7 reasons why a cat constantly asks for food: the cat eats a lot, what to do

What is this phenomenon?

If a cat constantly asks for food, then this change in eating behavior is called polyphagia. This is a pathological condition caused by:

• gluttony and stretching of the stomach walls;
• lack of nutrients during the active growth of a young animal;
• the body's reaction to medications;
• stress or prolonged feeling of discomfort;
• cold season;
• decreased metabolism in old age.

- I’m hungry!.. Polyphagia can develop at any age.
If your cat has been eating a lot lately, although this was unusual for him before, the reason should be identified as soon as possible. Attention! Stressful situations and prolonged lack of appetite subsequently provoke polyphagia in cats. After a hunger strike, they try to make up for the lack of nutrients without feeling full.

Spring came

So we figured out why a newborn kitten meows constantly. Adult cats also sometimes “voice” for similar reasons. But there are several more options for answering the question posed.

True, the next point will explain the behavior of only adult individuals. But it’s worth taking it into account. The thing is that in the spring, cats' sexual desire increases. During this period, they begin to meow very loudly. This behavior applies to both females and males.

The explanation is very simple: cat hormones are acting up. To calm down an animal that has developed a sexual desire, you will have to either use special hormonal drugs (they help, but temporarily), or castrate/sterilize the cat. This is the only way to defeat the annoying yelling from your pet.

How to properly feed a cat natural food?

The menu consists of two types of dishes. These are meat and dairy products.

The basis of the meat diet is lean beef, cut into small pieces. Next you need to provide the dish with vitamins. This can be done with the help of vegetables or special additives. Veterinary stores sell vitamin powders that contain everything your pet needs. The compositions are not cheap, but it saves the housewife time.

The fermented milk set consists of low-fat cottage cheese and one percent kefir. On average, cottage cheese is served “on the table” to the cat 1-2 times a week.

Should I restrict my pet's food?

What to do if your furry pet has an increased appetite? If the cat tries to get an additional portion of food, you need to go to the veterinarian for consultation. Based on some tests, a specialist must exclude possible diseases.

The fact is that cheap food does not contain enough nutrients. It is for this reason that most often pets are hungry. If the animal does not have problems with excess weight, you can not limit its food intake.

, provided that the furry pet has no diseases. If you still have problems with excess weight, you should plan your meal schedule and reduce the portion size. If your pet is energetic and active enough, there is no reason to worry.

To avoid cat obesity, the food bowl should not be available all the time. This is due to the fact that it is very difficult for cats to stop at the sight of food. Regular overeating is fraught with serious diseases, as a result of which cats cease to feel full and the cat constantly wants to eat. Feed the animal no more than three times a day

, a bowl of clean water should be constantly in sight of the animal. A variety of foods are very harmful to your pet’s stomach: dry food, wet food, food from the common table. It is necessary to feed your cat one type of food for a long time.

When is there nothing to worry about?

All of the listed symptoms of cat gluttony are removable and should not cause concern to owners unless severe exhaustion/obesity, vomiting after eating, or deterioration in the condition of the coat and teeth are observed. Polyphagia can be overcome by properly organizing the feeding of the purring cat.

During the period of active growth and development, which lasts about 2 years, kittens have a great need for nutritious, balanced food. They spend a lot of energy and try to replenish it by eating more than normal. If the kitten eats a lot, grows quickly and remains energetic and playful, then there is nothing to worry about.

Babies need a lot of energy

Peculiarities of eating behavior also depend on the breed, so owners should be aware of their cat’s daily calorie requirement, as well as how this parameter changes depending on the pet’s age.

Female felines may experience an increased appetite after the end of estrus, when they try hard to make up for the lack of calories by eating. During heat, a cat completely loses its appetite due to nervousness, but subsequently they simply eat up, absorbing food in unlimited quantities.

Attention! Older cats show more interest in food than young cats. An active, non-obese pet with a slightly increased appetite should not cause concern.

The cat constantly wants to eat during pregnancy and feeding

A female cat bears babies for an average of nine weeks. Any deviations from the given norm in one direction or the other are quite acceptable and depend on: breed, physical activity, physiological state. If the female cannot give birth after the seventieth day, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Increased appetite occurs around the fourth week of pregnancy, although this is not a categorical statement. For each individual individual, the process occurs purely individually. In this case, it is recommended to switch the female to ready-made food designed specifically for pregnant cats. It contains the entire complex of useful substances required in such cases.

About the same thing happens when feeding kittens. The mother's appetite depends on the number of offspring, as well as on the amount of milk. A ready-made balanced special food will eliminate the problem.

How much should a kitten, adult and elderly animal normally eat?

