Why is my kitten always hungry but skinny

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Why is my cat always hungry?

Why is my cat always hungry? As loving pet owners, we strive to meet our cats' dietary needs and ensure their overall well-being. However, when their hunger seems relentless, we find ourselves questioning if it's normal or if there's an underlying issue we should address.

It's a question that echoes through the minds of many cat owners and the reason why wont be the same for all cats. Perhaps you arent feeding your cat the right food for its individual nutritional needs or tastes. In this case, you may just need to invest in a better quality kibble (youll find some stellar options in our guide to the best dry cat food) or in some of the best wet cat food options.

On the other hand, you may have a very greedy pet on your hands or there could be deeper medical or behavioral issues behind why your cat is always hungry. This is where Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a trusted authority in the veterinary field, steps in to shed light on the topic. Godfrey will delve into the intricacies of feline hunger, exploring whether it's typical for cats to exhibit such an appetite and unveiling the potential reasons behind their constant cravings.

Is it normal for a cat to always be hungry?

Everyone wants their furry family member to be happy and well, with a healthy appetite. However, a healthy appetite doesn't mean they should be indulging in more food than they need. Just like humans, some cats care more about food than others!

Some cats are happy to graze throughout the day and naturally self-regulate the amount they eat only to take in the calories they need. However, other cats can seem to be hungry all the time, and if left to graze as much food as they liked would quickly pile on the pounds.

So should you worry if your cat is always hungry? Well, as a general rule, if your cat's appetite has always been a bit excessive it's more likely to be a behavioral cause like boredom, greediness, or wanting attention. But if your cat's appetite suddenly changes, this could be a sign of a medical problem.

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Why is my cat always hungry?

Here are some of the main reasons why your cat might seem to be hungry all the time:

1. Theyre greedy

It's true; some cats are just a bit greedy! What's more, if they overeat regularly, their stomach will stretch, meaning they need more food to feel full. So, it's easy to see how some podgy pets can seem so hungry all the time despite eating lots!

2. Worms

Worms and other parasites can cause diarrhea and affect the absorption of nutrients in the gut. This causes your cat to feel extra hungry because they're not getting the calories they need. In severe or prolonged cases, cats can lose weight despite their increased appetite.

3. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a relatively common disease of older cats where the thyroid glands release too much thyroid hormone. This causes your cat's metabolism to speed up. Cats with hyperthyroidism are often ravenously hungry but lose weight even with the extra calorie intake.

4. Diabetes

Another medical condition that can cause your cat to lose weight and be extra hungry is diabetes. Diabetic cats aren't as good at using glucose as an energy source, so they tend to eat more. If your cat has diabetes, you might notice them drinking and peeing a lot too.

5. Cancer

Like in people, many types of cancer can affect our furry friends. Certain cancers can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a reduction in absorption of nutrients from the gut. These types of cancer can cause weight loss and a lack of appetite. On the other hand, many cancerous tumours can grow rapidly. This uses valuable energy and causes your cat to eat more.

6. Theyre on medications

Some medications can cause hunger as a side effect. Steroids are the main culprit, but some other drugs can also cause increased hunger. If your cats new appetite started at the same time as they went onto a new medication, this could explain why your cat is always hungry. You can call their vet to double-check if hunger is a side effect of the medication, and how to handle it.

7. They need a different food

Not all foods are created equal! If your cat seems extra hungry, it's worth looking at the nutritional information on their food packet. You need to make sure that it contains lots of energy and good levels of protein and carbohydrates. A trial on a new diet with a higher protein content might make your cat more satisfied.

8. Theyre not really hungry

Just because your cat seems to be demanding food, it doesnt necessarily mean that theyre hungry. Cats can eat because theyre bored, or they might just be rubbing against you and meowing because they want your attention, rather than an extra helping of biscuits.

Is meowing always a sign of hunger?

If your cat meows, they are trying to communicate. This doesn't necessarily mean that they're hungry, but hunger is one of the reasons. Meowing can also be a sign of pain, stress, fear, curiosity, or boredom. So, although placing a fresh bowl of cat food in front of your noisy kitty might keep them quiet for a moment, they might not have been meowing for food after all. Try giving them some attention instead!

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How to tell if your cat is hungry or greedy

If your cat is eating a lot, it's important to determine whether they're hungry or just greedy. After all, if your cat needs the extra calories due to illness the last thing you want to do is put them on a diet. So how can you find out if your cat is greedy or genuinely hungry? Firstly, if they have any other symptoms or you're concerned that they might be unwell, it's best to take them to a veterinarian for a health check. Secondly, check their food to see that it contains the proper nutrients.

