Does anyone know why my cat eats all the time, often to the point where she eats so much she throws up!? :-S?

Question

hi thanks for all the great answers...she is 8 years old, a bit on the fat side, we only give her dry food as per vet advice. she is flea'd and wormed.

Answer 1

Hard to say without background. How old is she? Is this a recent development? Any other "symptoms".

Eating like she's starving could be a symptom of Hyperthyroidism (or is it "hypO"...). Does she seem to breathe heavy all the time, too? (This would be more prevalent in an older cat). This requires treatment and medication and can be serious and life-threatening.

If it's a young and/or newer cat, you always have to factor in the possibility that she might have gone hungry before, so survival instinct says "eat everything available at the time" just because it's there now. If that's the case, try free-feeding her with her dry food (giving wet at normal mealtimes) so that she always has a bowl of food available and she'll get used to the idea that she has plenty of food at her disposal.

That's the best I can do without more details -- but just guesses at this point.

Good luck.

Answer 2

My vet told me that "most" cats should only eat 1/2 cup a food a day. We feed our cat 1/4 cup a food in AM and a 1/4 cup in PM. Now, that doesn't mean she is full, she would definitely eat more if we gave it to her and she is not underweight by any means. The other thing is your cat might have a thyroid condition. You may want to have the vet check it out and do some blood work.

Answer 3

I read on the internet that cats are supposed to eat 12 times a day because they nibble. Do some research on the internet. I would talk to a vet though. I put cat food out for my cats and let them eat all they want and they are not fat.You may need to change cat food but buy the small bag and try it first...

Answer 4

Im not really sure. I have heard that often in tinned catfood there is so much rubbish in it that most of it ends up being, well, excreted out. Because there is not much substance in the catfood the cat is hungry and never fully satisfied. We now buy some food that the vet recommends. Its dry catfood. The cat never gets sick of it and we only have to feed it twice a day!

Answer 5

Sounds like she's got an eating disorder, just like a human who overeats. It may help to find out from the vet exactly how much and what type of food she should be eating, and only feed her at certain times, instead of keeping food in her bowl all the time.

Answer 6

cats can have bulmeia. It usually stems from them thinking that they're going to starve or something. You should consult your vet, but in the meantime you might want to stop letting her feed herself. YOu should look on the side of the bag of catfood and see how much a cat her size should have. Then, break up the portion into two meals, morning and night. This way, she'll get what she needs and she won't overeat.

Answer 7

I'm no expert, but do you feed your cat canned food ? I've seen
people overfeed there cat by giving a whole can everyday not good to much. You should ask a vet for better answers.

Answer 8

First of all what kind of food are u feeding your cat? Next, She or he may be having hairball. I had the same thing with my cat and changed her cat food to purina one special care one adult cat advaned hairball and healthy weight. and it's made with real yogurt. Since I have gotten my cat on this food she has stopped throwing up. I am glad that I had gotten that for her. That is what my vet had told me to do. if u have any more questions please email me at [e-mail] I will answer any questions for u that u need to know about your cat.

Answer 9

This happens with my cats sometimes. Just feed him a small portion of food once a day so he doesn't eat too much. It will help keep his weight under control, too.

Answer 10

Have you talked to the vet?? Sounds you might need to change kitty food... I hope you find the solution tho... a good cat is a blessing!! PEace