How to Stop the Mealtime Meows: Tech Tips for a Peaceful Home

If your cat is anything like mine (shoutout to Donut), then you know the symphony of meows that starts at sunrise—and sometimes again at sunset—all in the name of FOOD. While we love our perfect fluffy angels, being the center of their feeding obsession can get exhausting, and noisy! The good news? With a little tech-savvy strategy, you can shift their focus and reclaim your mornings (and evenings). Here’s how I’ve trained Donut to meow at machines instead of me.

Step 1: Let an Automatic Feeder Do the Heavy Lifting

One of the best investments I’ve made as a cat parent is an automatic feeder. You can find versions for both dry food and wet food, and they allow you to program exact feeding times—no matter where you are or how early your cat likes to dine.

Personally, I set mine to go off around 6:00 AM, so Donut gets her breakfast without waking me up. It's also perfect two switch on in the evening to keep her dinner routine consistent while I’m at the gym or away on a trip.

One minute 'til breakfast, patiently waiting by the feeder.

Step 2: Use a Smart Home Assistant to Train Mealtime Expectations

If you’ve got a Google Home or Alexa, put it to work! I’ve set a daily alarm for Donut’s evening meal time. When the alarm chimes, she knows it’s time to eat. Over time, she’s come to associate that sound with food—not me walking toward the kitchen. It’s like Pavlov’s cat.

This simple shift trains your kitty to anticipate food based on tech cues, not your physical presence. That means less crying, less guilt, and way more freedom.

Zoned out, but quiet as a mouse one minute before dinner.

Technology isn’t just for humans—it can work wonders for your cat’s routine, too. With a little automation and consistency, your perfect little angel will learn that meals come from the magic of machines… and you’ll finally get a full night’s sleep and an evening in peace.

P.S. Don’t forget to give them a cuddle afterward—just because you're not the "food source" anymore doesn’t mean you're off snuggle duty!