Kate Barrington / Cats.com
With over a dozen fashions to select from, the Petlibro model has grow to be a pacesetter out there for sensible computerized pet feeders. The newest innovation, the One RFID Cat Feeder, places a private twist on Petlibro’s finely tuned granary-style engineering. This feeder doesn’t simply dispense portioned meals on a set schedule—it additionally pairs with an RFID tag to limit entry to the cat carrying the tag.
The Petlibro One RFID Cat Feeder is designed to serve multi-cat households, offering every cat with a personalised feeding expertise. How does it rise up in opposition to real-world testing? My cats and I attempted it out to carry you this in-depth overview.
Why Belief Cats.com
As a long-standing member of the Cats.com workforce, I’ve spent the previous a number of years researching, testing, and reviewing merchandise. From self-cleaning litter containers to sensible feeders, my cats and I wish to sustain with the newest improvements in sensible pet tech. Previous to scripting this overview, we spent a number of weeks testing computerized feeders, together with two Petlibro fashions.
To jot down this overview, I started with a deep dive into the historical past of Petlibro as an organization and the model’s observe report with buyer satisfaction. I then spent a while familiarizing myself with Petlibro’s product lineup earlier than unboxing my new One RFID feeder. All through the testing course of, I took notes on how simple the feeder was to arrange and program whereas my cats supplied their opinions on how snug it was to make use of.
Having examined a number of different Petlibro feeders, I used to be capable of make direct comparisons concerning the One RFID feeder’s performance, reliability, and comfort. I additionally scoured buyer opinions to get a really feel for what different cat house owners had been saying about it.
One RFID Cat Feeder and Petlibro Model Overview
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Enter “cats16” at Checkout To Get 16% off within the Petlibro Web site.
Based in 2019, Petlibro is a pet product firm headquartered in California. It affords necessities like cat toys however the model’s specialty is pet tech—particularly computerized pet feeders and pet fountains.
Petlibro’s merchandise are shipped all over the world by way of the model’s web site and its retailer on Amazon, Chewy, and Greatest Purchase. All purchases are backed by a 30-day money-back assure however particular person merchandise could embody an extended 24-month producer’s guarantee. Customer support seems to primarily be out there through on-line contact type.
Although the corporate is just 5 years previous, Petlibro has demonstrated a dedication to innovation with a gentle launch of sensible pet tech options. Along with feeders, it additionally affords a number of computerized water fountain choices, together with the ultra-filtered Glacier and battery-operated Dockstream fashions.
From early feeders just like the Simple Feed to the camera-enabled Granary feeder, Petlibro continues to ship thoughtfully designed, well-engineered computerized pet feeders. Complementary to those feeders, Petlibro affords an array of pet fountains. These run the gamut from easy stainless-steel fountains to the battery-operated Dockstream and the ultra-filtered Glacier fountain.
Petlibro One RFID Cat Feeder Options
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The Petlibro One RFID Cat Feeder is an computerized pet feeder that pairs with the Petlibro app (out there for iOS and Android) to ship portioned, timed meals in accordance with your schedule. What makes this mannequin completely different from different Petlibro feeders is the combination of RFID expertise.
Whereas microchip feeders are nothing new, the One RFID feeder is the primary programmable computerized feeder of its sort. Normal microchip feeders include a lined meals dish with a lid that opens in response to a particular microchip tag (or your cat’s implanted microchip).
In the same means, the One feeder solely permits entry to the meals bowl for cats carrying the included RFID tag. However it additionally incorporates a 13-cup (3L) dry meals storage hopper and dispenses meals routinely, saving you the effort of filling the bowl daily. A desiccant bag built-in into the hopper lid helps hold meals contemporary.
The One RFID feeder is uniquely suited to multi-pet households. It takes the effort out of feeding a number of pets separate meals and it ensures that every pet will get the best meals in precisely the correct quantity, on schedule. Via the Petlibro app, it’s programmable for as much as 10 meals per day with parts as small as 1/12 cup.
This feeder comes with every thing you should get began (besides a smartphone, after all). It comes with a chrome steel meals bowl, one lid, and two meals bowl shields that go on both aspect of the feeding space to maintain different pets out. The RFID reader is embedded in a tough plastic mat you connect to the feeder and it pairs with the included tag. This tag is hooked up to the included collar which weighs simply over 4 grams, making it light-weight and cozy for cats to put on.
In comparison with a few of Petlibro’s different feeders, the One RFID feeder is a bit more costly (retail value $149.99). That stated, it’s extra modestly priced than many microchip feeders in the marketplace. It ships free within the contiguous United States, nonetheless, and contains each a 24-month guarantee and 30-day money-back assure.
The Petlibro One RFID Cat Feeder is a corded electrical mannequin however battery backup energy is offered by three D-cell batteries (not included). It’s WiFi-enabled for each 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
What We Like
- Pairs with RFID tag to limit entry to a single cat
- Takes the effort out of feeding a number of cats individually
- Setup is fast and straightforward with the Petlibro app
- WiFi-enabled for two.4GHz and 5GHz connections
- Giant 13-cup capability (for dry meals solely)
- Corded electrical energy with battery backup
- Consists of a chrome steel meals bowl
- 24-month guarantee and 30-day a refund assure
What We Didn’t Like
- Solely works with the included RFID tag (one per feeder)
- Collar tag isn’t fully waterproof, simply splashproof
- Some cats could also be uncomfortable with the enclosed consuming house
- Decided cats could possibly break into the feeder
- Proximity to different RFID merchandise could have an effect on performance
What Did Our Check Cats Suppose?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Once I opened up my One RFID Cat Feeder, I found that the packaging was simply as considerate as different Petlibro feeders I’ve examined. Small components had been saved contained in the hopper to save lots of house and foam items ensured every thing stayed protected and as a replacement throughout transport.
