SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Problems
Earlier this year, someone posted to my Facebook page asking for advice on whether SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeders are worth it, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. So I gathered all the essential information about the SureFeed microchip cat feeder and the SureFeed Pet Feeder problems.
In this post, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions and solutions to the problems you may encounter with your automatic cat-feeding device.
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What is the SureFeed microchip cat feeder?
SureFeed microchip pet feeder works with RFID technology. It is a selective feeder. The device has a lid that always stays closed, preventing your cats from accessing the food when they’re not supposed to. It opens only when programmed or for the cats, whose identification microchips are stored in the device’s memory. If your cat doesn’t have a microchip implant, you’ll need a SureFlap RFID collar tag to use this feeder.
I’ve written about the SureFeed microchip cat feeder before and other SureFeed products.
When looking through responses, I noticed very few common issues with the feeder. The overall feedback is that it was easy to use and worked well. Most of you didn’t have any problems using it.
However, there are a few issues users can run into, and while you can find most of the answers in the manual, I wanted to summarize the main problems you could encounter and how to resolve them.
The most common SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder problems are:
- If the feeder has been left in training mode, with a flashing orange light, or
- if the batteries are low, with a flashing red light.
Most problems can be solved by checking the settings and replacing the batteries.
SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Problems and Questions
How to set up a SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder?
If you’re unsure where to start with your pet feeder, don’t worry – it’s easy to set up. Once you’ve made sure it’s batteries and switched on, you need to pair it with your cat’s microchip.
To pair the feeder with your cat, press the “Add Pet” button once. The lid will open, and the light will flash green every second. The feeder remains in this mode until you press the button again to cancel the setup or pair your pet with the feeder.
When your cat’s microchip is next to the reader, the light will stop flashing and remain consistently green. At this stage, you know your pet’s chip has been stored, and the feeder is ready to go.
If your cat hasn’t been microchipped, that’s fine. The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder comes with lightweight RFID collar tags that you can attach to your cat’s collar, which works just the same as a microchip.
You could even pair it with the feeder by hand before you attach the collar – so that as soon as your cat approaches for the first time, the feeder opens for them.
What do I do if the feeder isn’t working?
If the feeder doesn’t work, check that the sensors inside the hoop are clean and clear of debris. If they are, try moving the feeder away from anything metallic or electrical which could be interfering with the signal.
If that doesn’t work, try replacing the batteries and ensuring they’re in the correct orientation.
If you are still struggling, try resetting your feeder. If resetting it doesn’t work, try to pair it with one of the collar tags that came with the feeder.
If this works, it suggests there might be a problem with the microchip, and it might have moved and become unreadable.
How do I reset my SureFeed microchip feeder?
If you need to reset your SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder to clear any problems or use it with another cat, hold the “Add Pet” button for 10 seconds.
Once the light alternates red and green, you’ll know it’s been restored to factory settings and is ready to be set up with another cat.
My pet isn’t happy using the feeder. What do I do?
It would be best if you built your cat up to using the feeder. With that in mind, there is a Training Mode setting that you can use.
When the lid is closed, press the Fn button once. This will put the feeder into Training Mode. The lid will open, and the light will flash orange. The lid remains open permanently in this mode.
Fill the bowl with your cat’s favorite food and leave it for them. Once your cat is comfortable with the feeder in this setting, press the Fn button once more to enter the second stage of training.
In this mode, when your cat is done eating, the lid closes. However, it won’t seal the bowl. When the cat returns to the feeder, the lid will fully open again. The movement is slight, designed to get the cat used to smaller movements. In this mode, the light will flash orange twice every few seconds.
There are two more stages to Training Mode. The lid will open and close more with each stage (and an additional orange light flash) until your cat isn’t concerned by the lid’s movement.
When you press the Fn button for the fifth time, the feeder will return to normal operating mode, and the lid will fully close until your cat approaches.
