Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats: How to Choose and Set Up

By the PETME2 Team · Updated October 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice

Option 1: a dual bowl automatic cat feeder

A dual bowl feeder has one food tank (hopper) on top and two bowls below. At each scheduled mealtime, it dispenses food into both bowls. Each cat gets its own bowl, which helps reduce pushing and fighting over one dish.

Good for:

• Two cats that eat the same dry food
• Cats that eat similar amounts
• Owners who want one device and one app to manage

Keep in mind:

• A dual bowl feeder cannot stop a fast eater from finishing the other cat's food. If that happens, feed in two spots or try separate feeders.
• Both cats will eat the same food from the same tank.

PETME2 options:

• The 3L Dual Bowl Automatic Cat Feeder (Black) and the same model in White have two stainless steel bowls, app scheduling and portion control, and 2-way audio so you can talk to your cats from your phone.
• The 5L Elevated WiFi Feeder also has two stainless steel bowls, with a larger 5L tank and a voice recording feature so you can record a mealtime call for your cats.

Option 2: two separate feeders

If your cats have different needs, two feeders give you more control. Each feeder has its own tank, schedule, and portion size.

Good for:

• Cats on different dry foods
• One cat that needs smaller portions than the other
• Cats that prefer to eat in different rooms
• Owners who want to watch each cat eat (for example, with a camera feeder for one cat)

Keep in mind:

• Two devices to fill and clean
• Higher total cost
• Cats may still swap feeders, so place them apart

Dual bowl, two feeders or a microchip feeder: which is best for two cats?

A dual bowl feeder is the simplest choice for two cats that eat the same food, two separate feeders suit cats on different foods or portions, and a microchip feeder suits a food thief or a cat on a special diet. There is a third option you may see while shopping: a microchip feeder (also called an RFID feeder). It opens only for the cat whose microchip or collar tag it recognizes. Here is how all three compare:

How to feed two cats when one overeats

This is one of the most searched questions about feeding two cats. A few changes usually help:

• Feed in separate spots. Two feeders in different rooms, or at opposite ends of a room, make stealing harder.
• Split the day into smaller meals. A schedule with more, smaller portions can help a fast eater slow down.
• Give the slower cat a quiet space. Some owners feed the slower eater in a room with the door closed for a short while.
• Stay close for the first meals. Watch who eats from which bowl before you leave them to it.
• Ask your vet about amounts. They can tell you how much each cat should eat, especially if one is gaining or losing weight.

How to feed two cats different food

If your cats eat different dry foods, use two separate feeders, each with its own food, placed apart. Another option is to use one automatic feeder for the shared dry food and serve the special food by hand when you are home. Your vet can help you plan meals for a cat on a special diet.

What features should a feeder for two cats have?

Look for app scheduling and portion control, enough capacity for two cats, removable stainless steel bowls, a backup power option and parts that are easy to clean. Here is why each one matters.

App scheduling and portion control

A WiFi feeder lets you set meal times and portion sizes from your phone and change them while you are away. This is very helpful if your schedule changes or you travel.

Capacity

Two cats go through food twice as fast. A bigger tank means fewer refills. A 3L tank is a good size for many two-cat homes, and a 5L tank lets you fill it less often. How long a tank lasts depends on the food and portion sizes you choose.

Stainless steel bowls

Stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to wash. Look for bowls that come out of the feeder so you can clean them every few days.

Audio features

Some feeders let you record a short message or call your cats with 2-way audio. Many owners like calling their cats to dinner, especially when away from home.

Backup power

Check whether the feeder can run on backup batteries if the power goes out, so scheduled meals continue. Read the product details or manual to confirm what each model supports.

Easy cleaning

Food oils build up over time. A tank and bowls that come apart easily make cleaning quick.

How to set up an automatic feeder for two cats

1. Choose the spot. A quiet place with enough space for both cats to eat side by side. Keep it away from the litter box.
2. Fill with dry food. Use dry kibble that is the right size for the feeder. Very large or oddly shaped kibble can jam some feeders.
3. Connect the app (for WiFi models) and set the time.
4. Copy your current routine. Use the same mealtimes your cats already know. Ask your vet if you are unsure how much to feed.
5. Test a meal. Run one manual feed to check the portion and make sure food reaches both bowls.
6. Watch the first few days. Make sure both cats are eating from their own bowls and nobody is being pushed away.

What times should you set? Example schedules

The best schedule is one that matches your cats' current routine. These examples can help you get started:

Split your cats' total daily amount across the meals. More meals should mean smaller portions, not more food. If you are not sure how much to feed, ask your vet.

How to get your cats used to the feeder

1. Place the feeder where your cats already eat. Leave it switched off for a day or two with a little food in the bowls.
2. Run a manual meal while you are there so they hear the motor with you nearby.
3. Use the 2-way audio or a recorded call at mealtimes so they link the sound with food.
4. Start with the mealtimes your cats already know.
5. Watch for the first week to make sure both cats are eating.

How to clean an automatic cat feeder

Wash the bowls every few days and clean the food tank every couple of weeks, or whenever it is empty.

