Feeding Time for Cats - Should it be Scheduled or on Demand?

As any cat owner knows, cats can be a bit particular about when and what they eat. Some cats will only dine on fresh seafood, while others are happy to munch on whatever is put in front of them. A question that many cat owners have is whether cats should have scheduled meals or access to food at all times. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both options.

Scheduled Mealtimes

For those who work long hours or are not home very often, scheduled mealtimes can make feeding your cat easier. This way, you won’t have to worry about coming home to an empty bowl as your cat has already eaten its fill during the day. Scheduling meals also ensures that your cat is eating regularly which can help keep their weight regulated and support a healthy digestive system. However, scheduled mealtimes may lead to picky eating habits as cats become used to eating at the same time every day and may turn up their noses if fed something new.

Constant Access to Food

Cats are natural grazers so having constant access to food allows them to control when they eat and how much they eat throughout the day. This approach also allows cats to naturally regulate their caloric intake as some days they may eat more than others depending on how active they are feeling or how much energy they need for the day. On the downside, this approach requires more frequent refills of your kitty’s food bowl which can be difficult if you are away from home for long periods of time.

When it comes down to it, there is no right answer as each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your pet's lifestyle! If you find yourself out of the house frequently, having scheduled mealtimes may be easier as you won't have to worry about constantly keeping an eye on how much food is in your kitty's bowl. Conversely, providing constant access to food gives cats more autonomy over when they eat, which can help keep them active and engaged throughout the day – especially helpful if you don't spend lots of time with them during office hours! Whichever option you decide on, just make sure that your furry friend is getting all of their nutritional needs met!