Many cat lovers wonder, “Why is my cat obsessed with food?” It’s normal to be worried about your cat’s behavior, especially if you’ve noticed that food is being thrown in the house or your cat is exhibiting weird and unusual behavior.
Here are some reasons why they may be eating too much and what you can do to help them eat less.
There’s nothing better than a well-loved pet, but unfortunately, some things need to be taken into account when you have a feline friend at home.
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7 Signs of why is my cat obsessed with food
One of the most worrying things a cat owner can face is when their pet develops an obsession with food. But fear not; you have many options that may help your kitty get back to eating normally.
While there are many reasons your cat may behave like this, if it’s overfeeding, you should look for some signs. They include:
1. Lack of energy
One of the first signs that your cat is overeating or even pica is a lack of energy and physical activity. If you notice that your cat is lethargic, it may be the first sign of a health issue, including digestive problems.
If your cat sleeps most of the day and seems reluctant to engage in physical activity, he may be overeating.
This can be a problem, especially if he doesn’t have any other health issues apart from overeating, but if this happens regularly, then it’s a good idea to see your vet right away.
2. Impatience
Another sign that your cat is overeating is how he reacts when you try to feed him. If he’s hungry, he should be eager to get the food, but it shouldn’t take too much effort for him to eat.
In addition, your cat should be satisfied when he has eaten a lot and not mess up or create more work for you by being destructive.
But if you see that your kitty doesn’t want to eat or paces around because he’s not hungry, something may be wrong. He may also be hungry but not want to eat anything, or he may not eat at all.
3. Food-Related Aggression
This is especially common in overweight cats, but if your cat has ever bitten his owner or another pet, it could be because he’s not getting enough food.
If you see your cat biting another animal or person and he has a tolerance for people and can be left alone without an issue, you should contact a vet to check his health.
4. Ravenous Appetite
If you notice that your cat is greedy and eats a lot of food in a very short period, this may be another sign that he’s addicted to food and eats more than he should.
5. Over-Excitement
The best way to tell if your cat is overeating is if he becomes overly excited when you’re preparing food. If you see that your kitty starts acting funny and hyper, it’s good to stop the food and check his health.
6. Changes in Vocalization
Another good way to find out if your cat is overeating is by paying attention to his vocalization. If you notice that he sounds aggressive, for example groaning or roaring, it could be because he isn’t eating and is frustrated.
7. Eating Fast
Finally, you should also be aware that your cat is eating fast. This is one of the main reasons cats eat too much, and if you notice that your kitty eats his food within a few minutes and inhales it, it could mean that he eats too fast.
5 Tips on How to stop a cat from overeating AND food obsessions
When your cat starts overheating, the best thing you can do is find out what’s causing this problem. Several different factors may be an issue, but the most common ones include boredom or Stress. While there are other reasons, if your cat is overeating and showing signs of obsessive behavior, you should take them seriously.
Here are 5 tips on how to prevent a cat from overeating:
1. Establish a Feeding Schedule
Finding out your cat’s feeding schedule can be difficult, especially if you don’t know when he eats normally. To find out his normal routine, start by looking through the fridge and finding out how much your cat usually eats and how often he does it.
If you notice that your cat eats a certain amount and likes certain foods, this may be a good way to start. For example, if he normally eats a bit of food every day, you may want to fill his bowl with those specific cat food treats and make meal times more exciting with different types of kibbles.
2. Spend Quality Time with Your Cat
There are many ways you can spend quality time with your cat. If you have the time, you can ensure your cat has the right amount of space to run and play. This will help him spend less time alone, and he’ll be able to express himself properly and obtain some of his daily exercises.
In addition, if your cat is an indoor cat, make sure he gets enough sunlight. Studies show that cats that don’t get much sunlight can be more likely to overeat because they don’t get enough energy in their environment.
3. Reduce Stress
Stress is a big factor for cats that overeat. If you notice that your cat is stressed or anxious, it may be because of a new pet in the house, some renovations, or other changes in his environment. This Stress may cause him to overeat because he’s trying to cope with his feelings by eating more.
If you notice that your kitty is stressed and has been eating more than usual, take steps to help him reduce his stress levels and make him feel calm. If you want to help your cat, it’s sometimes a good idea to find out what’s causing Stress and remove it from his environment.
4. Improve Diet
Many cats that overeat don’t like their diet. This may be because the food is too hard or maybe it doesn’t taste good. Cats can be quite finicky about food, and it’s not uncommon for pets to want specific brands or types of kibbles.
