Petlibro Automatic Pet Feeder: My Honest Review After 6 Months (and a Few Near-Disasters)
So, my cat, Mittens – a fluffy terror disguised as a lap cat – has officially ruled my life for the past five years. And while I love her dearly, the daily ritual of feeding her has become… less than ideal. Enter the Petlibro automatic pet feeder. I stumbled upon it while scrolling through Reddit’s r/cats subreddit (where else?), and the promise of scheduled feeding and portion control was enough to tempt me.
1. The Story: From Skeptical to Slightly Addicted
My initial impressions were… mixed. The box arrived looking suspiciously like it had been in a minor wrestling match with a badger, but thankfully, the feeder itself was unscathed. Setting it up was surprisingly easy, though the app (which, let’s be honest, is the real star of the show) took a bit of getting used to. The instructions were clear enough, but I still managed to accidentally schedule Mittens’ dinner for 3 AM on a Tuesday. Oops.
The first few days were a learning curve. Mittens eyed the contraption with suspicion, cautiously sniffing it before finally accepting her food from this strange new robot overlord. I quickly learned the importance of using the app’s “voice recording” feature – her little meow-greeting really seemed to put her at ease.
2. The Experience: Daily Life with a Robotic Butler (for Cats)
Daily use has been mostly smooth sailing. I love the ability to schedule feedings, even when I’m traveling. No more frantic texts to my roommate, begging him to feed the beast. The portion control is also a lifesaver; Mittens is prone to overeating, and this helps me manage her weight. One unexpected benefit? The app keeps a detailed record of when and how much she eats. It’s like having a tiny, digital food diary for my cat. Who knew I’d be this invested in Mittens’ dietary habits?
Notable moments? There was the time the power went out (thanks, Hurricane Whatever), and I panicked for a good hour before realizing the feeder has a backup battery. Another time, Mittens figured out how to bat at the food dispenser, triggering early meals – a testament to her cunning, and a slight flaw in the design (more on that later).
3. Let’s Break It Down
Pros:
- Scheduled Feeding: The ultimate life saver for busy pet owners or frequent travelers.
- Portion Control: Helps manage pet weight and prevents overeating.
- App Integration: Easy to use and provides detailed feeding records.
- Voice Recording Feature: Soothes anxious pets and makes mealtimes less stressful.
- Backup Battery: Provides peace of mind during power outages (thank goodness!).
- Durable Construction: It’s withstood Mittens’ many attempts at sabotage (mostly).
Cons:
- Food Dispenser Sensitivity: A little too easy to trigger accidentally. Mittens has mastered the art of early mealtimes.
- App Occasional Glitches: Minor hiccups, but usually resolves itself after a restart.
- Price Point: It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the peace of mind is worth it to me.
4. Real Talk: Mittens’ Verdict (and Mine)
This feeder is perfect for busy professionals, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants more control over their pet’s feeding schedule. It works best with calm, less mischievous pets (unlike Mittens, bless her heart). I’ve even found creative uses for it – I use it to dispense treats during training sessions! Money-saving tip? Buy food in bulk to save on cost. Helpful hack? Clean the feeder regularly to prevent food buildup and keep things hygienic.
5. The Bottom Line
Overall, my experience with the Petlibro automatic pet feeder has been overwhelmingly positive. The initial skepticism quickly faded as I realized the convenience and peace of mind it provides. While it’s not perfect (Mittens’ early mealtimes are a testament to that), the pros far outweigh the cons. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly automatic pet feeder. It’s an investment, but one that’s paid for itself in stress reduction and the knowledge that Mittens is always well-fed, even if she does try to game the system.
Final thoughts? Five stars from me, and four out of five from Mittens (she deducted one star for the lack of tuna-flavored settings).
References
[1] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com | 5 of 5 - Trustpilot
[2] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com | 4 of 5 - Trustpilot
[3] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com | 2 of 5 - Trustpilot
[4] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com | 3 of 5 - Trustpilot
[5] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com - Trustpilot
[6] Review: Rover Cats Test Petlibro’s Automatic Feeder
[7] Best Cat Water Fountains 2025 - Forbes Vetted
[8] Read Customer Service Reviews of petlibro.com - Trustpilot
[9] Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder Review (We Tested It)
[10] My Full Review Of The Petlibro Air Automatic Pet Feeder