Question:
We are owned by two spayed, female, 5-year-old cats.Recently, the calico was diagnosed with "food sensitivity." The vet prescribed innovative veterinary diets (IVD) -- green peas and rabbit. Both cats are doing fine with this food (dry).I was told to feed the cats twice daily, and this doesn't work with two different cats. The calico weighs 16.7 pounds, and the tuxedo just 8.1 pounds. Therefore, I have them on a regimen of 12 hours of available food (day) and 12 hours without (night). I always have water available. I asked the vet if this was OK, and he said it was.Is this method of feeding OK in your book, or should I just allow them their food all day? Please help. I feel I'm doing them a disservice with the 12-on/12-off.
B.J.O., Fresno, CA Apr 15, 2007
Answer:
I am glad to hear that your cats improved on the peas-and-rabbit diet. Dry food is risky for cats that don't drink enough water. Flavoring the water with a little milk, beef or fish juice "stock" can help encourage cats to keep themselves properly hydrated when on an all-dry-food diet.The feeding regimen that you have your cats on is fine provided they aren't overeating. Many cats self-regulate very well when dispenser-fed. Others don't, in which case, give them five to six small meals between breakfast and bedtime.
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