I had always "free fed" my cats until I adopted Mitzi and Mishi from the rescue shelter. Because they were rescues, out on the streets they never knew where their next meal was coming from, so if they saw food was available, they'd eat and eat and eat until it was gone. Even being adopted into a furrever indoor home with food available at all times, they still ate as if they would not be getting a next meal for a very long time. Mitzi was already very round and needed to lose weight; Mishi began gaining weight at an alarming rate, so the vet recommended I switch to feeding twice a day.

They've adapted to this feeding schedule. Mitzi is still round, although I can tell she's lost a bit - she looks healthier and has more energy. Mishi is big, lean and very muscular now. He's lost the paunch that was beginning to ruin his manly physique - now he's my hunka, hunka orangie Maine Coon love

Ask your vet for recommendations. The goal is healthy and happy cats