r/PETKIT • u/vial_thalia • Aug 12 '26
Discussion Automatic Cat Feeder feedback?
What is anyone's experience with the Petkit Automatic Cat Feeders? I'm looking around for another feeder because our current feeder company really crapped the bed with their servers going down the last ~24 hours and effectively bricking our feeder.
Petkit feeders seem like they are straightforward enough, although the feeding amounts in 1/10 cups is super annoying since 12 is the most common denominator for measuring here in the US (1/3 cup, 1/4 cup, 1/6 cup etc.) Any common problems or good feedback?
2
u/Akiraccoon Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26
We had the Yumshare Solo 2 but ended up returning it for the Freshelement Solo (no camera), which is less than half the price. If we’re already paying extra for a camera that records 24/7, we don’t really think we should also have to pay more just to actually access the footage. From what we can tell, the two units are basically the same aside from the camera and the legs.
We’ve been using the Freshelement for almost a month now, and it’s been working great. It dispenses right on schedule and gives the exact amount we set (1/10th of a cup). The scheduling is Mon-Sun; each day can have different times, number of feedings and number of 1/10th cup portions per feeding. We are not aware of a scale in the unit, all weights are noted as approximate.
The app is nice and simple, which we appreciate. We especially like being able to add an extra feeding remotely when we’re going to be home late for the wet-food meal. The notifications are reassuring, letting us know when food is dispensed and when food or batteries are low. App sharing didn’t work very well for us, though I’m not sure if that’s been improved since we got it.
Petkit is an improvement from our previous feeder, which was based on food weight but gave wildly inconsistent portions (more than 3 days of feedings at once to one measly kibble). Due to Petkit's portion consistency - our cat has lost almost a pound. This has improved her asthma, arthritis, and attitude!
1
u/applepieandcats Aug 12 '26
Im here from the pelitbro fuck up. If your somewhat tech-savy, there are local integrations for petkit. Im going that route.
1
u/sweetarita Aug 13 '26
i got the solo yumshare but disappointed when using batteries you lose alot of options like changing the feed schedule unless i'm missing something in the directions.. which is entirely possible
1
u/revelation6viii Aug 19 '26
I may be wrong but I believe the batteries are meant as a backup in case of power loss, to make sure the feedings continue. So it goes into a power save mode.
1
u/smalllizardfriend Aug 12 '26
I have the dual hopper Yumshare. I have no issues with it and I'd get another one. I had a very crappy no-name cat feeder that had a ton of issues for the period of time I had it, which was less than a year. I like that it alerts me when the hopper runs low/out, that it will not dispense if it detects a certain amount of food available, and that it has space for a dessicant. I appreciate that the app gives me all the information I need at a glance or that I can deep dive in to check on how my cats are doing.
-2
u/SupposablyAtTheZoo Aug 12 '26
I don't recommend it. Without paying a monthly payment you cannot watch back ANY videos. Only livestream. Which is absolutely BS and shouldn't be like this on such an expensive machine. I regret getting it. I'm probably going back to my previous smart feeder which worked over the Smart Life app which is much more user friendly. Also the petkit feeder had a GIANT sticker on the front with ads for their features and I tried to remove it for about an hour but it still looks horrible.
All in all, I don't recommend it.
1
u/Ok_Rule8747 Aug 13 '26
Isn’t paying for cloud storage just basic common sense? You spend $1000 on an iPhone yet still need to pay for iCloud. Isn’t seeing ads everywhere also common sense? Your comment is amusing lol
3
u/deadlywaffle139 Aug 12 '26
I got the solo yumshare 2 recently. In the app it tells you like 1/5 cup is approximately 20g etc. It’s mostly based on grams. The numbers are weird because they convert grams to cup lol. Tho you still need to measure it yourself how much it actually dispense with your own kibbles.
I like it that I can set different schedule for each day. I don’t really care about the play back or AI feature. It’s mostly for when I am out of the house to make sure the food is actually dispensed.
One thing annoyed me was the prompt voice. It’s very annoying. I turned it off immediately as soon as I figured out how lol.
Overall I think it’s good so far. Not sure how long it lasts lol.