10 Reasons Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? Understanding Feline Appetite
Currently, some common questions have started among people, why is my cat hungry all the time? How do I know if my cat is hungry? If you have a cat, you’ve probably faced this question. Cats move around most of the time and eat small amounts of food during the day. There are some cats whose tastes change. In such a situation you should understand how much food you will give them. This article will be of great help in knowing how often to feed a cat. Cat eating problems can be due to various reasons, so find out Why Is My Cat Always Hungry.
10 Reasons Why Is My Cat Always Hungry?
Your cat may seem hungry all the time, so there could be several reasons for being hungry. Although it is normal for cats to have a healthy appetite. But if there is excessive appetite, it may indicate an underlying problem. Here are ten possible reasons why your cat is constantly hungry:
1. Meeting Nutritional Needs
Your cat’s nutritional needs may increase due to factors such as growth, pregnancy, lactation, or illness. In such cases, they may naturally exhibit a greater appetite. So you need to feed your cat at the right time and make up for the nutritional deficiency.
2. Low-Quality Diet:
If your cat’s diet lacks essential nutrients, check the quality of the diet. Poor quality food may not provide enough satisfaction to the cat. So they may feel hungry even after eating. So, make sure you feed your cat a balanced and nutritious whole food.
3. High Activity Levels:
Cats with high energy levels may need more calories if they are engaged in physical activity. So this type of cat has an increased appetite. You notice if your cat is associated with high activity.
4. Parasitic Infections
If a cat has an intestinal parasitic infection, the amount of appetite is very high, such as worms, the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, etc. If the cat has this type of parasitic infection, give regular deworming to prevent it as an emergency.
05. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats. Where the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone. If you have an older cat in your home, check for hyperthyroidism. This is a symptom that increases the cat’s appetite.
06. Diabetes Mellitus:
One experiment showed that cats with diabetes had an increased appetite. Because their bodies can’t properly use glucose for energy. So, that’s why the cat’s appetite continues to increase.
07. Polyphagia
Polyphagia makes the cat excessively hungry, so it is characterized by increased food intake. Polyphagia can be caused by various underlying medical conditions in cats. Here are some guideline for easy understanding, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or pancreatic disorders.
08. Cat Stress or Anxiety
Cats may overeat or have an increased appetite when they are stressed or anxious. Also, changes in environment, routine, or the presence of other pets can cause increased anxiety in cats. Try to keep your cat free of stress or anxiety.
09. Feeding Schedule
A proper schedule should be made for feeding the cat. Cats that are used to eating without a feeding schedule tend to eat more food. So set a schedule to wean your cat off the constant eating habit. With a food list, the cat’s hunger can be determined and fed at the right time.
10. Begging Behavior:
Cats are very intelligent animals so they can learn quickly. They develop begging behavior toward their owners for food. If you unintentionally reinforce this behavior, your cat will get very hungry. So notice your cat’s behaviors and try to change them.
If you read the reasons mentioned above correctly, you will understand Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? Any pet should have a fixed food list by which you can easily make their food habits. You will also know when your cat feels hungry.
Readmore: How Much Exercise Do Cats Need?
FAQ
Is it normal for a cat to always be hungry?
Ans: No, it is not normal for a cat to be always hungry. A number of reasons can lead to persistent food habits in cats which we have already mentioned.
Should I Feed my Cat every time he’s Hungry?
Ans: Cats should never be fed more food than necessary. Feeding cats at 12-hour intervals will help them stay healthy and get the right amount of calories. But every day feed the cat properly according to the schedule morning, noon, afternoon, and night.
Is a Hungry Cat Always a Cause for Concern?
Ans: If your cat is not satisfied with its food, then you should understand that the cat has some kind of physical problem. Anxiety isn’t the only cause of increased appetite, there are many other symptoms, that can only be addressed by consulting a veterinarian. High levels of thyroid hormones in cats can cause increased appetite.
When should I be concerned about my cat’s hunger?
Ans: Veterinary advice should be sought quickly when a cat is experiencing more hunger than necessary. Due to a cat’s physical and mental changes, its appetite increases. So most cat owners get worried.
How do I stop my cat from being hungry all the time?
Ans: Make the cat’s attention to the game. And feed lots of little mini muffin pans. Through this process, you can create a normal eating habits for your cat.
Final wards
Finally, I will say that cat is an animal that can keep fit through sports. So there is no need for extra exercise for your cat. Since cats can follow anything very easily, so make their food schedule. If the cat develops an overeating habit despite being fine, contact a veterinarian quickly. A veterinarian with his skills and experience will be able to convince you, Why Is My Cat Always Hungry.