cat's eating habits?

Question

my 2yr old cat won't eat when I'm gone. When I get home he will wolf his food down like there's no tomorrow. Last night he ended up throwing up because he ate too fast. Why won't he eat when I'm gone and then wolf his food down when I'm home? He's the only cat I have btw.

I've only had my cat for 1 1/2 months. He started doing this a few weeks ago.

Answer 1

More info please. Have you had him from a kitten? Has he always done this or has he only just started? Any recent scares? Firework night for example?

OK...thanks. He's just settling into a new home. If you don't already do this.....try leaving him some dry food down when you are out, with a bowl of water. Only put him a little wet food out when you are in so he doesn't scoff himself stupid........and lots of cuddles. And don't worry too much. He's just getting used to you and his new, strange surroundings. He'll be fine.

Answer 2

You don't give enough information.

1) Is he the only cat you've had while you've owned him? You say that he's 2 years old but don't mention if that's how long you've had him. Is it?

2) Has he always done this or is this something new? If it's new, then when did it start?

3) Have you changed the way in which you feed him?

4) Have you been gone long periods of time, like days?

Edit: Well, since you're not giving any real answers, I'm going to say your cat is insecure. The previous owner probably neglected him, or gave him food only when they were around, or did something to him concerning the food.

He needs to be retrained, so that he thinks of the food and you in a positive light. Give him just enough food when you feed him to fill his tummy some, maybe a tablespoon or two. Put the bowl in front of him and then pet him gently and talk to him to reassure him everything is okay. Do this at least an hour before you leave the house. If he hasn't eaten it before you leave, then put him in front of it just before you leave and pet him. If he hasn't eaten it still by the time you get home, then let him wolf it down as usual since there won't be much there, then fed him a little more an hour later. Keep doing this routine until he associates mealtime as a positive thing, and he should start eating when you're not around.

Answer 3

He's 2 yrs and you have had him for 1 and 1/2 months. Sometimes, depending on what he's been through, animals suffer separation anxiety and won't eat unless you're there with him. That's what it sounds like. At least he's eating... try not to give him very much at one time so that when he does scarf it down, he's not stuffing himself with a huge amount. Hopefully, in time,he'll calm down and feel safe when he's alone.

Answer 4

Try feeding the cat a spoonful at a time with some time to digest inbetween this should help with the throwing up.

Answer 5

my cat wont eat hardly any of his food all at once. he eats litle bites threw out the day so i guess h gets full but cats are like that they dont pig out they lik littl snacks.so if he has worms or you can see his ribs or he looks and feels skinny,then its time to see a vet.

Answer 6

cats have different eating habbits individually. my own cat wont eat when im around.. he tends to follow me and sit in my lap but as soon as i leave room he starts munching.. maybe just his way of living. i wouldnt worry unless he starts to act differntly ( other than his eating)

Answer 7

put a camera in the room he is living and connect it through ure phone.check your phone whether he eats it or not.if yes,dont worry.if not,then he will take your time when ure gone to eat.

Answer 8

don't worry so much he will eat when he is hungry.