Kittens require food for growth and normal development, and mature animals need food to maintain normal weight. With the onset of old age, cats begin to lose weight because they can no longer eat in the same quantities and do not need large portions. Feeding rates for felines depend on the type of food. Information on the approximate daily amount of dry and wet food required by a kitten:

Information on the daily requirement of an adult cat for natural food, dry and wet food:

Physiological changes and appetite

An insatiable appetite in kittens and young cats is considered normal. A growing body requires food and this is absolutely normal. Typically, kittens have several growth phases during which their appetite increases rapidly. This occurs at approximately 3, 6 and 9 months. Such changes are usually short-term and last no more than two weeks, after which the appetite returns to normal.

If a cat suddenly begins to eat a lot during the cold season, this indicates that the animal is constantly freezing. This phenomenon is observed in thin cats and young animals that have only recently stopped growing and have not yet gained enough subcutaneous fat to protect them from frost. You can help an animal during the cold season with the help of simple improvised means - pillows, blankets and heaters. It is necessary to equip the cat with a special warm place in which it would be safe and not freeze. For this purpose, special beds, baskets and houses for cats, designed for cold climates, are suitable.

Quite often, an increase in appetite is observed when moving to places with a different climate, more humid or cold. Until the animal’s body adapts to the changed weather conditions, the pet will constantly experience hunger. This is an absolutely natural reaction that should not cause concern to owners.

Pathological causes

There are also pathological reasons why a cat eats a lot and does not get enough, signaling serious changes in the body. This:

• impaired absorption of beneficial components due to congenital characteristics of the body or the presence of serious diseases - inflammation and intestinal cancer, exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic tumors;
• diabetes mellitus, which often affects pets;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• helminthic infestation.

If the cat's constant hunger is not associated with pregnancy and worms, it requires specialized veterinary care. The presence of serious diseases affects the appearance of the animal - the cat eats a lot, but loses weight, becomes capricious, loses interest in active games, and its fur and teeth become unattractive.

It may be worth contacting a veterinarian

As a rule, most diseases respond well to treatment and require a balanced diet using special foods. You can detect the presence of the disease yourself, simply by observing your pet: the fact that the cat is always hungry, drinks a lot and often goes to the toilet indicates diabetes.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract are indicated by vomiting and diarrhea. Of course, only a doctor can prescribe treatment!

Causes of excessive appetite in your pet

There may be more than one reason why a cat eats a lot. The most harmless of them include:

• pregnancy;
• feeding babies;
• cold snap;
• physical exercise;
• growing young organism;
• sterilization or castration;
• experienced stress, which may arise due to a change of place of residence or owner, as well as the appearance of a child or another animal in the apartment.

But also the fact that the cat began to eat a lot can be caused by the presence of various diseases, the most dangerous of which include:

• diabetes;
• worms;
• poor quality food;
• a brain tumor;
• liver diseases;
• intestinal problems.

Now let's talk about the above problems in more detail.

Regarding pregnancy and feeding the baby, everything is simple and clear here. When a new life develops inside a cat, it must eat at least four more kittens so that they are born healthy and happy.

When cold weather sets in, the animal begins to accumulate subcutaneous fat in order not to freeze, so it eats a lot. However, in winter it moves less, because in this case the pet is at risk of obesity, which also harms its body.

If you decide to spay or neuter your male dog, then you need to be prepared for the fact that your pet will eat more. This happens due to the fact that their healthy interest in the opposite sex changes to an irresistible interest in food and the pet eats a lot.

Physical activity also constantly increases the Murka's appetite, because it quickly uses up energy, which somehow needs to be restored.

Naturally, there is nothing wrong if young kittens start asking for more food, as they need to gain strength.

Murka has a very fine mental organization and a well-developed emotional sphere, which is why it is quite difficult to protect it from stress. When a pet feels bad and is practically experiencing severe depression, he may begin to eat a lot. But you shouldn’t leave the animal alone with its mental problems.

When is it necessary to consult a veterinarian?

It is recommended to show your pet to a veterinarian if:

• he feels sick and vomits;
• the animal meows pitifully, which indicates that something hurts;
• the cat's body temperature has increased;
• poor digestion (diarrhea or constipation);
• the cat has become lethargic, moves little, does not respond to external stimuli;
• despite an increase in appetite, he rapidly loses weight;
• The cat's fur has lost its shine, has become tangled and is falling out.

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Prevention.

The first step is to provide your cat with a well-balanced diet. If you are sure that your cat is getting enough food and water, but still shows a feeling of hunger, you need to contact your veterinarian - she may have health problems. Early diagnosis of diseases will prevent more serious problems.

Although many diseases are difficult to treat, their timely detection improves the prognosis of recovery. Regular visits to the veterinarian will help keep your cat in good health. Some diseases are successfully and quickly treated in the early stages, leaving no consequences.

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What to do?

If the cat asks to eat more than the norm, then you can:

• change the food to a more expensive and nutritious one. Cheap economy class mixtures do not contain the vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances necessary for normal growth and development of the animal. Their deficiency in the cat’s body provokes overeating;
• do not feed in excess of the norm, focusing on the instructions for consuming food, the age and physiological characteristics of the cat;
• organize fractional feeding at the same time - 2-3 times a day;
• eliminate unscheduled snacks that are skillfully begged for by cunning manipulative cats.

