As a responsible pet parent, you want to provide your furry friend with the best care possible. That includes a nutritious diet. One common question around nutrition is whether free feeding is OK. Free feeding is the practice of leaving food available for cats to eat whenever they please. While you might think this is a compassionate way to dish up food for your feline friend, the reality is it’s not as beneficial as it may seem.
We’re going to explore the concept of free feeding. Then, we’ll discuss the reasons why some people choose this method, as well as reveal the drawbacks. Ultimately, the hope is that you’ll be armed with enough information to decide how to proceed with feeding your fur baby and keeping them healthy for the long haul.
Everything you need to know about free feeding
Free feeding means keeping a bowl of food accessible to your cat all day, allowing them to eat whenever they feel hungry. Unlike scheduled feeding, where a cat parent doles out the grub at specific meal times, free feeding lets cats graze on their food at their own pace.
Why do people free feed their cats
Convenience is a significant factor that leads people to choose free feeding for their cats. With this method, there’s no need to stick to rigid feeding schedules, making it ideal for busy households or pet parents who are away from home for extended periods. Some pet parents in a multi-cat household may also prefer this method to ensure all cats, no matter their individual hunger needs, always have access to food. Additionally, some believe that this method prevents cats from experiencing hunger or anxiety related to meal times.
Is free feeding bad or good
While free feeding can be convenient, there are potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the risk of overeating, thereby leading to obesity. Cats with unlimited access to food may consume more calories than necessary, leading to weight gain and associated health issues. Monitoring your cat’s appetite becomes challenging with free feeding, making it difficult to notice changes that could indicate health concerns.
A second drawback of free feeding is that frequent eating dehydrates your cat. According to Dr. Jules Mantler of Red Dog Blue Kat, every time your cat grazes, “they are using up essential moisture from their system just to be able to digest the food, therefore keeping them in a cycle of systematic dehydration.”
A third downside of free feeding is the impact on establishing a consistent litter box routine. Scheduled feeding allows pet parents to anticipate when their cats will need the litter box scooped. With free feeding, cats may have unpredictable elimination habits, which can complicate keeping the litter box clean and tidy.
Deciding how to feed your cat
While free feeding may seem convenient, it’s crucial to consider whether it suits your cat’s needs. If you choose to free feed, closely monitor your cat’s food intake, practice portion control, and ensure they get active playtime to prevent weight gain and associated health problems.
Alternatively, scheduled feeding offers a structured routine, allows you to monitor your cat’s eating habits more closely, and keeps litter box cleaning on a consistent schedule.
When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding approach for your beloved fur baby.
