Editor’s rating: 4.3 | Avg. rating online: 4.5
SureFeed microchip pet feeder is a selective microchip feeder that works with RFID technology. The feeder has a lid that stays closed at all times blocking the food that can only be accessed by the assigned cat through its microchip, either collar tag or implanted. If your cat is not micro-chipped you can use a SureFlap RFID collar tag that works the same.
When an authorized microchipped cat approaches the feeder and puts its head underneath the hood to eat, the lid will automatically open, allowing the cat to eat. The lid will only open if an authorized cat sticks his head under the hood.
SureFeed comes with 2 detachable colored polypropylene bowls and one silicone mat for a nice-looking unit. Each bowl has a capacity of approximately 2 2/5 cups of dry food.
If you set up 2 or more feeders, you can identify each unit with its respective cat by purchasing extra colored bowls and mats or simply to have a backup set. Mats are designed to catch spilled food and they match the bowls.
The unit works with 4-C alkaline batteries and it features a low-battery indicator. Batteries last from approximately 6 months to a year, depending on the usage. SureFeed is not designed to work with rechargeable batteries.
Features of SureFeed Microchip
- It works with your cat’s existing microchip implant or RFID collar tags
- Compatible with all microchips worldwide
- A capacity of 13.5 fl oz wet or dry food
- It accepts up to 32 microchip IDs in its memory
- Selective feeder system that stops other pets from eating your cat’s food
- It keeps children from manipulating or eating the cat’s food
- Ideal for cats on prescription diets or special diet food
- It comes with a single portioned bowl for dry food and a split portioned bowl to feed wet and dry food.
- The lid protects food and keeps the smell and flies away from the food.
- The rubber seal around the bowl’s top edge forms a sealed lid, keeping the food sealed and fresher
- Removable bowl, mat, and lid for easy cleaning
- It works with 4-C alkaline batteries (not included)
- Battery-life indicator
- For indoor use only
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- 1-month money-back guarantee
- 3-year warranty
Dimensions
- Feeder dimensions: 12.5” D x 9.1 W x 7.87” H (Overall dimension of the feeder)
- Front opening dimension: 8.26” W x 6.10” H (Feeding area dimension)
- Bowl dimensions: 4.13” W x 6.29” H x 1.18” D
- Mat dimensions: 8” W x 4.37” H
What Comes With The Unit
- 1 x SureFeed main unit
- 1 x Single-portion gray bowl (to feed dry food)
- 1 x Split-portion gray bowl (to feed wet and dry food)
- 1 x Grey silicone mat
- 1 x Sureflap RFID collar tag
How The SureFeed Works
The unit has a hood with sensors on both sides so when the cat approaches the front of the feeder and sticks its head under the hood to eat, the sensors recognize the microchip ID and open it by swinging the transparent lid up that is blocking the food, allowing the cat to eat. The feeder will stay closed at all times, preventing other unauthorized pets to eat. By setting the unit in “intruder mode” if the feeder senses an unregistered cat while the authorized cat is eating, the lid will shut. Once your cat is done eating and walks away from the feeder, the lid will close, keeping the food sealed, fresh, and protected from non-registered pets or kids’ hands.
SureFeed Set Up For Two Cats
Watch the Selective System of SureFeed in Action
Safe For Toddlers And Cats
The unit is safe for kids and animals because the lid is strong enough to push the cat’s nose out of the food, but if it feels something blocking the closing, like a finger or a paw, it will stop the lid from closing and will try again. The pressure applied by the lid is not enough to hurt people or animals.
The Hood Guarantees Reliability
Unlike other RFID or IR feeders, SureFeed ensures that your cat’s head is always in contact with the RFID sensor since its head is under the hood at all times while eating. This prevents the lid from shutting if your cat turns its head while eating, which happens with sensors that are located right in front of the unit. As long as your cat has its head under the hood, the lid will stay open.
Time Delay Adjustments
The time delay for the lid to close after the authorized cat walks away can be adjusted to 3 delays: I, II, and III. With delay “I” the lid shuts one second after losing contact with the microchip, with delay “II”; two seconds and with delay “III”; 3 seconds, approximately. The unit comes set on standard delay II.
