Feeding Your Cat: When Is the Right Time?
When you come home from work every day, do you feed your cat first, or do you eat your own dinner before feeding your feline friend? Some people believe you should feed the cat first to avoid constant meowing or begging, while others think they should eat first so the cat knows who's in charge.
So, which approach is correct? There isn't an absolute right or wrong answer to this question. It mainly depends on your lifestyle habits and your cat's personality. Additionally, if you have more than one cat at home, you'll need to consider which cat gets fed first.
Let's take a look at the recommended approaches in three different situations!
1. Feed the Cat First: Eating Yourself Becomes Easier
If you want to enjoy your dinner without being disturbed by your cat, feeding your cat first is a hassle-free choice. Cats usually become calmer and more settled after they've eaten, so they won't keep running over to stare at your food or meowing incessantly for a bite.
Some dog owners believe that eating first establishes a "dominant-subordinate" relationship between owner and pet. However, from a cat's perspective, the owner is simply an equal roommate and companion. Cats don't change their attitude toward you based on the order in which you eat.
In other words, whether you eat first or your cat eats first, it generally doesn't affect the human-cat relationship.
2. Owners Eat First: Helping to Establish Regular Mealtime Habits
Eating before your cat can help establish a regular feeding schedule. When you finish your meal first and then feed your cat, it provides a clear mealtime signal for your pet: once the owner has finished eating, it's the cat's turn. This is an effective way to help cats who often beg for food or have a poor sense of time develop consistent eating habits.
However, this approach is best suited for households with stable routines. If you frequently work late or come home very late, your cat may become hungry and restless, which can increase their stress instead of reducing it.
3. Multi-Cat Households: Feeding Your Resident Cats First for a More Harmonious Home
If you have multiple cats at home, a fundamental rule is to feed the more senior "resident cats" first. This helps reassure them that they are still valued, which can reduce conflicts between older and newer cats.
This principle doesn't only apply to mealtimes; it can also be extended to playtime, attention, and other everyday interactions. Providing your resident cats with priority in these areas helps maintain harmony in a multi-cat household.
However, cats don't naturally understand concepts like "first come, first served." Some of the more food-driven cats may try to sneak bites from others' bowls. In these cases, it's important for the owner to intervene by staggering feeding times or physically separating the feeding areas. This way, each cat can eat peacefully and feel secure.
Who Should Eat First – You or Your Cat?
Should you eat before your cat, or should your cat eat first? In reality, there's no one right answer.
What's most important is to pay close attention to your cat's reactions and needs. Try different approaches and gather some experience along the way. This will help you discover the eating routine that best fits your household.
