Few pet gadgets solve a genuinely stressful problem like an automatic cat feeder can — especially when you’re juggling work shifts, weekend getaways, or those weeks when asking a flatmate to pop over feels like a big ask, and if you’re in New Zealand, local retailers like Kmart, PB Tech, and Animates now stock solid options.

4 related posts

Top-rated model on Kmart NZ: 5L Pet Feeder with Camera – 4.6 stars (28 reviews) ·
Price range at major NZ retailers: NZ$99 – NZ$159 ·
Most affordable option: Automated 5L Pet Feeder – White and Grey – NZ$99 (currently out of stock) ·
Smart features available: Wi‑Fi app control, 1080p camera, two‑way audio, portion scheduling ·
Consumer discussion: Active thread on r/newzealand with 100+ comments

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Kmart NZ sells a 5L Pet Feeder with Camera for NZ$159 (Kmart NZ product page)
  • Kmart’s Automated 5L Pet Feeder is NZ$99 but out of stock (Kmart NZ)
  • Animates has a dedicated category of automatic feeders on its website (Animates NZ)
  • r/newzealand has active discussion with 100+ comments (Reddit NZ)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Mitre 10 carries automatic cat feeders (no organic results found)
  • Exact availability of small automatic cat feeders at NZ retailers
  • Whether manual automatic feeders are stocked by major NZ retailers
  • PB Tech’s exact model and pricing of a Dual Hopper with camera and Wi‑Fi (category page does not show specific product)
3Timeline signal
  • N/A – no timeline applicable for product category
4What’s next
  • Kmart NZ may restock the NZ$99 model – keep checking
  • More NZ retailers likely to add smart feeders as demand grows

Here are the key specifications across NZ retailers.

Key facts at a glance
Fact Value
Average price NZ$99 – NZ$159
Top‑rated model 5L Pet Feeder with Camera (Kmart) – 4.6 stars
Most affordable model Automated 5L Pet Feeder (Kmart) – NZ$99 (out of stock)
Battery backup available Yes, on most smart models
Wi‑Fi connectivity Available on Kmart’s camera feeder
Warranty Varies by retailer – typically 1–2 years

Where can I buy an automatic cat feeder at Mitre 10 or Kmart in NZ?

If you’re wondering which New Zealand retailers stock automatic cat feeders, the short answer is that Kmart NZ is your most reliable bet right now, while Mitre 10 remains a question mark. Let’s break down what’s actually on the shelves.

Which retailers stock automatic cat feeders in New Zealand?

  • Kmart NZ – sells two models: the 5L Pet Feeder with Camera (NZ$159, 4.6 stars from 28 reviews) and the Automated 5L Pet Feeder (NZ$99, currently out of stock) (Kmart NZ product page).
  • PB Tech – offers a Dual Hopper Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera, 1080p resolution, two‑way audio, and Wi‑Fi connectivity (PB Tech category page).
  • Animates – has a dedicated category of automatic feeders on its website, though specific models vary (Animates NZ).
  • PetDirect – published a blog on choosing automatic pet feeders, though it’s a general guide rather than a product listing (PetDirect blog).

Does Mitre 10 carry automatic cat feeders?

Mitre 10 appears frequently in search queries for automatic cat feeders in NZ, but no organic search result confirms that they currently stock them. The retailer’s website does not show a category or product listing for automatic pet feeders, and there’s no verified user evidence of a purchase from Mitre 10. For now, treat Mitre 10 as an unconfirmed option — focus on the retailers above instead.

What models are available at Kmart NZ?

Kmart NZ’s two models cover different budgets. The Automated 5L Pet Feeder (white and grey, NZ$99) is the most affordable option but is out of stock — keep checking back. The 5L Pet Feeder with Camera (NZ$159) is the top-rated model with 4.6 stars from 28 reviews and includes Wi‑Fi, a 1080p camera, two‑way audio, and programmable meal scheduling (Kmart NZ).

The trade-off

Kmart’s NZ$99 model offers great value for a basic timer-based feeder, but the out-of-stock status means buyers who need a feeder now must stretch to the NZ$159 camera model — or look at PB Tech’s Dual Hopper for similar smart features at a comparable price.

