I love it that there's people in the world who are so nerdy as to document such a thing.
Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
71–80 of 302 posts
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#72Earlier quoted context omitted.
As an owner of multiple cats, and fiance to a licensed veterinary technician, this sounds like good and sensible advice for maintaining a cat's health and well-being. We've caught many health issues by noticing changes in feeding, drinking, poo and litter box use. I don't know why you've gotten so many downvotes.
Having a feeding machine that operates on a regular schedule when your schedule is anything but does not mean you're being a delinquent pet owner. It doesn't mean you're oblivious to your pet's health. Some people have automatic coffee makers that run on a timer. Does that make them indifferent to their own health?
I didn't read any implication of delinquency or obliviousness into the OP's post. It seemed merely informative and another aspect to think about when considering how and when to feed your pets. A disagreement is not necessarily adversarial.
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#73Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#74Has he tried a increase in the cat's food intake? Seems low cost, low risk, and if it does not work you can resume armor plating the robot.
The author is a female.
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#75Wonder what would happen if you just gave the cat unlimited access to a large bowl of unguarded food all day every day. Would the cat eventually self-regulate the amount it ate? Or would you just end up with a really fat cat? Or both to some degree?
Knowing cats... It would just end up with a really fat cat.
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#76Wonder what would happen if you just gave the cat unlimited access to a large bowl of unguarded food all day every day. Would the cat eventually self-regulate the amount it ate? Or would you just end up with a really fat cat? Or both to some degree?
Depends on the cat. Some will self-regulate and maintain a healthy weight but many will over-eat.
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#77[deleted]
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#78Someone in the other thread suggested the problem is she can smell the rest of the food. I'd bet that's a huge contributor.
I thought the same when he said the cat was no longer interested in trying to defeat the metal box -- I bet the cat can't smell the food as strongly as it did without the box.
I've always found it easier to trick cats rather than force them to do things. But to trick a cat you must think like one. :)
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#79Simpler solution? Place cat feeder on top of refrigerator, long tube to direct falling food down to bowl on floor.
The top of a refrigerator is an easily accessible location for a feline. Additionally, putting any expensive gadget up high above a hard surface is a recipe for disaster.
> Additionally, putting any expensive gadget up high above a hard surface is a recipe for disaster.
Machine parts and cat vomit (because the explosion will have dropped all the dry food through the room) not your style?
Re: Cat-proofing a cat feeding machine
#80do not feed cats from a machine. Even if you are super busy, give her food in the morning and after you get home from work, that's more than enough. Perhaps at the same time as your breakfast and your dinner. Despite the common perception of cats as 'loners' , they still want to be part of your 'gang' not a lonely creature feeding from a machine. Ideally you would want to play with the cat before feeding her so she a…
Great points. Also feeding cats only dry food can lead to kidney problems in old age - they do not naturally drink much water, instead relying on moisture from their food sources. Feed good quality canned food!
Did you even read the article? TFA's cat gets wet food in the morning, dry in the evening.