Will my cat be okay if I don't leave food out for her overnight?

Yes she can pass the night without eating without problems. Feed her twice daily and then, if you want, leave some (small amount) of dry food outside in different places could be an option.

Hi Anita, Misty looks like she's a good body condition now. Some cats just don't like wet food. It would be fine to feed her only dry food, but I would advise getting her a pet fountain to help make sure she drinks enough water. Cats love running water and pet fountains can really help. In the summer when she is more active, I would just feed her more of the dry or switch to a food that has a few more calories. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like what you are doing is perfect if their weight is ideal. It is fine to just leave food out 24/7. This might need to change if your cats become overweight. Best of luck with your little ones!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. On average, most normal sized cats should be between 8 and 12 pounds. Any cat over 12 pounds (unless it is a large breed cat like a Maine Coon) would be considered overweight. So, Mittens is at the high end of the range already. Based on the photos she does look to be overweight. Due to her body frame I would say 10-11 pounds would be a more ideal weight for her. You just need to cut back on her food. Typically wet food is very high in calories so I suggest you cut that way back or stop giving it all together. My recommendation would be to work with your vet on weight loss if you attempt to get her to lose weight and she doesn't. Sometimes a prescription weight loss diet is needed. Many cats are just vocal - it doesn't mean they are hungry. If you give in to her every time she begs you she will continue to gain weight. Many times it is not food they are after is that they are getting something from you (it's like a type of bonding). You many have to get her an automatic feeder so she does not associate you with food. Hope this. helps. Best wishes.

As long as she isn't a big eater she might get by with that amount of food, though ideally, I would like for her to have someone come in at least once art way through your absence to make sure she's got plenty of food and water until you get home. If there is a family member, friend or neighbor that could look in on her that would be perfect.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she has open eyes, most of her kitten teeth, can walk, and is otherwise doing well, you can actually start leaving some kitten food out for her. Canned kitten food mixed with formula/milk is a good place to start. You can leave this for her before bed and she can eat it throughout the night. I definitely recommend a maximum of 8 hours between feedings if she will not eat kitten food. Best wishes to you and your kitten!

if your cat is of normal weight and gets enough exercise, you can leave it at that. If you prefer to feed individual meals (2-3 times a day) you should slowly transition to wet/canned food and slowly reduce the dry food. Wet food overall is better for your cat, especially when a cat gets older. It contains less carbohydrates (cats are obligatory carnivores, so mainly need protein, not carbs), lessens the chance of your cat becoming a diabetic, and ensures that your cat gets more moisture with its food rather than having to drink more. If you feed canned food, stick with pate-type food, as cats tend to only lick off the gravy in chunky type foods. They prefer the ground mouse approach :D