Best Microchip Cat Feeders
For Multi-Cat Homes
One cat is on a diet. The other grazes all day. How do you stop the food theft? The answer is microchip technology.
If you live in a multi-cat household, you know the struggle.
Maybe one cat needs expensive prescription kidney food, and the other will eat anything in sight. Or perhaps you have a "grazer" who likes to snack slowly, and a "hoover" who inhales everything immediately.
Separating them during mealtimes is a hassle. The permanent solution is a selective feeder that uses your cat's existing ID microchip to open only for the right cat.
The Quick Answer
There is really only one gold-standard product in this category: the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. While competitors exist using collar tags, SureFeed is the only one that reliably works with the implant chip your cat already has.
How They Work
Microchip Access
An RFID reader in the hoop detects your cat's implanted chip (the same one used by vets). When the correct head approaches, the lid slides open.
Intruder Prevention
If an unauthorized cat tries to push in, the lid stays closed (or closes quickly). Some models have an "Intruder Mode" to actively block thieves.
The Review: SureFeed Microchip Feeder
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect (the smart version) is a game changer. We tested it with two cats: "Luna" (the slow eater on expensive kidney food) and "Thor" (the food thief).
The Setup
Programming is instant. You press a button, shove your cat's head through the hoop (with a treat), and it learns their chip code. From then on, it opens only for them.
Does it actually stop thieves?
Yes, mostly. The lid mechanism is robust. However, a very determined thief (like Thor) can sometimes push the eating cat out of the way and steal a few bites before the lid closes.
Pro Tip: Buy the optional "Rear Cover". This plastic shield stops thieves from sneaking in the back or sides while the legal cat is eating. It is essential for persistent thieves.
- Reliable microchip reading
- Keeps wet food fresh (sealed lid)
- App tracks how much they eat (Connect version)
- Expensive (£125+)
- Hub required for App features
- Batteries only (No mains power)
Comparison: Chips vs Collars
There are cheaper feeders (like Closer Pets / Cat Mate) that use RFID collar tags. Here is why we recommend sticking with the microchip version.
| Feature | SureFeed (Microchip) | Closer Pets (Collar Tag) | Standard Feeder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Key | Implanted Chip | Collar Dangle | None (Timer) |
| Security Level | High | Medium | Low |
| Risk of Loss | Zero (Under Skin) | High (Lost Collar) | N/A |
| Price | £125 | £60 | £50 |
| Wet Food Friendly | Yes (Sealed) | Yes | Rarely |
Final Verdict
If you are dealing with **food theft** or **medical diets**, the SureFeed Microchip Feeder is the only product we recommend. It is an investment, but it solves the problem permanently.