
Last updated: 24 March 2026
The SureFeed microchip feeder is a sealed cat bowl that only opens for the right pet. It reads your cat's implanted microchip or an included RFID collar tag and keeps the lid locked for everyone else. If you have more than one cat and food theft is a daily battle, this is one of the most reliable solutions available. Made by Sure Petcare (part of Merck Animal Health), it comes with a three-year warranty and works with all standard UK microchips. Pick one up on Amazon here.
In short, it controls which animal can eat from the bowl. When your registered cat approaches, a motion sensor triggers the microchip reader. If the chip matches, the lid lifts. When the cat walks away, the lid closes and seals the food inside. This keeps wet food fresher for longer, locks smells in and keeps flies out.
It is important to note that this is not a timed or automatic portion feeder. It does not dispense food on a schedule. Think of it as access control for your cat's dinner, not a meal planner.
The feeder works with all common identification microchips used by UK vets. If your cat is not microchipped, an RFID collar tag is included in the box. You can store up to 32 individual pet IDs, so it suits even the largest multi-cat households.
The bowl has a neoprene seal around the top edge. When the lid closes, it creates a near-airtight environment that keeps wet and raw food noticeably fresher than an open bowl. On warm days, this makes a real difference.
Nervous cats can be introduced gradually. The training mode moves the lid a little more each day, so timid animals build confidence at their own pace. Most cats are fully comfortable within five to seven days.
It runs on four C-cell batteries (not included). Sure Petcare quote up to six months of battery life, and a low-battery indicator flashes when power is running down. There is no mains cable or USB option.
The feeder comes with a manufacturer's three-year warranty from Sure Petcare, which is reassuring given the price.
You get the feeder body, one standard grey bowl, one split grey bowl (for serving wet and dry food separately), a grey silicone mat, an RFID collar tag, a quick-start guide and a registration card. Batteries are not included, so grab four C-cells before setup day.
Sure Petcare sell two versions. The Standard model does not connect to Wi-Fi. It simply controls access and seals food. The Connect model pairs with a hub and tracks feeding habits through the Sure Petcare app. The Connect is worth the upgrade if you need precise intake data for a cat with health issues. Otherwise, the Standard does everything most households need.
The included plastic bowls work fine initially, but many vets recommend switching to stainless steel over time because scratched plastic can harbour bacteria linked to feline chin acne. Sure Petcare sell official stainless steel inserts that drop straight in. There are also compatible third-party options available. If you have a particularly persistent food thief, the optional rear cover accessory blocks access from behind the feeder while the lid is open.
The SureFeed microchip feeder is ideal for multi-cat homes where food theft is a problem. It also suits households managing prescription diets, weight control, or food allergies. If your dog raids the cat bowl, the same microchip logic applies. However, if you only have one pet and nobody is stealing their food, a simpler sealed bowl from the same range would be enough.
We have used this feeder daily for over six months and it completely solved our food-theft problem from day one. You can read the full write-up in our SureFeed feeder review, where we cover training, real-world use, battery life and the stainless steel upgrade in detail.
Buy the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder on AmazonYes. It is compatible with all common identification microchip formats used by UK veterinary practices. An RFID collar tag is also included for pets that are not microchipped.
Technically yes, because the feeder stores up to 32 microchip IDs. However, the point of the product is to restrict access. If you register multiple cats on one feeder, they will all be able to open it, which defeats the purpose if food theft is your problem. Ideally, each cat that needs protected food gets their own feeder.
The lid makes a soft mechanical click when it opens and closes. It is not silent, but most cats adjust within a few days. The built-in training mode helps nervous animals get used to the sound gradually.
The Standard controls access only. The Connect adds Wi-Fi connectivity (via a separate hub) and lets you track feeding patterns, portion sizes and meal times through the Sure Petcare app. The Standard suits most people; the Connect is better if you need detailed health monitoring data.
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