As a pet parent, ensuring your furry friend is well-fed and happy is a top priority, but life can get busy. Whether you’re working late, enjoying a weekend getaway, or just craving a few extra hours of sleep without your cat’s 5 a.m. meow alarm, an automatic pet feeder can be a game-changer. Enter the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder, a popular choice for cats and small dogs that promises convenience, reliability, and versatility. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the features, pros, cons, and frequently asked questions about the Cat Mate C500, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your pet’s feeding needs.
What is the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Pet Feeder?
The Cat Mate C500 is a 5-meal automatic pet feeder designed to provide scheduled meals for cats and small dogs. Available on Amazon, this feeder is manufactured by Closer Pets (formerly Pet Mate), a brand known for reliable pet products. It’s a battery-operated, BPA-free plastic feeder with a digital timer, tamper-proof lid, and twin ice packs to keep food fresh. With five spacious compartments, it can serve up to five meals, making it ideal for short trips, busy days, or maintaining a consistent feeding schedule for pets with specific dietary needs.
The feeder’s rotating tray exposes one meal at a time, with the first compartment available immediately and the remaining four programmable for later. Its ability to handle both wet and dry food, along with its dishwasher-safe components, makes it a versatile and convenient option for pet owners. Let’s break down its features, performance, and real-world usability to see how it stacks up.
Key Features of the Cat Mate C500
- Five-Meal Capacity: The feeder has five compartments, each holding up to 11.5 ounces (330 grams) of wet or dry food, suitable for small dogs or multiple cats. One compartment is exposed immediately, while the other four can be programmed for timed feedings.
- Digital Timer with LCD Display: The three-button control panel allows you to set up to four meal times with 10-minute interval accuracy. The LCD screen displays all programmed times, distinguishing between AM and PM for easy monitoring.
- Twin Ice Packs for Freshness: Two ice packs fit under the feeding tray to keep wet food fresh for 6–8 hours (or up to 24–36 hours if food is frozen beforehand). This is a standout feature for wet food feeders.
- Tamper-Proof Design: The snug-fitting lid and cat-proof design prevent clever pets from accessing food early. For extra stability, the feeder can be attached to a wooden board.
- Battery-Operated: Runs on three AA batteries (not included), with a low battery indicator and up to 12 months of battery life with high-quality alkaline batteries.
- Dishwasher-Safe Components: The lid and tray are dishwasher-safe, while the base can be wiped down with a damp cloth for easy cleaning.
- Optional Stainless Steel Inserts: For pets with plastic allergies or owners seeking a hygienic upgrade, stainless steel bowl inserts are available separately.
- Three-Year Warranty: Registering the product provides a three-year warranty, offering peace of mind for long-term use.
Pros of the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder
The Cat Mate C500 has earned praise from pet owners for its thoughtful design and practical functionality. Here are the key advantages based on user feedback and product testing:
- Versatile Food Options: Unlike many automatic feeders limited to dry kibble, the C500 handles wet food, dry food, and even treats, making it ideal for pets with varied diets or medical needs requiring frequent wet food meals.
- Keeps Wet Food Fresh: The included twin ice packs effectively keep wet food cool for 6–8 hours, with some users reporting up to 24–36 hours of freshness when using frozen food. This is a major plus for cats that refuse stale food.
- Easy to Program and Use: The digital timer is straightforward, with a three-button interface that’s simple to set up, even for those new to automatic feeders. The LCD display clearly shows all scheduled meal times, reducing confusion.
- Dishwasher-Safe for Easy Cleaning: The removable lid and tray can be popped into the dishwasher, saving time on cleanup. Users appreciate this convenience, especially when dealing with wet food residue.
- Tamper-Resistant Design: The snap-on lid and sturdy construction make it difficult for food-driven cats to break in, though attaching it to a wooden board is recommended for determined pets.
- Helps Maintain Feeding Schedules: Perfect for pets on strict diets or those that wake owners early for food. Many users report better sleep and less pet harassment since using the C500.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to high-tech feeders with Wi-Fi or cameras, the C500 is budget-friendly while still offering reliable performance for short-term feeding needs.
- Long Battery Life: With quality alkaline batteries, the feeder can last up to 12 months, making it low-maintenance for daily use.
Cons of the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder
No product is perfect, and the Cat Mate C500 has some drawbacks to consider:
- Battery-Only Operation: The lack of a plug-in option frustrates some users, as the feeder relies solely on three AA batteries. While battery life is decent, frequent use or low-quality batteries can lead to faster drainage.
- Limited Ice Pack Duration: The included ice packs keep food fresh for 6–8 hours, but for longer periods (e.g., overnight), users may need to freeze food or purchase extra ice packs (Rubbermaid LunchBlox ice packs are a popular substitute).
- No Notification for Empty Feeder: There’s no alert to remind you to refill the compartments, which can be an issue for forgetful owners or those using it for multiple days.
- Occasional Misalignment Issues: Some users report the tray misaligning, causing food to skip a meal or get stuck. This can often be fixed by pressing the ADJ/SET and UP arrow buttons for five seconds, but it’s a common complaint.
