Living in a multi-cat household can be a joy, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to feeding time. If you’re like me, you might have a cat (or two!) who are a bit too enthusiastic about meal times, often leading to one cat gobbling up more than their fair share, or even stealing food meant for another. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder, a clever device designed to solve the problem of food stealing in homes with multiple pets. This innovative feeder from SureFlap uses microchip technology to ensure that only the designated pet can access their food, making meal times less stressful and much fairer.
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder arrived promptly after I connected with the SureFlap team. The packaging was secure, and inside, I found the feeder, along with a comprehensive instruction booklet and a single RFID collar tag for pets who aren’t microchipped. The feeder itself is well-designed and comes with both a single and a split food bowl, offering flexibility depending on your pet’s feeding habits. You can also purchase additional bowls in various colors from the SureFlap website to personalize your feeder setup.
Initially, the instruction booklet might seem a little daunting. It details various training methods to help your cat get accustomed to the feeder, acknowledging that every cat has a unique personality and learning curve. However, once I took a deep breath and started following the steps methodically, I found the process to be quite straightforward. The key takeaway from the instructions is patience. While you might be eager to see your cat using the feeder immediately, rushing the introduction can actually prolong the process. It’s crucial to work at your cat’s pace to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
My cat, Kiki (pictured here), is naturally a bit timid, especially around new objects. Following SureFeed’s recommendations for nervous cats, I began by placing her food in the provided bowl, away from the feeder itself. This allowed her to get used to the new bowl without any pressure. Once she was comfortable eating from the bowl, I gradually moved it closer to the feeder’s base. She adapted to this stage without any issues, happily eating with the bowl resting on the feeder’s “step”.
The next step involved familiarizing Kiki with the feeder’s archway, which is where the microchip scanner is located. This was the most challenging part for Kiki, as she was hesitant to put her head under the arch. Again, patience was key. Through gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement (treats!), she slowly started to venture closer, eventually eating with her head under the arch, allowing the feeder to register her microchip.
Once Kiki was comfortable eating with her head in the arch, it was time to introduce the lid mechanism. The instructions outline a three-stage process for gradually programming the lid’s movement. This phased approach is brilliant for sensitive cats, preventing them from being startled by sudden movements. By slowly introducing the lid’s operation, Kiki was able to adjust to the feeder at her own pace, building confidence with each stage.
After a few weeks of gradual introduction, it was as if Kiki had been using the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder for months! She was completely at ease with the lid opening and closing, and meal times became a peaceful experience for her. The feeder worked exactly as promised, granting her exclusive access to her food and eliminating any stress or competition.
Zaza, my other cat, had a very different reaction. Being the more dominant and food-motivated of the two, she was quite put out by the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. She confidently approached Kiki’s feeding area, expecting to find an easy snack, only to be met by a lid that wouldn’t budge. It was quite amusing to watch her initial confusion and then her persistent attempts to get past the barrier. I even caught her once, during the training phase when the lid was only partially closing, trying to squeeze her face into the gap to steal food! However, the feeder stood firm, and Zaza eventually learned that Kiki’s food was off-limits.
In conclusion, I am incredibly impressed with the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. It’s a truly ingenious solution for multi-pet households, particularly those dealing with food stealing, portion control, or pets on specific diets or medications. This feeder effectively addresses a common problem with a simple yet highly effective design. It’s the only product I’ve found that truly tackles the issue of selective feeding in a multi-cat environment.
The only potential drawback I can see is the price point, which is around £99.99. However, considering the benefits it provides – peace of mind, reduced food waste, and improved pet health and well-being – I believe it’s a worthwhile investment. For anyone struggling with food-related issues in a multi-pet home, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is an absolute game-changer.
I have already enthusiastically recommended the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder to many of my cat behavior clients and will continue to do so. It’s a product that truly delivers on its promises and makes life easier for both pets and their owners.
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