Why is my cat hungry all the time? Reasons, Signs & Tips To Use

Are you keeping asking: why is my cat hungry all the time? 

Is your furry feline friend constantly begging for food, even right after a full meal? 

If you find yourself constantly feeding your cat only to have them still meowing for more seconds later, you're not alone. 

Because Many cat owners struggle with cats that always seem to have an empty bowl, we’ll answer your questions in this blog. So keep reading.

Reasons why is my cat hungry all the time? :

Beyond simply having a big appetite, constant hunger in cats can indicate a health issue or problem with their diet, there are a number of reasons your cat may always seem hungry and want more food.

• Overeating/Greediness:

Some cats simply overeat because they're given too much food or beg for additional snacks. This can lead to weight gain over time.

• Boredom/seeking attention:

Especially for indoor cats, eating can become a source of entertainment and stimulation. Cats may beg for food to get attention from their owners.

• Medical issues:

Diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and dental problems can cause cats to be excessively hungry. Their bodies have increased needs that aren't being fully met.

• Transition to a new food:

When switching a cat's diet, they may why is my cat hungry all the time because they adjust to the different nutritional content and usually subsides over time.

• Lack of routine:

Cats that are fed on an irregular schedule will likely become constantly hungry as they can't anticipate their next meal. Sticking to set mealtimes helps curb hunger between meals.

• Underfeeding:

If your cat isn't getting enough calories based on their age, size, and activity level, they'll always feel hungry. Feeding the proper amount can resolve this issue.

• Worms/parasites:

Intestinal worms and parasites can increase a cat's appetite and make a cat hungry all the time as the critters absorb some of the nutrients. Deworming treatments usually resolve this.

What happens if my cat continues to eat all the time?

If your cat continues to eat all the time, it can lead to:

• Joint and mobility problems. Excess weight puts strain on your cat's joints, especially their hips and back. This can lead to arthritis and difficulty moving around.
• Diabetes. Being overweight significantly increases your cat's risk of developing diabetes. This requires lifelong medication and monitoring.
• Liver and kidney disease. The extra strain on your cat's organs from carrying excess weight can cause damage over time and lead to diseases.

For your cat to avoid these problems, consult your vet If you may need to feed smaller portions more frequently or switch to a specialized weight-loss food.

Why is it better for cats to eat small meals often?

There are a few reasons why it's better for cats to eat small meals multiple times a day rather than one or two large meals:

• It better matches their natural eating pattern.
• It can reduce begging and boredom.
• easier to control their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
• It may improve digestive health.

After you’re aware of the answer to your concern; why is my cat hungry all the time? Here’s what to do and when you should be worried.

What to do if your cat is always hungry?

If your cat hungry all the time and asking for food, here are some things to reduce their appetite:

• Make sure they are getting the proper amount of calories for their age, size, and activity level.
• Feeding multiple small meals instead of 1-2 large meals can help curb hunger in between. Aim for 3-5 meals per day.
• Consult with your vet to see if a diet food would be appropriate to help your cat feel full without overeating.
• Extra exercise can help burn calories and increase satiety. Try interactive play sessions multiple times per day.

With patience and consistency, most cats can adapt to a new eating schedule that helps curb overeating and constant hunger. But are there any signs that make you worry?

When should I be worried?

Here are 5 signs that your cat hungry all the time is a cause for concern:

• If your cat is constantly begging for food and begins putting on excess weight quickly, this indicates they are overeating.
• If your cat starts eating nonfood items like plastic, string, or houseplants
• A healthy cat can naturally regulate how much they eat based on internal hunger cues. If your cat has lost this ability, it's a worrisome sign.
• If your cat is meowing and following you around persistently in search of food, even right after eating, their hunger is disruptive and excessive.
• Healthy cats only want to eat cat food. If your cat starts raiding dog bowls or human plates, their hunger is not normal.

New cat owners who recently adopted a new cat may not be fully aware of how to feed the pet and when they're feeding the cat more than enough.

How do I know if I’m feeding my cat enough?

Determining whether you're feeding your cat enough can be tricky, therefore here’re some key things to watch for:

• If your cat seems too thin or overweight, their portions likely need adjusting.
• If your cat seems lethargic or sleepy excessively, it may not be getting enough food.
• Watch for changes in your cat's appetite that could indicate a need for more - or less - food.
• Monitor your cat closely over time. If their behavior, energy, or weight changes significantly, adjust their portions gradually and consult your vet.

Speak to your vet to determine how many calories per day is appropriate for your cat based on their age, size, and activity level. Use this as a guide for portion sizes.

 

 

How do I know if my cat is hungry or greedy?

Here are some things to look for to tell if your cat is genuinely hungry or just greedy:

• If your cat is constantly begging for food and quickly putting on excess weight, this likely means they are overeating due to being greedy, not actually hungry.
• Healthy cats will not beg persistently for people's food. This is a sign of greediness, not true hunger.
• If your cat steals leftovers off counters or out of open bags, this shows greediness, not hunger.
• A truly hungry cat will stop eating once their hunger is satisfied. A greedy cat will continue grazing unless physically unable to eat more.

In contrast, a genuinely hungry cat will exhibit behaviors like:

• Losing weight without reason
• Having low energy levels
• Having a dull coat or flaky skin
• Waiting patiently between meals

So pay attention to both physical and behavioral signs to tell if your cat's constant demand for food stems from true hunger or just greed. Monitor any changes over time and adjust their portions accordingly.

Is meowing always a sign of hunger? 

No, meowing is not always a sign of hunger in cats. Cats meow for a variety of reasons, and hunger is just one possible cause. Other common reasons cats meow include attention, greeting, anxiety, and need to play.

However, if your cat starts meowing more frequently or persistently than normal, it's worth monitoring their weight, appetite, and energy levels to ensure they are getting enough to eat. Just keep in mind that meowing alone is not a definitive sign of hunger in cats.

With the right diet, food, exercise, and monitoring plan in place, most overweight cats can lose excess pounds safely under a vet's supervision. Here’re 5 tips that will help you keep your cat healthy and solve your concern: why is my cat hungry all the time.

• Feed smaller portions.
• Instead of 1-2 large meals per day, feed your cat 3-5 smaller meals.
• Switch to a weight-loss food.
• Things like puzzle feeders and food dispensing toys can slow your cat's eating.
• Add interactive play sessions and use toys to get your cat moving more.

FAQ:

• How many times a day should I feed my cat? 

Feeding your cat twice a day is usually best. Cats naturally want to graze and eat many small meals throughout the day. Feeding them once in the morning and once at night gives them a routine of regular meals to maintain a healthy weight. Some cats, especially kittens, might need 3 small meals a day.

• Why is my cat always hungry but skinny? 

Here are the most common reasons why your cat may be always hungry but skinny: high metabolism, stomach inflammation, dental disease, kidney disease, and worms or parasites

• Why is my cat always hungry but fat?

Some possible reasons why a cat is hungry all the time but overweight: They're overeating, boredom, lack of exercise, greediness, switching from wet to dry food, and feeding human food