Lynn, with all due respect, this is anthropomorphization to the nth degree. The cat will get over not being fed as much as it wants to eat. It will get over it. Furthermore, it will not believe that you, its human companion, loves it any less. You are attributing emotions and thought processes to it that it does not possess.
Behold. Kirstie Ashleigh.
Revel in the gloriousness of her 20 lb. presence.
And how does Her Highness sleep and eat? You’ll never guess.
My experience doesn’t match yours. Though I’ve never thought my cats thought they were unloved for being fed less, I’ve definitely suffered through years of cats becoming anxious and pesky because of less food. Constant begging or harassment is annoying.
Many cats are extremely food-oriented. An empty dish is anxiety-producing, even if they aren’t hungry at that moment.
I’ve had other cats who didn’t seem to care if they ever ate again. As with people, there are definite degrees of food obsession amongst cats.
I agree with Zsofia here.
Cats (like humans) have a hard time reducing weight just by dieting. Increasing exercise to match the food intake is much more likely to be successful.
Years, huh! Wow, that sucks. My cats definitely got over it after a month or two.