Switching to a microchip feeder for weight control

A gravity feeder and a cat who treats it like an all-you-can-eat buffet — that's a combination that almost always ends with weight gain. You're in the right place. Microchip feeders are genuinely one of the best innovations for multi-cat homes, because each feeder physically opens only for the cat whose microchip it recognises — so the grazer can't access food that isn't theirs. Before I point you to the right one: how many cats do you have, are they all microchipped, and is the issue purely one cat overeating, or does the other cat also need controlled portions?

That's a really clear-cut case — Biscuit needs his own controlled portion that only he can access, and Pepper needs to eat without him hovering. The good news is this is exactly what microchip feeders are designed for. Can I ask: is Biscuit on a specific prescription diet food, or just a reduced-calorie regular food? And does Pepper need her food protected from Biscuit, or is she usually finished before he moves in?

Perfect — you actually need two microchip feeders, one for each cat. That way Biscuit can only open his own feeder and get his measured portions, and Pepper's feeder stays closed to him entirely. The one I'd recommend is the SureFlap SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. It reads existing microchips with no programming complexity, has a sealed bowl that keeps food fresh, and the lid closes between meals so there's no visual temptation sitting out. It's reliable, well-built, and widely recommended by vets for exactly this situation. You'd set one to Biscuit's chip and one to Pepper's — simple and done.

Setup is genuinely straightforward — you put the feeder into training mode, let the cat approach, it reads their chip automatically and saves it. Most cats get it within a day or two. Biscuit may be confused or sit in front of Pepper's feeder looking hopeful, but there's no way in. For the adjustment, keep his meal schedule consistent and don't leave him hungry between meals — that just increases frustration. If he's on measured portions, splitting them into two or three smaller meals across the day using the feeder can help him feel less deprived while he adjusts to the new routine. Cats adapt faster than you'd expect when the food actually appears reliably.

He's in good shape to do it — you've got the vet's guidance, measured food, and now the right equipment to actually enforce it. The SureFeed makes a real difference because it removes the temptation entirely rather than relying on you being there to supervise every meal. Good luck to Biscuit — and to Pepper finally eating in peace.