Looking for expert pet advice? WeLovePetz is here to help you.
Feeding time in a multi-cat household can often feel like a strategic operation. Usually, one cat is a fast eater who inhales their food and then pushes the slower, shier cat away from their bowl. Or perhaps you are simply tired of the 5:00 AM wake-up calls from two hungry felines demanding breakfast.
The Voluas Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats is designed specifically to address these “civil wars” over kibble. Unlike standard single-dispensers, this unit features a hardware splitter that divides the food into two separate stainless steel bowls simultaneously. It promises to automate your feeding schedule, control portions, and keep the peace—all without requiring a WiFi connection or a smartphone app.
In this review, we will analyze whether the food distribution is actually even (a common failure point in dual feeders), how difficult the LCD interface is to program, and whether the “anti-clog” system holds up to different kibble shapes.
Key Features Explained Simply
The Voluas feeder is a functional piece of hardware rather than a high-tech gadget. Here is a breakdown of what the specifications actually mean for your daily routine:
1. 6L Capacity Hopper
The unit holds approximately 6 liters of dry food. For two average-sized adult cats, this typically translates to about 10 to 14 days of food, depending on their appetite and kibble size. This is a significant convenience, as it means you aren’t refilling the device every other day.
2. The Dual-Bowl Splitter
This is the core feature. A plastic divider sits at the chute’s exit, directing kibble into two separate metal bowls. This design encourages your cats to eat side-by-side but with their own defined space. It is important to note that you cannot program different amounts for each bowl; the machine dispenses one “meal” and splits it in half physically.
3. Precise Portion Control
The programming allows for up to 4 meals per day. For each meal, you can select between 1 and 40 “portions.”
The Math: 1 portion ≈ 0.264oz (approx 7.5g).
This granular control is excellent for diet management. If your cats need to lose weight, you can set small, frequent meals (e.g., 2 portions, 4 times a day) rather than one large dump of food that leads to vomiting or overeating.
4. “Pet-Proof” Security
Smart cats are notorious for breaking into feeders. The Voluas counters this with two features:
- Locking Lid: The top cover twists and locks, preventing cats from knocking it over and spilling the “treasure.”
- Screen Lock: The LCD screen automatically locks after inactivity. This ensures that even if your cat jumps on the feeder and paws at the buttons, they won’t accidentally reset the clock or change the meal times.
Hands-On Use & Performance
Setup and Programming
If you are accustomed to “smart” devices where you drag sliders on a phone screen, the Voluas will feel retro. Programming is done via physical buttons and an LCD screen on the front of the unit, very similar to setting a digital wristwatch or an old alarm clock. You have to cycle through hours and minutes manually.
While this takes about 10-15 minutes to set up initially, there is a distinct advantage: Reliability. You never have to worry about the feeder disconnecting from WiFi, a server going down, or a firmware update failing. Once it is set, it stays set.
The “Even Split” Reality Check
Does it actually split the food 50/50? In practice, the split relies on gravity and the way the kibble hits the divider. Our testing suggests it is usually accurate within a 10-15% margin. Occasionally, one bowl might get a few more kibbles than the other, especially if the kibble shape is irregular. However, for most households, it is close enough to prevent jealousy.
Hygiene and Cleaning
The inclusion of stainless steel bowls is a massive pro. Plastic bowls are porous and can harbor bacteria that lead to feline acne (blackheads on the chin). The stainless steel trays are removable and dishwasher safe. The hopper can also be removed for cleaning, which is essential to prevent the oils in dry food from going rancid over time.
Power and Backup
The feeder runs on a standard USB power cable (adapter included). However, it also features a battery compartment for D-cell batteries (not included). We highly recommend installing batteries as a backup. If you are away for the weekend and the power goes out, the memory function ensures the schedule is retained, and the batteries ensure the motor still turns.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Comparison: Voluas vs. The Competition
To help you decide, we compared the Voluas against the market leader (PETLIBRO) and a generic budget option.
| Feature | Voluas Automatic (Main Product) | PETLIBRO Granary Dual (Market Leader) | Generic Plastic Feeder (Budget Option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔧 Key Tech | LCD Screen / Buttons | WiFi / Smartphone App | Analog / Dial or LCD |
| 👍 Main Pro | Reliable “Offline” Use | Remote Control | Cheap |
| 👎 Main Con | Manual Setup Required | Connection Issues | Hygiene (Plastic Bowls) |
| 📐 Capacity | 6 Liters | 5 Liters | 4 Liters |
| 🔋 Power | Wall + Battery Backup | Wall + Battery Backup | Battery Only (Often) |
| 💲 Price Range | $$ (Mid-Range) | $$$ (Premium) | $ (Low) |
| 🎯 Best Use | Set-it-and-forget-it | Tech-Savvy Owners | Temporary Use |
Who Should Buy This?
The Busy Professional: If you leave the house early and return late, this ensures your cats stick to a routine. Routine is vital for reducing cat anxiety and behavioral issues.
The Diet Manager: If your vet has recommended your cats lose weight, the Voluas is an excellent tool. By setting the portion size to a specific low number (e.g., 2 portions) and increasing frequency (4 times a day), you can boost their metabolism and stop them from begging, as they learn the machine feeds them, not you.
The Traveler: For short trips (weekend getaways), this feeder is a lifesaver. Combined with a water fountain and a clean litter box, you can leave for 48 hours without needing to hire a pet sitter.
Comparison Summary
The Voluas 6L occupies the “sweet spot” of the market. It avoids the high price tag of WiFi-enabled feeders like the PETLIBRO, which often suffer from connectivity issues or complex app setups. At the same time, it offers significantly better build quality than cheap, plastic generic feeders. The inclusion of stainless steel bowls at this price point is the deciding factor that elevates it above budget models.
Final Verdict
The Voluas Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats is a robust, reliable solution for multi-cat households. It lacks the bells and whistles of smart home devices, but it excels at its primary job: dispensing food on time, every time.
For owners who want to automate feeding without worrying about internet connections or app updates, this is a highly recommended purchase. The dual-bowl system works well enough to keep peace during dinner time, and the large 6L capacity means you can fill it up and not worry about it for weeks.
