Filling Automatic Cat Feeder Do you remove the whole top and fill all slots at once, or use advance button and fill one at a time? Seems like the timer is off after using advance button. Anyone else have a similar problem? My cat woke me up at 4 a.m. today, and neither one of us was happy! Filling Automatic Cat Feeder Do you remove the whole top and fill all slots at once, or use advance button and fill one at a time? Seems like the timer is off after using advance button. Anyone... » Read More Filling Automatic Cat Feeder Do you remove the whole top and fill all slots at once, or use advance button and fill one at a time? Seems like the timer is off after using advance button. Anyone else have a similar problem? My cat woke me up at 4 a.m. today, and neither one of us was happy! « Show Less
669343
Faster to pop the top off and fill all the compartments at the same time but you can advance one compartment at a time and do it that way too.
293650
The photo doesn't look like the feeder I have (I have a Cat Mate C20). I have a 2 meal variety with 2 independent timers, so they could be set to open anywhere between 0.5 and 47.5 hours apart, if you want. The model I have doesn't close access to the first meal when the second one opens. The one pictured (Cat Mate C50) looks like it's a single timer and access to one meal at a time. For C50 review, you may find this link helpful (4 hr. min between meals)... http://www.catfooddispensersreviews.com/cat-mate-c50/
1043160
I haven't tried that, but I have noticed that a moderate slap to the container part of the feeder will cause a few pieces of food to leak out. Also, when filled to capacity, the feeder is a bit top heavy and your cats may be able to topple it. My cats have done this in the past. Overall I am pleased with the functionality of the feeder-- it works very well in terms of dispensing food at the scheduled times. But it does have some vulnerabilities that can be exploited by persistent cats.
2013851
I have been disappointed by the lack of use by the cardinals. Have had this feeder up for about 3 months and only now I might see one visiting Cardinal a couple of times a week. To refill, there is a lid on a swivel on the top of the feeder. Push the 2 levers over and then slide the top to the side.
2257433
Un plug unit first - Make sure to clean the tracks from litter -every cat gets this on the tracks when using -no big deal - if after plugging in -if this does not work -unplug unit again -you may want to dump out all litter for a bit and put back in afterwards- on the top or ends of each side f the tracks there is a reset button -just press this in once or twice and then do it on the other side -this resets the computer chip - plug unit back in and it should work like new ! Every once in a while take the little brush thy give you when it is new -brush over it when emptying litter container and you won't have any problems -do not throw away as it is easy to fix problem! Un plug unit first - Make sure to clean the tracks from litter -every cat gets this on the tracks when using -no big deal - if after plugging in -if this does not work -unplug unit again -you may want to dump out all litter for a bit and put back in afterwards- on the top or ends of each side f the tracks there is a reset button -just press this in once or twice and then do it on the other side -this resets the computer chip - plug unit back in and it should work like new ! Every once in a while take the little brush thy give you when it is new -brush over it when emptying litter container... » Read More Un plug unit first - Make sure to clean the tracks from litter -every cat gets this on the tracks when using -no big deal - if after plugging in -if this does not work -unplug unit again -you may want to dump out all litter for a bit and put back in afterwards- on the top or ends of each side f the tracks there is a reset button -just press this in once or twice and then do it on the other side -this resets the computer chip - plug unit back in and it should work like new ! Every once in a while take the little brush thy give you when it is new -brush over it when emptying litter container and you won't have any problems -do not throw away as it is easy to fix problem! « Show Less
18104
Agree it's hard to figure the settings out. I use "start now" every time I fill bins, because it works for me. I do know u must start from bin 1 first feed, bin 2 second feed, bin 3 third, ect. you cannot start at bin 6 and go backwards.They do have a web site.Good luck. I do love the feeder, cause I am not woken at 5am.
418451
It just keeps rotating according to the schedule you set. I measure out the amount of food the vet has told me to give my cat, and I put some in each bin, saving some out for treats during the day. I put the food in around nine in the evening so that my cat will be fed during the night without waking me up.
69735
You're right, there is no cap at the bottom. It's left open so it can automatically fill as the cats eat. A few of mine have even figured out how to shake the food that gets stuck on the rim, down into the food bowl. The only opening it needs is the top. Unscrew the black top and use a tall glass to fill it. I love mine. Any more questions, just ask. Have a great Memorial weekend!
41606
couple of days - I would rather buy an automatic, timed feeder. My cats are quite munchers, so it will only last one day. Besides, it only holds a little more than a cup, so if you have large-breed cats with a good appetite - better think about some other options.
1602265
I did something similar. I put the tag on my chubby cat and leave the feeder open all the time. He is not supposed to eat the food in the feeder so it closes when he comes up to it.
107090
I have a dominate cat who usually forces his way to the bowl. The second cat usually will walk away. We've had the feeder for about a month or so. For me I don't see this as a problem and since they have to lower their heads into the bowl. Only one cat will fit. It right away registers the second cat even if the first was already there eating. Both of my cats are on diets so they both have gotten used to it closing on them. I now find that the more dominate cat will now wait his turn (Something he never used to do) knowing it may it may not close on him. I think he waits to see if it will close on her also. :-) I have a dominate cat who usually forces his way to the bowl. The second cat usually will walk away. We've had the feeder for about a month or so. For me I don't see this as a problem and since they have to lower their heads into the bowl. Only one cat will fit. It right away registers the second cat even if the first was already there eating. Both of my cats are on diets so they both have gotten used to it closing on them. I now find that the more dominate cat will now wait his turn (Something he never used to do) knowing it may it may not close on him. I think he waits to see if it will... » Read More I have a dominate cat who usually forces his way to the bowl. The second cat usually will walk away. We've had the feeder for about a month or so. For me I don't see this as a problem and since they have to lower their heads into the bowl. Only one cat will fit. It right away registers the second cat even if the first was already there eating. Both of my cats are on diets so they both have gotten used to it closing on them. I now find that the more dominate cat will now wait his turn (Something he never used to do) knowing it may it may not close on him. I think he waits to see if it will close on her also. :-) « Show Less
2254661
I've had this feeder for 2 days and my cat has also knocked the hopper off the base - twice! It doesn't "twist & lock" into place, it just sits on top sort of "tongue & groove" like... I have the model with the barrel shaped hopper. Maybe the one with the saucer shaped hopper is a newer one that allows the hopper to lock onto the base? If someone could verify that would be great! Soo tired of picking up kibble...
213817
After the feeder stops rotating, it will stop until the next feeding. There's a little removable plate that covers the open feeder, so if you have filled the feeder and you don't want your cat to eat yet, the cover will lock in place and will open at the next feeding. If you keep that plate off, the slot used on the last feeding will stay there until it's time for the next one.
624752
With the extended hopper, like the one in the photo, it feeds my 1 cat for at least 2 weeks. I do agree with RBM about having someone check in. My cat rubbed up on it, marking his territory, and it became unplugged.
672244
after filling the feeder, I lower the lid and hang it up. I then press the button again for the final lock. The weight of the hanging feeder helps to lock it in place. I really like this feeder.
1730377
Basically I just put a pinch on the floor and cats either eat some of it or sometimes they roll around in it. Either way they end up a little "cat drunk." If you have several cats, makes sure each gets a little pinch so they don't get jealous. I've also mixed a little into some food - generally when one of them is sick and doesn't want to eat. It did work, but doesn't on a continuous basis. Placing it on the floor though is what we've done for many years and it works great!
233348
I actually didn't buy this one. I bought one that was square with two compartments. And no my cat can't open it of tip it over. Once you set the timer and lock it, it can't be opened until the time is up. But this isn't the one I bought, sorry.