At first look, I believed the feeder regarded somewhat like a pc tower with numerous ports and indicator lights. Organising the feeder was a breeze and I discovered the Petlibro app simple to navigate. As with every computerized feeder, it took a while to determine the portion sizes however the feeder labored properly as soon as I received it programmed.
I did discover some variations in how easily meals was allotted based mostly on the form and dimension of the kibbles. The feeder labored completely with small, spherical kibble (like Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein) however flat and X-shaped kibbles (like Dave’s Pet Meals) typically backed up within the chute.
The RFID expertise labored persistently as properly—I had no points with the feeder studying the chip. I did discover the chip itself to be somewhat cumbersome, nonetheless, and I skilled some challenges with the included collar. I appreciated that the collar was adjustable for a variety of neck sizes however I had somewhat bother sizing it with out triggering the breakaway function. It’s additionally price noting that, as a result of the RFID tag hangs off the breakaway part, the tag would possibly fall off and could possibly be misplaced if the collar opens whereas your cat is carrying it.
I ended up shifting the tag onto the included steel ring so I may hold it from my cat’s common collar. It labored however I’d be much less nervous in regards to the tag getting caught on one thing or falling off if it threaded onto the collar itself.
After studying quite a few opinions the place clients reported their cats having the ability to break into the feeder, I used to be looking out—particularly since I by accident obtained two left-side meals bowl shields and will solely set up one. My cats aren’t overly food-motivated, nonetheless, so there weren’t any break-in makes an attempt for me to touch upon.
Like different reviewers, I did discover the meals door closing pace somewhat inconsistent however it wasn’t a significant subject for me.
Although my cats took to the feeder simply fantastic, it’s price noting that some cats could discover it uncomfortable or scary at first. The partitions on the aspect of the meals bowl would possibly make some cats really feel claustrophobic and others could also be alarmed by the motion of the lid. Whereas there’s no coaching mode to get your cat used to the lid, Petlibro’s app features a setting to maintain it open whereas your cat will get used to the brand new product. Then, customers can customise the lid’s pace in accordance with their cat’s habits.
What Do Clients Consider the Petlibro One RFID Cat Feeder?
The One RFID Cat Feeder is Petlibro’s newest innovation, so it hasn’t been in the marketplace lengthy. As of early April 2024, there have been solely about 50 scores for the product on Petlibro’s web site and about 160 on Amazon. On each platforms, the feeder had a mean score between three and 4 stars (out of 5).
As an organization, Petlibro performs equally on third-party overview websites like Trustpilot the place it has a 3.7 out of 5-star score with 50 opinions.
Optimistic Opinions
Happy clients often point out the convenience of setup of their opinions and lots of recognize having the ability to hold different pets from stealing meals from a cat that requires a particular eating regimen. Different constructive opinions point out the user-friendliness of the app, the stainless-steel feeding bowl, and the beneficiant dimension of the hopper.
“With this feeder, you possibly can set the time and quantity of feedings, and it even has a “feed now” possibility in order that when you discover that your cat’s meals bowl is empty, it’s only a click on away in your cellphone. It’s very simple to arrange and works instantly.” – Lisa on Petlibro.com, January twenty seventh, 2024
“I wished to make feeding simple and hassle-free and this product has made that occur. The cats have tailored properly to this product and love the bowls. For probably the most half, each cats have tailored properly to their separate feeders and there’s no extra grabbing for one another’s meals. The app is simple to make use of and I can arrange a schedule for day by day feedings along with including snacks.” – Eva on Petlibro.com, January twenty seventh, 2024
Unfavourable Opinions
Whereas clients are largely happy with the One RFID feeder, it’s clear that Petlibro nonetheless has some kinks to work out. Unreliable customer support appears to be a theme in adverse opinions. A number of reviewers point out inconsistencies within the meals door’s closing pace or the door getting caught open. Quite a few reviewers stated their cats had been capable of break into the feeder and not using a tag.
“General, this feeder does its job, protecting our meals loopy package out more often than not BUT the door closing pace could be very unreliable and even set on the quickest closing pace of 1sec, will usually instances take as much as 7-9sec after she jumps away earlier than beginning to shut.” – Samantha S. on Petlibro.com, February 14th, 2024
“We had been excited for an RFID collar to assist guarantee our senior cat doesn’t must compete with our 2 youthful cats for entry to feeders. We had been very upset that inside a day our 2yo cats had found out the way to pull the retractable high off the hinge. He additionally pierced the rubber flange so I’m uncertain of how lengthy it is going to keep collectively.” – Megan D. on Petlibro.com, February twenty fifth, 2024
Aiming to deal with points and supply optimum customer support, Petlibro encourages customers to ship detailed points to their official service e-mail to allow them to present well timed and thorough communication.
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Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Can the One RFID feeder learn my cat’s microchip?
No, the feeder can’t learn your cat’s implanted microchip and it received’t work with tags from different manufacturers. Every feeder can solely sync with one collar tag.
Do I’ve to make use of the mat that comes with the feeder?
Sure, the included mat is integral to the feeder’s RFID operate. Throughout setup, be certain that the RFID reader mat is hooked up securely to the bottom of the feeder. If it isn’t correctly put in, it received’t acknowledge your cat and the meals lid received’t open.
Does the feeder work with moist cat meals?
No, the One RFID feeder is for dry meals solely. It really works greatest with kibble ranging in diameter from 2-15mm. Bigger items would possibly get caught within the meals outlet and trigger the feeder to jam.
Is the price of transport included?
Petlibro affords free transport on orders over $75. The One RFID feeder prices $149.99, so it qualifies at no cost transport.