The implication: Kmart is the most accessible NZ retailer for automatic feeders, but limited stock on the budget model pushes cost-conscious buyers toward either the higher-priced smart feeder or alternative retailers like PB Tech.

For buyers in a hurry: Kmart’s camera feeder is the most reliable in-stock option at NZ$159, with verified ratings and dual-power backup. If the budget model restocks, grab it, but don’t wait.

What is the best automatic cat feeder in NZ?

Three key features separate a good automatic feeder from a frustrating one: scheduling flexibility, power backup, and build quality. Here’s how the top NZ‑available models stack up.

How do you compare automatic cat feeders?

Focus on four criteria: portion control range, number of meals per day, power source (AC only vs battery backup), and whether the bowl is dishwasher-safe. The Kmart 5L Pet Feeder with Camera offers 10g to 400g portions and up to 5 meals per day, with dual power supply — AC charger or 3 x D batteries (Kmart NZ specs).

3 models, one pattern: Kmart’s camera feeder leads on smart features, PB Tech’s Dual Hopper matches on Wi‑Fi and audio, while Kmart’s budget model is the simplest but lacks app control.

Model Retailer Price Key Feature
5L Pet Feeder with Camera Kmart NZ NZ$159 Wi‑Fi, 1080p camera, two‑way audio, 5 meals/day
Automated 5L Pet Feeder Kmart NZ NZ$99 (out of stock) Timer-based, voice recording, manual button
Dual Hopper with Camera PB Tech ~NZ$140–$160 1080p camera, two‑way audio, Wi‑Fi, dual hopper

What features matter most for NZ cat owners?

Given New Zealand’s geography — where travel often means flights and longer absences — battery backup is critical. The Kmart feeder’s dual power supply (AC plus 3 x D batteries) means your cat won’t miss a meal during a power cut. Portion control matters too: the 10g to 400g range per meal accommodates both small kibble portions for weight management and larger servings for bigger cats (Kmart NZ specs).

Which model has the highest customer rating?

Kmart’s 5L Pet Feeder with Camera holds a 4.6‑star rating from 28 reviews on Kmart NZ. The Kmart Australia listing for the same model shows 4.7 stars from 19 reviews, which cross-validates consistent user satisfaction (Kmart Australia). PB Tech’s Dual Hopper doesn’t display public ratings on its category page, making direct comparison harder.

Why this matters

For NZ buyers, the Kmart camera feeder is the safest bet based on verified ratings and local availability — but PB Tech’s Dual Hopper is worth considering if you want a dual-hopper design for two cats or different food types.

The pattern: customer ratings strongly favour Kmart’s camera model, but the absence of public ratings for PB Tech’s feeder means you’re trading known quality for a different feature set.

Smart-feeder verdict: Kmart’s 5L with camera (NZ$159) combines verified ratings, dual-power backup, and dishwasher-safe bowl — the safest bet for most NZ cat owners.

What are the best small automatic cat feeders in NZ?

Not every NZ home has floor space for a bulk feeder. Small automatic cat feeders target single-cat households, apartment dwellers, or owners who prefer topping up a smaller hopper more frequently.

Why choose a small automatic cat feeder?

  • Compact footprint fits on kitchen counters or small laundry nooks
  • Lower capacity means fresher kibble — less chance of staleness
  • Easier to travel with or move between rooms

However, NZ retailers primarily stock 5L models as the standard. Smaller options (2L to 3L) are more commonly available from international brands like PetSafe or SureFeed, which you’d need to import via third-party sellers on Trade Me or Amazon AU — adding shipping costs and longer delivery times.

What portion sizes are available?

Kmart’s 5L feeder offers a minimum portion of 10g per meal, which is suitable for a single cat on a controlled diet. The 5L hopper holds roughly 10–14 days of dry food for one adult cat, depending on portion size (Kmart NZ specs).

Are there compact models with Wi-Fi?

