Should cats be "free fed", or get food at specific times of day?

Question

I have two cats, and they go nutty at feeding times, now would they be better off if I just free fed them, and they could eat what they want when they want?

Answer 1

All the vets I've ever talked to, said feed them at specific times always in the same place. Those vets did NOT have to deal with the cats! I put a bowl on a tray on the floor, and it is kept full. Even so, the Princess will throw a fit if her daddy comes home from work and doesn't bring her something or put food in the bowl immediately. I don't know how normal cats react. Mine aren't normal!

Answer 2

I worked in an animal hospital and a shelter. Animals should NOT be free fed. This leads to many problems, such as:

-Weight problems - When food is available all the time, they will eat it all the time. The serving suggestions are there for a reason. If it says a cup a day, give 1/2 a cup in the morning and half at night.

-"Who's the boss" problems - When you're filling that bowl up because you're cat's meowing at you, who runs the house?

-Infestation problems - When food is sitting out for a long period of time because the cat is full and doesn't want anymore right now, it attracts bugs.

-MONEY PROBLEMS - When you keep the food filled 24/7, it goes much quicker than when you feed only when you're supposed to.

I have two cats who only get feed in the morning and at night, each getting a total of a 1/2 a cup a day, per the instructions on the food bag. This helps with weight control, establishing who is the alpha, and since they "clear their plates" each time they eat, I have no bug problems. They only beg for food when it is getting close to breakfast or dinner time. Sometimes they beg for human food, but that's simply because they can smell certain foods... For instance, if my husband is eating taquitos, they beg for food from him. If I am eating an apple, they leave me alone, since the apple doesn't really have a strong, room filling scent.

My older cat was a lot overweight and has lost about a pound (equal to about 10 pounds for us) once I stopped free feeding.

My younger cat is a very healthy weight according to the vet.

And I don't have to buy an 8 pound bag of cat food but once a month.

Also, wet food is mainly for treats or very young or old cats who cannot use their teeth. Wet food promotes plaque build up while dry food (when it is chewed and broken into bits) naturally scrapes plaque off.

Point in case: My mom's dog, 9 years old, in PERFECT health. NO plaque (VERY unusual for a dog her age) and at a perfect weight. The secret? Dry food feed at certain times of the day.

Answer 3

I free feed my cat dry food all day and night and give her moist in the morning and evening. I think as long as your cat is not an overeater you should be okay leaving dry out. Cats like to nibble a little at a time. I leave about half a cup of dry food for her to nibble on while I'm at work or sleeping - she's a normal weight and perfectly healthy.

Answer 4

I have a dog and 3 cats and I keep food out for all of them to eat as they want/need. Although lately the dog has been helping herself to the cat food so i have been feeding them at certain times to make sure they are getting enough to eat.

Answer 5

what i do is put the amount that i want them to eat in that day out for them to eat from whenever they want throughout the day. i estimate how much to put after reading what it says on the bag depending on their weight. the reason i do this is because i dont want them to eat more than they are supposed to and become overweight. i put 1 cup of food for 2 cats every morning and they come and eat a little whenever they feel like it. there is usually a couple of pieces left in the bowls the next morning so i know what i put was good enough and i am not starving them.
i used to feed them 2 times a day before, but realized that they prefer to have the food out to eat whenever they feel like it. they are happier that way.

Answer 6

Some good answers above!

Much of what I have learned if from a vet. If you want to keep a close eye on your pets weight, then only feed (it/them) at specific times but keep the time regular.

It would be wise to check with your vet and find out what type of food to feed the pet (dry/moist) and how often.

Some over-the-counter pet foods are better left at the supermarket.

IMHO,

Nice Kitty! Ü

The Ol' Sasquatch Ü

Answer 7

Depends on a couple of things. First, if they eat only dry food, is it possible to leave the food out without attracting roaches or other varmints, i.e. mice, etc. Second, do your cats know when to stop eating or do they just keep feeding and gain weight? So, long story short, depends on your climate and cats' food temperament.

Answer 8

I have 15 cats and I leave dry food out at all times,and feed canned in the evening.My cats are all very healthy and only two of them are really chubby,both lazy boys.

Answer 9

I have one kitten that is 9 months old, I keep a bowel of dry food out at all times and feed him a mixture of half wet\ half dry food 2 times a day, this way you know your cat is eating at least twice a day and if he\she feels a little hungry between meals it is there for them, and for those of you who thinks he may eat too much, he hardly ever eats the dry food left out for him.

Answer 10

My kittens bowl hold about 2 1/2 cups of dry food. I keep it out for her.. she nibbles all day..she does fine. I asked the same question on here and thats the advice i was given. I tried it and was told they only snack most of the time and I watch her and its true she snacks . Un like dogs , they gorge. As long as the food is healthy the cat should do fine. I get some pretty good advice on here for my kitten.