- Noise May Startle Pets: The feeder makes a noticeable sound when rotating, which can spook sensitive or older cats, especially those with hearing issues who may not recognize the feeding cue.
- Not Ideal for Long Absences: While great for a day or two, the C500 isn’t recommended for extended periods (20+ hours) due to reliability concerns and the risk of wet food spoiling, which could lead to health issues like fatty liver disease in cats.
- Small Compartment Size for Large Pets: The 11.5-ounce compartments may be too small for larger cats or dogs, particularly for those needing bigger portions.
- Learning Curve for Setup: Some users find the initial programming confusing, especially with the five-compartment design allowing only four timed feedings.
Real-World Performance: How Does It Hold Up?
To provide a balanced perspective, I’ve synthesized user experiences from Amazon, Chewy, and pet-focused blogs, along with insights from product testers. The Cat Mate C500 shines for pet owners who need a reliable, no-frills feeder for short-term absences or consistent feeding schedules. Its ability to handle wet food is a standout, as many automatic feeders are limited to dry kibble. The ice packs and tight-fitting lid effectively keep food fresh, which is critical for fussy cats or those on wet-food diets for medical reasons.
For example, one user shared how the C500 stopped their cat from waking them at 6 a.m. for wet food, allowing them to sleep through the night. Another praised its durability, noting that even after a cat knocked it off a counter, it continued to function after reassembly. However, the feeder’s battery-only operation and occasional misalignment issues have caused frustration. One reviewer returned the unit after it drained batteries quickly and failed to dispense food due to a loud “pop” sound that scared their cat.
For multi-pet households, the C500 can work if you have docile cats, but food-driven pets may try to pry it open. Users with multiple cats recommend using two C500s for simultaneous feeding to avoid competition. Overall, the feeder performs well for its intended purpose—short-term, scheduled feeding—but requires careful setup and monitoring to avoid hiccups.
FAQs About the Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder
Q: Can the Cat Mate C500 be used for both wet and dry food?
A: Yes, the C500 is designed for both wet and dry food. The included twin ice packs help keep wet food fresh for 6–8 hours, or longer if the food is frozen beforehand.
Q: How do I fix a misaligned tray?
A: If the tray misaligns, press and hold the ADJ/SET and UP arrow buttons simultaneously for five seconds with the unit powered on. Never manually force the tray, as this can damage the mechanism.
Q: Is the feeder suitable for large cats or small dogs?
A: The compartments hold 11.5 ounces, which is sufficient for most cats and small dogs. However, larger pets or those with big faces (e.g., Siberian cats) may find the tray size restrictive. Each compartment measures 5-1/4″ wide at the bottom, 1-3/4″ at the top, and 3-3/4″ long.
Q: How long do the ice packs keep food fresh?
A: The ice packs maintain freshness for 6–8 hours under normal conditions. For longer periods, freeze the wet food before placing it in the compartments, which can extend freshness up to 24–36 hours. Extra ice packs or Rubbermaid LunchBlox substitutes are recommended for frequent use.
Q: Can the feeder be used for multiple days?
A: The C500 can feed up to four days if programmed for one meal per day, or two days for two meals per day. However, it’s not recommended for absences longer than 20 hours due to potential spoilage of wet food and reliability concerns.
Q: Is it pet-proof?
A: The tamper-proof lid is designed to resist clever cats, but highly determined pets may try to knock it over. Securing the feeder to a wooden board adds stability.
Q: What happens if the batteries die?
A: A low battery indicator alerts you when batteries need replacing. If batteries die, the feeder may skip meals or reset schedules. Replace batteries within 30–60 seconds to avoid losing programmed times.
Q: Are stainless steel inserts worth it?
A: Stainless steel inserts are ideal for pets with plastic allergies or owners wanting a more hygienic option. They’re dishwasher-safe and durable but sold separately.
Who Should Buy the Cat Mate C500?
The Cat Mate C500 is an excellent choice for:
- Busy Pet Owners: Those needing a reliable feeder for daily schedules or short trips (1–2 days).
- Cats on Wet Food Diets: The ice packs make it one of the best options for wet food, especially for medical diets.
- Households with Docile Pets: The tamper-proof design works well for cats that don’t try to break in.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: It’s affordable compared to high-tech feeders with similar functionality.
It may not suit:
- Owners of Large or Food-Driven Pets: The compartment size and tamper-proofing may not hold up to aggressive eaters.
- Long-Term Absences: Not ideal for trips longer than two days due to spoilage risks and reliability concerns.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Lacks smart features like Wi-Fiexploration or app control.
Final Verdict
The Cat Mate C500 Automatic Feeder is a reliable, budget-friendly solution for pet owners seeking to automate feeding for short periods. Its ability to handle wet and dry food, easy programming, and fresh-keeping ice packs make it a standout for cats and small dogs. While it has some drawbacks—like battery-only operation and occasional misalignment—it’s a practical tool for maintaining feeding schedules and reducing early-morning pet disturbances. For pet owners needing a no-frills, effective feeder, the C500 delivers.
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