I just keep the bag of dry food next to their bowls. Neither has ever tried to get into it, probably because it’s just easier to eat from their bowls that we ensure has plenty of dry food in it 24/7.
Every cat I’ve had during my life regulated their own food intake. The important bit is that they consistently have food available. Once they learn to trust that it’s always there they don’t over-eat.
They also get a pouch of wet food every evening. Although it is very important to them that they get this (my cat sits next to her bowl and starts staring at me with this “I’m not angry, just disappointed” look about half an hour before dinner time) they don’t even always finish all their wet food.
It kind of depends on the season how much they eat. In winter they empty their wet food bowls, in summer they eat about 70% and leave the rest.
Now, between 2 dogs and 3 cats, it’s just easier to supervise twice daily meals. I also keep their food nearby in a plastic storage container (from the hardware store)
I just keep the bag of dry food next to their bowls. Neither has ever tried to get into it, probably because it’s just easier to eat from their bowls that we ensure has plenty of dry food in it 24/7.
Only works if they can self regulate their eating
Every cat I’ve had during my life regulated their own food intake. The important bit is that they consistently have food available. Once they learn to trust that it’s always there they don’t over-eat.
They also get a pouch of wet food every evening. Although it is very important to them that they get this (my cat sits next to her bowl and starts staring at me with this “I’m not angry, just disappointed” look about half an hour before dinner time) they don’t even always finish all their wet food.
It kind of depends on the season how much they eat. In winter they empty their wet food bowls, in summer they eat about 70% and leave the rest.
My first cat was perfectly OK with free feeding
My second cat got chonk quick
Now, between 2 dogs and 3 cats, it’s just easier to supervise twice daily meals. I also keep their food nearby in a plastic storage container (from the hardware store)