Skip to content

Free US shipping over $49 · 30-day free returns

Giddy PetsGiddy Pets

Cats

Gravity cat feeders

Little things. Happy cats.

18 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.

Shop the range Help me choose
A cat relaxing at homeA happy life, one little thing at a time.
All cats bowls & feeding →Cat bowls →Cat water fountains →Cat slow feeders →Cat water dispensers →
Tracked US shippingEstimates on every itemReturns & refundsHow it worksHere to helpTalk to Giddy Pets

Find their favorites

Shop automatic cat feeders by type

Choose a section to narrow the range.

All gravity cat feeders

Little essentials. Lots of love.

18 products

Shop gravity cat feeders: self-dispensing food hoppers that refill the bowl as your cat eats, a 1-gallon gravity water dispenser, two-in-one feeder and water dispenser stations, and colorful gravity feeder and water sets. No batteries or power needed. This page narrows our Automatic Cat Feeders range to simple gravity designs. Below is who gravity feeders suit, the free-feeding question they raise, and how to keep food and water fresh in one.

How gravity feeders work

A gravity feeder is a hopper that sits over a bowl. As your cat eats from the bowl, kibble slides down to refill it. A gravity water dispenser works the same way, topping the bowl up as your cat drinks. There is no motor, timer or battery, so nothing can fail during a power cut.

They are simple and inexpensive, and a large water dispenser is handy in any home, keeping water available while you are out. Two-in-one stations put food and water side by side in one unit.

The free-feeding question

A gravity food hopper is free feeding: the bowl never empties. That suits cats that graze steadily and keep a healthy weight, but many cats eat more than they need when food is always there. The Cornell Feline Health Center calls obesity the most common nutrition-related problem in cats.

If your cat is overweight, gains weight easily, or bolts food, a gravity feeder may not suit it. A timed automatic feeder that dispenses measured meals is a better choice. Ask your vet what your cat should weigh and how much it should eat each day.

Who gravity feeders suit

Gravity food feeders work best for cats that self-regulate, for overnight stays when you will be back the next morning, and as a backup alongside a regular meal routine. Fill the hopper with the day's measured portion rather than to the top, and you keep some control.

Gravity water dispensers suit almost every cat and are a sensible addition to any home. Cats need plenty of water, especially those on dry food, and a large reservoir means the bowl will not run dry if you are late home.

Keeping food and water fresh

Food in a hopper can go stale and the oils in kibble can turn rancid over time, especially in warm rooms. Only fill what your cat will eat in a day or two, and empty, wash and dry the hopper completely every week.

Water reservoirs need washing at least weekly, and the bowl more often, since saliva and debris build up. Use fresh water each refill. Many cats prefer water placed away from their food, so consider putting the water dispenser in a different spot.

Setting up a gravity feeder

Place the feeder in a quiet spot away from the litter box, on a non-slip mat to catch spills. Some cats learn to paw kibble out of the opening, so watch for spilled food and choose a design with a lip or a smaller opening if needed.

In multi-cat homes, a single gravity feeder means you cannot see who is eating what. If one cat is gaining weight and another losing, switch to measured meals. A change in how much your cat eats or drinks is worth mentioning to your vet.

Are gravity cat feeders good?

They are simple and reliable, with no power needed, and work well for cats that graze without overeating. For cats prone to weight gain, a timed feeder with measured portions is better.

Do gravity feeders make cats fat?

They can, because food is always available. Fill the hopper with only the day's measured amount, or use a timed feeder, if your cat tends to overeat.

How often should I clean a gravity water dispenser?

Wash the reservoir at least weekly and the bowl more often, refilling with fresh water each time. Saliva and debris build up quickly in standing water.

Can I use a gravity feeder while on vacation?

For an overnight stay, a gravity feeder and a full water dispenser can cover your cat. For longer trips, someone should check on your cat, its water and its litter box every day.

Do gravity feeders work for wet food?

No. Gravity hoppers are designed for dry kibble only. Wet food spoils at room temperature within hours, so it needs to be served fresh and any leftovers removed after the meal.