So, today I wanna talk about this new thing I got – the Pet Genius Smart Feeder. Yeah, the name sounds fancy, but it’s basically a food dispenser for your pets that you can control with your phone. Cool, right? Well, let me tell you, setting this thing up was a bit of a journey.
Unboxing and First Impressions
First off, I ripped open the box like a kid on Christmas. Inside, there’s the feeder, a power adapter, and a little booklet that’s supposed to be the “manual”. I plugged it in and… nothing. Turns out, you gotta put in batteries as well. Three D-cell batteries, to be exact. Who uses D batteries anymore?
Battery Drama
Anyway, I didn’t have any D batteries lying around. So, I had to make a quick trip to the store. Got the batteries, popped them in, and flipped the power switch on the bottom of the feeder. Finally, some signs of life! It made a little beeping sound, which I guess means it’s working.
Setting Up Feeding Times
The real fun began when I tried to schedule the feedings. The manual says you can set up multiple feedings throughout the day. Sounds easy enough, but here’s the catch – you can only do it through the app. But here is the kicker, I can’t set up a feeding schedule, when the device is powered by battery! I had to unplug the batteries, and use the power adapter, only then I can set up scheduled feedings in the app. Also, the recording will be played only when the device is powered by the regular power adapter. What a bummer!
Figuring Out Portion Sizes
Then there’s the whole portion size thing. The manual doesn’t really explain how much food each “portion” is. It’s kind of a guessing game. I started with two portions for each meal but quickly realized that was way too much for my cat. After some trial and error, I figured out that one portion is just about right for her. But even with the smart feeder, I wouldn’t leave my cat alone for more than a day. I divided her daily feed into four small portions instead of two. Also I set the first portion to be served very early in the morning.
The Verdict
So, is the Pet Genius Smart Feeder worth it? I don’t know… It’s definitely convenient, and I like that I can feed my cat even when I’m not home. But the setup process was a bit of a hassle, and I wish the manual was more detailed. I read online that there is an online version of the manual, but I can’t seem to find it. It’s a good thing I’m a patient guy. Also the limitation of battery power is really annoying. Overall, it’s a decent product, but it could definitely be better. There are still some mysteries though. What will happen if pet food blocks the food tray? I guess I will find out soon.
