Product Title: Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Small Dogs with Ice Pack
Are you tired of early morning wake-up calls from your hungry cat or need a reliable way to feed your pet while you’re away for the day? The Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder promises to be a simple and effective solution for scheduled pet feeding. Designed for both cats and small dogs, this feeder boasts a 48-hour timer and an ice pack to keep food fresh, especially for those who prefer to feed wet food. Let’s explore what this automatic feeder has to offer and see if it’s the right choice for you and your furry companion.
The Cat Mate C200 is a straightforward, battery-operated feeder designed to dispense two meals at pre-set times. It operates on a simple 48-hour timer, allowing you to schedule two separate feeding times within a two-day window. Each of the two large food bowls can hold up to 400g (14 oz.) of food, making it suitable for portion control and managing your pet’s diet. A key feature is the included ice pack, designed to keep wet food fresh and palatable for your pet, especially useful during warmer months or for longer feeding intervals.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 48-hour Timer: Easy-to-use dial timer for scheduling up to two meals.
- Two Food Bowls: Each bowl holds up to 14 oz (400g) of food.
- Ice Pack Included: Keeps wet food fresh for hours.
- Optional Lid-Link Clip: Connects lids for simultaneous opening, ideal for feeding two pets together.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Removable lids and bowls for easy cleaning.
- Tamper-Resistant Design: Helps prevent pets from accessing food prematurely.
- Battery Operated: Requires 1 AA battery for approximately 12 months of operation (battery not included).
What Customers Are Saying: A Dive into Reviews
With over 4,400 global ratings and an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the Cat Mate C200 seems to be a popular choice among pet owners. Analyzing customer reviews reveals a mixed bag of experiences, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this automatic feeder.
The Pros, According to Pet Owners:
- Ease of Use: Many customers consistently praise the C200 for its simplicity. The timer is described as “easy to set,” and the overall operation is straightforward, making it user-friendly even for those new to automatic feeders. Reviewers appreciate not having “difficult and hard to see dials to set.”
- Convenience for Scheduled Feeding: A significant advantage highlighted by users is the feeder’s ability to manage their cat’s food intake, particularly for timed meals. It’s seen as a “life saver” for those dealing with demanding cats waking them up for food in the early hours or for ensuring pets are fed when owners are at work or away for short periods. One happy customer mentioned, “We are finally able to sleep soundly and past 5am!”
- Effectiveness of Ice Pack: The inclusion of an ice pack is a well-received feature, especially for owners who feed wet food. Customers report that the ice pack “works fine for wet food within several hours,” helping to keep food moist and fresh. Some even suggest adding extra ice cubes for “peace of mind” during longer periods.
- Functionality and Value: Many reviewers believe the C200 “works well” and is “much better than expected because it wasn’t expensive!” The snap-out trays for cleaning and the tamper-proof design also contribute to its positive reception.
The Cons, As Reported by Users:
- Timer Inaccuracy: A recurring concern is the timer’s accuracy. Several customers point out that the dial-based timer, marked in 48-hour increments, makes it “impossible to get any kind of accuracy” when setting precise feeding times. Some reviewers have also experienced the timer malfunctioning or stopping working altogether after a period of use, leading to missed meals. One reviewer sadly noted their “cat sadly starved for 8+ hours while I was at work” due to timer failure.
- Durability Concerns: While some find the feeder “sturdy” and of “good quality,” others describe it as “flimsy” or “not as sturdy as I thought it would be.” Reports of lids or bowls breaking after a few weeks or months of use suggest potential durability issues for some units.
- Noise Level Discrepancies: Opinions vary on the noise level. While some appreciate its “minimal noise,” others find the “tick like a clock 24/7” sound noticeable and potentially bothersome, especially if placed in a bedroom. The opening mechanism itself is described as “pretty quietly” by some, which might be a pro or con depending on whether you want your pet to be alerted to mealtime by the feeder itself.
- Food Retention Limitations: While the ice pack is appreciated, some customers feel it’s not entirely effective for extended periods, particularly with wet food in warmer temperatures. Concerns are raised about ice packs not staying cold for very long, especially beyond 8 hours.
Overall Customer Sentiment:
Despite some reported drawbacks, a significant portion of customer reviews are positive, emphasizing the Cat Mate C200’s convenience, ease of use, and functionality for scheduled feeding, especially for wet food thanks to the ice pack. However, potential buyers should be aware of the timer accuracy issues and mixed feedback regarding durability.
The Verdict: Is the Cat Mate C200 Right for You?
The Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder appears to be a decent option for pet owners seeking a simple, timed feeding solution, particularly for short absences or overnight meals. Its affordability and ease of use are definite advantages. If precise timing is critical or you need a feeder for extended periods away from home, especially with wet food in hot climates, you might want to consider models with more advanced and reliable timers or refrigeration features.
Who is it for?
- Pet owners who need to schedule two meals within a 48-hour period.
- Those looking for a simple, no-frills automatic feeder for cats or small dogs.
- Owners who want to occasionally feed wet food and need a basic freshness solution.
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable automatic feeding option.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- Pet owners requiring highly accurate feeding times.
- Those who need a feeder for longer absences (beyond 24-48 hours).
- Owners concerned about long-term durability and prefer a more robust build.
- Those sensitive to ticking sounds.
Ready to give the Cat Mate C200 a try?
Buy the Cat Mate C200 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder on Amazon Now!