There are two more stages to Training Mode – with the lid closing and opening more with each stage (and an additional orange light flash) until your cat isn’t concerned by the movement of the lid at all. Finally, when you press the Fn button for the fifth time, the feeder will return to normal operating mode, and the lid will fully close until your cat approaches.
What does a flashing orange light mean on a SureFeed Microchip Feeder?
If your feeder flashes the orange light, it is in Training Mode. This mode is designed to help your cats get used to the opening and closing lid without getting spooked.
There are four stages to Training Mode, so if you’re struggling to switch out of it, keep pressing the Fn button until the light turns green again.
What does a flashing red light mean on a SureFeed Microchip Feeder?
A flashing red light means that the batteries are low. Replace the batteries, and the light should turn green.
If it doesn’t, reset your feeder to factory settings and re-introduce your cat to it to store its microchip again. If this fails, contact SureFeed for more advice.
In conclusion, most SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder problems are easy to resolve, and most of you who’ve got in touch or commented on my Facebook page have praised them.
My pet isn’t happy using the feeder, what do I do?
In conclusion, most SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder problems are easy to resolve, and most of you who’ve got in touch or commented on my Facebook page have praised them. However, have you used the SureFeed feeder, and have you encountered any problems?
Microchip Cat Feeder Amazon
SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder is among the most popular pet feeders on Amazon. Readers’ reviews prove that it works great, and the cats and their owners are pleased with the device.
Microchip Cat Feeder FAQ
Do microchip cat feeders work?
If you have cats and keep them indoors, they are getting much less physical activity than their stray cousins. This means that they can gain weight quickly and easily. This can negatively affect their health.
There are two reasons to get a microchip cat feeder:
1. First, they keep your cat healthy by making sure they eat at regular intervals, and
2. Second, they get the right portions of food they need. And this is very important, especially for multi-pet homes.
How do you set up a microchip feeder?
Most microchip cat feeders are easy to set up. The device has an instruction manual that will guide you through the process.
It would be best to have your cat near the feeder to introduce its microchip. Most microchip cat feeders, like SureFeed automatic cat feeder, can be paired with:
Your cats’ microchips, or
RFID tags for your pets’ collars.
Once you’re done, place the bowl on the feeder. And that’s it.
There are some feeders you need to program (like SureFeed cat’s feeder), but they are also straightforward to use.
How do you use a SureFeed pet feeder?
The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is one of the best-selling pet feeders on Amazon, and most people who have bought it are happy with it.
We tested SureFeed microchip cat feeders with our cats, so I can attest that there are multiple reasons to love them. And they’re so easy to use!
How do you use a microchip feeder?
Once you’ve introduced your feline’s microchip to the feeder, you must place the food bowl in the feeder and set up the program. That’s it!
The lid opens at the exact hours you’ve set up, and your cat will enjoy her meal. The SureFeed cat feeder is a very easy-to-use pet feeder, and it’s perfect for cats who are used to eating a lot of food at once.
How do you refill a cat feeder?
Some automatic pet feeders have a container where you can put the food, while others have an opening where you can place the food directly so that it will release it into the bowl (cat food dispenser).
It all depends on the product you own, but it’s pretty simple with all the available options.
How do you clean your SureFeed microchip cat feeder?
Cleaning your microchip cat feeder is easy. The unit may be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For the mat and bowl, you can use soap and water. Unfortunately, they are not dishwasher-safe, so avoid washing them in your dishwasher.
Is there a water bowl included?
The SureFeed cat feeder comes with a split bowl in its set. You can easily use one for food (dry food or pouches of wet food) and the other for water.
However, I’d strongly advise you against that. Your kittens should have access to fresh water at all times. You can try different bowl options if your cats mess with their water bowl. You can go for:
Stainless steel bowl
Glass bowl
Porcelain bowl
If you place mats under the water bowls, it will help you limit the mess, too.
Are automatic feeders worth it?
What does a microchip cat feeder cost? The price of a microchip cat feeder depends on its size and features. The more expensive models give more flexibility and control over:
Feeding times
Portions
How many meals per day your pet should eat
They are a great investment for:
Cats with a sensitive stomach
Overweight felines on prescription diets
Kittens with health issues who should eat only prescription food
Portion control in multi-cat households.
