Give Each Cat Their Own Food Bowl - They Don't Want to
Each cat can be fed in a separate room in the home with the door closed. Typically, a regular feeding schedule is used, and each cat is given a certain amount of time to eat (e.g., 20 to 30 minutes). Water is freely available in several places at all times.
If they're both healthy, it's fine for them to drink out of the same bowl. However, cats might not like sharing a bowl, and they may stop drinking in protest. They also might not like the typically larger size of a dog's bowl. It's best to leave out separate bowls in different places for your dog and cat.
Feed them in separate rooms and close the doors between them during meal times. Feed the cats in the same room but at different times, while keeping other cats out until it's their turn. Feed cats in the same room but divide it into separate sections during mealtimes. Feed the cats on different levels.
Separate Food Bowls for Each Cat
Veterinarians and cat behaviorists agree that giving cats their own food bowls is best. In the wild, cats eat and hunt alone. They are wired to be protective of their food. Forcing cats to share bowls at home may result in cats eating too quickly, guarding bowls, or fights.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
The easiest way to stop cats from eating each other's food is to feed at set times and monitor them. Put down cat food at the same time at the same place every day and watch them eat. Your furry friends will soon learn when meal time is and will very likely be sitting behind you watching your every move.
Use different rooms
Meal time should never be stressful or challenging, so consider feeding them in separate rooms if you can. This is an especially good idea if one of your cats is likely to steal from another. You may have a cat who eats slower than the others, or who likes to nibble and take their time.
Try feeding each cat in a different room, putting their food bowls far apart or separating eating spaces with a barrier like a baby gate, trash can or chair.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
Cats are biologically programmed not to drink water which is near their food or near their toileting area - this is thought to be their instinctive avoidance of contaminating their water with potential sources of bacteria.
Cats with dental infections, inflammation in the mouth or gastrointestinal disease may avoid drinking water due to the discomfort it causes them. Cats with underlying health issues may be more likely to become dehydrated, especially those with kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and diabetes.
If you have multiple cats, they may be comfortable enough with each other to share the same litter box. However, there are several reasons, including territorial behavior, why some experts would advise at least one extra litter box in your home.
It may be that one of your cats eats different food and your other cats eat the same food. If this is the case, only the cat with different food needs to be isolated during meal time. Cats that are eating different food need to be kept separate until all cats in the household are done eating.
"From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day." Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.
Cats who eat dry food that you can make readily available may be left on their own for 24-48 hours as long as fresh water is accessible as well. Beyond that time frame, water may get too dirty to drink and the litter box full.
An important reason to switch foods is that it helps prevent sensitivities from developing. Cats and dogs that eat the same food for an extended period of time may become sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in their food. Varying their diet prevents the body from being overexposed to potential allergens.
If you let your cat eat when they choose to, a bowl of dry food left out overnight provides a snack if your cat feels peckish. However, most cats are happy to spend the night without food and wait until their breakfast the following morning.
Cat Family Hierarchies Explained
Don't just assume that the biggest, bossiest cat in your clan will be the top cat; there are other, more subtle signs to look out for. Who eats first at feeding time? The more dominant the cat, the more food he'll get, and he'll of course get to have first choice.
For most people, two to three cats are enough. For others 5 to 10 might be manageable. For the occasional feline aficionado with time, the patience of a saint, and money to burn, even larger numbers of cats can be successfully managed.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.