Why is my cat always hungry?

Question

She's about 10 years old, and sort of overweight. I used to feed to her every morning, but she was always hungry halfway through the day, so I started feeding her twice a day, in smaller amounts. But still, no matter what I do, she starts meowing and rubbing up against things a little while after she finishes her food. I know I'm feeding her enough, and she always has fresh, cold water. What's going on?

Answer 1

Just like people our pets may actually be "starving" from lack of nutritious food. Most inexpensive foods are 2/3 corn a known allergen for cats and dogs. Feeding grains to a cat simply goes against its natural diet which is wholesome meat.

So look for premium cat foods which you will not find in a supermarket or large chain store like Pet Smart or PetCo. The quality foods have at least the first two ingredients (read the labels) from a meat source. Chicken, chicken meal etc. Never by-products (that's entrails, heads, feet and even feathers). That all counts as protein according to AAFCO "standards" and it is very substandard as far as nutrition goes.

Cats whose diet is 2/3 corn will end up overweight and undernourished.

Simply choosing a food without corn will mean your cat will stop GAINING and that is a plus right there. The weight will come off gradually and she will be more satisfied by her food. So you don't have to limit the quantity, just improve the quality.

Answer 2

My Cat Always Hungry

Answer 3

Some cats will do that. Tell her that she is not getting any more food until the next meal time. And if she continues trying to get you to feed her, ignore her.

That won't be easy, I know: Few critters are more persistent than a determined cat!

If you think she actually has a medical problem, then see a vet. But I don't think there is anything wrong with her.

Answer 4

Quality food does make a difference in the amount of food your cat requires to feel full, but you should also be aware that nature is a factor here. Being descended from the wild, even domesticated cats tend toward a glut and starve eating habit--in nature they tend to eat till they're almost bursting, then go for long periods without needing to eat. So, this is part of your issue, that they tend to want to glut, even if it isn't good for them. So, it's best to feed a high quality food, and establish a routine for their feeding, then stick to it. They may not feel full or sated, but you'll know they're getting what they need.
In geriatric felines, it is often good to switch--slowly, of course, to prevent digestive upset--to a specially formulated food designed for the more sensitive digestion of older cats, and for their reduced activity levels.
Also, keep human-food treats to a minimum, as those are most likely to put on unnecessary weight. They'll always love to get them, and certainly beg for them, but they don't need them all the time. It might also be a good idea to ask your vet for recommendations on what type of food to give her.

Answer 5

I had to have my cat fixed and had to then remove her food dish and put her on a diet. I feed her 3 times a day, the amount I can hold in one hand with my fist closed, about 3 tablespoons full of dried food. For her it is enough. She wanted more for the rest of the day between meals and would beg from everyone until I stopped anyone but me from feeding her. Now, after about 1 1/2 years she is used to the 3 small meals a day. She is still slightly overweight, but it is something I (and she) can live with.
...jj

Answer 6

Could be worms or a metabolic disorder. Take in a stool sample and have it checked. Eggs aren't always shed, so it may take 2 or 3 samples to find them. The vet has special dewormers that are safer than those over the counter. Never use OTC meds. The stool sample should be fresh that day and refrigerated until you can drop it off.

Answer 7

Oh dear. Well like humans her tummy has expanded. Like drugs(bad thing) it takes higher doses to make her happy. I think she might have diet problem some cat food is not balanced. Anddont give her too much. Yet don't give her too little because her body will go on famon mode and she will for a little wheil get fatter.

Answer 8

Well feeding your cat helps

Answer 9

Hi Kyle...cats who are hungry can be a result of the food brand used.

Many cat foods contain high levels of carbohydrates such as corn, corn meal and soy. A cat can never feel satisfied because of the carbs so they keep eating more. Cats are obligate carnivores so a diet higher in animal proteins is more beneficial to keep them lean and healthy. Corn, corn meal and soy have no nutritional value as they are used as fillers to help bind the kibble together so they don't crumble in the packaging and corn is also used to fatten slaughter quicker as well.

If you would like to change a healthier diet to help lower her weight it can be done, however it must be done slowly and carefully, which I'll include the steps to help you do this below. This method is best as cats are prone to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease--http://maxshouse.com/Feline_Hepatic_Lipidosis.htm if they are starved.

Cats should eat a serving of 1/2 cup - 3/4 in total divided twice a day (e.g. morning and evening before bedtime--12 hours apart). If your kitty is eating more than this gradually cut back the amount by 1/16 one week at a time until you get to the ideal serving. Sometimes it's better to feed the cat multiple times throughout the day so she doesn't feel too depraved waiting the full 12 hours....perhaps like every 4 hours if your schedule permits.

Additionally, changing food brands/type suddenly with any cat will cause stomach distress as well as diarrhea in cats. You will need to gradually change her food to the new brand over a course of several weeks. How you do this is to take 3/4 of the old food and mix it together with 1/4 of the new food for one week. Then 1/2 of the new with 1/2 of the old for another week. Finally, 3/4 of the new food mixed with 1/4 of the old for a week before finally 100% of the new food. Please keep in mind that some cats absolutely just don't like some brands of foods either so you may need to consider another brand and then again gradually mix the old kind with the new one to help her adjust. It just cannot be done any other way without making the cat very sick.

Furthermore, cat's should eat more of a premium food to keep their coat healthy and to help minimize hairballs as well. Most cat food available on the market is sub-standard even though they spend a considerable amount of money on advertising. Royal Canin is one of the better brands available in a pet store that doesn't contain the ingredients, corn, corn meal or soy all which are bad for a cats diet. These are in almost every commercial cat food products (Iams, Science Diet, Puria Whiskas, etc) if you read the ingredient label. Here's a direct link for Royal Canin: http://www.royalcanin.us/catfood

There are higher premium quality foods generally found at smaller specialty pet stores, which also contains essential quality nutrients and no byproducts such as:
Innova EVO: http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=product-detail&pxsl=%2F%2Fproduct%5B%40id%3D%271255%27%5D
California Natural: http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=product-detail&pxsl=%2F%2Fproduct%5B%40id%3D%2772%27%5D
Nature's Variety Prairie: http://www.naturesvariety.com/content.lasso?page=1352
Wellness: http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/cats/wellness_overview.html
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul: http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com/formulasnew.php?PL=4&S=Cats&FT=Dry%20Food

...and many more if you'd like to consider trying. Cats who eat the premium foods tend to not feel as hungry and their coats and overall health is also quite visibly noticeable.

Long-term medical care will cost more when a cat eats sub-standard food. Just like humans if we eat junk food all the time eventually we will have health problems which will require expensive medical care too.

Answer 10

My cat meows and rubbs against things whan shes not hungry. She just wants some love!!(And a good scrach!!!)