Why Does My Cat Always Want Food?
Is your cat whining and begging for food between meals? Does it seem like she’s always hungry even after she’s just eaten?
If you feel like your cat is starting to look at food like she hasn’t eaten for an entire year, it’s time to do something about it.
Keep reading to learn more.
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Why Does My Cat Always Want Food?
If your cat has turned into a food-obsessed junkie, you’re not alone. Many cat parents have faced the same dilemma. It turns out, that cats love their food.
At the same time, cats differ from dogs in this aspect. Food isn’t one of their main motivators. So, if it seems like they’re genuinely hungry at all hours, this could be a sign of a serious problem.
Say you just fed them, then a short while later, it looks like they’re searching for scraps or begging for food. You may think it’s cute and adorable at first, or maybe you think your baby cat is going through a growth spurt.
Of course, as a proud parent, you want to give them all the help they need to grow and become strong, healthy adults. So, you feed your cat whenever it wants.
Yet, excessive eating, also known as polyphagia, could be a sign of a serious physiological problem. This includes diseases such as diabetes, overactive thyroid, and, in rare cases, cancer.
Another reason why your cat is eating more than it needs to could be overfeeding. Are you putting too much food in your cat’s bowl? Many owners make this mistake. They think their cat will stop eating once it’s full. This rarely, if ever, happens because cats are opportunistic eaters. They’ll eat everything put in front of them no matter what.
Other causes for your cat’s overeating could be psychological problems, like depression, loneliness, and grief. Unfortunately, this is often one factor that’s commonly overlooked by many cat owners. Some aren’t even aware that their cat can get depressed. Others don’t know the symptoms.
In this article, we’ll help you find the source of your cat’s food obsession. We’ll also list some possible solutions and treatments to help put an end to your cat’s overeating.
Typical Feeding Schedule for Cats
Kittens under six weeks old should, ideally, remain with their mothers. After that, you should introduce them gradually to wet food for a well-balanced diet.
Setting up a feeding schedule is crucial to maintain your cat’s nutritional needs. Plus, it’ll give it the sustenance it needs to keep up with its high energy demands.
The trick is to feed your cat at fixed times every day. You can set up a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
Getting them used to a predictable routine will prevent begging for food in between meals. Plus, it’ll help regulate their blood sugar levels.
Here’s a quick rundown of a typical feeding schedule for your kitty.
- 6 Weeks: Four or more small meals throughout the day; ⅓ – ¾ cup per feeding
- 12 Weeks: Three meals per day while slightly increasing the portions
- 6 Months and Older: Two meals daily with some dry food to snack on
Reasons for Your Cat’s Increased Appetite
Here are some reasons why your cat’s appetite is on the incline.
Overfeeding
We mentioned earlier how food isn’t a big cat motivator. However, if they find large amounts of food sitting there, they’re bound to eat it all without a second thought. Cats never pass up a free meal!
To put an end to overeating, place adequate portions for each meal. Then, allow for a handful of snacks between each meal.
Eating Too Quickly
An important factor you have to consider is where there’s another pet in your house. Does your cat feel the need to compete for food? If so, it’ll eat as much as possible with little thought to chewing to prevent other pets from grabbing its food.
If your cat shares the space with other animals, try placing its food in a place where it’ll feel safe. Another good idea is to cut up its food into small pieces and place them apart on the feeding tray.
You can also try automatic bowls and feeders. They give out individual bites and make your cat work a bit for food.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites, or worms, reside in the cat’s digestive tract. They feed off your cat’s nutrients and minerals. So, the reason why your cat is hungry all the time might be that it’s not getting enough nutrients from its food.
Bear in mind that worm infections, especially roundworms, will make your cat appear like it’s gaining weight. The reason is the swelling caused by the parasites, rather than excessive eating.
Your vet will ask for certain tests to determine the type of parasite infecting your cat. After that, it’s easy to keep them in check with the help of medication.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid increases hormone production. As a result, your cat uses up all its energy supply much too quickly. In other words, your cat’s metabolism is working overtime.
This constant burning of calories is what makes your cat constantly hungry.
Although its symptoms can be subtle, it can easily be diagnosed with a basic blood test. Luckily, hyperthyroidism is easily treated with medication.
Diabetes
If your cat’s pancreas isn’t working properly, it won’t produce enough insulin to convert sugars into energy. To make up for it, your cat will try to eat more as a way of increasing its energy levels.
Some other signs your cat may be suffering from diabetes are excessive thirst and constant urination.
Once diagnosed, your cat will require frequent insulin shots. Then, when its insulin levels are under control, its appetite will return to normal.
Cancer
If your vet has ruled out all other possible causes for your cat’s excessive eating, the next step is to test for cancer.
There are multiple reasons why cancer can cause an increase in your cat’s appetite. One reason is how its body is responding to the tumor, as well as all the changes it’s going through.
Boredom
It can be hard to imagine your cute and cuddly cat suffering from psychological issues. Yet, it’s true. They cope with loneliness and boredom, just like we do.
Do you feel your cat’s overeating is stress-related? Why not try engaging it with puzzle toys. These toys help keep felines busy and intellectually stimulated.
You can also make it a point to set aside some quality time to spend with your cat. Structured playtime can reduce your cat’s boredom and loneliness. As a result, your cat will gradually reduce its overeating habits and return to its normal eating schedule.
Depression
The symptoms of depression in cats are similar to those in humans. However, in many cases, owners don’t know that their feline pet is suffering from it.
Not only that, but some cats also turn to food as a coping mechanism. Depression in cats can be brought on by multiple stressors, some of which include:
- Switching to a new home environment
- Owner going back to work
- The arrival of a baby or a new pet
- Loss of a companion
Final Thoughts
As you’ve just learned, several factors could be the cause behind your cat’s overeating. To address your cat’s eating disorder, start by checking in with your vet. One or two simple tests can help guide you to the real cause of your cat’s excessive eating.