Is it harmful to a cat to leave dry food out for them all day?

Question

this man that I room with has read in one book, one book, that leaving food out all day for a cat, shortens their life because it allows their digestive system to always be active..I think it is crap!..

Answer 1

Free feeding is an acceptable option only if the particular cat doesn't tend to overeat and isn't already overweight. There are some cats that will eat whatever is put in front of them, and eat too much of it, but the majority of cats are 'snackers'. There is nothing wrong with them eating small amounts many times a day. This is one of the few areas where human and feline digestion is similar. It's actually more appropriate for humans to eat that way, as well, precisely because it keeps the metabolism working on a steady basis.

Also, if a person has dogs and cats, I would suggest not leaving cat food down for long - wet or dry. Dogs are often attracted to the higher protein content in cat food and are notorious for eating it before the cat can. Dogs have different nutritional needs than cats, and dogs constantly eating cat food can become ill. And obviously, if a cat can't eat because the dogs eaten it all, they'll get sick.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, you can always consult your veterinarian.

Answer 2

Some cats will become obese if allowed to "free feed". Being the only cat/pet in a home can limit it's exercise (no other pet to interact with). Be sure to be very diligent on exercise/play time for the cat (you playing with the cat to encourage exercise). Remember, the appropriate amount of calories taken for the amount of exercise to be expended (just like with people). If you eat all day long and do nothing, your cat will probably look it. They do have low calorie cat foods on the market. Cat's derive a lot of their fluid intake from their food. Just offering dry food may not be meeting this need. Unless a veterinarian advises otherwise moist food is a good idea (dry food is in fact dry). Not enough fuild intake can make them dehydrated. Not good for the kidneys over their life time. Ever pet owner know to offer water at all times, but sometimes it's not enough.
Of course a veterinarian/AHT would give you sound advice

Answer 3

I'm going with no. My cat is 11 years old and I've had him since he was 6 weeks old. This is how I've always fed him. The only problems he's developed are weak teeth so I put him on canned food twice a day for 6 months and now he's fine again and eating his dry food. I'd say that book's a bunch of crap!

Answer 4

I agree, total crap. Through fostering, I've "owned" more than 50 cats. My personal cat has lived with me for 7 years. I can confirm that each of these cats has had a different personality style and unique eating habits.

*Most* cats will eat only when they're hungry, unlike people who tend to snack every time they pass the pantry. This completely eliminates any concerns right off the bat. No vet I've ever worked with has ever mentioned any lifespan concerns with regard to meal frequency, as long as the cat isn't like mine....

My cat is very healthy but tends to binge because she had a rough time before I got her. I feed her small portions on a schedule. If your cat regularly eats too much and then vomits in the corner, don't leave food out; the inflammatory effect of overeating can be damaging.

Answer 5

No, it's not harmful, if the cat likes to graze all day instead of eating only 2 times a day, then let it. No harm will come to the food or cat, really. Yea I think it's crap too, my cat has dry food out all the time and she's healthy only eats when she's hungry..

Answer 6

it tends to lead to obecity because it is always available and they will eat all the time, there are some cats that won't over eat a lot will. it is best for the cat to have set meal times and you give them the recomended amount served in 2-4 meals.

if you want to leave food out all the time put down the recomended daily amount of food in the morning and then don't fill it up again till the next morning.

Answer 7

Every dog and cat I have ever owned had access to dry food and water 24 hours a day. I found they eat til they're full and stop. Next to occasional "treats" that's it. Theire weight is good, teeth are excelent and there isn't a fight for the food dish because they eat when they want, not all at once.

try it, put out a dish of dry food and let them eat, when empty, re-fill. they'll realize hat foods always available and they won't panic at dinner time.

If they continualy gorge themselves, you might have to go back to a regiment of morning and night.

Answer 8

No it's not harmful. In fact you will have happy, healthier cats if they can munch or nibble when they are hungry instead of having to gobble their food when they get it because they know they aren't going to get more for a while.

The only time it would be harmful is if you sprayed insect spray or something similar in the area of their bowl, and it got on their food. But you know better....right?

I've always free-fed (a bowl inside and one outside) and I have never had a cat overweight from over-eating.

And no animals were harmed in making this answer!

Answer 9

I have two cats. One is 19 years old and I've been leaving dry food out all day her whole life.

Answer 10

I leave the dry food bowls out so they can have a bite when they need to. Cats don't eat like dogs. They don't eat an entire bowl each time they want to eat. They just craze. We can't believe everything we read.