It doesn't work if you normally don't let your cat choose their meal times. But cats do develop food intelligence unlike dogs and will only eat what they need - the key is they have to have a reliable expectation that food is always available.

An automatic feeder helps - since getting one there's always good in my cats bowl but she only eats a little at a time.

Ahem, my dog will not eat and save his food for later when he's had too much food lately - I think that's what you're referring to as food intelligence.

He often does this by burying the chicken drumstick under dirt and leaves, which I think is not uncommon for dogs.

Not unlike dogs. Dogs are the same.

Cat don't become fat from single large meal.