If your cat is used to eating a certain type of food and wants to eat less, it’s good to start by improving his diet.
5. Rule a Medical Issue
Of course, this is the final step to take when you notice your cat has been overeating. Find out if there’s a medical issue by having your cat seen by a professional.
A vet will be able to examine your cat and detect any potential problems caused by an eating disorder or other problems in his body.
You’ll have all the information needed to address the problem at hand and help your kitty eat less.
What to do if your pet is overfeeding?
If you’ve tried to control the way your cat eats and have noticed that he’s still overeating despite your efforts, then there are some things you can do about it.
1. Feed less often
The first thing you should do is decrease the amount of food you’re giving your cat. You can begin by cutting down a little at first, but you don’t want to cut it down too much since this can cause distress to your pet.
When the change is small enough, you can increase the reduction in quantity until your cat adjusts to the new way of feeding.
2. Cut out certain foods
Some cats simply do not like a certain food or are allergic to it. If you notice that your cat is eating a lot of a specific food, you should try to cut that out, like by changing brands. This is also a good way to eliminate any potential medical issues.
If your cat eats soft kibbles and overeats on them, you may want to switch him to hard kibbles with the same texture.
3. Find out what’s causing him to eat
Your cat may be eating too much, and it could be because of a new pet in the house or some renovations you’re doing. If your cat eats a little less, he’ll eventually stop overeating.
While you’re at it, make sure you address the problem causing him to eat too much. This will help you create a healthier environment for your pet and keep him from feeling stressed or anxious.
How to Handle a Food Obsessed Cat?
If you want an obedient and healthy cat, you should focus on keeping him well-fed. If you’re concerned about your kitty’s eating habits, it’s good to start by looking at your cat’s schedule and taking care of his diet.
A cat should eat just enough food to satisfy his needs, and if he overeats or eats too much, you can be sure that something is causing it. Talk to your vet if you’re concerned about how much your cat eats. He’ll be able to help you out.
Why is my cat always meowing for food?
Food meowing is why people think cats are animals that only eat and never talk. While it can be annoying, this behavior is your cat’s way of telling you he needs food.
Your cat will always meow if he needs something from you, but sometimes it’s more than just food. If your cat doesn’t have enough space in his home or something changes in his environment, he may need to meow to let you know.
Final Thoughts
You must understand why your cat is eating too much. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to fix the problem.
If your cat is a little overweight, you can do a few things like eat less often or switch his diet. There are also cases when cats don’t like their food, and it may be better for them to try changing brands or types of kibbles.
I hope you enjoyed this article about what causes a kitty to overeat and how you can fix this problem. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know below.
FAQs
Why Is My Cat Always Hungry?
The good news is that there are reasons why your cat is always hungry, so there’s no need to freak out. You should know why your cat is craving more food. In most cases, the reason behind cats’ constant hunger is linked to boredom or loneliness. Like humans and other animals, Cats need to feel loved and appreciated. Being left alone may cause them to crave more attention, including food.
How do I stop my cat from being food-obsessed?
There are several questions you need to answer before thinking about how to stop your cat from being a food obsessive. First, you need to determine if your cat overeats because it’s the only way he gets attention. Second, you need to figure out if he’s being neglected or ignored. Third, you need to know why your kitty is so hungry.
Why does my cat act like it’s starving?
There are several reasons why your cat may act like it’s starving, so pay attention to this. The most common reason is that your cat has no place to go other than where you feed her. Another weird reason is that the cat has anxiety, and you need to recognize if she’s eating too much food. If she eats too much, you need to investigate the issue as there could be a medical issue.
Why is my cat so obsessed with me?
There are several reasons why your cat might be obsessed with you. One of the most common reasons is your cat is territorial, and she likes to mark her territory, which could be from hunger and lack of attention. If a new pet comes into the house and starts to dominate your cat, then it could be that she’s showing her jealousy.
Why is my cat so annoying about food?
Several reasons could make your cat annoying about food. One of the most common is if your cat has a medical problem and his digestive track needs to be adjusted. Another possible reason is that your cat is not getting to eat with other cats or dogs. He’ll be so fixated on you that he’ll try to get some food from you. If his allergies are bothering him, there’s a possibility he’ll become distracted while eating and overeating.
How to help a food-obsessed cat?
As stated above, there are several things you can do to help your cat stop being food-obsessed. The first thing you can do is determine if the problem stems from boredom, so you and your kitty need something new. Once you understand the root of the problem, it’s easier for you to create a healthier environment for him.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.