NEW! A Cool option to customize your Surefeed
There’s a great option to customize your Surefeed pet feeder with a stand. You can pick your favorite color to match your decor. This stand allows you not only to feed your cat in a better position, especially elderly cats or cats with a disability but it also makes it easy for you to operate the buttons on the back of the feeder. You must pick the right stand according to the version of your SureFeed (there are 3 versions currently). Check more details about this great idea on Etsy, here (*This stand is not sold by SureFeed). You can also match the color of the stand with a cute mat that you can purchase in addition to the stand. Check the matching mats here.
Pros & Cons of SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Check the pros and cons to have a better idea of the advantages and disadvantages of this automatic feeder:
PROS
- Easy to set up and use.
- Very clear instructions.
- The unit is solidly constructed.
- The feeder is compatible with any existing microchip worldwide.
- An option for your cat to use an RFID collar tag if is not micro-chipped.
- You can register several cats to eat from the same feeder, up to 32 different IDs.
- It allows you to control each cat’s food intake (by setting up 2 or more units).
- Excellent to protect your pet’s prescription diet.
- Rubber seal around bowls provides good sealing, covering smells and protecting against flies or other insects.
The feeder’s arch gives a wide range of RFID sensitivity so if the cat turns its head from the feeder the lid won’t close. - 4-C batteries on the bottom of the feeder give the feeder good weight and stability.
- The low-battery indicator allows you to know when to change batteries.
- It stops dogs and small children from accessing your cat’s food.
- You can buy extra bowls, mats, and collar tags.
CONS
- The unit is basically a free feeding bowl for the authorized cat, thus it doesn’t stop glutton cats from gorging all the food at once.
- It does not have a timer, so you can’t split your cat’s daily intake into several portions throughout the day (if you are not home to refill the bowls).
- It does not have an ice pack to keep wet food cool.
- Bowls are not dishwasher safe.
- It does not have an AC adapter, designed to work only with 4 x C alkaline batteries (not rechargeable).
- Some stubborn cats might be able to get their head behind the feeder and steal food that way (place the unit against a wall to block the back gap of the feeder to stop that or get the SureFeed rear cover that is sold separately).
- Price
TIPS
- Try not to place the feeder close to metallic/electrical appliances.
- To ensure the best operation of the RFID sensor, they need to be kept clean at all times.
- When registering your cat’s microchip, make sure there is not another non-authorized cat in the proximity or this may cause an unintentional registration of another cat. If this happens, you have to do a factory reset of the machine.
- The User’s Manual comes with training tips for different types of cats, including timid cats.
- You can’t put the feeder in the refrigerator or place ice packs inside the feeder.
- If you have a cat that is aggressive when it’s time to eat and you think this idea won’t work for your cat, you can check the article I wrote about how to manage two cats competing for food.
CONCLUSION
SureFeed Microchip pet feeder is a very good microchip selective cat feeder that works as advertised. This unit is especially recommended for multi-cat households where you need to separate their foods. One thing to consider is that the SureFeed feeder can’t stop very aggressive animals that push their way into the feeder to access the food, no device could do that.
√ In Conclusion, this feeder may be suitable for:
- Keeping dogs or other animals with no open access to the cat’s food
- Multi-cat households to feed the right amount to each cat (by setting one unit for each)
- Keeping the chubby cat out of the skinny one’s food
- Cats with special RX prescription
- Isolate a sick cat’s bowl in a multi-pet household, so the feeder avoids saliva transmission between pets.
x Not suitable:
- If you don’t want to microchip your cat and he/she does not accept collars
- For aggressive cats that gorge on all their food at once and push their way into the other’s feeder.
- For big cat breeds, such as tall Main Coons
- If your dog is a chewer
Get the SureFeed Microchip cat feeder with fast shipping on Chewy by visiting this link. Or get it on Amazon:
To anyone considering buying one of these:
On the suggestion of our vet, we purchased one of these for our dear, very elderly cat with dementia and thyroid problems who requires a special rich diet food, but she only eats little bits at a time throughout the day. We’d been driven nearly mad because we have another cat who needs light food, and a dog, both of whom prefer the old cat’s food to their own and were sneaking in and helping themselves to it at will, which was no good for any of them. We found the feeder VERY easy to set up, and the old cat was very easy to train to the feeder – not in the way suggested, but just by holding her carefully and gently behind the frond legs and gently introducing her head under the bar till it opened and she could smell her food. We did this just a few times when it was time to feed her and she quickly had the idea down pat! Now she feeds at will day and night, (but we replace any little bits not eaten, daily)and the feeder keeps it fresh and even ant free! (a nice bonus!) We can now be sure she is getting what she needs and the other two pets are eating their own food, while still trying to figure out how it works!
