Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Feeder Review: Features, Pros, Cons, & Worth It?

If you’ve been eyeing the Cat Mate C3000 and are looking for honest, unbiased information, you’re in the right place. In this review, I’ll cover its features, pros and cons, and who this feeder is best for—helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your furry friend.

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.
• BPA-Free Bowl: Made with safe, BPA-free plastic.
• 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

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. The portions are not programmed in grams or cups but in Feed Units that you select from 01 to 10. One Feed Unit corresponds to approximately 10–15 grams of food. For an average-sized adult cat, about 3 or 4 “Feed Units” (roughly 1/4 to 1/2 cup) per day is recommended. Just keep in mind that kibble size affects portions, so I recommend testing it out beforehand.

The Cat Mate C3000 features the following mode settings to customize feeding schedules:

1. Set Meal: 3 meals per day, programmed into the unit’s schedule.
2. Extra Feed: Allows you to add one more meal for the day.
3. Advanced Feed: Advances the feeding schedule for the same day (great if you want your cat to eat earlier).
4. Manual Feed: Dispenses food at your convenience, without programming meal times.
5. Frequent Feed: Perfect for cats with specific dietary needs, like diabetic cats. This mode allows you to distribute a set amount of food over multiple small portions throughout the day, ensuring even, frequent feeding.

Watch Two Cats Eating from the Cat Mate C 3000

Troubleshooting Tips & Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, so here are a few troubleshooting tips for smooth operation:

• Programming Difficulty: The LCD panel may seem tricky at first, but once you understand the “Feed Units” concept, it becomes much easier. Always start by determining how many Feed Units you need for a meal.
• Kibble Compatibility: Ensure your kibble is within the recommended size range (1/4” to 6/8” in diameter). Too large or too small a kibble might not dispense correctly.
• Lid & Chute Issues: If your cat is persistent, they may be able to open the snap-lock lid or shake the chute to access extra kibbles. To prevent this, place the feeder in a secure location or use tape to reinforce the lid.
• Battery Life: Keep an eye on the low-battery indicator, especially if the unit stops dispensing. Replace batteries promptly to avoid missing feeding times.

Mode Settings in Detail

The Cat Mate C3000’s multiple mode settings allow flexibility for various feeding needs:

1. Set Meal

This is the typical “set it and forget” approach. You program 3 meals per day and this schedule will repeat every day. Tip: Before programming, press the “Feed” button until you get the desired daily amount. Count the times you pressed the button (one time = one Feed Unit). If you pressed the button let’s say four times, this is the number of Feed Units you need to distribute within the 3 meals. In this example, you can program the meal #1 with 02 Feed Units, meal #2 with 02 Feed Units, and meal #3 with 01 Feed Unit, completing a total of four Feed Units.

1. Extra Feed 

Perfect for feeding your cat more than 3 times per day. While not part of the default schedule, the extra meal can be added manually each day.

2. Advance Feed

Use this if you want to advance the timing of a pre-programmed meal. It’s ideal when schedules shift and you need flexibility. You can do it by pushing the “Feed” and “—” buttons and the next programmed meal will be served. Once dispensed, the screen will flash showing the next programmed meal. Tip: This mode allows you to advance a scheduled meal without over feeding your pet.

3. Manual Feed

If you’re unsure of your cat’s appetite, you can manually trigger a meal at any time.

4. Frequent Feed

For cats with special dietary needs (like diabetic cats), you can customize the number of meals within a 24-hour period, making it easier to manage health conditions. Tip: To program, decide the daily intake, the hour to start the dispensing (eg 8 am), and the end (e.g. 10 pm). Then the number of meals within this period, 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.

Pros and Cons of the Cat Mate C3000

Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Cat Mate C3000:

Pros:

• Customizable Meals: Feed your cat up to 3 meals a day, plus extra meals when needed.
• Frequent Feed Mode: Perfect for cats with specific dietary needs (like diabetic cats).
• Dishwasher-Safe Components: Easy to clean and maintain.
• Good Value for Money: Offers great features at an affordable price.
• Easy Setup: Once programmed, it runs smoothly with minimal effort.
• Convenient Battery Replacement: Retains settings during battery changes if done within 60 seconds.
• Convenient for Travel: On/Off button lets you turn the feeder off without losing programming.

Cons:

• Programming Can Be Tricky: The LCD menu system can be difficult for first-time users.
• Battery-Only Operation: Works solely with batteries, so no plug-in option.
• Loud Operation: Some users find it louder than other automatic feeders.
• Not For Smart Food-Obssesed Cats: The design may not resist very persistent cats (tip: check my Petlibro Air Review that comes with a cat-proof lid and a tiny door protecting the food gate).
• Not Remotely Controlled: It can only be operated manually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the Cat Mate C3000 feed two cats?

Yes, the feeder can handle two cats as long as you adjust the portion sizes accordingly. However, if one cat is more food-obsessed than the other, this could be problematic due to the lightweight design and lid issues. If your cats have a hard time sharing, check my review of the Oneisall For Two Cats Automatic Pet Feeder which is one of the best devices to feed two cats.

Is it easy to clean?

Yes, the components are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup simple.

Can I leave my cat alone during a trip with this feeder?

Yes, the Cat Mate C3000 is excellent for managing your cat’s feeding schedule while you’re away, with up to three meals a day and the option to add extra meals. However, if your cat has a history of manipulating or opening items due to being particularly clever or food-driven, the lightweight design might not prevent them from accessing the food. For those cats, check a list of cat-proof pet feeders for more secure options. For most cats, though, the Cat Mate C3000 is perfectly safe and effective.

Cat Mate C3000 Ratings Across Platforms

The Cat Mate C3000 has earned a respectable rating across multiple platforms. On Chewy, it holds a 3.8-star rating, 3.9 stars on PetSmart, and 4.3 stars on Amazon. Averaging 3.9 stars from over 2,500 reviews, it seems to be a solid choice for many cat owners.

User Feedback and Key Highlights

What stands out from the feedback is the praise for its customizable feeding schedules, ease of use, and overall affordability. It’s a great fit for those who need flexibility in feeding their cat. Users often mention how easy it is to set up, and the ability to add extra meals when needed is a major bonus.

However, some reviews do mention that the lightweight design may not be ideal for food-driven or particularly clever cats, as they might find a way to access the food. While this seems to be more of a concern for certain cats with specific behaviors, it’s something to keep in mind if you’ve had issues with your cat trying to manipulate or access food in the past.

Final Verdict

The Cat Mate C3000 provides great value for its price, especially with its customizable feeding options. If you need an automatic feeder just to stop pouring food every day in your cat’s bowl, this is the way to go. But if you want a unit to control your 24-hour hungry cat, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Get the Cat Mate C3000 with fast and free shipping at Chewy on this link or get it on Amazon here.

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