Have you ever given your cat an extra treat because they looked at you with those irresistible eyes?

For many cat parents, food becomes one of the easiest ways to show love. I did it too. Growing up, I watched my mom feed outdoor cats whenever they showed up hungry, so when I had cats of my own, I kept their bowls full and refilled them whenever they were empty.

It wasn't until a veterinarian suggested controlled feeding that I realized I might be confusing food with affection. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how changing my cats' feeding routine helped them stay healthier and taught me that love comes in many forms beyond treats and food bowls.

What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode

•  What controlled feeding means for cats 
•  Why free-feeding can sometimes lead to weight gain 
•  How portion control helped my cats stay healthier 
•  The health benefits of scheduled feeding 
•  Why affection and food are not always the same thing 
•  Alternative ways to show your cat love besides treats 

Timestamps & Chapters

00:00 Have you ever given your cat an extra treat because they looked adorable?

00:24 Growing up with outdoor cats and free-feeding

00:52 The vet visit that introduced me to controlled feeding

01:25 Moving from free-feeding to scheduled meals

01:55 Learning portion control

02:18 Realizing I was using food as affection

02:48 Why cats need connection, not just calories

03:08 Health benefits of controlled feeding

03:25 Other ways to show cats love

03:38 Not every expression of love comes from a food bowl

This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats:
https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/

About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast

Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats.

This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian.

Most of all, please remember:
 You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.