If the cat were to eat continuously, high toxic levels would be maintained in the blood stream and accumulative effect the cat's health. Meal feeding in 8-12 hour intervals assures that toxins in the blood peak only for short periods after ingestion and during digestion, after which they are nearly completely filtered from the body. Meal feeding a cat is not only more natural, it also provides a bonding opportunity between cat and care giver. It enhances the parental figure role of the care giver towards the cat. Such a relationship proves to be especially helpful when cat and care giver must relocate to a new residence.
All cats hold ownership over a certain territory.
This territory embodies the land off which the cat lives. The prey within its boundaries support the life of the cat, and she is quite willing to defend this security with her life. A cat used to having food available at all times may never make the connection that it is truly the human care giver who provides for her, and may experience anxiety when moved away from her familiar territory and reliable food source. It is very beneficial for healthy adult cats, to withhold all food for a 48hour period on occasions. This extended fast will enable the body to clear some accumulated toxins from fat tissue, and completely empty the bowl.