Feeding cats on a schedule?

Question

I have three adult cats right now and we're thinking about get a dog in about half a year or so. I figured that I should start feeding them on a schedule to avoid the problem of the dog eating the cat's food. We currently free feed our cats Purina cat chow and I'm wondering how I should start feeding them on a schedule.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

do you have seperate bowls for each ?

I put food ouy for the cats at the same time of the morning each day and again at the same time in the evening ( wet food ) and keep a small bowk of dry food on top of the dryer where onlyb the cats can get at it . they each have their own bowl and get an even amount of food  and they can snack on dry in the day.

try that

Answer 2

I think your easiest resolution is to start feeding the cats up higher where the dog can't reach.  Otherwise it's going to be a long painful process with a fair amount of complaining from your cats.  Especially since they are older, it really is nearly impossible to get an old cat into new habits.

Answer 3

That's more difficult if you have 3 cats to train at once.

It is thought that cats feed many small regular meals throughout the day (and night) are healthier than free feeding cats, so it's probably a good thing to do.

You should do it gradually. Try putting out controlled portions at certain times during the day. 2 meals minimum, but preferably 3-6. Leave them some food out at night. This is important. Most cats sleep much of the day but are active and looking for food at night. 8 hours is too long for a cat to fast while we are sleeping. You may have to separate the dog from them at night so the dog won't eat their food.

Answer 4

I feed my cats morning and evening (wet food) and leave biscuits out in the day - you should give them sepperate bowls if you havent already?

Hope i helped! :)