Tried free-feeding today - FAIL

[MrsBertMacklin]

Planned on being out late tonight, so thought I'd put the full days worth of dry food down plus a bit extra.

Came home on time - all food gone, what was a brand new litter tray this morning, extremely well-used (usually gets a solids contribution once a day) and regular visits still being made.

Won't be doing that again! Time to get an auto feeder.

Many cats can't self-regulate when it comes to food and are - not to mince words - pigs. Best not to give them any extra (it won't do them any harm to be hungry for an hour or two) and maybe consider a feeding ball or two (or other forage toys) if they're to have dried?

Has the tray use stopped?

Go with the auto feeder else food will be troughed.

Yes, was a one-off experiment to see if she is able to control herself.

I've had a feeding ball in play for a while, it ekes out the time taken to eat a meal, but she won't leave it alone until it's empty, so that's not an option for nights out.

Litter tray has been cleaned and cat's now on top of the sofa, reminding me of how my grandad looked after his Christmas dinner.

Hah! (Forgot it was only one girl.)

Don't let her guilt trip you. Remember that you're Top Cat - even if it doesn't always feel like it.