Wondering ‘Why is my cat always hungry?’ You’re not alone. Meowing before – and during and after – mealtime is common among furry friends. Here’s how to make your cat stop meowing for food...
It’s pretty common for your feline to be constantly meowing for more (we get it, we’re like that when 3pm hits). But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Keep reading to learn why your cat’s always hungry and how to make your cat stop meowing for food.
Why is my cat always hungry before meals?
If your furry friend amps up their meows around mealtime, it’s likely they’re genuinely hungry. This can become particularly frustrating when they start to meow hours before breakfast (like at 5am).
It might seem like your cat’s always hungry, but it’s more likely that they’ve learnt to meow before their meals and it’s become a habit.
Once you reward your cat for meowing before a meal once, you’ve signalled that meowing means mealtime. So although it’s worthwhile wondering ‘Why is my cat always hungry?’, It’s probably better to ask ‘How to make my cat stop meowing for food?’ because it isn’t hunger that’s causing them to cry – it’s habit.
When it comes to how to make your cat stop meowing for food, it’s all about relearning habits. In the same way that your cat learned to cry before breakfast, they can learn to be calm and collected.
How to make your cat stop meowing for food before mealtime
If it seems like your cat’s always hungry when they’re in a certain spot or at a certain time, it’s likely they’re trying to remind you it’s breakfast time (in case you’ve forgotten!)
Start by making sure they’re calm and quiet before you give them their food. Feed them at the same time every day; this way they learn that crying for food at other times is futile.
If they’re meowing during mealtime, take their food away until they stop. Training your cat to stop crying for food is all about staying consistent. The moment you reward them with food when they’re whining, you reinforce their bad behaviour.
Eating too quickly
If your cat’s always hungry, it might be because they’re eating too quickly. If they scoff down their food without fully chewing, their body is less likely to register that they’ve eaten. Just like hoomans, cats are more likely to mentally digest their food if they eat it slowly.
Eating quickly is common in households with multiple cats, or if a cat has had to fight for their food before (like if they’re a rescue or were adopted from a large litter). Slowing your cat down with puzzle feeders and treasure hunts means they can eat across the day instead of gulping down their food in two seconds flat. This way, they don’t spend the entire day pining after their next meal.
If you’re still not sure how to make your cat stop meowing for food, try adding water to their food. This will fill them up, make their meals bigger and slow down their eating.
Boredom
If your cat’s always hungry (or seems like they’re always hungry) after meals or at sporadic moments throughout the day, they might be bored. Your furry friend’s day revolves around finding a sunny spot to nap, and their next meal. It’s no wonder they’re excited about dinner – it’s the highlight of their day!
The key to curing cat boredom is mental stimulation. Although it’s difficult to mimic the outside world (if your furry friend is an indoor cat), scratch posts, treat treasure hunts and puzzle feeders are all great ideas to entertain and distract your cat.
Why is my cat always hungry but gaining weight?
If your cat is gaining weight yet still whining for more, take a closer look at what you’re feeding them. Cats are carnivores, so they rely on lots of protein for a healthy diet. Make sure you’re not feeding them too much fat. Change their food and see if their weight stabilises – if not, it’s time for a visit to the vet.
Excessive weight gain can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to keep an eye on your four-legged friend’s size and get them checked out if they’re gaining weight.
Why is my cat always hungry but losing weight?
If your cat’s always hungry despite being fed a normal amount, they might not be getting enough nutrients from their food. This is just like hoomans – if we eat food without much nutritional value, it’s less likely to fill us up.
If your cat’s food isn’t cutting it, look for an all-natural cat food that’s high in protein. Vetalogica’s cat food is a great option, as it’s all-natural and grain-free with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. It’s also ‘biologically appropriate’ approved, making it purrfect for cats with tummy trouble or kittens who are hypoallergenic. Your kitty cat will be purring your praises!
If your cat’s always hungry, is eating a normal diet of nutritious food and still losing weight, take them to the vet. If your cat can’t maintain their weight despite eating a healthy diet, they should be checked out for health issues (including intestinal parasites, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and cancer).
With a little training, you can curb your cat’s cravings and get them feeling calm and collected for brekkie and dinner. If your cat’s food isn’t cutting it, we’ve got some delicious food options that are sure to have your feline purring your praises – check them out here.
