Obesity is the most common nutritional problem affecting cats. In research likely to surprise veterinarians and cat owners*, cats that ate one meal a day were more satisfied, which could result in less food-begging behavior. The study results also suggest cutting back feeding frequency could help reduce the risk of obesity by controlling cats’ appetite and potentially making them eat less.
Source: Vet Candy, September 23, 2020. Link.
“There was no good research to back up the several-meals-a-day approach that many owners hear, and so we wanted to put some real data behind current feeding recommendations to be sure they were right for cats” – Kate Shoveller
Also see: *The best way to feed a cat, Animal Health Digest, April 2, 2019. Link. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the best way to feed cats is to replicate normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging),and to feed frequent small meals that the cat can savor alone.
INSIGHTS: Two articles. Two opposite views. A conundrum? Maybe, but leave it up to the individual cat.