Most cats will happily eat whatever is offered, whether it’s food or a tasty treat. However, if they suddenly start scarfing down their food and meowing constantly for more, it may indicate an underlying problem that should be addressed by a veterinarian. Here we will discuss normal appetites in cats, signs of hunger, and possible causes of changes in a cat’s appetite.
Hunger in Cats: What’s Normal?
cats should be satisfied after finishing a meal as long as the appropriate amount of food is offered. Constant vocalization or scraping of food when this is not the cat’s typical behavior could indicate a problem.
Kittens are more likely to be hungry because they are in the growth phase, which means they need more calories to meet their body’s demands. Pet parents may also wonder “Why is my senior cat always hungry?” Senior cats may have increased appetites due to normal physiological changes that occur as cats age.
There are no cat breeds that are hungrier than others. However, similar to humans, cats are individuals with unique eating habits. What is normal for one cat may be abnormal for another. It is most important to know what is typical for your individual cat. If you have any concerns, bring them to your vet’s attention immediately so that appropriate treatment can be given.
Do Cats Get Full?
Cats usually stop eating when they are full. Unlike most dogs, who will eat until they’re miserable, most cats aren’t necessarily obsessed with food. Most cats eat slowly and stop when they feel satisfied.
It means that a cat is always hungry
Usually, cats vocalize when they anticipate food. Pet parents can hear long, loud meows until the food bowl is full, and then the cat sits quietly and eats.
Polyphagia, or extreme hunger, in cats can cause abnormal behaviors. If a cat is excessively hungry, they may eat their food, and then immediately vocalize for more. They may also become aggressive when a pet parent or other household pet is near their food bowl. Some cats can search for food by rummaging through trash cans. A cat can be found eating directly from the cat food bag if it is left within reach. Stealing food from a housemate’s bowl or even the dog’s food bowl can also indicate a problem.
Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? 9 Possible Reasons
There are a variety of reasons why cats seem constantly hungry, ranging in severity from mild causes, such as boredom, to more serious concerns, such as underlying health problems. Let’s look at the nine most common causes of increased appetite in cats.
Poor Diet
If a cat is not receiving a nutritionally complete diet, they may lack certain nutrients or proteins. Some lower quality foods contain filler ingredients, such as corn or wheat, which may initially fill a cat but leave them unsatisfied soon after. To avoid this, pet parents should choose a diet that meets AAFCO standards and has protein listed as the first ingredient. (Unless the cat has special dietary needs, in which case pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right diet.) Likewise, if a pet parent is not eating enough food, a cat may seem constantly hungry because they are not getting enough. calories To avoid this, pet parents should look at the label on the back of the cat food and feed according to the cat’s weight.
Boredom
Cats may be looking for food simply to give themselves something to do. Cats need mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent boredom and improve well-being. This can be achieved through play, climbing, socialization, training and quality time with a pet parent.
Increased activity
Cats that are more active burn more calories and therefore need more food. If a cat is given more vertical climbing space or a new cat is introduced into the home, for example, caloric needs will increase as playtime increases.
Age
Kittens grow quickly so they require more calories than adult cats and tend to eat more often. Likewise, as cats age, their metabolisms and body processes also change, which can result in increased appetites in the elderly.
Hyperthyroidism
With senior cats are often diagnosed hyperthyroidismwhich is an endocrine disorder that causes high levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid hormones increase metabolism, which results in increased appetite for hyperthyroid cats.
Diabetes
Middle-aged and older cats can be diagnosed diabetes mellitusa condition marked by a lack of insulin. Without enough insulin, cells in the cat’s body do not receive adequate glucose for energy. Because the cells are basically starving, a cat feels excessive hunger.
Cancer
Many types of cancers in cats can alter metabolism and increase hunger. For example, gastrointestinal lymphoma can interfere with nutrient absorption and increase caloric needs thereby increasing appetite.
Intestinal parasites
These parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. A cat may feel increased hunger as the parasite eats what the cat eats. Tapeworms is a type of intestinal parasite that can cause increased hunger.
Medicines
Some medications can cause hunger as a side effect. Appetite stimulants, corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and vitamin B are examples of medications that can make cats hungrier.
How to Treat a Cat that’s Always Hungry
Having a cat that is always hungry can be worrying and a bit frustrating. If your cat suddenly seems like they can’t get enough food, it’s time to visit the vet to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s hunger. A veterinarian can rule out medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and cancer, that may be contributing to your cat’s increased appetite. To do this, blood work and urinalysis may be completed. Additional imaging tests, such as radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound may also be necessary. If a medical condition is diagnosed, it can be treated with appropriate medication to get your cat’s appetite back to normal.
If medical conditions are ruled out, pet parents may benefit from discussing appropriate feeding guidelines with their veterinarian, including choosing a balanced diet and feeding the appropriate daily amounts at the correct frequency.
Additional measures that can be taken include making sure your cat gets enough mental stimulation and exercise throughout the day to avoid boredom.