A pregnant cat must be fed with specially formulated food that contains the full range of essential nutritional components or the diet must be further enriched with vitamins and minerals. As a preventive measure and to get rid of parasites, regularly administer anthelmintic drugs.

Diabetes mellitus and intestinal diseases require diagnosis and drug treatment. You should also contact a veterinarian if, despite all efforts, the cat constantly asks for food, and its appearance leaves much to be desired.

Possible health problems for your pet

If your dog has been eating a lot lately, she may also have diabetes. After all, the body's cells are starving because glucose is not absorbed. Basically, the animal also often asks for water and noticeably loses weight.

Despite the increase in appetite, your pet may lose significant weight, develop a fever, have bad breath, and may lick its anus several times a day.

The cat begins to ask to eat quite often if he is given low-quality dry food. It should be remembered that a cat is a predator, so it needs meat. And what kind of meat are we talking about if you feed your pet dry food?

• feathers,
• animal skins,
• sugar;
• dyes.

Such food not only does not provide the murka with useful substances, but it cannot get enough of it.

In addition, this food is not absorbed immediately. Just imagine what will happen to the poor animal’s body if it eats such food for at least a year.

Allowing your cat to eat a lot is, of course, the easiest way. But it’s still better to take time for your pet and show it to a specialist. Perhaps by doing this you will not only save him from problems, but also save his life.

The cat begins to ask to eat quite often if he is given low-quality dry food. It should be remembered that a cat is a predator, so it needs meat. And what kind of meat are we talking about if you feed your pet dry food?

Surely every cat owner knows the approximate portion of food that a pet can eat in one sitting. He also knows the special preferences of his pet, what the furry beauty likes most.

Diabetes

In diabetes mellitus, nutrients are not absorbed in the body, which causes energy deficiency.
The disease is characterized by the development of metabolic pathologies that provoke absolute or relative insulin deficiency. As a result of such a disease, metabolic processes of all systems are disrupted. There is a failure of carbohydrate, fat, protein, mineral and water-salt balance.

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Despite the efforts of the owners and the good diet of the animal, nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body, since a lack of glucose provokes an energy deficit for this process. And glucose itself is absorbed only with insulin, which is not enough as a result of a failure of metabolic processes.

Symptoms

One of the symptoms of diabetes is constant thirst.

• With excessive appetite, the pet sharply loses weight, and the amount of urine output increases.
• Peripheral neuropathy manifests itself - the animal walks, leaning on the entire foot, the gait is uncertain, unsteady.
• The cat becomes weak, lethargic, and reluctant to make contact.
• The smell of acetone is felt from the oral cavity, the skin becomes thinner, the coat is disheveled, dull, a sickly appearance and a dull look.

Treatment

A properly selected diet is the key to successful treatment of a cat.
It is recommended for pets who have recovered from this diet to remain on this diet for the rest of their lives. Sugar-lowering tablets and insulin injections are used.

If diabetes is suspected, the owner can independently check the sugar level. To do this, you will need to conduct a test using special urine strips. It is also possible to use a veterinary glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels. The physiological indicator of sugar in the urine is its absence. In the blood - from 3.3 to 6 mmol/l.

Normal or pathological?

If your cat begins to eat a lot, the most likely reason for this behavior is pregnancy. Before you start sounding the alarm and looking for any dangerous diseases, you should rule out the possibility of kittens appearing in the near future. Only a veterinarian can most accurately diagnose pregnancy, as well as identify other causes of increased appetite.

A sharp increase in appetite may be a reaction to stress associated with the appearance of other animals in the house. In this case, the cat will constantly ask for food solely out of jealousy and in an attempt to show other animals who is the most important in the house. If a kitten, an adult cat or a dog was taken into the house, and during this period the cat suddenly began to constantly ask for food, there is no doubt that the reason is jealousy.

We should talk about pathology when, in addition to an increased appetite, the cat’s behavior changes, it rapidly gains weight and feels unwell. Disturbance of defecation or frequent urination against this background are alarming symptoms that allow one to suspect the development of a pathological process in the pet’s body.

For what reasons does a cat constantly ask for food?

Moreover, our cat does not get fat no matter how much he eats. And in between meals, he catches flies and other evil spirits flying through the balcony.maximus Posts: 37 Registered: Apr 03, 2021, 01:46

Natalia » 06 Jul 2021, 07:20

In any case, once a quarter the animal should be given prophylactic drugs against helminths, and the food should be chosen as industrial food; it is advisable to introduce vitamin supplements necessary for the cat’s body into the diet (if you feed it with homemade food). But it’s easier to take premium industrial food and feed according to the recommendations on the packaging. Natalia Messages: 3 Registered: 11 Feb 2021, 15:07

Regulation of sexual estrus

If the cat is purebred and the owner plans to get offspring from such a cat in the future, then it is recommended to breed him with cats that have a good pedigree. In some cases, breeders advise buying a female that has previously been sterilized (ligation of appendages). The cat will be ready to mate, but in this case there will be no offspring. It will be easier for the cat to cope with his natural instincts, finding an outlet for energy.

