For multi-cat households, it can sometimes be challenging to keep the peace, especially at mealtime. In her book, Cat Vs. Cat, Pam Johnson-Bennett offers 
these feeding time tips for multi-cat households:
- Cats don’t like to eat close to where they eliminate, so don’t put food and/or water dishes close to litterboxes.
- Keep food and water dishes separate. Some cats are very particular and don’t like bits of food getting into their water.
- Don’t feed cats out of one community bowl.
- Accommodate bowl preferences. Not all cats like eating from the same type bowl. Some may prefer a wider bowl, while others may prefer a small shallow bowl or plate.
- Wash water bowl daily and refill with fresh water.
- Don’t allow moist food to sit out for longer than 1/2 hour. Cats are very sensitive to smells and food left out too long loses its appetizing aroma.
- Be sure children in the house understand not to disturb the cats while cats are eating.
- Ensure all cats are getting the right amount of food. If one cat tends to gobble his food, then goes after another cat’s portion, consider feeding the slower eating cat in a different room with the door closed.
- Keep mealtime as peaceful as possible. Cats pick up on our tension and it can cause them to stop eating.
- If you notice changes in your cat’s appetite (whether increase or decrease), take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Written by Karen
