It also has a built-in ice pack that helps to keep food fresh, as well as a battery backup that ensures it will continue to operate even in the event of a power failure.

The majority of users love the timer, praising it for it simplicity, but some (conversely) found it slightly too complicated.

There's a two-part ice pack included, too, doubling up on the potential for long-term freshness, though it's only likely to add any cooling for a day at most, so it's not a long-term thing. It stood up to the cat trying to get to the food the first time we used it, she is a hunter and could smell the food inside!

He specialises in technology-related subjects, with a focus on smart home and gadgets and is a regular contributor to T3. Missed Feedings – If for some reason your pet doesn’t eat a meal before it advances to the next feeding, your cat will miss that feeding. Other than the digital timer the Cat Mate C500 doesn’t really have any high tech features, but it doesn’t really need them. The Cat Mate C500 will serve up to 5 meals at your pet's normal meal times when you are away - during the day, evening or over the weekend. There are also frequently asked questions, a product rating and feedback from users to enable you to optimally use your product.If you have a larger cat or dog that tries to knock it around to break in, it is easy to fasten to a board for extra stability. Suitable for feeding both wet and dry foods, the twin ice packs and close fitting lid help keep food fresh. The observant among you will notice that this only actually leaves room for four covered portions, so the first feed of five has to be an immediate one. If you’re able to use this feeder to reduce the number of times a cat sitter comes it will probably pay for itself after one weekend. Depending on your pet’s feeding schedule you may be able to reduce the need for sitters once per day or even every other day.

I will only use my cat feeder if I go off for the day and I have pre-set 4 feeding times (1) 8:30: (2) 12:30, (3) 18:00 and (4) 22:30. It’s also fully pet-proof, but you could also fasten it to a wooden board for extra stability, in case your four-legged friends bump into it in their haste to arrive at their favourite food dish! Loading… RatingLet us know what you think about the Cat Mate C500 Pet Feeder by leaving a product rating. The lid sits snugly on top of that wheel of food, meaning any wet food inside is helped to stay reasonably fresh; this also serves to reduce the odor emitted.While we've pointed out some of the possible flaws here, it's definitely worth noting that the overall reaction to the Cat Mate C500 is overwhelmingly positive. Our cat Mila just loves her food and if we were to leave for more than a few hours, she would eat everything in her food bowl in next to no time - and then get very hungry later. You may be able to keep the food cool for up to 24-36 hours if the food is frozen before being placed in the feeder.