Can you put wet food in an automatic feeder?
Yes. In addition to dry food, this automatic feeder can also be used to feed your cat wet food. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is one of the automatic feeders on the market that you can use to provide your cat with wet food.
It comes with a split bowl in the set so that you can use one of the sides for dry food and the other – for wet food.
How many days does a cat feeder work for?
SureFeed microchip pet feeder has a bowl capacity of 1.6 cups (400 ml) for wet and dry food, making it perfect for pets on weight management diets.
Once you fill the bowls, your feeder will work until it has power in its batteries.
Most cat feeders are designed to provide food for your cat for at least one day. However, some models can provide up to five days of food, which is enough for most owners.
How long do automatic cat feeders work?
One common question is, how long does the battery last? The manufacturer promises six months of battery life (in everyday use). But, it can drain quickly if you’re in a multi-pet household.
Some batteries could last up to 12 months. Just make sure you replace them once a year.
SureFeed Microchip Cat Feeder requires four C-cell batteries. Unfortunately, the batteries are not included, so you’ll need to get them when buying your device.
Ensure you watch the low battery indicator (if your device has one). It will give you a heads-up when it’s time to change them.
Where can I find a replacement battery for SureFeed Automatic Pet Feeder?
You can buy a SureFeed Replacement Battery on Amazon or your local hardware store.
How does a microchip automatic cat feeder work?
SureFeed microchip cat feeder works by reading your pet’s information or the microchip in your pet’s collar. The pet feeder will only open if the pet is synced into the device.
When your pet comes close to the device, it reads the microchip, and the lid opens. The microchip cat feeder will open only if the right pet approaches it, and only they will have access to their food bowl. This will prevent visits from unauthorized pets.
Can I use the microchip feeder for multiple cats?
Yes. Your SureFeed can save up to 32 pet identities in its memory. In addition, it will remember each of your pets’ microchip ID codes. The split bowl comes in handy in these cases. You can even use it for your dogs, too.
Timed Microchip Cat Feeder
SureFeed microchip cat feeder lets you choose from multiple menu options and program your feeder to open and close at certain times of the day.
What time should I set the automatic cat feeder?
For indoor felines, giving smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day is good.
This can help your cat:
- Avoid scarfing and barfing
- Maintain healthy weight
- Improve digestion.
For cats needing weight management diets, check out with your vets about recommendations for a feeding schedule. You can set your SureFeed microchip cat feeder’s lids to open and close at specific intervals.
Have you used the SureFeed feeder? Have you encountered any problems? In the comment below, I can’t wait to read about your experience with automatic cat feeders.
Did you like reading about this microchip cat feeder? Then, you’re going to love these other product reviews, too:
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Help! Bought 2 Sure Feed for my 2 cats, because one of them keeps eating her food and her sister’s.
They worked fine for over a month but suddenly the cat that suppose to be on a diet can actually open both feeders when approaches them, where the other one can only open the one that I originally registered her.
Both cats are microchipped and use the microchip to open the feeder.
I have tried to reset it by pressing the Add Cat button for 10 seconds but the red and green light does not come on.
Any idea how to resolve this issue?
Many thanks
Did you reach out to Surefeed? That’s where I would start – especially on their social media!
Have you encountered anything where a feeder stops reading a chip? I tried 4 different feeders on my cat and none would work. Surefeed suggested chipping him again so I did, and the feeders still won’t read him. And I’ve reset the feeders, changed batteries, made sure sensors are clean, and not near electrical devices. I know all the feeders work because I tested them on my other cat.
Have you reached out to the manufacturer or asked on their page?
We’ve used them for years! With two cats and, then, a new kitten who wanted ALL the food it was a challenge at first. The kitten sneaked via the back or just pushed the cat to the side to get to their food.
First we were able to get SureFeed see through domes over the end so that first problem was solved. When reaching out to the manufacturer (TIP!) they shared an extra setting for the SureFeed which caused the lid to close very fast, faster then the standard ones, when the cats microchip was pulling a bit back.
