Tried and tested: the Omega Smart Feeder in action
Busy workdays, spontaneous plans, or just everyday chaos — whatever your schedule looks like, knowing your pet is fed properly shouldn’t be something you have to worry about. The Omega Smart Feeder promises structure, simplicity, and control, even when you're not at home. Katrien gave the Omega Smart Feeder a real-life trial - with the help of her two cats, Oscar and Raya, who spent a full month putting it to the test. The verdict? Smarter than expected!
Why use a Smart Feeder?
We all want the best for our pets. But life doesn’t always go as planned. A meeting runs late, unexpected visitors show up, or your day gets hectic - and suddenly it’s mealtime, and you realise the feeding bowls are still empty.
Katrien knows the feeling: “With two cats and an ever-changing schedule, I quickly noticed that keeping a consistent feeding routine was tricky. But with an automatic feeder, I finally had real control over who eats when and how much.”
A smart feeder takes that stress away by offering:
- A set routine for mealtimes
- Controlled portions
- Insight into who’s eating what
- And most importantly: peace of mind when you're not at home
Tried and tested: what did our colleague think of it?
Let’s be honest — cats aren’t exactly tech enthusiasts. And Oscar (a British Longhair) and Raya (a British Shorthair) were no exception. But curiosity always wins.
“At first, they were pretty suspicious of this strange thing that suddenly made noise and spit out food. Oscar figured it out quickly — food! — and came closer right away. Raya preferred to watch from a distance, but after a few days, she came running over as soon as she heard the dispenser sound.”
It’s totally normal for cats to need time to get used to something new. But now, they’re big fans.
Katrien was especially surprised by something she wouldn’t have noticed without the built-in camera: “I always assumed Oscar and Raya ate together and shared their food pretty evenly. But once I started checking the camera footage, I realised Oscar was eating way more than Raya. So I tweaked the feeding schedule to better match Raya’s eating habits. Just a small change, but it made a big difference.”The camera delivers sharp images, even in the dark — and provides peace of mind.
Useful detail: remote feeding control
The accompanying app is intuitive and does way more than just setting feeding times. You’ll get notifications, can feed your pet manually whenever you want, and even check in through the built-in camera or use the voice feature.
A surprisingly helpful moment? When Raya wasn’t allowed to eat before a vet visit:
“I was already at work when I got the message that Raya wasn’t allowed to eat before her vet visit that evening. Thanks to the app, I was able to pause the feeding schedule remotely and check when she last ate — 11 p.m. the night before. She was good to go. Without the app and camera, I wouldn’t have had a clue.”
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
✔ No more stress about feeding times — refill only once every 2 weeks (for 2 cats)
✔ Clear insight into who eats when
✔ User-friendly app and easy setup
✔ Notification and a flashing light when food’s running low
✔ Handy extras like camera and voice function
Cons
- The sound of the food hitting the feeding bowl took some getting used to for the cats
- The voice function is a bit loud (might be adjustable — not yet tested)
Conclusion: What’s our Verdict?
“A smart investment. Not just for your pet, but for your own peace of mind too. Would I buy it again? Absolutely."
The Omega Smart Feeder is perfect for:
- Pet parents with busy or irregular schedules
- Cats (or dogs) on strict diets
- Anyone who’s often away from home
- Pet parents who want to keep a closer eye on their pet’s eating habits
Tips for introducing the feeder to cats: getting used to an automatic feeder
A new automatic feeder can take some getting used to for your cat. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible:
1. First, turn off the feeder and let your cat explore the device.
Place the feeder in the living room for a few days without dispensing food. Let your cat sniff and get familiar with it before any food is dispensed.
2. Use familiar food
Fill the feeder with your cat’s usual food. This makes the transition less intimidating and increases the chances that your cat will accept it quickly.
3. Start with manual feedings via the app
Before setting up an automatic schedule, use the app to dispense small amounts manually. This helps your cat associate the feeder’s sound with something positive.
4. Blend it into their routine
Keep refilling the feeder and feed manually a few more times yourself. This builds trust and helps integrate the feeder into their daily routine.
5. Be patient
Some cats adapt quickly, others may take up to a week. It may take a few days to a week for your cat to respond enthusiastically to the feeder.
Stick with it, and your cat will soon be happily using the Omega Smart Feeder, while you enjoy the added convenience and control.
