Cat Always Hungry? Here’s 7 Possible Reasons Why | Pet Keen

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Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Vet, MRCVS

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Is your cat always waiting eagerly by the food bowl and dogging your steps in the kitchen? Does it seem like it’s got a ravenous appetite that won’t ever be sated? Or has your cat started losing weight no matter how much you feed it?

Cats should have a healthy appetite, but if hunger seems to be taking over your cat’s day, it’s possible there’s more to it than just getting enough calories. Bear in mind that cats naturally like to eat little and often, around 8 to 10 small meals a day. Excessive hunger could be a sign that your cat’s nutritional needs aren’t being met, but it can also mean that there’s an underlying problem—emotional or medical.

The 7 Reasons Your Cat is Always Hungry

1. Boredom

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If your cat is trying to get food throughout the day, but there’s no sign of anything else wrong, a common cause is boredom or loneliness. Just like humans, cats can be emotional eaters. Food can also be a way to occupy time if your cat is bored throughout the day. In the wild, food goes hand in hand with hunting, which can take up a big chunk of a cat’s waking hours, so replacing that with a few minutes of chowing down can leave your cat with too much time on its paws.

Solution

Meeting your cat’s emotional needs should solve this. You can replace your cat’s feeder with a puzzle box, add in more human-cat interaction throughout the day, or invest in some great toys.

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2. Infrequent Feedings

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Many owners feed their cat one big meal every day. For many cats, that’s fine—in fact, they might even leave some of their food behind for later! But one meal a day might not be the healthiest choice for your cat. Going a full 24 hours without food might mean that your cat is hungry well before the next meal—even if they’ve already gotten enough calories for the day.

Solution

This one is easy—try splitting up your cat’s feedings into two or more smaller meals. By feeding your cat on a more frequent schedule, you’re meeting those hunger cues at times that are a little more natural. You can also serve your cat a little less food and allow a few treats throughout the day.

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3. Growth

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It’s usually recommended to let growing kittens eat as much as they want, so that they’ll have plenty of energy to build muscle and grow to their adult size. But did you know that the “growth phase” of life can last for two years or longer? If you’ve got a young cat, you might be underfeeding it without realizing it. Just like a gangly 15-year-old human might seem to have a bottomless stomach, your “teenage” cat might still need extra calories, even if it’s reached something near adult size.

Solution

If your cat is under two and always seems to be hungry, there’s a good chance they just need a little more than a mature adult cat of the same weight. Stick with high-protein, good-quality food and cut back if your cat starts showing signs of being overweight.

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4. The Wrong Food

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Your cat might be getting enough calories on paper, but that doesn’t mean its nutritional needs are being met. If your cat’s food is lower in protein or doesn’t have enough of some nutrients, your cat might be constantly hungry. Intolerances and allergies can also stop your cat from getting all the nutritional value out of a specific food. Nutritional needs also change with age. Senior cats can’t digest fat and protein as well as they used to, meaning that they might not get all the nutrition they need from a standard cat food.

Solution

Try changing food brands. Look for high-quality cat food with a high protein content, chelated minerals, and whole grains. If your cat has bowel problems or other signs of food sensitivities, consider getting your cat checked by your vet, just in case. And if you’ve got a senior cat, consider switching to a senior-formulated food.

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5. Diabetes

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Sometimes, increased appetite has a medical cause. Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which your cat can’t properly manage insulin levels, leading to an inability to process sugars. One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is an increased appetite. Cats with diabetes often lose weight despite eating a normal amount. Other common symptoms include increased thirst and urination.

Solution

If your cat has signs of diabetes, a vet trip is crucial. Giving your cat a treatment plan can help them to stabilize their weight and have all nutritional needs met. Treatment varies depending on how the diabetes expresses itself, with some cats needing regular insulin therapy and others needing only a change in diet.

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6. Hyperthyroidism

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Another common medical cause of increased appetite is hyperthyroidism. Cats with hyperthyroidism overproduce thyroid hormones, leading to a variety of health issues. Like diabetes, hyperthyroidism can lead to weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, and increased urination. Another common symptom is changes in coat texture, with fur becoming greasy, limp, or matted.

Solution

If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, there are a variety of treatment options. Some cats are treated with regular medication or a diet change. These changes will help you manage your cat’s health throughout its life. There are also options that will cure hyperthyroidism permanently. In some cases, surgery to remove the thyroid is the best option. It’s also possible to use radiation treatment to shrink the thyroid. Both of these solutions have risks but can be a permanent solution.

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7. Cancer

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Cancer is usually associated with a decreased appetite, but some types or stages of cancer can make your cat more hungry instead. That’s because the cancer stops your cat from absorbing nutrients properly or increases their calorie requirements leading to constant hunger.

Solution

Every situation is different when it comes to cancer, and there are many different treatment options. Your vet can help you walk through the best scenarios and options for your cat.

Last Thoughts

Many cats seem to be constantly hungry, but that doesn’t mean that it’s normal or healthy. Most of the time, an excess appetite can be fixed with a few changes to diet or routine. But it can also be a symptom of major medical problems. If your cat experiences a sudden increase in hunger—especially if it’s losing weight as well—it’s important to get a vet check in case there’s something seriously wrong.

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Featured Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock