Automatic cat feeder with camera, 6 litres

Feeding plus a view of the bowl

This is the same 6 litre dry food feeder as our Wi-Fi automatic cat feeder, with a camera in the front panel. In the app you set the number of meals, the meal times and the portions per meal, serve an extra meal when you need to and record a short meal call. Open the live view to see whether your cat has come to eat, or just to check that all is well at home.

The supplier lists a night vision camera, so the picture still works when the room is dark. The supplier does not state the video resolution or whether clips can be recorded and stored, so we do not promise either.

Wi-Fi, privacy and placement

The feeder connects over a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, so place it where your Wi-Fi signal is good. Live video uses more data than meal schedules, and a weak signal means a jerky picture.

Point the camera at the feeding area, not at a window or a neighbour's garden. Set a strong password for the app account and keep the app up to date. Our guide Pet cameras explained covers placement, night vision and smart device security in more detail.

Power and power cuts

The feeder runs from the UK plug adapter and has a battery compartment as a backup. Batteries are not in the box, so check the manual for the type. The supplier lists the camera function for mains use and battery use alike, but expect live video to use more power than feeding alone, so keep it plugged in for everyday use.

Portions and cleaning

Use dry food only. Work out how many portions make up your cat's daily amount by serving a few into a bowl on kitchen scales and comparing with the feeding guide on the food packaging, and ask your vet if your cat needs to lose or gain weight.

The tank lifts off and the stainless steel bowl comes out for washing. Let both dry completely before refilling. Wipe the base, which holds the camera, motor and electronics, with a dry or slightly damp cloth only, and keep the camera lens clean with a soft dry cloth.