No locally stocked compact model currently combines Wi‑Fi with a small footprint in NZ retailers. PB Tech’s Dual Hopper is bulkier than a single-hopper design, and Kmart’s camera feeder is the standard 5L size. If app control is non-negotiable but space is tight, the Kmart 5L Pet Feeder with Camera is still your best NZ‑available option — its footprint is modest for a 5L capacity.

The catch: NZ’s current market offers limited choice in compact smart feeders. If you need a genuinely small feeder and can live without Wi‑Fi, look for manual timer models from overseas — but expect to pay NZ$40–$80 more for shipping and import fees.

Space-constrained buyers: Kmart’s 5L camera feeder is the most compact smart option locally. For a truly small manual feeder, importing may be the only route — factor in added costs.

What do NZ user reviews say about automatic cat feeders?

Real-world feedback from New Zealand owners reveals both the strengths and frustrations of automatic feeders. The picture is mostly positive, but with recurring themes worth noting.

What are common complaints about automatic feeders?

  • Kibble jamming: Some users report that larger kibble pieces (above 15 mm) can jam the dispenser. Kmart’s manual confirms the feeder is only suitable for dry food with particles smaller than 15 mm (Kmart NZ warning).
  • Power dependency: Without batteries installed, a power cut interrupts the schedule. The dual‑power design mitigates this, but D batteries aren’t included.
  • Bowl cleanliness: Several reviewers mention that stainless steel bowls need daily rinsing to prevent odour.

What do Reddit users in NZ recommend?

“I use an automatic feeder when I’m away for 1–2 weeks a month to reduce the burden on family. The timer is a lifesaver.”

— Reddit user, r/newzealand (Reddit NZ discussion)

The r/newzealand thread with 100+ comments shows that NZ cat owners primarily use automatic feeders for extended absences, not daily convenience. The consensus: a reliable timer beats asking a neighbour to pop in twice a day.

How reliable are the top‑selling models?

Kmart’s camera feeder holds a 4.6‑star average from 28 reviews, which suggests good reliability at scale. The Australia listing’s 4.7‑star rating from 19 reviews adds confidence — cross-market consistency signals a well-tested product (Kmart Australia). PB Tech’s Dual Hopper lacks comparable review data, so reliability is harder to verify.

The pattern: when reviews exist, they’re positive. The main frustration is kibble size limitations — not a flaw in the feeder itself, but a compatibility issue with certain brands of dry food.

User consensus: Reliable for extended absences; kibble size and power backup are the main concerns. Kmart’s camera model earns consistent praise across NZ and AU reviews.

What is a manual automatic cat feeder and is it worth buying?

The term “manual automatic feeder” sounds contradictory, but it refers to a simple timer-based dispenser without Wi‑Fi, app control, or cameras. You set the portions and timing physically on the device, and it dispenses on schedule.

How does a manual automatic feeder differ from a smart one?

Feature Manual automatic feeder Smart Wi‑Fi feeder
Programming method Physical dials or buttons on device Smartphone app, remote access
Camera No Yes (1080p on Kmart/PB Tech models)
Two‑way audio No Yes
Battery backup Often yes (D batteries) Often yes (D batteries)
Price in NZ Typically below NZ$80 NZ$100–$160
Portion range Fixed portions or limited settings 10g–400g per meal, adjustable

Manual feeders are simpler, cheaper, and require no phone or internet. Smart feeders offer flexibility — you can adjust portions from the airport, check the camera to see if your cat has eaten, and talk to your pet through the speaker.

When would you choose a manual model over a programmable one?

Choose a manual feeder if: you’re on a tight budget (under NZ$80), you only need weekend coverage, or you don’t trust app-based gadgets. Choose a smart feeder if: you travel frequently for a week or more, you want to monitor your cat remotely, or you need precise portion control for a diet plan.

Are manual feeders cheaper in NZ?

Currently, NZ retailers like Kmart and PB Tech don’t list dedicated manual automatic feeders separately from their smart models — Kmart’s NZ$99 model is the closest to a manual feeder in terms of simplicity, though it includes voice recording and a manual button. True manual feeders (like basic timer models from international brands) would need to be imported, adding costs that could erase the price advantage.

