voice message to call the cat but my cat is deaf so that is no good.

[237SJ]

Apparently the C50 slot stays open for a minimum of 4 hours and you can also use wet food because there ice packs incorporated into the machine. Looks like that will be the one to buy.

[wolf63]

What is the maximum time she will be 'home alone'? I have purchased a water fountain that keeps the water fresher.

Does she have visitors when you are away? I know that cats are not as people friendly as dogs but some of them do like people (mine are too cowardly).

Good luck with her and all the best for Tuesday x

[237SJ]

Thank you wolf. Her home alone time will vary. One of the neighbours offered to come in but as it`s an ongoing situation, I probably won`t take him up on it. The local vet`s nurse does a cat feeding service and charges £12 for one visit or £18 for two so I`m hoping that she can come in to feed the cat in the morning say, and then fill the feeder for later in the day. That way the cat gets two or more pouches (supplemented with a bowl of biscuits) but I only have to pay for one visit. There are two ice packs incorporated into the machine but I wouldn`t expect them to keep the food cold for terribly long.

[smurfchops]

I have a Cat Mate it is orange and white with two bowls, easy to set time, remember to switch on battery underneath and leave the Iceblock in the freezer before use obviously, it goes under the food. Two compartments with bowls, you can use twice in 24 hours. Easy to clean. Look on ebay! And it will stay up once popped up. Fine for two meals, either indoors or out.

[smurfchops]

By the way when you switch on, check the circle is going round underneath, which means the battery is working