Another method that allows you to calm a cat during the mating season is the use of special hormonal drugs. All contraceptives are designed to artificially suppress an animal's desire to mate. In addition, when taking hormonal substances, signs of sexual desire decrease.

Medications for regulating sexual desire can be of plant or hormonal origin. Hormonal drops are widely used in home practice, giving an easy and quick effect, but not long-lasting. A large number of cat lovers believe that the use of oral contraceptives for cats in the form of drops or tablets is much more humane than sterilization or castration.

There is an opinion that this is a safer method of regulating sexual desire. Veterinary experts and scientists say that tablets and drops are a time bomb. A one-time use of a hormonal drug once a year (for example, in the spring) will not harm the body.

Systematic, constant use of drops can cause serious disorders in the animal’s body, including death. This is due to the fact that contraceptives for cats contain a dose of a hormonal substance that blocks the production of physiological hormones.

Constant impact on the endocrine system leads to serious disruptions in metabolic processes, and the risk of cancer increases significantly.

Veterinarians note that even for clinically absolutely healthy cats, the drug should be used with great caution. What can we say about cats with chronic diseases? Hormonal contraceptives for cats and cats have a pronounced progestational activity, having a negative effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary system

It is almost impossible to notice disturbances in the functioning of this part of the endocrine system in a timely manner. That is why, before you start giving your pet drops or tablets to prevent sexual desire, it is recommended to consult a professional

Hormonal contraceptives for cats and cats have a pronounced progestational activity, having a negative effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary system. It is almost impossible to notice disturbances in the functioning of this part of the endocrine system in a timely manner. That is why, before you start giving your pet drops or tablets to prevent sexual desire, it is recommended to consult a professional.

What to do if your cat starts eating a lot

Now let’s look at what to do if an animal is overly hungry.

If your pet begins to ask to eat more often, and the amount of food eaten has become larger, then first of all you should pay attention to the balance of the food. Perhaps it's time to change the food to something more nutritious. But you don’t need to get carried away and give your cat food in excess of the norm.

It is also necessary to exclude all possible pathologies described above, and carry out treatment for fleas and worms.

Young and growing animals can be fed more than usual

Since cats love to eat delicious food, it is important for the owner to feed the pet in such a way that its body replenishes energy in a timely and efficient manner. Then it will be easier to understand when the cat gets sick and his eating behavior changes.

The normal weight of a cat is between 3.5 and 5 kg. It all depends on the breed. Cats of different origins differ in activity, dynamics and metabolism. In adulthood, the individual reaches 7-8 kg. You can find out why a cat doesn’t get fat if you understand how nutrition affects your pet’s body.

When a cat is thin and does not gain weight, but eats a lot, this does not mean that the pet is sick. If an animal spends its days running and jumping around the apartment or on the street, losing weight and not gaining weight becomes a good sign. The body consumes the energy received from food, the digestive system develops and functions in a stable manner.

Other reasons for losing weight include:

1. A cat cannot gain weight after giving birth . If there are more than 2 kittens in the litter, you should not count on rapid weight restoration. Carrying out such a brood takes a lot of effort and energy. Therefore, mother cats will need time.
2. Males begin to lose weight during the period of sexual heat, as do females . In spring, the body of cats and dogs is especially active. Castration will help: sterilized cats simply have nothing to do, so such animals gain weight instantly.
3. Pets are not adapted to stressful situations and therefore do not gain weight . Street cats are constantly under threat. An uninvited guest, a new pet in the apartment, or even a newborn baby can shock a furry animal. Refusal to eat is a natural reaction.
4. If the cat eats well and does not get better, the problem may be a helminthic infestation . Helminths enter the body through the dirty hands of the owners, an unwashed tray, and dirty water. It is better to start treatment immediately: the period of getting rid of worms can last up to six months.
5. It is useless to feed old cats heavily . With age, the activity of females and males decreases. Cats spend more and more time lying down and moving little. This does not indicate illness: the cat will not eat more than the body needs.
6. Vitamin deficiency leads to weight loss . Industrial feed will correct the situation. Artificial formulations (available in dry and liquid forms) contain mineral supplements and restore the balance of beneficial components in the body.

Possible diseases

In addition to completely harmless reasons, there are also those that are worth worrying about. We are talking about possible diseases of the pet. There are several options for what ailments can torment your furry friend:

• problems with teeth and oral cavity;
• indigestion;
• inflammation or wound.

Any healthy animal is easy to distinguish from a sick one. As a rule, cats suffering from the disease have decreased appetite, increased drowsiness and increased body temperature.

There are also symptoms for which it is very important to consult a veterinarian.

Problems with teeth and oral cavity

Cats of any age are susceptible to this type of disease. Sometimes it is not so easy to determine what is tormenting your pet in the early stages of the disease.

