Dealing with a Cat's Overly Greedy Appetite: Tips & Sol

Cats, much like us, have a knack for turning to treats like fish snacks, pork jerky, canned food, freezedried options, and even catnip or cat cookies to solve any problem. If those aren't enough, a sprinkle of catnip or a few cat biscuits can do the trick!

However, just like a toddler learning to eat, cats often don't adhere to a strict schedule. They seem to think that unexpected meals are the most delicious, which can lead to some unexpected snacking sessions.

When it comes to cats sneaking snacks, it can be a real headache for pet owners. Sometimes, before you can react, your home's stash of treats has vanished without a trace.

What do you do when your feline friend, who's been out and about snacking all day, starts to balloon in size? Here's how to handle it:

Why Cats Snack Illegally

1. Instinctual Behavior

Cats are naturally curious creatures with a strong interest in exploring any kind of food. Wild cats can eat up to 1220 meals a day, and even domesticated cats retain this feeding habit. So, don't be too hard on a cat for sneaking a snack.

2. Real Hunger

Sometimes, the timing of feeding can be off, leading to uneven eating habits. When cats are hungry, they'll desperately seek food to replenish their energy. It might be time to reflect on whether you're feeding your cat appropriately.

3. Pupillary "Mouthing" Phase

Even with a daily feast of gourmet meals, cans, and meats, cats can't shake off the urge to sneak a taste of anything delicious. The term "a greedy little cat" often describes this characteristic of curiosity. Sometimes, kittens sneak snacks not because they're hungry but because they're teething and want to explore the taste and texture of new foods.

How to Deal with Cat Snacking

1. Hide Your Food

Firstly, make sure your cat can't access your food. Install pet gates at kitchen doors and in offlimits areas to prevent your cat from entering. If you catch your cat snacking, scold it and educate it to understand that this is not a good behavior. You can also provide toys like cat trees and wand toys to distract your cat.

2. Establish Good Eating Habits

While you might not starve your cat, some breeds, like Maine Coons, have hearty appetites. If you notice your cat frequently snacking, check if their food bowls are often empty and consider increasing their feeding amount. If possible, add an extra meal.

3. Spend More Time Together

Cats might snack to get attention, hoping to engage with their owners for play. If you catch your cat snacking, stop it immediately and show more affection to your cat to prevent lonelinessdriven misbehavior.

Other Considerations

1. If your cat has a tendency to snack, it's important to educate it. Use methods like hitting a hollow newspaper to create a reflex association, and make it clear that eating outside of the bowl is not allowed.

2. Some cats may have a mild pica, eating strange items like plastic bags or cat litter. In such cases, providing supplements with trace elements and vitamins can help.

3. Try not to feed your cat human snacks, as they are often high in salt, oil, sugar, or other ingredients that can be harmful to cats, potentially leading to health issues like kidney stones.