Try to Use Automatic Pet Feeder to Instead of Free Feeding

Switching from free-feeding to an automatic pet feeder  helps manage a pet's weight by providing controlled portions and consistent, scheduled meals, which is especially useful for busy owners. Automatic feeders allow you to set specific feeding times and portion sizes, preventing overeating and obesity, and ensuring your pet is fed even when you are away. It's also a good transition method, as a consistent schedule can benefit your pet's health.

Benefits of automatic feeders

• Portion control: Prevents overeating and helps manage weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related health problems.
• Consistency: Ensures your pet receives meals on a regular schedule, even if your own schedule is unpredictable or you have to work long hours.
• Convenience: Guarantees your pet is fed on time, which is helpful for busy owners or when you are on vacation or working overnight.
• Multiple meals: Supports a more natural eating pattern for cats, who are often better suited to multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones. 

Transitioning from free-feeding

• Start with a schedule: Set the automatic feeder for a consistent meal schedule, which replaces the constant availability of food from free-feeding.
• Introduce gradually: You can transition slowly by first using the automatic feeder for one or two meals and continuing to free-feed for the others. Eventually, you can eliminate the free-feeding option.
• Manage portion sizes: Program the feeder to dispense the correct portion sizes for your pet's needs to avoid overeating.
• Address potential issues: Some pets may initially resist the change. You may need to gradually acclimate them to the new routine. Some automatic feeders have features that can help with this, such as a sound to signal mealtime. 

When human interaction is still important 

• Don't remove all human contact: Even if you use an automatic feeder for your pet's main meals, you can still use mealtimes as a bonding opportunity.
• Incorporate training: Use feeding time to reinforce commands like "sit" or "wait".
• Hand-feed some meals: You can manually hand-feed some meals or treats to create positive associations and maintain the human-pet bond.