When cats meow next to their empty bowl, it is often because they are hungry. It’s, therefore, understandable to think that your cat wants an extra portion of food when they do this. However, there might be another reason behind their hunger. In this article, we will go over a few reasons why your cat is constantly asking for food and propose some solutions to help them before it becomes a habit.
Why is my cat always begging for more food?
There are many reasons why cats may be hungry all the time. For example, it could be because your cat is picky or bored. It could also be because your cat has parasites or an illness.
Your cat might have parasites
Cats can get parasites by licking, eating prey or playing outside. For example, pests such as ticks and fleas, can hide in your cat’s fur and suck on their blood. Intestinal worms, on the other hand, can get into your cat’s body and feed on the food that your cat ingested. This prevents your cat from getting the nutrients from their food. All parasites, whether they be internal or external, weaken your cat. To compensate for this loss of energy, you cat’s body might be convincing your cat that they need to eat more. This might be the reason why your cat is asking for food more often.
Your cat might have an illness
Several infections and viruses can cause cats to want to eat more food. For example, diabetes, cancer and hyperthyroidism can make it difficult for your cat’s body to properly absorb nutrients from their food. Because of this, your cat might feel like they need to eat more.
Your cat might be bored
Similar to humans, cats may want to eat just because they are bored. For example, cats may meow next to their bowl after they have already eaten because they want to have something interesting to do. If your cat is bored, feeding your cat may not be the appropriate solution. Instead, you should try to find a way to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated.
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Your cat’s food might not be suitable for them
Cats are very picky eaters. For this reason, finding the right food for your cat can be difficult. Especially since some breeds have delicate digestive tracts that require a special diet. Moreover, not all cat food brands offer good quality food. The ingredients in your cat’s food can directly affect your cat’s behavior.
A cat’s diet should be balanced with a significant amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats. If a cat’s diet is unbalanced, it will try to compensate for this by eating more. In addition, some brands add appetite-boosting ingredients. These formulas cause your cat to want to eat larger portions.
A few solutions
Now that you know a few reasons why your cat may be constantly asking for food, here are a few possible solutions to help your cat.
Keep your cat busy
The first thing to do when your cat is always asking for food is to check if they are actually hungry. To do this, try diverting your cat’s attention from their food bowl by playing, cuddling, or brushing them. If your cat decides to play with you instead, it might because your cat was bored and not actually hungry.
Change and monitor your cat’s diet
There are foods specially designed for older cats, young animals and those who are sterilized. Each recipe is designed to meet your cat’s needs by providing the nutrients required to stay in shape. It is, therefore, important for owners to choose wet food and dry food that fits their cat’s profile and health.
In addition, some foods should be avoided in a cat’s diet because they can upset their stomach. Raw proteins, such as eggs, meat, and fish can contain bacteria and cause infections. In addition, food scraps, bones, and milk are not part of a cat’s normal diet and should be avoided.
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Giving the right amount of food is also important. Not giving the right portion of food could be the reason why your cat is always begging for food. Typically, cat food boxes and pouches have detailed charts on them that can help you determine how much your pets should be fed daily. These charts are usually based on weight, age, and your pet’s health.
Contact a veterinarian
As mentioned earlier, an insatiable appetite may be a symptom of a serious illness. If you are sure that boredom or poor quality food is not the reason why your cat is always asking for food, you should contact a vetirinarian.
For example, if a cat is scratching itself frantically and is always asking for food, this is often a sign of parasites on its skin. You can examine your cat’s coat to look for fleas or other pests.
A pet with diabetes tends to drink a lot, pee frequently, and constantly asking for food.
When a cat vomits, is hyperactive, or gasps when asking for more of food, this could be a sign of a thyroid problem.
Without the help of a veterinarian, it can be difficult to determine exactly why your cat is always asking for food. While your cat may want to eat more because they are not eating enough, it could also be because they are bored and need entertainment.
When a cat contantly wants to eat, this is sometimes a symptom of a more serious problem. As mentioned before, this could show that your cat has parasites or an illness.
If your cat changes their eating habits for no apparent reason, it’s best to consult a professional. This is because obesity can lead to other complications that can reduce their quality of life. Whether it be because your cat needs more attention or because your cat has a medical condition, it is important to intervene quickly.