Buying guides
Best Gravity Cat Feeder: Who It Suits and What to Check
A gravity cat feeder refills a bowl from a hopper as the cat eats, so it is free feeding, not portion control. VCA warns that cats may eat more than they need when food is always available, which can lead to obesity. A gravity feeder suits a cat your vet says can self-regulate, or a short absence. Browse our gravity cat feeders with that in mind.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20263 min read3 sources
What a gravity feeder is, and the catch
A gravity feeder holds dry food in a hopper above a bowl. As the cat eats, more kibble slides down to refill the bowl, so food is always available and no power or timer is involved. That simplicity is the appeal, and it is also the catch.
VCA Animal Hospitals warns that cats might eat more than they need, especially if they are free-fed, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. The VCA also says it is a myth that cats can feed themselves without overeating. Cornell's Feline Health Center calls obesity the most common nutrition-related problem in cats and links it to arthritis and diabetes.
Who a gravity feeder may suit
A gravity feeder is easiest to justify for a short absence, such as a weekend away with someone checking in, or for a cat your vet has said can self-regulate. Cornell advises asking your vet for your cat's ideal body weight, so check that before choosing free feeding.
It is a poor fit for a cat that gulps food, one with a weight problem, or a home with several cats where you cannot see who eats what. Our guides to automatic cat feeders and the two-cat automatic feeder cover timed and portioned options.
Features to check
Capacity should match the days you plan to leave it, but a large hopper also means dry food sits for longer. Cornell says opened food can dry out and lose palatability, so choose a hopper you can empty and wash easily, with a tight lid, and store the rest of the bag in an airtight container. A 3.5 liter feeding basin and a large capacity pet feeder show the range of hopper sizes.
Look for a stable, wide base that a cat cannot tip, a bowl that is shallow enough for whiskers, and parts that separate for cleaning. A two-in-one automatic feeder combines a food hopper with a water dispenser, and a simple gravity pet feeder suits a single cat.
Gravity feeder or timed feeder?
A timed feeder releases a measured part of the daily ration at set times, which is the portion control VCA recommends. VCA also notes that some cats become impatient and pop open the dispenser, so choose a locking lid. A timed feeder is the better choice for a cat that needs to lose weight or eats too fast.
If you are weighing the two, a gravity feeder is for convenience and a timed feeder is for control. Whichever you choose, check your cat's weight and body condition every few weeks and adjust, because the feeder cannot do that for you.
What to avoid, and when to call the vet
Avoid filling a gravity hopper without measuring a daily ration for a cat prone to weight gain, avoid placing the feeder near the litter box or in a noisy spot, since Cornell notes that heavy traffic, noise and nearby litter boxes can put cats off eating, and avoid leaving wet food in any gravity hopper.
If your cat suddenly eats much more or much less, loses weight, or refuses food, see your vet. When you are ready to choose, browse our gravity cat feeders.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Are gravity cat feeders good for cats?
They suit some cats and not others. A gravity feeder is free feeding, which VCA says can lead to overeating and obesity, so ask your vet whether your cat can self-regulate.
How does a gravity cat feeder work?
Dry food sits in a hopper above a bowl and slides down to refill the bowl as the cat eats. There is no timer or power, so the bowl never empties until the hopper does.
Can a gravity feeder work for two cats?
It is hard to manage, because you cannot tell which cat is eating how much, and one cat may overeat. A portioned or microchip feeder gives more control in multi-cat homes.
How often should I refill a gravity cat feeder?
Check it daily and wash the hopper and bowl regularly. Cornell notes opened dry food can dry out and become less palatable, so avoid topping up old kibble with new.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