At first, the animal may simply refuse to eat, which the owner will explain as a slight change in mood, but if there is no appetite for a long time, you should pay attention to other symptoms.

Pets who have contracted an oral disease lose interest in food, because chewing food becomes painful or unpleasant. Usually such ailments are associated with plaque on the teeth. The cat's gums become inflamed, which causes him discomfort. Also one of the symptoms is bad breath and increased salivation.

Not only can a pet lose a fair amount of weight due to a long hunger strike, but it can also lose teeth if you do not consult a veterinarian in time. Therefore, it is better for the owner to more closely monitor the behavior of his beloved furry if he does not want to eat for a long time.

Digestive disorders

Cats often pick up various kinds of garbage they like from the floor, find food lying around in the most secluded corners of the home and taste it, and also swallow a lot of their own hair while licking themselves. It is not surprising that after such tastings, animals experience discomfort, heaviness and, possibly, even stomach pain, which is why they cannot eat normally.

Intestinal problems can be caused by insufficient water intake or stress. It won’t be difficult to spot problems in your cat’s health. He will vomit, possibly belching, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence and weakness. Eating in this state is out of the question.

Inflammations and wounds

The cat may experience discomfort both from internal inflammatory processes and from external damage. To find out if there is inflammation, you can measure body temperature, pulse and other indicators. If they differ from normal, and the cat does not eat and is not as active as always, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Have you noticed that the cat licks its fur in an unusual way?

This problem often concerns castrated animals, which, due to hormonal changes, actually have an increased appetite. This is usually a temporary phenomenon, and it goes away as soon as the cat’s body adapts to its new state.

If your tailed pet is overweight and asks for more, this indicates that the cat has a stretched stomach and needs more food to be satisfied. In this case, you will need the help of a veterinarian, since it is not so easy to put an overweight cat on a diet.

Sometimes the normal process of grooming becomes obsessive. This excessive licking is a signal that there is a problem.

Licking that causes excessive hairball regurgitation or even balding skin is abnormal. The skin is exposed to sunburn, hypothermia and other adverse environmental influences. Intact skin is resistant to infection. If a cat licks its fur to such an extent that it breaks the integrity of the skin with its rough tongue, infection may occur in these places.

The infection, in turn, increases the intensity of licking. Thus, a vicious circle of “infection-licking” is formed. It can be broken only by identifying and eliminating the original cause. The owner can check for the presence of parasites (fleas, lice, etc.) in the cat's fur; in addition, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

If your cat licks its fur too often or for too long, do not ignore this fact. A cat can lick itself to such an extent that there is no hair left on the skin. Usually, owners notice that the cat licks its fur too often when bald spots appear on the stomach and other easily accessible places on the body.

According to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Pamela Perry of Cornell University's Animal Behavior Clinic, the average cat spends 30 to 50 percent of its grooming time grooming. This is quite a lot, so owners do not pay attention to the problem until they notice significant hair loss or even skin damage.

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Allergy to food

One reason may be an allergic reaction to food. For example, dry food may contain plants that cats do not naturally eat.

The role of water in the diet

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The cat must have constant access to clean water. This is especially important if your pet eats dry food. If the animal's fur is shiny and silky, and it urinates at least twice a day, then there is enough water.

Clean water is essential when feeding kibble.

Physiological reasons for increasing food volume

If a cat is expecting offspring, her body requires slightly more food. Her appetite increases. This is normal. She should not eat 2 times more food, but the quantity should be increased.

After spaying and neutering surgery, cats may eat slightly more than usual. This should not be allowed. You can feed your pet for some time with food specially created for this purpose. Over time, his behavior normalizes.

A cat can store fat if the room where it is kept is cool. When it gets cold, animals, like people, begin to eat more in order to accumulate a layer of fat that protects them from the cold.

Older cats can sometimes overeat. Considering that older pets are no longer as active as their young counterparts, they may actively begin to gain weight. This cannot be allowed. If the animal is healthy, it must be fed according to the norms.

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If an animal has not eaten for a long time for some reason, it may attack the food and eat more food than its stomach can accommodate and process. In this case, the cat may vomit the “extra” food. This is a one-time phenomenon and will not be repeated every day.

How to make food more attractive

If the cat is picky, then you need to make its food more attractive to the animal.

It is worth paying attention to the bowl from which your pet eats. It may retain an unpleasant aroma that cannot be washed off with plain water.

It is not recommended to use regular detergent for cleaning. It is better to wash with dry mustard, which will disinfect, will not leave an unpleasant odor behind, and will also thoroughly wash away the remnants of old food.

A cat pays more attention to smells than to taste. It is worth giving preference to higher quality food, even if people don’t like its smell. Selection is carried out through trial and error.

Hunger

A hungry cat makes sounds that sound like a baby crying. In this case, eliminating the cause of this behavior is quite easy; you just need to feed the animal. Often kittens cry due to malnutrition. They often feel hungry because their growing bodies require nutrients. Owners need to learn the rules for creating a cat menu and feed their pet on time. Sometimes owners mistakenly believe that they are giving the animal enough food.

