Before we get started, did you read the article 6 Reasons to Stop Free Feeding? It is helpful to understand why schedule feeding is better for your pets.
How to Make the Change to Scheduled Feeding?
If you are ready to stop free feeding, here are the simple steps to do so.
Step 1: Choose how frequently you will feed your cat. Most cats just need to be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Kittens under 6 months are the only case where free feeding is ideal or a feeding schedule of 3-6 times a day.
Step 2: Choose how much food your cat will receive. Some cat owners simply keep the bowl full and add more kibble when it gets low, not knowing how much food their cat truly consumes in a day.
For a general idea of how much to feed your cat, refer to the amount on the cat food bag, these quantities, frequently overestimate how much food a cat actually requires, but it is completely up to you. Talk to your veterinarian for the exact measurement your cat needs the next time you go in for a checkup another great way to decide.
Step 3: Give your cat food bowl a thorough cleaning. If you've been free feeding your cat for some time, it's likely that the bowl hasn't been washed in a while.
Step 4: Fill the bowl with your cat’s food and set it down on the floor during the next mealtime. She might not consume anything! Don't stress over it! If you are just switching over, it might take to the next day for them to get hungrier once they realize food is now scheduled.
Step 5: Keep an eye on your cat for the first couple of days, determine how much food your cat consumed, measure any leftovers, and subtract them from your first measurement.
Step 6: Wait until the next scheduled meal before feeding your cat. (Occasional little snacks are acceptable, but nothing more!)
Step 7: Repetition of steps 4 and 5 should be done at the following mealtime.
Your cat should start eating as soon as the bowl touches the ground after 48 hours, if not all of the food you feed her.
Tip: This is also the perfect time to teach your cat to sit before you give them their bowl. However, if you want to do this I would first train them how to sit with treats before training them to sit before their meal. Read “How Your Cat to Sit” here!
Troubleshooting #1
Q: Despite eating everything in her bowl, my cat still appears to be hungry. Most cats are "hungry" all the time especially if it is a rescue; they struggle with self-control.
A: If your cat is gobbling up all her food but you are providing the amount recommended on the cat food bag then wait about a week before changing anything. Make the necessary adjustments based on whether or not she is gaining or losing weight.
Troubleshooting #2
Q: My cat isn't finishing their meals.
A: If your cat regularly refuses to finish her food, you are probably just giving her too much. Lessen the amount of food you give her. Don’t feed her any treats throughout the day for a couple days so she can adjust to the new schedule.
Troubleshooting #3
Q: When I placed the food down, my cat isn't interested, so I added a little water, broth, chicken, cat treats or other foods.
A: Stop! The cat is training you. She is purposely neglecting her food until there is a tasty snack in it because she knows that if she doesn't eat it, you will crack first and give her what she wants. If you wish to give your cat a special reward, do so before you set the food bowl on the floor as a training aid or a treat after she has finished her food as a “good job”. But do not give her extra “toppings” after she has decided to disregard her ordinary kibble.
Conclusion:
This procedure is not that challenging. Stick to your guns, feed your cat food two to three times a day, and avoid including any "goodies" to tempt him to eat. A healthy cat won't starve to death, if they are not eating at all that would indicate some health concerns, upset stomach or sometimes even fear (such as other animals in the house during mealtime). Prior to starting this treatment, speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s health.