So that might be helpful for some, right?
Over here we can also get stainless steel bowls which we loved even more.
Since the cats eat raw we don’t use them anymore since they eat their food straight away and we clear and clean up what’s left right away.
But these are great in use and when you offer different kind of foods to different cats and/or meds (although you have to make sure other cats still can’t get to it in that situation) or have dogs around these feeders do their job. We did train the cats (that was easy) to get used to the sound and speed. And they were happy using them. Cleaning was easy.
Thank you for sharing, Simone, and also for the tip!
These feeders are ok as long as they work. If there is a problem, support tell you to replace the batteries. They don’t have any spare parts
One of mine has started malfunctioning. We are in a multicat home, with a diabetic and an overeater, along with two normal eaters, and a nearly feral adoptee of almost 8 years, kiki.
The sensors are clean, there are new Duracells in the feeder. I noticed a couple days ago kiki wasn’t cleaning her dish. Then I saw her bobbing her head up and down with no reaction from the feeder to her collar RFID. I took one of my spare collar tags and programmed it to the dish with some work, and tested to ensure it would work. Then we managed to traumatize/ corner and catch kiki, to switch out her collar tag. The damged thing is doing it again and our Kiki is going hungry.
UGH, sorry to hear that – have you reached out to the manufacturer?
I just tried setting up my new feeder, and the problem is that the lid won’t open AT ALL. I put in the new batteries, and touched the open/close button. The feeder made the noise, but the lif didn’t move at all. I tried adding my cat’s microchip; it seems to have been successful because the lught flashes green whenever she approaches the feeder, but not her brother. Still, the lid won’t open. The feeder does make a noise, so I don’t think that this is a sensor issue – it is just that the cylinder that holds the lid doesn’t move. But it tries.
Sorry to hear that. Have you reached out to the manufacturer to ask? Or even asked on their Facebook page?
Two cats, two special diets, two sure pet feeders. Both cats understand that the feeder is quite wide and they can sneak in and eat next to the one who has access. Yes, when the legitimate one leaves the lid closes, but the other has eaten quite a bit first.
Ideas??
Google “Intruder Mode”….to find out how to set the feeder to close the flap when an unknown (to that feeder) cat arrives. The flap closes also on the known cat and will not open for the known cat if an unknown cat (intruder) is present in the scanning area. Eventually, the unknown cat learns that they will not get anywhere with this other cat’s feeder. Make sure the known cat is comfortable using this feeder first, before adding this program….and monitor the known cat…make sure that she/he has an opportunity to know that she still can eat from the feeder, just not when an intruder arrives.
My sure feeder is not working, tried everything new batteries, factory reset bought collars. Every time I press the add pet my cat comes to eat and then closes in his face ♀️ I have used it for 2 months now and no problems until the other day . Please can you help??
I am sorry, I cannot – I do not have one. Maybe ask on our Facebook Group or contact the manufacturer?
I was hoping you had my issue. Lol. My cats have been using their feeders happily for a few months, but I’ve notice one unit isn’t opening at times when I manually press the button. (To feed him.) No response. I tilt the unit slightly, the red light will briefly come on, then when I set it down it opens. My concern is it will act up when I’m away for an overnight trip. I’ve only had them for three months, so I don’t know why it would be a battery issue. (It’s not flashing red normally.) Should I contact them?
WOW! SUPER PAWESOME & FABULOUS POST about this very cool product, Jenny honey! Very comprehensive for the most commonly reported issues you’ve heard about from Floppycatters. I’m sure all the owners or possible future owners will appreciate this great information very, very much! These are such cool feeders for multi-pet households where it’s important to keep the different foods for each pet isolated to each fur baby. 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love & purrs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3
P.S. If we had more than one kitty and they each had a separate type of diet I would definitely invest in one of these feeders per kitty. 🙂 <3
thanks, patti. yes, i like these posts that are coming from more than one perspective.