However, there are times when a cat has just eaten, but runs around the table with human food and screams. “Why does the cat meow for no reason?” — this is the question the animal owners ask. This can be explained by the fact that pets are very gluttonous. Cats may beg for food when they smell delicious smells. In this case, you should not follow the animal’s lead. The pet should be taught to eat at strictly defined hours.

Cats often meow when their owners frequently change the types of food they eat. After all, the pet’s body gets used to certain foods. It is especially undesirable to alternate the intake of dry ready-made food and food from the human table. This can lead to digestive problems.

Why does a little kitten constantly meow? The most common reason for this behavior is... hunger! This is how your new family member will show what he wants to eat.

This phenomenon is quite normal. After all, when a person is hungry, he talks about it. So the animals do the same. Only instead of the speech we are used to, the cute fluffies meow.

Please note: a small kitten will constantly ask its owner to feed it while it is hungry. But adult cats try to meow clearly and only a few times, as if to call their owner to the bowl. Thus, due to hunger, all animals vocalize. It doesn't matter at what age.

A brief description of diseases whose symptom is a constant feeling of hunger.

A constant feeling of hunger in animals is called polyphagia.

If, in addition to your pet's appetite for food, there are other warning signs, such as weight loss or vomiting after eating, you should seek help from an experienced veterinarian.

Roundworms.

Roundworms are a common disease caused by parasites that live in the digestive system of cats. After infection, parasites take nutrients from food, which causes the animal to constantly feel hungry.

Diabetes.

When a cat's body does not produce enough insulin to maintain glucose or blood sugar levels, the condition is called diabetes. One of the consequences is a constant desire to eat, as sugar levels can change dramatically.

Acromegaly.

An endocrine disorder that causes excess production of growth hormones by the pituitary gland. With the overproduction of such hormones, the cat eats very often.

With this disease, the pancreas does not produce the digestive enzymes necessary for the cat to digest food.

A general name for many gastrointestinal diseases, some of which are chronic. They are caused by the appearance of inflammatory cells in the thick walls of the gastrointestinal tract, which interferes with the proper functioning of the cat's digestive system.

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Tumors, both malignant and benign, can cause insulin levels to rise, which increases the production of growth hormone. Tumors can prevent the proper absorption of nutrients from food. In the later stages of cancer, cats lose their appetite.

Infections.

Some infectious diseases to which cats are susceptible lead to nutrient deficiencies or insufficient absorption of nutrients by the body. This can cause your cat to feel constantly hungry.

A side effect of using medications such as steroids in cats can be increased appetite. If your cat constantly asks for food, discuss this with your veterinarian. Changing the medication usually normalizes the behavior.

Hyperthyroidism.

A thyroid disorder known as hyperthyroidism (or hyperthyroidism) can lead to increased appetite. This occurs due to an increase in the concentration in the blood of specific hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

If a cat is bored, anxious or depressed, it will try to become comfortable using a variety of methods. One of these ways is to search for food. Often the presence of psychological problems leads to other changes in behavior - damage to furniture, aggressiveness, and so on.

When a cat is deficient in certain nutrients, it may eat more to make up for the deficiency. Sometimes your cat will start eating unusual things, such as litter or dirt. She may also drink more than usual.

Finding a toilet

A small animal may scream in confusion, not knowing where to relieve itself. In such cases, you should put him in a tray and, if possible, explain why this device is needed. Even if the kitten is accustomed to the tray, in a new place he may not understand what this piece of furniture is for, so it is necessary to show it. By the third or fourth time, the animal will definitely understand the purpose and location of the toilet. In some cases, once is enough.

If a kitten comes to a new home at a very early age (up to a month), it may be in pain if it wants to go to the toilet. The fact is that a cat constantly licks newborn kittens, and this action has different purposes. Mom doesn't wash the babies as much as she massages them. This stimulates the kitten's still weak intestinal peristalsis. In such cases, the owner needs to gently massage the pet’s tummy, starting the process of defecation.

Habit

Some cats have a habit of eating small meals so they can have a snack later. Such individuals do not want to leave the remains of their dinner unattended when they have already eaten, so they begin to scratch with their paws next to the bowl.

The habit of burying food is often observed in cats that were once strays. Even though they already have loving owners, pets still continue to bury food after they have eaten. So they are trying to create reserves in case of hungry times.

In addition, the pet will try to bury food if it is unexpectedly decided to switch it to another food that it is not used to. A kitten who grew up in a nursery and ate exclusively prepared food there simply will not understand what to do with the meat, and will most likely begin to bury the bowl of food.

Reasons for cat night concerts

Why does a cat meow for no reason at night? This often occurs in animals during estrus. Continuous screams at night may also indicate illness.

However, most often a cat screams at night because it cannot sleep. It is possible that her sleep-wake pattern is disrupted. Night meowing greatly disturbs the peace of the owners. In this case, you need to make sure that the cat sleeps as little as possible during the daytime. It is also useful to arrange active games with the animal more often during the day. This will ensure your pet sleeps soundly at night.

