Mary Allen
Your cat steals your food as soon as you don’t look, and does it seem like an insatiable caterpillar? There are many possible reasons for your kitty’s constant hunger. Your animal world introduces them.
Sometimes a cat seems to be hungry all the time – it is always eating. But how do you know what amount of food is normal and what the normal eating behavior of cats looks like? The answer is of course different depending on the cat. Ultimately, you should know your kitty best and be able to assess whether she is suddenly eating more than usual.
In general, the cats appreciate routines and therefore often loudly ask for their food at the same time. They are also naturally more likely to eat several small meals throughout the day than just one or two large servings.
No wonder: after all, stray cats tend not to eat five mice at the same time, but only the prey that they have just killed. If cats do not eat for more than twelve hours, their stomach can become acidic, which can lead to nausea. The VCA veterinary clinics provide information about this.
When Cats Get Too Fat
Be careful if you are overweight: this can trigger health problems such as joint pain and diabetes. Therefore, it is better to feed your cat fewer calories per day. Be sure to discuss the changed menu with your vet and only change your diet slowly and step by step.
Even if your cat’s appetite seems unusual to you, as a precaution you should bring it to the practice and have it examined. Because behind this could be one of the following causes – which can be treated if necessary:
Worms Can Make Your Cat Hungry All the Time
Roundworms or tapeworms can be a reason your cat is constantly hungry. Sometimes they also cause diarrhea and weight loss. Young cats and outdoor cats are particularly susceptible to the parasites – but indoor cats can also get worms.
Fortunately, with the right medication, the parasites can be treated quickly and well. Regular worming is also important.
Hyperthyroidism
Does your cat have an increased appetite but lose weight at the same time? This may be due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This leads to its increased metabolism and faster heartbeat, which can eventually cause heart disease or stress on other organs.
Most cats from about seven years of age are affected by an overactive thyroid. It can usually be treated well with the help of medication and special nutrition.
Hungry Cat Due to Diabetes?
When a cat has diabetes, the body cannot convert glucose into energy, and the blood sugar level rises as a result. The number one cause of diabetes in cats is obesity. The first signs often include increased thirst – and hunger. It is usually treated like people with insulin injections. But a change in diet can also help here.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some gastrointestinal diseases can prevent your cat from properly absorbing the nutrients in their food. The result: She seems to be hungry all the time. One example is inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammation in the intestinal wall causes vomiting and diarrhea, among other things. Kitties then try to compensate for the loss of energy by eating more and more. Sometimes the opposite is true, and cats with inflammatory bowel disease will lose their appetite.
Colon Cancer
Similar symptoms can also indicate colon cancer. There are several types of tumors in the intestine, including lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. They can cause blockages and make it more difficult for most older cats to absorb nutrients. Therefore, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are all possible signs again. They are accompanied by a loss or increase in appetite, depending on the stage.
Curiosity and Youthful Arrogance
However, there are not always medical causes behind hungry cats – age and character can also ensure that they turn into the hungry caterpillar. Young cats in particular are particularly curious and cocky, they like to nibble on anything that gets in their way. Potentially poisonous foods and plants should therefore be secured well by their masters or not even brought into the house.
Does your cat keep jumping on the kitchen table or the worktop? Then it can help to distract them with something more exciting. Veterinarian Dr. Bonnie Markoff recommends, for example, crackling toys or climbing opportunities with catnip hidden on them.
Is Your Cat Hungry – or Bored?
Perhaps your cat is in the same way as many people – and they often don’t eat out of hunger, but out of boredom. Even then, you should make sure that your puss has enough variety. With certain toys, you can let them “work” for their food, for example.
Cat owners should also avoid giving their kitties the full daily ration of food at once. In theory, the animal should eat independently when it is hungry. In practice, however, some cats devour everything at once. Instead, an automatic feeder that spits out food at certain times of the day can be useful.
And last but not least, your kitty’s constant hunger may simply be due to the fact that she is not getting high-quality food. You should therefore also regularly check the cat food for a balanced nutritional content.