ConsFirst / Automatic pet feeders / Compare
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder vs Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on reliable dispensing, app & scheduling, power backup & alerts, pet-proof build. Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs wins on easy cleaning.
The biggest complaint about the Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder is expensive and bulky; for the Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs it's ice packs don't keep wet food cold long. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder | Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in automatic pet feeders | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi feeder | Programmable feeder |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 11% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Reliable dispensing | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| App & scheduling | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Power backup & alerts | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Easy cleaning | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| Pet-proof build | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder
- Expensive and bulky
The Spruce Pets says the high price and large size may be too much for many owners, and it takes up a lot of space.
Source: The Spruce Pets - Plastic bowl, not dishwasher-safe
Both The Spruce Pets and WIRED dislike the plastic bowl. The Spruce Pets says it can't go in the dishwasher, and glass ($30) or stainless ($20, per WIRED) inserts cost extra.
Source: The Spruce Pets, WIRED - Needs an insert for larger kibble
The Spruce Pets says anything other than small, round kibble will likely need the included hopper insert, which cuts capacity from 32 to 25 cups.
Source: The Spruce Pets
Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs
- Ice packs don't keep wet food cold long
The Spruce Pets found the ice packs lasted overnight but not 24 hours. CNN says they barely lasted four hours on warmer days. WIRED found the packs weren't very cold by morning and called the wet-food temperature unsafe. Amazon owners also say the ice packs don't stay cold long.
- Timer resets or meals get missed
Amazon's summary says some owners report the timer randomly clearing settings and changing times. A Spruce Pets tester warns to watch a.m./p.m. carefully to avoid a missed meal.
- Deep bowls; battery-only
WIRED found the bowls deep and narrow, so its cats couldn't reach all the food, and it lists the C500 under Do Not Recommend. The Spruce Pets' only con is that it runs on batteries only, with no plug.
Source: WIRED, The Spruce Pets
Who should pick which
Pick the Whisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder if
Owners who want the most dependable app feeder
Big-capacity storage for cats or small dogs
Sharing feeding data with a vet
Skip it if: You're on a budget; Counter or floor space is tight; You want a dishwasher-safe metal bowl out of the box
Pick the Cat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs if
Timed meals of dry food or a short wet-food delay
Homes without a handy outlet
People who don't want an app
Skip it if: You'll leave wet food in it for a full day; You want remote control or alerts; Your cat struggles with deep, narrow bowls
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