Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Feeder Review

Cat Mate C3000 is an automatic feeder with several features and mode settings. This review will give you a general description of the Cat Mate C3000, features, mode settings, pros and cons, and the final conclusion if this unit is recommended for your cat. We also include a video so you can see how this device works.

Features of the Cat Mate C3000

• Capacity: 6.5 lb (400 g)
• Programmable Meals: Up to 3 meals per day.
• Portions: 10 g (1/8-cup) up to 15 g (3/16-cup), depending on kibble.
• Portions Units on LCD: 1 -10
• Clock: 24-hour military format.
• Suitable Kibble: 1/4-inch up to 6/8-inch in diameter
• Mode Settings: Set Meal, Extra, Advanced, Manual, and Frequent Feed.
• LCD Panel: To program a feeding schedule for your cat.
• Snap-lock lid to protect the food.
• Lightweight Feeder: It may need to be attached to a wooden board for extra stability if required.
• Low-battery Indicator: Battery life is shown on the LCD screeen.
• Dimensions Assembled: 14-1/4 inch W x 8-1/4 inch D x 13- 7/8 inch H
• Power Source: 4 C batteries (not included).
• Battery Life: 6 months up to a year

Key Features of the Cat Mate C 3000

• Frequent Feed Mode: Special for cats with specific dietary needs. Choose your cat’s daily food intake, how many servings per day and the feeder will dispense within 24-hours.
• Dishwasher-safe components.
• Portability: The Cat Mate C3000 can be used during trips or outdoors.

How the Cat Mate C3000 Works

The Cat Mate C3000 allows you to feed your cat up to 3 individually programmed meals within a 24-hour period. This unit features a programmable LCD panel to set the clock and feeding schedule. The minimum portion can vary from 10g up to 15g each time, the smaller the kibble the larger the minimum portion will be. This automatic feeder is designed to work with kibble sizes between 1/4″ and 6/8″ in diameter.

If you want to feed your cat more than 3 meals per day you can trigger an extra meal manually by pushing a button. Additionally, this feeder features optional settings (see more below) if you want a different feeding schedule for your cat.

Portions are Programmed in “Feed Units”

When programming the feeder on the LCD panel you will need to program “feed units” from 01 to 10. Each “feed unit” is about 10 g to 15 g, depending on the kibble size. So each meal won’t be programmed in grams or cups, it will programmed in “feed units”. For an average sized adult cat weighing 9 to 11 pounds, a recommended portion is 6 “feed units” of cat food, equalling to about 3/4 cup of dry food. This can vary as cat dry foods come in many different sizes.

Watch Two Cats Eating from the Cat Mate C 3000

Additional Mode Settings

In addition to the classic “Set Meal” of 3 meals per day within a 24-hour period, this automatic feeder has four extra mode settings:

1. Extra Feed 

This allows you to feed your cat an extra meal or “feed units” to the 3-meals-per day schedule so you can set up 4 meals per day in total. The downfall is that you have to program this fourth meal daily, since it’s not part of the standard setting.

2. Advance Feed

With this setting, you can bring a programmed set meal forward. You may only advance feeding schedules programmed for the same day. For example, if you have set 3 meals per day and you want your cat to eat the second meal earlier, you can do it by pushing the “Feed” and “—” buttons and the second programmed meal will be served. After this, the screen will flash the next programmed meal (3rd meal).

3. Manual Feed

This setting allows you to manually feed your cat a meal on demand, without programming meal times.

4. Frequent Feed

This setting is perfect for cats with specific dietary requirements (e.g. example, diabetic cats). This mode allows you to choose the total food intake for your cat per day, for example, 1/2 cup. Then pick the start of the feeding period, for example, at 8:00 am, and the finish of this period, let’s say 22:oo (10 pm). Then you decide how many times you want the feeder to dispense the food, 5, 6, 7, 11, etc. The feeder will automatically distribute the meals in portions and intervals resulted from your setting. This is the favorite mode setting for many cat owners.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Cat Mate C3000?

If you need more specific information about the advantages of this auto feeder and also its disadvantages, the following Pros and Cons will help you to decide better:

Pros

• You can feed your cat up to 3 times per day and you can add extra meals manually.
• You can customize the feeding schedule to your cat needs.
• With “Frequent mode” you can feed your as many small portions you want in 24 hours.
• It features a button On/Off
• The feeder retains the settings when turned off.
• You can replace the batteries without reprogramming if you do it within 60 seconds.
• The components are dishwasher safe.
• Excellent price.
• Good value for money

 Cons

• A little tricky to be programmed.
• It works only with batteries.
• Loud when operating.
• Some cats may manage to open the lid
• Lightweight so it could be knocked over by a persistent cat

Conclusion

The Cat Mate C3000 is a good automatic feeder that will take care of your cat meals, feeding the right portion at the right time. This feeder has been upgraded with a spring-loaded revolving door chute that keeps the food protected at all times except when dispensing. This is an excellent upgrade to protect the food from cats who try to outsmart the feeder by sticking their paws. The portion accuracy of this feeder has also been improved. The feeder’s lid is not locked-on but rather snapped-on. The unit is also lightweight. These two factors could be decisive in choosing a unit for a stubborn cat, obsessed with food.

Bottom Line

I recommend the Cat Mate C3000 if you need a budget-friendly feeder that will take care of your cat feeding activity. If your cat behaves normally with food, it will definitely work. Get the Cat Mate C3000 automatic feeder with fast and free shipping at Chewy on this link or get it on Amazon here.

Do you have a cat that is obsessed with food? If that’s the case this unit may not work that well. Automatic feeders are meant to be used with cats that have normal behavior during mealtimes. If your cat never gives up when it comes to food, this unit may not be recommended. In that case it’s better to check a cat-proof pet feeder designed for aggressive cats when it comes to food.

 

Also check: My review of the Cat Mate C500 special to feed your cat wet food up to 5 meals per day.