One Cat Keeps Stealing From the Dual Dish! Stop Feeder Food Theft Now
Is one gluttonous cat repeatedly stealing food from your automated dual cat feeder? Read this guide to learn simple tricks to deter thieves and portions.
As a doting cat owner, keeping multiple furry friends well fed should be simple with designated bowls in a dual cat feeder.
However, when one greedy kitty consistently robs food from the allotted side not belonging to them, meal times descend into messy chaos!
Fear not, with some behavioral adjustments and access barriers, both cats can still thrive on customized feeding plans thanks to clever workarounds.
Why Cats Steal Chow From Dual Feeders
First, what motivates scamming cats to help themselves to off-limits grub? Common reasons include:
- Delicious food envy — If one bowl contains more appetizing fare, jealousy can compel thievery. Offer the same chow.
- Medical conditions — Certain diseases increase hunger beyond typical appetite. Have your vet run needed tests.
- Stress and anxiety — High stress levels may drive desperate behavior to find quick comfort through unnecessary snacking.
- Insufficient portions — Some cats require larger meal sizes if more active than their feline friends. Adjust accordingly.
- Sheer gluttony — A few cats simply live to eat! Their endless begging may not always reflect actual needs.
The easiest fixes target food quality disparity, medical issues, and incorrect portioning. Trickier motivations require behavioral interventions.
Stopping Dual Dish Food Theft
With strategic feeder adjustments and training tactics, owners can deter even the most determined thieves. Effective options include:
Use selective feeder models
- Purchase feeders featuring protective lids, doors, dividers or microchip controls allowing access to assigned bowls only.
Add physical barriers
- Floating food-guard rings, electrified mats or acrylic shields isolate greedy cats during feedings.
Feed cats in separate rooms
- Keeping thieves completely separated at meal times prevents sneak attacks.
Introduce puzzle feeders
- Making cats “hunt” to slowly earn bites reduces speed or ease of stealing.
Adjust feeding schedules
- Separate mealtimes forces proper turn taking without direct competition.
Method
Effectiveness
Convenience
Cost
Selective Feeders
High
High
Medium
Barriers
Medium
Medium
Low
Separate Rooms
High
Low
Low
Puzzle Feeders
Medium
Medium
Medium
Schedule Adjustments
Medium
Medium
Low
The chart shows device upgrades rank well for deterring theft with minimal added owner effort while separating cats causes the most disruption.
Budget plays a factor too — a pricey selective feeder may still beat installing a dedicated “eating room”!
Additional Tips For Curbing Food Fixation
Alongside whatever anti-theft feeder tweaks owners install, additional training can reinforce lawful feeding manners:
- Reward non-thieving cats with praise and treats during proper meal times
- Ignore begging behaviors rather than enhancing cravings with any attention
- Consider disguising food flavors if envy motivates crimes
- Consult veterinary behaviorists for stubborn cases of extreme obsession
Don’t despair if the battle feels temporarily lost to a foodaholic kitty! Consistency with training alongside dual cat feeder security upgrades will pay off.
Stick to designated bowls for entitled cats while limiting rewards received by cheating thieves. Peaceful shared feeder use will soon be restored.
Both impatient pets can learn renewed impulse control for dinnertime harmony.