Purchased this item couple weeks ago. Did exactly what instructions said to set up feeding schedule. We made sure it was working couple days before going away for long weekend. Got home and cat was yowling and crying. Didn't know if he was hungry or just glad to see us. Watched the feeder next couple days. I had it set to dispense once in morning and once in evening. The next morning feeding dispensed about 1 T. of food! It was suppose to be fourth cup! Evening dispensed a scant fourth cup. Next morning NO food was dispensed. Evening feeding NOTHING! So I have to believe my cat was HUNGRY when we returned home from our trip! We will be returning this thing tomorrow!