Am I wrong for doing this?

Question

You know they tell you to feed for example a half a cup of food to the cat depending on its age or whatever. I dont measure the food I just put it in the bowl & refill it twice a day for them. They are okay my hint to giving them more food is an empy bowl. Is this bad? Should I measure the food?

I have two cats a 11 month boy and a 1 yr and 10 month girl. Both fixed.

They also meow when they want more food =]
I just switched to PurinaOne from Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix because it got kinda pricey I'm thinking of mixing them...

Answer 1

feeding cats the amount of food they want isnt bad, but you are also setting them up for becoming over weight. If you read directions on the back of a food package or talk to your vet about the amount they actually need in a day then that should be all they are getting in order to keep a healthy weight. They may act starved but they are not. The only problem with this is that you have 2 cats. You will have to watch closely to be sure that they are both getting enough to eat and that one or the other isnt stealing some from the others bowls. Self feeders that have food in them all the time are bad unless your going away for 2 days or so. This allows a bored cat to eat out of bordom rather than out of need. This will make a cat very fat very fast. Just keep up with the feedings and if they act hungry more at a certian part of the day, then break up there feedings to 2 times a day. Take there recommended amount and feed half of it in the morning and half of it in the evening so they dont meow and act crazy all day.

Answer 2

Cats are a little better than dogs at self-feeding. My 2 cats are self-fed, and as long as they both maintain a healthy weight, I will leave them be. If your cats are gorging on the food and are getting fat, I'd say it's time to regulate them. It can be really hard to do once they are used to having food available all the time, but it is worth the hassle if they live an extra 5 years because of it! Can you feel their ribs? Do they have a waist that you can see? If the answers are yes, I'd say keep doing what you're doing. If, however, they look like bowling balls with heads, it's time to cut back. Do it slowly to minimize the yowling, and switch to a weight reduction food. Do that slowly too though to avoid stomach upset. Generally, switching food over the course of a week is the best way. Mix the new with the old in increasing amounts over 7 days. Remember, obesity in animals can cause major health issues, which costs you money and anguish!
Good luck!

Answer 3

I have two cats as well 1 boy 1 girl both fixed. I have had them for over a year now and feed them the same way you do. I scoop some food out put it in and they come meow at me when they need more. I take the cats to the vet often and the vet says they are fine. I also read that you should have food and water out at all times for cats they enjoy snacking throughout the day. I think you're doing good. Just make sure the fod you feed them is a healthier brand.

Answer 4

Hi May,

Measure! I hardly even do that when I'm cooking - and that turns out fine on intuition and guesswork alone - the measures are there to serve as a guide only - so that you don't grossly under or overfeed your animal (and cats unlike dogs usually don't overeat -unless they have worms.)

My cats have always had regular meals and they like to go back at regular intivals during the day or night to have another nibble - so instead of one huge meal - which many dogs like - cats eat danty preportions throughout the day or at least in two meals. With dry food this is great - if birds or ants or other cats can't attack it - thats why I usually give that during the day and meat or tinned food at night with some dry food (so it wont go off)

You will soon learn how much your cats eat and this changes with age and energy levels and season.

My cats have always 'Told' me anyway ! :-) not much room for error there! --- you know the saying -- "Dogs have masters, Cats have servants" :-)

Use the recommendations as a guide - but trust me - follow your cat they'll tell you - but do try to get them into some routine so they they don't end up tripping you over on your way to the kitchen just for more treats! - give them an inch..... and you know the rest...

Wren8

Answer 5

The only thing that might happen is that you might end up with a fat cat. Most cats just eat when they are truly hungery unlike dogs who will eat until they explode if enough food is there. If the cats are indoor and don't get much exercise then you may want to consider measuring their food to help prevent them from getting too overweight. But generally it's not as much of a problem for cats as it would be for dogs. But hey at least you care enough to feed them.

Answer 6

I feed my cats twice a day, half a cup at each time. The easiest way of doing the is to use a coffe cup, dump half in each bowl. This way they are not getting too much food, but they have food available to them all day. I don't have set feeding times, usually feed them before work, and when I get home they let me know when their bowls are empty.

Answer 7

Is it Wet or Dry food?
Most cats are perfectly fine by having a bowl of dry food out for them, they'll eat when hungry. However, if you notice them always by the bowl or if they eat until the food is gone you will need to regulate their food intake until they realize they won't starve. When it comes to wet food, two cats should split a half a can maybe everyother day, although i know my parents give their cats wet food everyday (those kitties are a little over weight).

Answer 8

Cats are very independent and will eat when they choose. You should not limit their feeding time by giving them a measured amount of food once a day. Think about yourself-- you don't eat one cup of food in one sitting per day (most likely). Unless they do nothing but eat all day, I wouldn't change a thing. Also make sure they have a fresh supply of water at all times. =) good luck.

Answer 9

The biggest issue on how and how often to feed cats is because they get picky about their food. Examples are cats that will not eat food when it is not "fresh" or only choose to eat at certain times, in a certain area/s. If this method is working and they eat what you put out, that's fine. If your cats start to get fat, then worry about how much they are getting.

Answer 10

I have my cat and both my dogs on a bulk feeder. I believe they can regulate how much food they need. I've discovered that when they have as much food as they want they eat less. I think when they sometimes don't have food around it makes them nervous...so when the food is there they eat all of it out of fear that there might not be food later. When they become accustomed to having food when they want it, they just eat what they need.