he is nearly 2 years old.
he is an indoors cat as he never wants to be outside.
he is a bit overweight and he has been neutered. so he is mainly on a diet dry cat food which he has been fed in a weighed amount since august on the vets recommendation.
he has always been alright with this and usually leaves a bit, but for the past 2 weeks he is constantly been begging for more food and sniffing round the kitchen when i have been cooking.
i cant work out why?
any ideas?
2007-02-07 01:39:54 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I think he's playing up.
Just because he cries doesn't mean you have to feed him.
And if you do he'll come to expect it.
His feeding schedule has been fine since August, stick with it!
2007-02-07 01:48:13 · answer #1 · answered by Celeste P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say he's bored, and comfort eating. Try and make it more interesting when you do feed him, split the weighed amount down into several meals and he'll think he's getting more! Can't be worms as he's indoors and a bit overweight. Also, he's getting older. My 16 yr old (cat I mean!) is ALWAYS begging, so her food is split down into 3 small meals, and she's fed in a different place for each 'meal'.
It makes her work for her food as she'd sleep 23 hrs a day else!
2007-02-07 07:05:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excess food intake (or polyphagia) can be primary or secondary to a disease. The most common medical conditions associated with symptoms of polyphagia are:
-hyperthyroidism: these cats are usually very thin despite eating like a horse. Other symptoms: restlessness, unkempt coat, sometimes increased thirst . They tend to be much older when diagnosed (usually older then 10 years).
-Diabetes mellitus :cat will also drink a lot. Sugar in urine sample.
-Other conditions such as acromegaly and hyperadrenocoticism (Cushing syndrome) are quite uncommon in cats
-Worms are not so likely to cause this problem in adult and indoor cat.
In this case, I would say it's most likely to be primary:
-Castrated male cats tend to put weight on especially when not very active.
-Has he been on any drugs recently? Several drugs can cause polyphagia; for example prednisolone, a steroid commonly used to suppress allergic conditions,will make your cat crave for food. Other drugs causing polyphagia: anticonvulsants and sedatives, progestins and antihistamines.
-psychological factors such as boredom, stress (new pet, baby etc) and giving more palatable diet .
Studies show that cats that are constrained inside the house show a significant sign of boredom and even depression.
Solution: He needs more activity! You need to spend more time playing with him, you could try to take him outside on a leash (you need to do this gradually, first getting him used to harness).It is important to engage a cat in outdoor activities; they need further stimulation just like the dog,
In any case, it would be wise to see your vet to rule out medical conditions. If you can, bring a fresh sample (small amount will do, just make sure the jar is clean and doesn't contain any sugar rests)
2007-02-07 08:39:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say possibly worms - but then you mention he is an inside cat - so I am not sure if cats can get worms when they are inside only - could be worth asking your vet if you should have him wormed though, it could also be something medical - if he is quite fat but only had measured food he could have an over active thyroid - again probably worth just nipping him down to the vets and asking them to give your little boy a once over. put your mind at rest - he might just want attention though!
2007-02-07 02:06:14 · answer #4 · answered by Grace - baby No.2 due in October 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is he an outdoor cat, if so he could possibly have worms which are eating all the food he eats, worth checking out with a vet
2007-02-07 03:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by ross f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's getting lazy and the free food is a habit. Give him plenty of water and a food free day each week to get his weight down. Make him run around the house more and get the flab off.
2007-02-07 01:47:56 · answer #6 · answered by Fraggle Rocker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat had the same problem. she probely has worms or like my cat a kidney infection which makes them hungry the whole time. if i were you i would bring her to the vet to make sure. she could also be constipated so give her a knob of butter to lick, that will help!
Good luck, Roisin!!
2007-02-07 07:34:34 · answer #7 · answered by Roisin B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be worms,maybe tape worms or he just may be bored.As cats get older and they slow down with no stimulation to keep them active they react as humans do...THEY EAT! So check for worms and try to stimulate your cat. Good Luck..
2007-02-07 01:49:32 · answer #8 · answered by Dixie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worms?
2007-02-07 01:44:28 · answer #9 · answered by OriginalBubble 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like human ,cats can get bored of the same food all the time . You should try different flavour
2007-02-07 02:31:48 · answer #10 · answered by sarah m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