Dominance of other cats

If you have more than one cat, a hierarchy inevitably builds up in the cat community: someone considers himself more important, which inevitably causes conflict with varying degrees of mutual aggression.

A cat that is afraid of letting its guard down and being ambushed may want to avoid visiting the cat cafeteria. And considering that in the wild, cats are able to starve for several days without harm to the body, such voluntary abstinence can last quite a long time.

If you have a lot of cats, make sure there are several feeding areas in the house and arrange them so that your pets feel safe while eating.

Why does a cat eat a lot and not get enough?

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Consult with experts and choose food suitable for your cat.

Itching and parasites

The cat licks areas of the body where it is itchy or painful. Licking in the anal area can be caused by constipation. Sick areas are licked more “targeted” than itchy areas. In case of itching, the licking area exceeds the size of the itchy area. The appearance of bald patches provides clues to the cause of excessive licking of fur.

Skin wounds

Cats lick scratches and other skin lesions. This is a normal process that cleanses the wound. In nature, a cat has no other way to take care of itself. However, this may be undesirable when the wound is treated with some kind of ointment or a suture is applied. To prevent unnecessary licking, you should limit your cat's access to the affected area.

Cats really don’t like closed doors, where they used to go freely. The cat is worried, not knowing what is happening in the closed (its!) territory. Additionally, while cats can get by with a small living space, it shouldn't be too small. Perhaps any of us would begin to tear our hair out, being locked in an apartment for years 24 x 7. We consult with family members when making any decisions. And although we cannot consult with a cat, we are quite capable of taking its interests into account.

Excessive licking is not always associated with a cat's physical health. Its cause may also have a psychological basis. Cats like their lives to be predictable and orderly, so unexpected changes can be stressful, says Dr. Perry. Reconstruction of the apartment, the appearance or disappearance of other animals, and sometimes even a change in regime cause anxiety in cats.

It happens that people try to force a cat to live by their own rules and do what they see fit. Such tricks do not work with cats - she is a free animal (conditionally domestic), she cannot be defeated, you can only come to an agreement. It is necessary to take into account her interests, creating as many opportunities for the cat as possible to satisfy her natural needs.

Licking in such cases is considered “replacement behavior” (people in such cases behave similarly, for example, biting their nails) - it calms the cat, but at the same time can become habitual if the source of anxiety is not noticed and eliminated in time.

If all medical problems are resolved, then treatment for excessive licking as a result of some form of stress in the cat's life is necessary, says Dr. Perry. If possible, changes should occur gradually, while maintaining elements of the environment familiar to the cat. For example, when moving, you need to take the cat house with you.

We suggest you read: How to treat a cat with herpes on his lip. Herpes is the main respiratory disease of cats

Provide elevated platforms that cats love - they make the cat feel safe and are perceived as possible escape routes. Help your cat show its hunting instincts by playing with it for just 10-15 minutes a day. Most cats love to be played with.

In addition, licking gives cats some pleasure. Thus, excessive licking can become a habit that continues after the cause is identified and addressed. Typically, a cat's fur licking returns to normal (on its own or after assistance) within a month.

With both physiological and mental causes of licking problems, resolving them takes time and patience. With proper attention and care, the cat's fur is restored and life returns to normal.

Mistake #8: The habit of looking for the cause of all problems in nutrition

• Dull coat, heavy shedding. Dull fur can be due to lack of care, old age, helminthic infestation, or other diseases of the internal organs. The cause of shedding may be dry indoor air, or it may be explained by physiological changes (seasonal shedding, baby shedding).
• Acne or “greasy tail” - in most cases, this problem is corrected by castration and replacing plastic bowls with ceramics, glass, porcelain, or metal.
• Bad breath and feces are diseases of the oral cavity and digestive organs. And it shouldn’t smell like roses there!
• Itching and scratching. The most common cause is flea dermatitis. We remember that if you don’t see fleas on an animal, this does not mean that they are not there. Regularly treat your animal for parasites!
• Flatulence and regurgitation of food are common eating disorders due to swallowing food too quickly along with air (aerophagia). Sometimes the reason is that the kibble size is too small. A prerequisite may also be the animal's infestation and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diarrhea and constipation often occur from banal overeating. Constipation is a companion of cats on a natural diet, where meat predominates. Diarrhea may indicate a viral infection (coronavirus, panleukopenia), worms and protozoa, a foreign body and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diseases of the genitourinary system arise due to metabolic disorders, genetic predisposition and changes in urine pH. Sometimes problems of the genitourinary system occur due to obesity or stress (idiopathic cystitis). Nutrition is most often only an indirect cause.
• Kidney/liver disease is my favorite “on holistics the kidneys fall off.” The cause of chronic renal failure is most often old age or genetic predisposition, and not high-protein food.

Owner, remember: first find out the cause with the help of a veterinarian, and then change the diet if necessary.