The trade-off

For NZ buyers, the gap between a “manual” feeder and a “smart” feeder is small — Kmart’s NZ$99 model already includes voice recording and scheduling, while the NZ$159 camera model adds remote access. The real question is whether you need the cloud connectivity or can live with local-only programming.

Why this matters: the “manual automatic feeder” as a distinct category barely exists in NZ retail. You’ll likely end up choosing between two levels of smart feeder, not between smart and manual — so budget NZ$100–$160 unless you’re importing.

Manual feeder reality: In NZ, the line between manual and smart is blurry. Kmart’s NZ$99 timer model offers practical simplicity; true manual imports add cost and delivery time.

Upsides

  • Battery backup on most smart models
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls
  • Wi-Fi control and camera for remote monitoring
  • Positive user reviews for Kmart camera model

Downsides

  • Kibble size limit (≤15 mm) can cause jams
  • Budget model (NZ$99) often out of stock
  • Not suitable for wet food
  • Some models lack public user ratings
Additional sources

wiki.petmall.co.nz, youtube.com, petdirect.co.nz, nytimes.com, youtube.com, tiktok.com, animates.co.nz, kmart.com.au, harveynorman.co.nz, facebook.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my automatic cat feeder?

Clean the stainless steel bowl daily if used for wet food, and at least every 2–3 days for dry food. The hopper and dispenser mechanism should be emptied and wiped weekly to prevent kibble dust buildup and jams. Kmart’s feeder has a removable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl (Kmart NZ product page).

Can automatic cat feeders handle both kibble and wet food?

Most automatic feeders, including Kmart’s models, are designed for dry food only. Kmart’s manual explicitly states the feeder is only suitable for dry food with particles smaller than 15 mm (Kmart NZ warning). Wet food requires refrigerated dispensers that are less common and significantly more expensive.

Do automatic cat feeders require a Wi-Fi connection?

No — only smart models with app control need Wi‑Fi. Kmart’s NZ$99 Automated 5L Pet Feeder works without internet; the NZ$159 camera model requires Wi‑Fi for remote features like camera streaming and app scheduling (Kmart NZ).

Are automatic cat feeders worth it for a single cat?

Yes, particularly if you travel, work long hours, or want consistent portion control. A single cat with a 5L hopper can go 10–14 days without a refill, depending on portion size. The Kmart feeder’s minimum 10g portion works well for weight management (Kmart NZ specs).

What is the typical warranty on automatic cat feeders in NZ?

Kmart’s 5L Pet Feeder with Camera comes with a 12‑month warranty (Kmart NZ warranty info). PB Tech’s warranty varies by brand and model — check individual product pages. Animates and PetDirect may offer extended warranties through third-party providers.

Can I use an automatic cat feeder for timed medication dispensing?

Not reliably — automatic feeders dispense kibble, not pills or liquid medication. Some owners hide a pill inside a treat and schedule a feeding, but there’s no guarantee the cat will eat it immediately. For precise medication timing, consult your vet.

How long does a full hopper last for one cat?

A 5L hopper at 50g per day (a typical adult cat’s dry food portion) lasts about 14–20 days. At larger portions (100g/day), expect 7–10 days. The Kmart feeder’s 10g minimum portion means you can stretch the hopper even further for small cats (Kmart NZ specs).

Are automatic cat feeders noisy when dispensing?

Some users on r/newzealand report that the dispensing mechanism creates a brief whirring sound, but it’s not loud enough to startle most cats. Kmart’s feeder includes a voice recording feature that lets you call your cat before dispensing, which can mask the mechanical sound (Kmart NZ).

The market for automatic cat feeders in New Zealand is still young, but Kmart, PB Tech, and Animates offer real options at NZ$99–$159. For the cat owner who travels monthly, the Kmart 5L Pet Feeder with Camera at NZ$159 is the safest bet — verified 4.6-star ratings, dual power supply, and a dishwasher-safe bowl. For the budget-conscious buyer, the NZ$99 model is worth waiting for, but stock is unpredictable. For NZ cat owners who need to leave town without the guilt, the choice is clear: pick a feeder with battery backup and a removable stainless steel bowl, or keep asking the neighbour.