When your cat wanders around the food bowl, meowing in search of food, it will tug at your heartstrings. However, it can also be a little annoying, especially if you’ve already fed them!
quick overview
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Signs a cat is hungry include vocalizing, following you, rubbing your legs, patting you and nibbling your fingers.
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Cats beg for food for a number of reasons, including if they are on a diet, their food has been stolen by another cat, they have a disease or parasitic infection, they are bored, or they just really love to eat.
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If your cat is suddenly begging for food and has not done so before, especially if the hunger is accompanied by weight loss, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes.
Sometimes your cat can feel like he’s always hungry. So, how do you know if your cat is really hungry? Let’s find out the signs a cat is hungry and whether begging for food is normal cat behavior.
What does a cat do when it’s hungry?
1. meow
Cats usually cry loudly when they’re hungry, letting you know in no uncertain terms that it’s feeding time (at least in their heads!). If you live with a hungry or ravenous cat, you probably wish you had earplugs!
ALSO READ: When Cats Meow Sound Weird (Harrah)
2. follow you
If your cat is like your shadow, following you wherever you go, they may be letting you know they’re hungry. Don’t assume though, there are many other reasons your cat may be clingy, including boredom, loneliness, stress, and physical discomfort.
Also read: Why is my cat following me everywhere?
3. Rubbing, headbutting or hitting you
If your cat is hungry, they will find ways to get your attention. This includes shuttles and rubbing on your legs, just to make sure you notice them! Remember though, your cat may not be hungry, they may just want your attention or some love.
Headbutting, known as bunting, is an affectionate behavior in the cat world. However, if your cat is particularly loving and attention-seeking, it may be because they want you to feed them.
Another sign that a cat is hungry is slapping you with their paws when you walk past them in the kitchen. On the other hand, they might just be having fun!
Also read: What does it mean when a cat rubs against you?
4. Gnaw you
Gentle nibbling or more aggressive snapping could be a sign that they are losing patience and want to be fed. Depending on your cat, though, this could be an expression of affection or simply an attention-seeking behavior.
Also read: Why is my cat so annoying?Explaining Cats’ Attention-Seeking Behavior
Is it normal for cats to beg for food?
It may be normal for cats to beg for food. In fact, cats will beg for food, whether they are particularly hungry or not, just out of habit. However, before you ignore or ignore your cat begging for food, learn about the reasons why they might be acting hungrier than usual, as there are some medical reasons for begging.
Also read: Why do cats play with their prey?
Why is my cat begging for food?
1. They’re on a diet
If you aggressively restrict your cat’s food intake in order to make her lose weight and become healthier, you may get some loud protests. Over time, your cat should get used to their new food allowance, but if their bulimia doesn’t improve, consult your veterinarian about gradually switching to a less calorie-dense diet so they can eat more More. This way, they will feel fuller for longer.
Also read: How to Put a Cat on a Diet?
2. Their food was stolen
If you have more than one cat, or even more than one pet, consider whether your cat is getting their share, or if it has been stolen.
If you have a pet door, even nearby cats may take the opportunity to steal your cat food. If you suspect that your cat may not be getting their entire allotment, try feeding them separately to see if they seem less hungry.
Also read: Why is my cat stealing my other cat’s food?
3. They have a medical condition
Conditions that alter metabolism, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, can make your cat look very hungry, even though they are eating normal amounts of food. Likewise, certain cancers, as well as bowel and kidney diseases, can affect how the body absorbs and uses nutrients, or cause protein to be lost in urine or stool.
Most medical problems that cause begging for food can lead to weight loss in addition to increased appetite, so keep an eye on your cat and bring them in for a weight check if you’re concerned.
Also Read: Best Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Kidney Disease
4. They have worms
Intestinal parasites, commonly called worms, can lead to weight loss and reduced nutrient absorption. You may also notice your cat has an upset stomach with vomiting, blood in the stool, or diarrhea. Because they cannot absorb digested food well, they will feel very hungry, which can lead to begging behavior.
Also Read: 9 Best Cat Foods for Diarrhea
5. They don’t like their food
If your cat doesn’t like their cat food, they may leave it in the bowl and beg for something else. This means they are really hungry, but they insist that you offer something more appetizing, like human food. If your cat’s food bowl is usually filled with dry food, try switching to wet food, or you can try changing the taste of your cat’s diet.
Also read: Why is my cat not eating?cat loss of appetite
6. Their food makes them miserable
Likewise, if your cat is begging while away from food, it may be the food that is causing them pain. Dental disease, mouth sores, abscesses, and tumors can all cause mouth pain and make eating uncomfortable.
If this is the case, you may also notice your cat drooling, bleeding, or pawing at their mouths. Cats with mouth sores will often eat wet food but leave dry food or kibble because it hurts more.
Also read: Oral Cancer in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
7. They’re a bit greedy
Some cats are just a little greedy! If your cat is begging for food, there is nothing wrong with it other than liking it very much. Of course, obesity is a serious health problem in cats and other pets, so if your cat is gaining weight, talk to your veterinary clinic about weight loss diets and other support.
Also read: Cat Obesity Chart: Know If Your Cat Is Obese
8. They are boring
Just like humans, cats who are bored or crave attention may resort to eating. Investing in some food puzzles, extra toys, an activity center, or a cat tree can help fight boredom and whet your appetite.
ALSO READ: The 5 Best Interactive Cat Toys for Bored Cats
9. It’s a habit
If every time your cat begs for food, you offer it, they’ll learn to expect it. By feeding them, you are rewarding them and reinforcing the begging habit, making them more likely to do it again.
Spending time interacting with them in other ways, such as playing or cuddling, should help break this habit so they only start begging when they’re really hungry. Some cat owners even have an automatic feeder so their cats don’t associate them with food.
In short
If you have a cat begging for food, it can be a little frustrating, and make you tempted to give in to those pleading eyes and feed them! It can be tricky when our hearts tell us to feed them or give them treats, but our minds know they don’t need it anymore and gaining weight can make them unhealthy.
Spotting signs that your cat wants love, attention, or play rather than hunger should help avoid unnecessary feedings. If their appetite changes, don’t forget to have them checked by a veterinarian in case of medical problems.
Also read: List of Foods Cats Can and Can’t Eat
frequently asked questions
How do I get my cat to stop begging for food?
Fighting cat begging is not easy. This will require commitment and rigor on your part, and you may need to change your behavior. First, make sure your cat doesn’t have a medical problem, especially if there is a change in their eating behavior or appetite. Second, provide plenty of kitty entertainment to beat boredom, and spend lots of time interacting with them so they can hold your attention in other ways.
If none of this helps, you may need to choose a food that will keep them full longer. Foods that are lower in calories or higher in fiber or protein can help keep your cat from feeling hungry.
Why is my cat acting like it’s hungry?
There are many reasons why your cat may appear very hungry. Some are obvious, like if you put them on a diet or the cat next door is stealing their food. On the other hand, your cat may have worms or another health problem, or it may just be that they are just too greedy.
Should I ignore my cat begging for food?
It is important not to ignore your cat until you know there is no underlying medical problem causing this behavior. A checkup at the veterinarian will help reassure you that the veterinarian and veterinary technician will be able to provide some advice if you need it.
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