If they're not up to date with parasite treatments, this could also be the cause, so it's worth administering a veterinary-approved wormer to see if that helps. You can use distraction techniques like puzzle feeders and extra playtime as well as plenty of attention to see if this stops your cat from asking for food. If nothing seems to be working, though, speak to your veterinarian.

How many times a day should I feed my cat?

Every cat is different. Some like to graze throughout the day, whereas others are happy eating at set mealtimes. Which cat feeding routine you choose will depend on your lifestyle and your cat's weight and ability to self-regulate.

For instance, if your cat is a bit podgy and is likely to scoff their entire bowl in one sitting and then come begging for more, it's probably not wise to leave food down all day! Unless your cat is a grazer, offering two or three meals a day is reasonable. However, make sure you use the guidelines on the cat food to help you work out how much to feed them.

Why is my cat always hungry but skinny?

If your cat eats constantly but stays skinny, it could signify that something is wrong. This might be as simple as worms or other parasites. But they could also have hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or another medical condition. A veterinarian should examine them, perform some tests, and give the necessary treatment to help them reach a healthier weight.

Why is my cat always hungry but fat?

If your cat is always hungry and a bit overweight, they might just be greedy, bored, or craving more attention from you. However, diabetic cats are sometimes fat, so it's worth checking with a veterinarian before putting them on a diet. If it turns out your cat is just greedy, theyll be able to give you advice on safe weight loss in cats.

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When to visit the vet

If your cat's appetite changes suddenly, whether it's larger or smaller, it's best to visit the vet. If you are concerned that your cat overeats, but they seem healthy in other ways, you can try changing their food, worming them, and giving them some enrichment like new toys and games. However, if you notice other symptoms or if your cat is losing weight, you should visit the vet without delay.

When working out why your cat is always hungry, it can be hard to decide whether they are just greedy or if there's something wrong. Most hungry cats are greedy, but there are some common medical conditions that cause extreme hunger, too. If in doubt, your local veterinary clinic should be able to help you find out why your cat is always hungry, as well as advise you on a healthy weight for your cat.

Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?

Some cats are better than others at cutting themselves off from the kibble when they're no longer physically hungry. No different from some humans, some bored house cats have been known to snack purely out of boredom. Unfortunately, snacking when they aren't actually hungry can lead to a host of medical conditions, including obesity, osteoarthritis, urinary problems and diabetes mellitus. According toCornell Feline Health Center, obese cats are twice as likely to pass away when they're middle-aged (that's ages 6-12 for cats) compared to cats with a healthy weight. With this in mind, keepingyour kitty occupied with activitiesbeyond another trip to the food dish is a smart move on your part and well worth the effort.

Originally used in zoo settings, food puzzles are a great way tostimulate kittiesand mimic an environment nature selected them for. Making your cat work for their food can not only improve their health but it can also decrease unwanted behavior problems that often arise out of boredom, such as anxiety and destructive behaviors. According to theJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, food puzzles with rounded surfaces are best, so cats can easily bat them around. Many food puzzles are available on the market to stimulate your kitty, giving them a mental workout along with some physical exercise.

Why Is My Cat Always Hungry?

If youre not sure how much to feed your cat or what a healthy cat diet looks like, find out with our guide for feeding your cat.

Diabetes

Another reason why cats are always hungry has to do with their bodys inability to extract the amount of energy needed from the usual meals. Diabetes in cats is an illness that leaves cats less able to break down glucose for energy and will oftentimes manifest itself by an increase in appetite. Other signs include increased thirst and urination. Look out for sudden changes in behaviour and dont hesitate to contact the vet. If diabetes is indeed the culprit, your cats appetite levels should get back to normal with proper medication.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in cats is caused by a benign tumour of the thyroid gland leading to excessive thyroid hormone production. One of the main symptoms is weight loss despite an increased appetite, so if your cat is always hungry but skinny, make sure you pay attention to other symptoms and get in touch with the vet for a diagnosis. Hyperthyroidism signs also include hyperactivity, panting or vomiting. Depending on the diagnostic, the illness can sometimes be managed through daily medications, but solutions such as surgery or radioactive iodine therapy can also be recommended as treatment options.

Cancer

Cancer is another reason why nutrients might not be properly absorbed by cats and therefore prompting them to ask for more food to compensate. Unfortunately cancer in cats can be difficult to detect as felines tend to mask their pain. But look out for common symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting or weight loss and contact the vet as soon as you notice these unusual changes.