New raw/wet food feeder currently under crowdfunding

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Manouk & Billy

Manouk & Billy

Member Since 2011
I’m the happy owner of an OTJ sugar kitty, Billy. He and his adopted little sister Valkyrie are on a wet-only diet, and things have been going great. I’ve been looking for a feeder that could allow me to leave for maybe 24 hours, and, so far, have been unsuccessful. My current method is using two catmates with ice packs along with one tray of frozen food and one tray of frozen water.
It works great, but can’t be used too often since I’m never sure that Billy gets his fair share. Valkyrie is a bit enthusiastic when it comes to food!

I’ve heard of a new device being crowdfunded right now, the catsomat II. It’s a powerful little device with 7 refrigerated trays for food (with the option to preheat every meal), the option to schedule the time of every meal, an application to watch your cats through a webcam with a smartphone, recognition through RFID for multi-cats households…

Anyways, it seems to be an effective solution to anyone who has a kitty with special needs, so I thought it would be a good idea to share it here. Here’s a link to the crowdfunding if you’re interested:
http://igg.me/at/catsomat/x/9883975

I’m having such high hopes about this product! Now if only there was a way to get an automatic litter box robot, my life would pretty much be complete, haha. :D
 
Looks pretty well made. The trays can be removed and cleaned without a problem.
As for reliability, it's better than the other feeders I've seen. The unit is usually plugged into a wall, but if you lose power at home while you're away, there's a battery on the unit that lasts about 100 hours. Plus, you get a notification on the smartphone app.
It's all very... Sci-fi. :P
 
This is a great idea! I would buy one! I have a timed feeder that dispenses dry when I'm out of town (sugar cat gets to be boarded). All the cats know how to reach their paw into the slot and release food! Needless to say, I don't use it on a regular basis.
 
Interesting, thanks for sharing the link.

Just an FYI to folks about crowdfunding: As always be aware of crowdfunding, these are prototypes, ideas, etc, and may, or *may not* ever get created and shipped.

I've funded a couple of things and it took three times as long as they hoped, but in the end did get the product... but "your mileage may vary!"
 
I think the problem is they think this is going to retail for $900. You can get one for "only" $400 by sponsoring.
I think it's a wonderful idea, I would love one, but people simply cannot afford that. This needs a price tag of $99-$149 to fly.
 
I actually have the original version of the Catsomat. It is very expensive, true. But I justified it based on the cost I would have paying cat-sitters to help me on my short but frequent trips. It adds up.

But most important was being able to ensure regular wet-food feedings no matter my schedule. This was very important for health reasons, ensuring that the little guy got his prescription food.

I was told that, for male cats at least, and probably female too, that increasing water intake was very important. Wet food is part of the answer, as well as a good watering device.

My Cody developed FLUTD, those crystals typical in males 2-3 years old. FLUTD is a medical emergency. The hospitalization for that was $3,000!! Yikes.

Needless to say, hoping to avoid that, ever again. Catsomat, as far as I can tell, is the only feeder in the world that keeps wet food fresh for about a week (though I refill mine every 3-4 days, based on morning and evening feedings).

The tray is dishwasher safe, so it is hygienic. I wish they included two trays (particularly for that price!) so one could be in the dishwasher while the other is in the unit.

But overall, a really good solution. Expensive, yes. But the only answer for the problem I faced.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
The problem would not be cleaning the tray but if food spilled out of the tray.
Click to expand...

In my experience with the original Catsomat, and granted it is with only my pretty tidy Cody, this is not a problem.

The way it all fits together is pretty solid. There aren't any gaps for food to spill or drip in.

The biggest issue is condensation on the lid underside (which is not actually a big deal, but it is there). I've asked the company about it, and they swear they've fixed that condensation problem.
 
Robert and Echo said:
Interesting, thanks for sharing the link.

Just an FYI to folks about crowdfunding: As always be aware of crowdfunding, these are prototypes, ideas, etc, and may, or *may not* ever get created and shipped.

I've funded a couple of things and it took three times as long as they hoped, but in the end did get the product... but "your mileage may vary!"
Click to expand...
Totally true. But on the plus side, this is a real company with a real product. I own the original Catsomat, and am very anxious to see how they've improved it and made it internet connected.
 
katiesmom said:
I think the problem is they think this is going to retail for $900. You can get one for "only" $400 by sponsoring.
I think it's a wonderful idea, I would love one, but people simply cannot afford that. This needs a price tag of $99-$149 to fly.
Click to expand...
I priced out all the components because I was shocked at the price, too. But if you go to Amazon and try to figure the costs of the various parts, and then build in a profit margin, it ends up being about the price they've set.
 
CodyKitty said:
Totally true. But on the plus side, this is a real company with a real product. I own the original Catsomat, and am very anxious to see how they've improved it and made it internet connected.
Click to expand...
Hello,

I live in the U.S. as well...I am VERY interested in purchasing the Catsomat. I have contacted the company via email, written on their Facebook page, Twitter and all I get is an automated response saying I can order it by mail. I asked for an order form, but I'm still waiting for a response. How did you order yours? Thanks!
 
@Lifesinpires You go to the crowdfunding page and pledge enough to get one of the new ones.

Or, you do a bit of sleuthing on the crowd funding site to find their company web site and order one of the current model here.
 
One of those would be brilliant for Saoirse. I worry about her eating meals from her timed feeder when the weather's colder. Lorra lorra spons ... :(
 
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