Cats in particular do better on several small meals than on two big ones, and they are very good at waking people up to say so. A timed feeder takes you out of the loop. The food arrives when the clock says, in the amount you set, whether you are asleep, at work or away for the night.

This feeder holds 4 litres of dry food in a sealed hopper with a silicone ring in the lid and a space for a desiccant bag to keep it fresh. You set the time on the display, then up to six meals across the day, each of one to nine portions; the maker gives a portion as roughly 8 to 10 grams. It takes kibble from 2 to 15mm. Power comes from the 5V mains adapter, with four AA batteries as a backup. The unit is about 25cm deep, 17cm wide and 30cm tall, and the food tray and hopper come out for washing.

• 4 litre hopper for dry food
• Up to 6 meals a day, 1 to 9 portions per meal
• A portion is roughly 8 to 10g
• Takes kibble from 2 to 15mm
• 5V mains adapter, AA battery backup
• Sealed lid with desiccant compartment
• About 25 x 17 x 30cm

On portions and batteries: Portion weight changes with the size and shape of the kibble, so weigh a few test portions of your own food before trusting the settings, especially for a pet on a diet. The four AA batteries for the backup are not included. It is for dry food only.

Who it's for: cats that want breakfast at five in the morning, pets on a set daily amount, and owners with long or irregular working days.