(Ha! Ha!) Just one thing I’d suggest – I would not buy the divided dish again, – our cat finds the bar down the middle confusing, as it is right where the animals mouth goes when the flap lifts, – weird! So we either feed her kibble OR wet food, or mix them together in one and we don’t use the divided dish at all. I know it was expensive- but to us- worth every penny in the long run for the peace of mind it has brought and the ease of use!! NO MORE FOOD STEALING PROBLEMS!! YEAY!!!!!!
how do I set this up to recognize my cat’s microchip? He had the transmitter on a collar but has lost the collar & I cannot find it. Thanks.
Hi Julie, I am not sure if I understand your question but if your cat lost its collar, there are replaceament you can buy. Since the unit registers up to 32 different microchip IDs, you just scan the new collar on the feeder and it’ll start working.
If your has a microchip, it has been inserted by the vet and you don’t need the collar tag. If you have only the tag with the transmitter, then order a new one, as already suggested.
I have mistakenly bought 4 small skinny AA batteries (which fit inside but on the left of the battery compartment)instead of 4 x ‘C’ batteries, advised in the instruction booklet, which in the shop look too wide and chunky to fit into the battery channels inside the battery compartment of the Surefeed microchip feeder. Please advise whether the chunky C batteries really fit, as I can’t return them if I buy them and they’re the wrong fit. I find the battery pack labels confusing!
Hello Genni, the feeder works with 4 C size batteries. You can contact SureFlap Company by phone, they answer right away (no recording) and they can help you with this. Their phone number is 1-855-461-4740 Thanks for your question.
My problem is that my kitten eats all his food and then moves onto the puppies food! Is this product suitable for a small dog (Moodle) because she’s always missing out!
Hello Claudia, the SureFeed is suitable for your dog to use it, unless she is a chewer in which case is not recommended.
Is there away to delete the number from my overweight cat as she has learnt how to get into the feeder. Does the feeder register every cat that puts its head into the feeder, because we did NOT train number 2 to use the feeder but husband n i have both witnessed fat cat eating…we have not bn able to catch her opening it yet!
Hello Ngaira, the only way a cat can be registered is by pushing the small button located in front of the feeder (the button with a little cat`s face) and then making your cat to eat so the feeder registers the ID. Your cat alone couldn`t have done it. Most likely your chubby cat finds his way to eat when the allowed cat finishes, before the lid closes. You can adjust the speed of the lid to close faster by switching the speed to I. The delay slider can be found at the bottom of the feeder. Hope that helps!
Can rechargeable batteries be used in these?
Hello Laurie, this feeder works with good quality 1.5 V alkaline C Cell batteries. This will ensure the best performance of the feeder. The SureFeed is not designed for use with rechargeable batteries. The light at the back of the feeder will flash a red light every few seconds if the batteries are low.
Love this. Wish Had gotten it sooner, would have saved a lot of anxiety. I have two cats on two different foods. Feeding them is so easy now and no longer waiting for them to eat their fill and then hide their bowls is wonderful. I highly recommend getting this feeder. The batteries last quite a while. My only complaint is that to get extra dish inserts, the postage/handling is as much as if not more than the cost of dish itself.
Hi Catherine, thanks for sharing your experience with this feeder!
Will an owner’s implanted medical device interfere with the feeder’s function (or vice versa)?
Hello Staci, I don’t believe it will.
Been using my SureFeed for 2 months and it’s wonderful. You say the red light will flash every few seconds when the batteries are low, but mine flashes red every once in a while. Like once or twice one day, then it won’t flash red again for another week. It only flashed red maybe 5 or 6 times in total. What does this mean?
Hello Patricia. the red light is exclusively low battery indicator. If your feeder shows that light often and then the feeder keeps working I must say the indicator is not working properly. It’s showing a fake low battery indication. You can call the customer service and they may guide you how to fix that issue. I hope that helps!
