The kernel does stuff like
- process and CPU task management
- hardware abstraction
- memory management (at the process level),
- file system managment
- and resource isolation (such as randomized memory addresses (ASLR))
The rest of the OS provides the actual software that users interact with, like
- file managers
- desktop rendering and window management
- settings menus
- sound mixing between applications
- graphics rendering
My first cat was perfectly OK with free feeding
My second cat got chonk quick
Now, between 2 dogs and 3 cats, it’s just easier to supervise twice daily meals. I also keep their food nearby in a plastic storage container (from the hardware store)