Free Feeding vs. Schedule Feeding for Cats: What’s Best for Your Pet?

Cat walking up to cat bowl.
Feeding your kitty is common sense. Deciding how to approach feeding can be a head scratcher,  though. You might ask yourself, "Should I free feed my cat?" and "Is free feeding bad for cats?” These questions are especially common if you’re a new cat parent. But don’t worry. We’ll talk all about what free feeding is and discuss its pros and cons. You’ll also get the low-down on how it compares to scheduled feeding. Plus, we also have important food safety tips so your cat stays healthy.

What Is Free Feeding Cats?

Free feeding means you leave food out for your cat to eat at its leisure throughout the day. Cat parents usually do this with dry kibble, since it can be left out longer. You might like the idea of free feeding - it seems more convenient for you and it sounds like it aligns with your cat’s natural grazing habits. But is it the right option for your cat?

Should I Free Feed My Cat?

Deciding whether to free feed your cat depends on several factors. This includes your cat’s age, health and eating habits. Here’s some food for thought. 
  1. Convenience for Pet Parents: Free feeding requires less strict scheduling, making it a convenient option if you’re busy.
  2. Weight Management: Cats with a tendency to overeat may pack on excess pounds with free feeding, especially if they’re less active. 
  3. Multiple Cats: If you have more than one cat in your home, free feeding can lead to competition or unequal food distribution.

Is Free Feeding Bad for Cats?

Free feeding isn’t inherently bad. But it does pose challenges and risks.
  1. Overeating and Obesity: Give your cat unrestricted access to food and he might overeat. This can lead to weight gain and related health issues.
  2. Food Spoilage: Food, especially a wet or moisture-rich variety, can spoil and potentially harm your cat if left out too long. 
  3. Behavioural Issues: Free feeding can sometimes discourage structured mealtime behaviours, making it harder to monitor your cat’s appetite and health.

Should I Free Feed My Kitten?

Your kitten has high energy needs and a metabolism fast as the wind. This might might make you think free feeding is a good idea. However, a scheduled feeding routine is often better to ensure they receive appropriate portions of nutrient-dense kitten food. Scheduled feedings also help promote good eating habits early on.

Free Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding Cats

Here’s a comparison to help you decide between free feeding and scheduled feeding:

Free Feeding Pros:

  • Convenient for you.
  • Cats can eat small meals throughout the day, mimicking natural grazing.

Free Feeding Cons:

  • Harder to monitor food intake.
  • Increased risk of overeating and weight gain.
  • Spoiled food risk with wet or moist foods.

Scheduled Feeding Pros:

  • Easier to control portion sizes and monitor eating habits.
  • Helps establish a routine.
  • Reduces the risk of overeating and food spoilage.

Scheduled Feeding Cons:

  • Requires more time and commitment from the owner.
  • May not align with all cats’ natural grazing instincts.

Can I Free Feed My Cat?

You can free feed your cat but we recommend you follow these guidelines so it’s done safely:

  1. Use Dry Food: Kibble is the safest option for free feeding. It doesn’t spoil as quickly as wet or moisture-rich food.
  2. Control Portions: Avoid refilling the bowl whenever it’s empty. Measure out the appropriate daily amount for your cat to prevent overeating.
  3. Monitor Weight: Regularly check your cat’s weight and adjust food portions as needed.
  4. Keep Multiple Cats in Check: Make sure each cat gets its fair share by using separate feeding stations if necessary.

Risks of Leaving Food Out Too Long

Wet food and gently cooked options can spoil quickly if left out. We recommend the following:
  • Dispose of Leftovers: Discard any wet food or liquid toppers that have been left out for more than 2 hours.
  • Use Kibble Safely: Dry food can typically be left out longer but should still be replaced daily to maintain freshness.
  • Follow Product Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for food storage and handling.

Food Safety Tips


Proper food safety and hygiene are crucial to keeping your cat healthy:
  1. Wash Bowls Daily: Clean and fully dry your cat’s food and water dishes every day.
  2. Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
  3. Monitor Portion Sizes: Only leave out the amount your cat is likely to consume within a specific time frame.
  4. Inspect Food: Check for any signs of spoilage like a bad odor, discoloration, or mold.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between free feeding and scheduled feeding depends on your cat’s individual needs and your lifestyle. Although free feeding can be convenient, you have to monitor your cat’s weight and practice proper food safety by following food safety guidelines.

The key is to make sure your cat receives the proper nutrition and care in order to thrive. This is true whether you choose to free feed your cat or opt for a scheduled routine. If you have concerns about your cat’s diet, ask your vet for personalized advice.

This article is meant only as an example of what might work well for your pet, please reach out to our Pet Parent Experience Team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your furry friend, we also recommend consulting your vet about any new diet, or environment changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pet’s medical history best!
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