Will a cat know when to quit eating?

Question

I need to get a self feeder for my two cats occasionally when I'm gone overnight, I'm afraid they might eat too much and get overweight and one already is a bit. Do they know when to quit eating?

Answer 1

Most cats will stop eating onc they are satisfied (full). A few kitties will eat and eat until the bowl is empty. The problem with those self-feeding bowls is that it does give the cast access to "unlimited" food and cats that get bored will eat just to do something pleasurable; hence, it equals "fat kitty." I suggest that if you are going to be gone overnight, then feed the cats just before you go and place only a day'sration in the automatic feeding bowl so that it does not dispense unlimited food for the kitties to nibble at all night long. Most cats do well with a twice a day feeding.

Answer 2

In my experience, no. A cat will quite often eat more if left to "free feed" (food left out constantly). If there are two cats, there will usually be a bit of competition and survival instinct kicking in; one will get greedier and eat more almost as a stave off starvation tactic. If you are only gone overnight, perhaps put out only 1/2 as much extra...a little bit of time being hungry doesn't sound like it would hurt them to use up some extra stores of fat. A better solution would be to have someone come in and feed them their portions. Also, they enjoy the human companionship. They really do miss you when you're gone!

Answer 3

Cats won't stuff themselves. I've always had my cats on self-feeders and not a one was ever overweight. Just make sure the one that is a lil overweight is getting enough exercise.

Answer 4

often with worms (like the 1st individual pronounced) they have a tendency to eat extra by using fact the worms take foodstuff from the nutrition.... him no longer eating once you're long previous is in all risk loneliness yet in addition while you're leaving a manner for him to get exterior once you're long previous he's in all risk purely getting nutrition together as roaming around and then coming abode and eating by using fact which you're back. the two way i could get him a verify up on the vet and make useful there is not any longer something happening internally by using fact whilst animals do no longer eat that is not a stable sign.

Answer 5

If you have a cat that is over weight consider changing the food.
I had a kitten that was overweight and I switched foods and the weight came off.
AS far as a cat over eating - I dont think so - they know when they have had enough and are fulll

Answer 6

Most cats unlike dogs know when to quit eating. I have a self feeder.

Answer 7

Our kitties know when to stop eating, but sometimes they might eat just for the sake of it (just like people). To be safe, I only feed them the recommended amount of food on the packet and it's going great for them. They are a fine weight, although a little pudgier (cuddlier) than an outdoor cat would be. :)

Answer 8

Yes. They will quit eating when full. You don't have to worry about them, they're not like dogs. Dogs will eat until they explode or the food is all gone!.
Cats are smarter.

Answer 9

Sometimes cats will eat when they are bored they will eat for 3 minutes and came back and eat more.

Answer 10

Most all animals are instinctively wiser than a lot of Humans that I know. They react on instinct and do not let 'emotion' or 'intelligence' get in the way of natures plan for taking care of their health. They also do not watch reality programs!!