How to reduce stress during mealtimes
1st July 2022
Cats do not enjoy sharing their resources with other cats, especially if they feel that the other cats represent a threat to their own access to a resource, in this case food. This can lead to competitive pressure during mealtimes. The following practices can help easing the situation and make mealtimes as enjoyable as possible.
ad lib | /ˌad ˈlib/ | adverb | as much and as often as desired
The ideal scenario: Cats are graze feeders and naturally prefer multiple small portions rather than two or three large ones. Ad lib feeding is difficult to encourage in multi-cat households as food can be stolen, needs serving multiple times a day and can dry out.
If you can’t feed ad lib, keep to regular feeding times. Cats prefer routine and predictability. Knowing when to expect their food can help lower the uncertainty when it comes to food availability.
Give each pet their own food bowl. Not only will this make your cats feel more relaxed but they’re more likely to get their necessary share of the food. Ideally you should prevent your cats from stealing each other’s food completely by using a SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect, as they only open for the designated pet.
Offer separate feeding places. Even if they look peaceful when sat side-by-side during mealtime, chances are that your cats will be keeping tabs on each other. If you can, give your cats their own feeding space so they don’t feel pressured whilst feeding.
Keep track of your cats’ feeding routine. Knowing when, how often and how much your cats eat can give you a better understanding of the group dynamic. Having secure access to their own food, you’ll perhaps start seeing them move to different feeding times or intervals.
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You can read more about feline behaviour here.
Always make sure to consult your vet, should you have concerns about your cat's wellbeing.
