Why does my cat growl while eating?

Question

She only ever does it when I feed her Fussy Cat (raw kangaroo meat portions). My other cat eats hers daintily off her claw while the growly one swallows it whole like an anaconda swallowing an animal while growling like a feral beast! I even feed them a few meters away from each other.
They're so weird.

Answer 1

Many cats do this (growl while eating), particularly cats who eat raw meat.

Some think it's an indication that they are deriving extreme enjoyment from eating (or from eating a particular food). Others think it's the cats' way of basically saying, "Stay away! This is mine!" My opinion is that it could be one or the other or both, depending upon the cat.

Cats sure do have quite the personalities. Don't they? Your cat who eats her food off her paw reminds me of one of mine- Kung Pao. He does the same thing. He also scoops his water up and drinks it out of his paw. One of the funniest things I've ever seen. I also have a cat (Callie) who refuses to eat unless I close her up in her cat carrier. Once upon a time, she began carrying food in her mouth to the carrier, going inside, and then eating it. And she would repeat that behavior over and over until she was full. So I eventually started putting the food dish in the carrier for her, and now she waits until I close the door before she'll eat. How's that for weird? LOL!

Answer 2

Well, I know I'm about 9 years too late, and your cat could very well be dead, but maybe someone in the present time has a similar issue. I know i do.
My girlfriend got the cat, but a few days ago she also got a puppy. The puppy is constantly messing with the cat. I've heard her growl a few times at her while eating.
But I always pet her right after she starts eating, but tonight she started growling at me. I pulled away, petted her again, then repeated the process twice more. Each time she growled at me. That sort of behavior is not acceptable. I spend a lot of money on that damn cat.
I feed them quite a days apart, but dogs eat much faster than cats. The puppy always looks for more after.
I'm going to start feeding the cat right where I set and after a time of two, I'll try to pet her. Eventually I think that'll work. Then I'm going to start feeding her on the table (we never use it anyways) away from that annoying fu cking puppy! Lol.

Answer 3

If you watch a nature programmes you will see Lions and tigers do exactly the same thing, it's to warn others off... You're probably bringing more of this instinct out in her as you're feeding her raw meat but as long as it;s being enjoyed!! p.s cats are weird ( but also wonderful!)

Answer 4

My cat does the same thing... it's funny though because when she's growling, it actually sounds like she's say "Yum, Yum, Yum..." heh. Cats growl to warn others not to come near their food.

Answer 5

Sounds like she is protecting her food and feels threatened by your other cat. Try feeding her in a separate room from your other cat and I bet it will stop.

Answer 6

I can only emagene it's competition for food.

Why don't you try putting them in separate rooms/cages. That should solve that problem.

Don't think I would get in between the two of them. They might start thinking you look pretty good for snack time.

Answer 7

your cat really likes the food, he/she is probably eating it fast so noone else gets it. The growls could be because he/she is trying to keep it to him/her self, or he/she is eating it so fast he/she is just making noises.

Answer 8

Because She LOVES the food and doesnt want anyone else to take it from her.
It is a warning to other cats!

Answer 9

shes defending her food, its normal its a trait and shes a cat...let her eat like ferious lion she is at heart :-P

Answer 10

she is threatening that anyone thinks to take or share her food, she will hurt him. cats are selfish pets.