Match feeder to food type
Dry-food hoppers, rotating trays and refrigerated wet-food devices work differently. Do not put food into a device unless the manufacturer says the feeder is designed for that food type and holding time.
Check what happens when power fails
Battery backup, clock retention and manual access can matter more than Wi-Fi. Think through what happens if the device jams, loses power, disconnects from the internet or is tipped by a determined pet.
Cleaning access
Food-contact parts should be removable or otherwise cleanable according to the instructions. Hidden chutes and rotating parts can collect crumbs or oils if the design is difficult to disassemble.
Do not automate away observation
Automatic feeding should not make it impossible to notice appetite changes. Sudden reduced eating can be important health information, especially in cats and animals with medical conditions.