Lerah021399 advice is right on the money! And do not think it is not possible to retrain cats to eat like this. I have 13 and ALL of them eat in an area separate from the others (most in a carrier). They were all free fed before they came here and needed to adjust and they did just fine. Their first couple of meals were not as smooth as you would like (they would not eat the whole thing) but soon they realize that it is now or wait until 12 hours later. It is the best system that I know of to 1) feed different food and 2) monitor intake. I know immediately if one cat is not eating and possible not feeling well. Good luck with the diabetic.