Our Cat and Problem Eating: the Self Regulation Trap

We used to have a skinny cat. We left dry food out for her all day, so she could help herself to what she needed. Then she began to put on weight. We noticed she was snacking every so often, sometimes 15 minutes after she had just eaten a huge meal, adding up to way more than she should eat. She seemed to be snacking when she was bored, wandering aimlessly around the house, spending less time outside. Then I took the constant food supply away and in the beginning she complained loudly when she wanted food, now she can wait a bit longer before I give in. She looks a bit thinner already, but it's going to take time. Self regulation can be a huge problem. And to think, this happens with people too. We are expected to regulate our meals, but often there's a constant supply of choice. Lots to learn from a cat and her eating.