Every cat I’ve had during my life regulated their own food intake. The important bit is that they consistently have food available. Once they learn to trust that it’s always there they don’t over-eat.

They also get a pouch of wet food every evening. Although it is very important to them that they get this (my cat sits next to her bowl and starts staring at me with this “I’m not angry, just disappointed” look about half an hour before dinner time) they don’t even always finish all their wet food.

It kind of depends on the season how much they eat. In winter they empty their wet food bowls, in summer they eat about 70% and leave the rest.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

My first cat was perfectly OK with free feeding

My second cat got chonk quick

Now, between 2 dogs and 3 cats, it's just easier to supervise twice daily meals. I also keep their food nearby in a plastic storage container (from the hardware store)