IMIPAW Automatic Cat Feeder, 3L Timed Dry Food Dispenser with Desiccant, Programmable Portion Control, Dual Power Backup, 10 Meals Daily, 15 Portions Per Meal, Suitable for Small Pets, Easy Setup

Technology comes to the pet food dish
When I discovered this product, I realized that this gadget could solve two pet problems. The dog problem is that we have one fat dog who can’t handle the free feeding necessary for his companion, the picky eater. We have gone to two small feedings a day and it is working, but we both tend to forget the second feeding until late in the evening. The time dispensing option on the feeder would be good, but with only one dish, the greedy dog might start overeating again. The dog problem requires two feeders.It was decided the cats’ problem trumped the dogs’. The aging cats can’t jump to any available appropriate surfaces except a spare dresser in my husband’s room which they access from the bed. However, the dresser and the food dish are on the opposite side of the bed where my husband sleeps and exits the room. He just doesn’t think to look in that direction often.I generally noticed the giant dish was empty when I realized that cats were staring at me. One by one, I’d get The Look. Finally light dawned. Usually, I noticed quickly. They only got really eerie about my ignorance after a longer period. I’d be sitting at my desk and gradually feel something creepy near, feel hairs standing up, feel something behind me. I’d turn and find all three of them sitting in the hall at the entrance to the room with the Empty Dish. They manipulated me into feeling deeply embarrassed and ashamed. Their manipulation works me the way the dogs’ coyness works my husband.The dogs are doing well in their new routine with new dishes. Food drops for two cats are scheduled for four times daily in the feeder. So far, so good. No stares, no creeping up on Mommy. The old guy has his own little hangout on my desk. He has a low glass of ice water and a bowl of his own cat food next to his basket. He’s doing fine even when he’s too weak-legged to get to the other cat food.I was anxious about setting up the device, fearing confusing instructions or those ridiculous all pictures/no words sheets that make no sense. and reveal nothing. After I convinced my husband to set it up, I went to the Amazon listing to see if it was as bad as I thought. The directions, videos, and reviews were clear, concise, and helpful. Then when I saw the back of the feeding chart, I realized with those directions, I could have done it, no problem. It turns out my husband got interested in bull riding on TV and did nothing. Later we set the timers out together with few problems.I really like the new system. We are using the cord, without backup batteries, because, unlike our end-of-the-line home in the mountains, the electrical service here is reliable. After reading other reviews, I saw the comment about the lid being difficult to open. I decided to test it. I had no luck. Even squeezing the container between my knees, I couldn’t open it. I was concerned.I asked my husband how it worked for him and he said he hadn’t opened it. He took hold, lifted the edge slightly, and turned. It opened. He put it on again for me to try. Nothing. I think I’ll just set the top on there, unsealed—maybe tape one side as a hinge. This would be one strategy to keep the giant Mountain cat from raiding from above.Together we agree this unit will be a game-changer for feeding pets here. If nothing else, I can see the food level in the vertical container as I pass in the hall. But now I also know I will be spared the evil eyes for neglect. Nobody goes hungry here—all get their share. I get the feeling this was a good decision to handle common problems many others share. I recommend this automatic feeder as a solution to many of them.

It is very easy to use and has a large dispensing and reserve capacity.
I measured out one tablespoon of my cat’s food at 9g. One serving from this unit is 6g or 2/3 tablespoon. The servings are very consistent! It is adjustable from 1-9 servings per feeding, and you can set 1-4 feedings per day. Nine servings is just under 1/2 cup. With the 13-cup food hopper, my cat has over two weeks of food. The included feeding chart is accurate! I initially set for two daily feedings at nine servings per feeding or 1 cup per day. That is way more than my cat could eat. You could literately feed four cats at a time with a wide range of programming. The unit has a memory function, keeping the time and programming on schedule if the power fails. It is also nice because it can be moved to a table for more accessible programming or adjustments. The buttons lock out automatically to keep your cat from reprogramming his feeding schedule. The lid twists on, keeping the cat out of the reserves. You can do manual feeding, but it dispenses one portion at a time. It would be nice if it had another dedicated button for manual feeding and it distributed the programmed portion. The bowl tucks under the unit keeping the cat from moving it, but it is also effortless to remove for cleaning. This feeder is a well-built and good-looking item that functions as it should!