Pet food dispensers are a great way to feed your pet if you're going to be gone for an extended period of time. They are especially good for cats since they are more self-sufficient than dogs and don't require anyone to take them out for a walk. In the past I used to just leave a couple of big bowls of food and water on the floor for my cats if I was going to be gone for a long weekend, but those can easily be knocked over. A better alternative is a pet food dispenser, which keeps food and water safe from spillage. There are even pet food dispensers on the market which automatically feed your pet at certain times!