1. Unplug the feeder and empty any old food.
2. Remove the bowls and wash them in warm, soapy water. Stainless steel bowls are quick to clean.
3. Wipe the tank with a damp cloth, or wash removable parts as your manual describes.
4. Never put the base or any electrical parts in water.
5. Dry everything completely before refilling. Moisture can make kibble stick and jam the dispenser.

Tips for peaceful mealtimes

• Split meals. Smaller, more frequent meals can help a fast eater slow down.
• Use the audio call. A familiar voice or sound helps cats learn when food is coming.
• Separate if needed. If one cat keeps stealing, move to two feeders in different spots.
• Keep the bowls clean. Wash bowls every few days and the tank every couple of weeks.
• Keep fresh water nearby, but not right next to the food. A cat water fountain a few feet away works well.

What are common mistakes when feeding two cats?

The most common mistakes are assuming both cats ate because both bowls are empty, crowding the bowls together, and using food or kibble the feeder was not made for.

Which PETME2 feeder fits your home?

See every model in our automatic feeder collection. Free U.S. shipping on every order and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Can two cats share one automatic feeder?

Yes, two cats can share one automatic feeder, especially a dual bowl feeder that fills two bowls at each meal. It works best when both cats eat the same dry food, eat similar amounts and get along at mealtime. If one cat bullies the other or eats much faster, two separate feeders are usually a better choice.

What is the best automatic cat feeder for two cats?

The best automatic cat feeder for two cats is one that matches how your cats eat, not one specific brand. For two cats on the same dry food, look for a dual bowl feeder with app scheduling, portion control, removable stainless steel bowls, a tank big enough for both cats and a backup power option. For cats on different foods, or a food thief, two feeders or a microchip feeder usually work better.

Which automatic pet feeder is most reliable?

The most reliable automatic pet feeders keep running on a saved schedule if WiFi drops, accept backup batteries during a power cut, send app alerts when a meal is served or a jam happens, and use a dispenser that suits your kibble size. Good habits matter just as much: use kibble that fits, keep the tank dry, and run a test meal after every refill. Check the product details for each of these before you buy.

How do I stop one cat from eating the other cat's food?

A standard dual bowl feeder cannot control which cat eats from which bowl, so you need to separate the cats or the food. Try smaller, more frequent meals, two feeders placed in different spots or rooms, or a microchip feeder that opens only for one cat. Ask your vet for advice if one cat is gaining weight or the other is losing weight.

How do I feed two cats when one overeats?

Feed the cats in separate spots, split the day into smaller meals and give the slower cat a quiet place to eat. If stealing continues, two separate feeders usually work better than one dual bowl feeder. Ask your vet how much each cat should eat so you can set the right portions.

Can I put wet food in an automatic cat feeder for two cats?

No, most automatic feeders with a food tank are made for dry food only, including PETME2 feeders. Wet food can spoil at room temperature and can clog the dispenser. Many owners use the automatic feeder for dry meals and serve wet food by hand when they are home.

How big should a feeder be for two cats?

A 3L tank works for many two-cat homes, and a 5L tank means fewer refills. How long a tank lasts depends on your portion sizes and the food you use. Choose a size that holds a few days of food for both cats, but do not leave food in the tank so long that it goes stale.

How much dry food should two cats eat a day?

There is no single amount, because each cat needs its own daily total based on its weight, age, activity and the calories in the food. Start with the feeding guide on the food bag for each cat, add the two daily totals together and split that across your scheduled meals. Ask your vet to confirm the right amount, especially if one cat is overweight or underweight.

What times should I set my automatic cat feeder?

Start with the times your cats already eat, because a familiar routine keeps cats calm. Many owners use two meals (morning and evening) or three or four smaller meals spread through the day. More meals should mean smaller portions, not more food in total.

How often should I clean an automatic cat feeder?

Wash the bowls every few days and clean the food tank every couple of weeks or whenever it is empty. Always unplug the feeder first and keep the base and electrical parts dry. Dry every part fully before refilling, because damp kibble can stick and jam the dispenser.

How do I get my cats used to an automatic feeder?

Put the feeder where your cats already eat and let them get used to it while it is switched off, then run a manual meal while you are nearby. Calling them with 2-way audio or a recorded message at mealtimes helps them link the sound with food. Watch for the first week to make sure both cats are eating.

Is a microchip feeder better for two cats?

A microchip feeder is better only if one cat steals food or one cat needs a special diet, because it opens only for the cat it recognizes. You usually need one microchip feeder per cat, and they cost more than standard feeders. If your cats eat the same food and share calmly, a dual bowl feeder is simpler.

Do automatic cat feeders work without WiFi?

Many automatic cat feeders keep dispensing meals on their saved schedule without WiFi, but you lose app control, alerts and remote changes until the connection returns. Some feeders are timer-only and never need WiFi. Check the product details to see what your model does when the internet goes down.

Can dogs eat dry cat food?

A small amount of dry cat food is not usually harmful to a healthy dog, but it should not be a dog's regular diet. Cat food is made for cats and is often richer in protein and fat than dog food, which can upset some dogs' stomachs. If you have a cat and a dog, feed them in separate places and ask your vet if your dog eats cat food often.