[ladypac4now]

this man that I room with has read in one book, one book, that leaving food out all day for a cat, shortens their life because it allows their digestive system to always be active..I think it is crap!..

[Kit]

We have always left dry food out for our cats and they seem to be fine. My one cat lived to be 8 years old and died from a blood clot in his brain. The rest of our cats are still alive and well.

[chelebeee]

I've always left dry food out for my cats, and they have all lived long, healthy lives (except for the one that got hit by a car).

[lizs1602]

I agree, total crap. Through fostering, I've "owned" more than 50 cats. My personal cat has lived with me for 7 years. I can confirm that each of these cats has had a different personality style and unique eating habits.*Most* cats will eat only when they're hungry, unlike people who tend to snack every time they pass the pantry. This completely eliminates any concerns right off the bat. No vet I've ever worked with has ever mentioned any lifespan concerns with regard to meal frequency, as long as the cat isn't like mine....My cat is very healthy but tends to binge because she had a rough time before I got her. I feed her small portions on a schedule. If your cat regularly eats too much and then vomits in the corner, don't leave food out; the inflammatory effect of overeating can be damaging.

[horsegurl11]

it is soo totally ok to leave dry food out!

[Kristina B]

No, i don't think that's true. it's only harmful if they get obese. if you put it that way, we are all going to die early too because we have food available to us whenever.

[Elle]

Some cats will become obese if allowed to "free feed". Being the only cat/pet in a home can limit it's exercise (no other pet to interact with). Be sure to be very diligent on exercise/play time for the cat (you playing with the cat to encourage exercise). Remember, the appropriate amount of calories taken for the amount of exercise to be expended (just like with people). If you eat all day long and do nothing, your cat will probably look it. They do have low calorie cat foods on the market. Cat's derive a lot of their fluid intake from their food. Just offering dry food may not be meeting this need. Unless a veterinarian advises otherwise moist food is a good idea (dry food is in fact dry). Not enough fuild intake can make them dehydrated. Not good for the kidneys over their life time. Ever pet owner know to offer water at all times, but sometimes it's not enough. Of course a veterinarian/AHT would give you sound advice

[gordythekitty]

I think it's not true. I do it with my cats and they have lived/are living long lives. It might be true but i doubt it.

[Scott M]

Every dog and cat I have ever owned had access to dry food and water 24 hours a day. I found they eat til they're full and stop. Next to occasional "treats" that's it. Theire weight is good, teeth are excelent and there isn't a fight for the food dish because they eat when they want, not all at once. try it, put out a dish of dry food and let them eat, when empty, re-fill. they'll realize hat foods always available and they won't panic at dinner time.If they continualy gorge themselves, you might have to go back to a regiment of morning and night.

[yourcool79]

My cat died from kidney failure because he was to fat. My nick name for him was Tug-boat. So now with my present cat, we only feed him 1/4 cup of kitty food in the morning and one at night. Unless the dog has eaten it ( we can tell if the dog has eaten it because she licks the bowl clean.) Hope this helps!!