Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Many owners buy the Petlibro RFID Automatic Feeder to manage multi-cat households, especially when pets have different dietary needs or one cat tends to steal food from another. The feeder generally succeeds in preventing food theft for most cats, helping with specialized diets, weight management, and reducing vomiting from eating too fast. The associated app is a major highlight, allowing users to monitor feeding times, durations, and manage schedules remotely. Many cats adapt quickly to the feeder and wearing the RFID collar. Owners also appreciate the sleek design, the gentle closing mechanism that does not hurt paws, and the ability to transfer the lightweight RFID tag to a different collar. Some note improvements in newer versions, such as a harder-to-open top and a better mat color.
Problems people mention
A significant issue is food jamming in the chute, requiring manual tilting to dispense kibble, even with appropriately sized food. Some users also report the feeder lids getting stuck or errors when obstructions are detected, often caused by kibble crumbs. The RFID collar tags are a frequent source of complaint; the included rings are flimsy and prone to breaking, leading to lost tags and potential choking hazards if not fitted correctly. The user manual is also criticized for lacking crucial information on collar fitting and battery life. For some highly food-motivated cats, the feeder's security is insufficient; determined cats can learn to break in or sneak food before the door fully closes, defeating the feeder's main purpose. App-related issues include unreliable low-food alerts, occasional Wi-Fi disconnection, scheduling glitches, and a lack of a battery meter or remote "ping" feature. Some cats find the dangling RFID tag or the narrow feeding area uncomfortable, while the brushed stainless steel bowls can lead to chin acne.
Where owners disagree
Owners have mixed experiences with the feeder's effectiveness against highly motivated cats. While many report success in preventing food theft, others find their pets quickly figure out how to access unauthorized food, whether by prying the lid open or sneaking in quickly. There is also a split on the RFID tag's comfort and intrusiveness, with some finding it light and unobtrusive, and others describing it as bulky or irritating for their cats. The door's closing speed is also a point of mild contention; some appreciate the slow close for timid cats, while others wish it was faster to prevent food theft.
Who it's for
This feeder is best for multi-cat households where pets need individual food access due to dietary restrictions, weight management, or food-stealing habits, provided the cats are not exceptionally determined. It suits owners who value remote monitoring and scheduling capabilities through a smartphone app. Buyers should be prepared to replace the flimsy collar rings with sturdier ones and potentially troubleshoot occasional food jams or app inconsistencies. It may not be ideal for owners of highly aggressive, food-motivated cats who are prone to breaking into feeders, or for those needing extreme precision in food portioning without manual checks.
