I lived in a small town where the neighbor always had food out for her cats. She fed them outside and you can see where this is going. Yep, she attracted every other cat from blocks around. She also never spayed nor neutered her cats. As far as she was concerned, her cats lived outside and could enjoy their lives outside. I don't think that is very responsible way of treating nor looking after cats.
With our dogs, we regulate their food and part of feeding them on a schedule is the bonding that occurs with feeding them. They know when it is their breakfast and dinner time and it is a special, bonding time - as well as a time to care and feed them.