What a kitten's meowing could mean: 6 reasons

All domestic cats in the world speak the same language. In some situations, the cat's voice brings tenderness, in others it irritates. A kitten doesn't just meow. He gives his voice when he wants to communicate, ask or demand something.

Among the reasons that make a cat meow are the following:

1. Adaptation to new living conditions. A kitten adapts to coexistence with a person when its mother teaches it. Personality is fully formed when the cub spends up to 100 days of age interacting with its mother and littermates. Even in this case, it takes 2-3 days to get used to the new conditions. When a baby appears in the house, during the daytime he feels increased attention to himself and explores new places. But when night comes and everyone falls asleep, the kitten experiences stress and remembers its mother. He tries to find her and calls her all the time.
2. The cat is a solitary night hunter. The biological clock is set for daytime sleep and nighttime activity. If the owners do nothing to coordinate the cat’s life rhythm with theirs, sleepless nights await them.
3. The animal slept in the evening, he is bored and wants to play.
4. Hunger.
5. The animal felt that family members treated him differently. Some household members allow him something, others prohibit him. If there is a row in the family, the pet tries to take advantage of the situation and take a higher place in the hierarchy of the pride.
6. The kitten is sick and asks for help.

Be sure to read: Cat tangles, what they are + video on how to get rid of hair that has gotten into a ball.
The owner of a kitten needs to learn to understand the language the pet speaks. Act strictly but fairly in order to gain the authority of the dominant individual in the human-cat family.

Why does the kitten meow

Probably all cat owners have had to deal with a similar problem: when you bring home a small kitten, you do not get a peaceful animal, but a noisy pet that is always meowing and making other sounds.

And if it lasts a day or two, then you can put up with it and be patient. But what to do if this develops into daily serenades without end and edge? How to find out why a kitten is constantly meowing?

In principle, meowing is a natural process of communication for your new household member; to put it simply, he no longer knows how to express his emotions and desires. However, there are cases when the reasons for such behavior are much deeper, and do not boil down to a trivial desire to communicate. Let's try to figure out what phenomena can prompt your kitten to disturb the public peace with his shrill voice.

The main reasons why this behavior may occur

• Separation from the cat;
• Stress;
• Demand for attention;
• Hunger;
• A test of the owner's patience;
• Health problems;

Let's take a closer look at each of the reasons why a kitten meows often.

Separation from a cat

If you are planning to adopt a kitten from a recent litter, it is not recommended to take the baby away from its mother until the age of approximately two to two and a half months. Very often, the cause of a kitten’s anxiety and constant screaming is precisely the search for its mother, who has always been nearby, and suddenly disappeared somewhere.

In order to calm your little friend, you should take him in your arms so that he feels the warmth of your body, stroke him, communicating with him in a calm, peaceful tone - after a while he will stop screaming. However, this behavior may be repeated - when the baby is asleep, it may again begin to worry and meow pitifully. There are no special recipes for getting rid of such screams - over time, the kitten will simply get used to the absence of its mother nearby, and will begin to perceive its owner as an older cat.

List of other dangerous conditions

1. Cold season. Increased calorie consumption to heat the body. The cat requires double portions.
2. Advanced age of the individual. Older cats are characterized by reduced resistance (stability) of the body. Also, older individuals freeze more often and more often.
3. The body's reaction to certain medications. The list of drugs that most often cause hunger includes anticonvulsants and hormonal drugs.
4. The cat suffered stress and discomfort persisted for a long time. During stressful situations, the animal almost does not eat, and after eliminating the dangers, it begins to actively replenish lost energy reserves.

We suggest you read: Intestinal obstruction in cats: symptoms and treatment So, erratic eating and a constant feeling of hunger may indicate some changes in the animal’s body. These can be safe conditions (the influence of cold, activity), relatively safe (reaction to drugs) or dangerous conditions that threaten the health of the cat (diseases, worms). In any case, constant hunger is a reason to consult a veterinarian. A specialist will accurately determine the cause and help you get rid of the problem.

Among the reasons why a cat began to eat a lot, there are harmless and dangerous factors. The most common aspects include the following:

1. Psychological or behavioral restructuring. In this case, the appetite of adults and old animals often increases. The owners note gluttony, which increases with age;
2. Poor ability to absorb nutrients from the digestive tract. If your cat begins to eat a lot, but at the same time loses weight, then the cause may be poor digestibility of food. In some cases, after examination, inflammatory processes in the intestines, including cancerous tumors, are revealed. Exocrine insufficiency is the insufficient production of enzymes that digest foods. Malfunction of the pancreas - increases appetite;
3. Diabetes. As a result of inadequate intake of sugar into the blood, the animal begins to eat abundantly;
4. Insulin is a secreting tumor. These include insulinomas and liver tumors. Insulin leads to a decrease in blood sugar concentration, which is manifested by increased appetite;
5. Administration of certain drugs. For example, prednisolone or other glucocorticosteroid medications provoke the furry body to eat more food.