Cat Mate C500 Automatic 5 Bowl Digital Timer Pet Feeder - Timed Meals

Our review of the Cat Mate C500 finds it best suited for cat owners and families with small dogs who need reliable scheduled feeding for up to five meals. The biggest reason to consider this feeder is its simple, user-friendly digital timer that programs up to four future mealtimes while leaving one bowl available immediately, making it a practical choice for households with predictable meal routines or for people who travel or work long hours.

Key Features

• Digital timer: The programmable timer lets owners set up to four individual mealtimes so pets are fed on schedule even when people are away.
• Five-bowl capacity: Five separate bowls provide up to five meals, each holding as much as 0.73 lb, which helps portion control for multiple small meals per day.
• Ice packs included: Twin ice packs keep wet or raw food chilled between meals to maintain freshness and reduce spoilage concerns.
• Easy to clean: The dishwasher-safe bowl and lid make daily cleanup quick and reduce lingering food odors in the feeder base.
• Wet or dry food compatible: The design accepts both wet and dry food, offering flexibility depending on a pet's diet and preference.

Who It's For

This feeder is ideal for cat owners and small dog owners who want a straightforward, hands-off feeding solution that supports multiple timed meals. It suits households that use a mix of wet and dry food and that value the included ice packs to keep wet food appetizing between servings.

Owners seeking a heavy-duty, long-term commercial feeder or those who need large-capacity single-serve bowls for bigger dogs should look elsewhere. There are also reports from customers noting concerns about durability over extended use, so those wanting a lifetime product might prefer a metal construction alternative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable and easy-to-use programming that ensures meals are dispensed on time.
• Includes twin ice packs that extend freshness for wet and raw food.
• Dishwasher-safe components make cleaning fast and hygienic.
• Accepts both wet and dry food for flexible feeding routines.

Cons

• Some customers report limited durability with units failing within months, so longevity can be inconsistent.
• Food retention is mixed for certain textures and portion sizes, so monitoring initial use is advisable.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Cat Mate C500 is a practical, value-minded automatic feeder for cat owners and small-dog households who need reliable timed meals and the ability to serve wet food safely. Its easy timer programming, included ice packs, and dishwasher-safe parts make it a convenient everyday choice, though buyers should be aware of occasional durability reports and consider handling and placement accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it handle wet food?
Yes; the feeder accepts wet food and includes twin ice packs to help keep portions fresh between meals.

How many meals can be scheduled?
You can program up to four individual mealtimes, with one bowl available immediately for a total of five meals.

Is cleaning difficult?
No; the bowl and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and stainless steel bowl options are available separately for a more durable option.