Cats are smart and they learn routines quickly. It doesn’t take long for them to learn when mealtime is, especially if you feed them at the same time every day. However, there are certain underline health issues that could cause your beloved feline to feel constantly hungry.
Diabetes
A cat with diabetes will not absorb all the nutrition. This is due to the cat’s difficulty in converting sugar to energy. Hence, the cat will always feel hungry. Even if she eats constantly, she will still lose weight. Other symptoms of diabetes include sudden weight loss, or weight gain, and an increase in urination. A cat with diabetes should be sent to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment.
Related: 5 Early Telling Signs Your Cat Has Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Increased thyroid hormones and fast metabolism cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism results in excessive hunger, hyperactivity, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, or oral medications are the treatment options for cat hyperthyroidism.
Related: Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms and Treatments
Cancer
If your cat is always hungry but not losing weight, it could be a sign of cancer. Tumours that generate insulin affect the cat’s natural absorption, which can result in an abnormal discharge of growth hormones leading to an increase in food intake. Depending on the situation, if your cat is diagnosed with cancer, she may need to undergo surgery or chemotherapy.
Roundworms
This type of parasite will cause your cat to be ‘always hungry.’ The reason for this is that the worms are taking all the nutrition from the cat’s food. A cat that is infested with roundworms may look fat because the parasites will make its body swell. Preventing roundworms can be done by regular deworming, especially for outdoor cats. If you suspect that roundworms are the reason behind your cat’s hunger, submit a faecal sample to the vet to get it tested as soon as you can.
Related: Cat Worms – Can Humans Be Infected and What Is the Treatment?
Depression/Stress
Overeating can be cathartic to a cat who is feeling depressed or stressed. Cat depression and stress may be caused by various reasons, especially events in the household directly affecting the cat’s everyday routine. Giving your cat extra love and attention would be of great help in drawing her out of her sad bubble. You can also encourage your cat to play games and cat toys.
Related: Is My Cat Depressed? Natural Remedies and Solutions for Cat Depression
Boredom
Just like us, cats have a tendency to eat because of boredom, which triggers overeating. To solve this, it would be best to provide your cat with toys that can stimulate them mentally and physically. Give her puzzle toys and other intellectually stimulating treat toys that would keep your cat active and entertained.
Related: What Are the Best Interactive Cat Toys?
Cold ambience
Another reason that might make your cat always hungry is a cold environment. A cold environment will cause cats to burn calories faster, which will make them feel constantly hungry without gaining weight.
Low-quality cat food
A cat that is always hungry after eating low-quality cat food is equal to humans eating fast food. You know that feeling when you get hungry an hour after eating a huge serving of fast food? That is exactly what low-quality cat food does to cats. Low-quality cat food will not satisfy the nutritional needs of a cat; hence, the cat might just want to eat and eat. This can cause overweight and obesity to cats. On the bright side, this issue can be solved by switching to high-quality cat food, giving your cat a protein-rich diet.
Other ways to help your cat
Cats have a tendency to be aggressive when their demands for food are not met. Slowly changing routines by distracting them with toys or a good petting when it’s not yet time for feeding. Over time, your cat’s eating habit will change. If the situation doesn’t improve, it is always a good idea to ask a vet for a proper diagnosis.