I have 4 cats, 3 are seniors that were chipped 13 years ago, and one who adopted us and was chipped 4 years ago. After numerous attempts at learning the chip, all cats were learned. The three senior cats took some manipulation under the arch to get it to learn. However, the feeders only open without hesitation for one cat. I have three feeders that I can’t use. I have the portable collar tag, but my cats have been out of collars for 8 years now. I think it should be known that not ALL chips work for these feeders, as they are not inexpensive. I’m also hesitant about buying the chip operated pet doors. How do I know what chip will work? Has anyone else discovered this type of problem?
Hello Lori, please call customer service, they will guide you to fix this issue. I think it could be related to the types of chips you put 13 years ago. Is the new adopted cat the one that has access with no issues?
Your older cats microchips could also have migrated to a different position on their body-such as a front leg or chest, which may make it difficult for the sensors to get a good reading right away. I would suggest taking them into your vet and scan their microchips, just in case. Microchips have also been known to fail on occasion, so a double check on them would be best.
You can enter your cats microchip number on the company’s website to test if that chip is compatible with their device.
I absolutely love these! I have 3 and just ordered my 4th because I am taking in a friend’s cat bringing me to 4. They work very well and even my maine coon can use it. My cats eat their own food (each is on a different diet) at their own will. I recommend it to anyone who has multiple pets! Just have to watch the “add a cat” button. My brother added one of my females to my male’s dish and we had to figure out how to reset it hahaha. The training mode is wonderful however, my cats did learn that if they push the flap they could get in so I had to go through the training mode fast. I found it to go a lot quicker when you used something they loved to get them in it. This product is a genius idea and I certainly hope they come out with more like it!
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your experience!
I have two cats, one on a special diet for sensitive tummies. The cats used to eat each other’s food, making one poorly and whatever they left used to be hoovered up by the dog! Not anymore, these feeders are excellent! The cats, one of which is very timid, learned to use them within 2-3 days of training mode. No more upset tummies from eating the wrong food and I no longer have to feed the cats in separate rooms and lock the dog in a third room! I would have preferred two split bowls as we don’t use the single bowls, but otherwise fabulous!
Thanks, Jackie for sharing your great experience with this selective microchip feeder.
I have a 12 year old chipless skinny cat who has never worn a collar. The other overweight cat has a chip. Can you tell me how big and heavy the included chip is. (I just know she will hate a collar). Also, would there be a way to use this where it only closes when overweight cat with chip arrives?
Hello Meg, the tag that comes with the SureFeed Microchip feeder has a unique code and weighs just 2g, and measures 1″ diameter. You need to buy the collar separately and attach the tag to it. If your cat hates collars maybe it would be a better idea to microchip your cat. Hope that helps! If you set the feeder in “intruder mode” the feeder will shut as soon as it senses the invader eater trying to eat.
We have a 17 yr old tabby who is very set in her ways. We bought the microchipped feeder to keep our greedy calico out of the other cat’s food. We assumed this was a relatively quick process to train Zoe but she really balked at using the new means of feeding her to the point of preferring to just go hungry. I figured out a way to get her used to the feeder and the moving trap door. I placed her favorite treats on top of the door. We kept practising with her. She had a lot of treats but she’s a skinny cat and can afford the indulgence. She approaches and the treats drop into the dish. Success!! So in short, it’s a process to get some cats used to this new way of feeding.
Hi Doris, thanks for sharing your successful experience introducing SureFeed pet feeder to Zoe.
I have 5 of these – 2 kittens, one overweight cat and 2 other cats on different diets.
Unfortunately, 3 older cats continually steal plates from kittens surefeed machines. They drag them out of closed devices. Bought metal dishes thinking that heavier bowls would be difficult to move but same problem. Need to fix this issue. Also I agree that split bowls are not well tolerated by cats.
Hello Anne, sorry to hear that your cats are dragging the Surefeed machines. Can you somehow secure the feeders to the floor so they can’t do that?
The intrusion/emergency forced close feature does not work. This allows our non microchipped cat to push the microchipped cat away from the dish and gobble all it’s contents. Currently our microchipped cat eats prescription food, so I must now feed him separately several times a day. He is a grazer, which is why I loved the idea of the Surefeed cat feeder to begin with. Very disappointed. Company would not send new feeder or refund our money. Bad business model.
Hi Judy I am sorry this unit didn’t solve your problem. If a cat pushes the other cat to eat its food it’s a hard issue to solve for a selective feeder. It’s better to separate both cats to feed them when this happens.