Is it Healthier to Leave Food Out for Cats?

When making your cat's health a priority, consider not only the type of food you purchase but the amount and the way you feed her. Her diet affects her health many ways. It makes a difference whether you leave her meals out all day or feed on a schedule.

  1. About Cat Food

    • Cats are obligate carnivores; they need meat protein. Meat provides the nutrient taurine and the amino acid arginine, which are necessary for heart and vision health. Check the ingredients of the food you purchase to give your cat a healthy meal. In deciding between wet or dry food, consider that wet food spoils in hours but dry doesn't spoil, as long as it stays dry. No matter which method you feed your cat, moderate any treats you give her and always have clean, fresh water available. Never give an adult cat milk; cats are lactose intolerant and they'll develop vomiting and diarrhea.

    Timely Portions

    • The ASPCA recommends feeding your house cat measured amounts twice daily, with about 8 to 12 hours in between each meal. A regular feeding schedule accommodates pet owners' schedules and allows the kitty's stomach to empty and rest. Allow her to dine for roughly 30 minutes so that she does not rush when eating, which can cause her to vomit up any nutrition she consumes. Remove her food after 30 minutes. Throw away uneaten wet food or place it in the refrigerator. You can place uneaten dry food in a location your cat cannot access, as long as it's not wet or humid. There's no guarantee the cat will eat leftovers, though. If she acts like she's starving between meals, offer wheat grass to nibble on.

    Free-Feeding

    • Some owners "free-feed" cats -- they leave plenty of food available, allowing cats to eat whenever they want. It's not good for your cat. Not only may wet food spoil, but the cat may overeat and become obese. Obesity in cats decreases life expectancy. It lowers immunity, raises risk for heart disease, diabetes and liver problems. The added weight puts stress on her body and causes pain in the joints. If you choose to let your cat graze, you still need to monitor how much she eats, perhaps by using a food scale to measure the food. If she begins to pack on weight, decrease the amount of food you give her and visit a veterinarian.

    Your Individual Cat

    • The amount of food and method of feeding that are best for your cat vary according to a variety of factors. Overweight cats and sedentary cats require less food than active felines. Seasons affect how much a kitty consumes, too. She will naturally eat more in the winter, for example, to stay warm. A free-feeder will adjust on her own; for a cat fed on a schedule, you'll want to add a bit to the diet as cold weather comes around but watch to ensure she doesn't gain ounces. Kittens being weaned, sick cats and those recovering from surgery must have food available at all times and in a convenient location. If you have multiple cats, the timely portions method of feeding should prevent food territorialism. You can easily take note of changes in any individual cat's eating habits. Always consult a veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet or exercise.