Introduction
Many cat owners are concerned when their feline friend suddenly stops eating. A cat that refuses food for more than a day could be at risk for a life-threatening condition called hepatic lipidosis. Understanding why cats stop eating and how to recognize the warning signs can help owners address the issue before it becomes an emergency.
This is an important question for cat owners because our feline companions have some unique physiological traits and behaviors around food. Cats are obligate carnivores that rely on meat-based proteins for survival. They also tend to graze on smaller meals throughout the day. Knowing what is normal allows us to notice when something may be wrong with our cat’s appetite.
Natural Eating Behaviors
In their natural environment, feral cats exhibit an opportunistic feeding behavior, consuming whatever small prey they can capture (https://www.alleycat.org/resources/biology-and-behavior-of-the-cat/). This includes rodents, birds, reptiles and insects. Feral cats hunt frequently throughout the day, consuming multiple small meals. According to one source, they eat about 8-10 small meals per day, consuming approximately 4-6 ounces of food in total (https://www.foodfurlife.com/the-natural-diet-of-the-cat.html). The natural diet of feral cats is high in animal-based protein from their prey. Their frequent small meals allow for digestion of the protein-rich foods. This type of eating pattern also provides a consistent source of energy to fuel their active lifestyle. In their natural environment, feral cats are lean and muscular from the physical demands of hunting prey.
Domesticated Differences
Domestic cats differ significantly from their wild counterparts when it comes to access to food. Wild cats experience food scarcity and must hunt to find their next meal. In contrast, domestic cats have regular access to food provided by their owners, eliminating the challenges of hunting and scarcity.
According to the Kids’ Inquiry of Diverse Species, domestic cats are fed small rodents, birds, and other prey by their owners, while wild cats must catch these animals themselves (source). Without the need to hunt, domestic cats are at higher risk for weight gain and obesity.
Additionally, The Happy Cat Site explains that wild cats consume a diet high in protein and fat, with little to no carbohydrates. Meanwhile, many commercial cat foods contain vegetable fillers and grains that cats would not naturally eat in the wild (source). The difference in diet composition impacts energy balance and metabolic health.
In summary, domestic cats have abundant access to food, lack of food scarcity, and differences in diet composition compared to wild cats. These factors increase obesity risk and undermine natural hunger cues.
Weight Gain Risks
Obesity is one of the most common weight-related diseases in house cats, with some studies estimating that over 50% of cats are overweight or obese. Carrying excess weight puts cats at higher risk for many other illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and lower urinary tract disease. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, other potential complications of obesity in cats include skin and coat problems and difficulty fighting infectious diseases.
There are several contributing factors that can lead to obesity in cats. Lack of exercise or physical activity is a major one, since indoor cats are often more sedentary. Overfeeding, whether free-choice feeding or providing excessive treats and table scraps, also promotes weight gain. Neutered, middle-aged, indoor-only cats tend to be most at risk for becoming obese according to PetMD. Genetics may also play a role. Medical conditions like hypothyroidism can slow metabolism and cause obesity in some cases.
Hunger Cues
Cats display certain signs and behaviors when they are feeling hungry that attentive owners can recognize. Some common hunger cues in cats include:
- Increased vocalization – Hungry cats may meow more frequently or urgently to get their owner’s attention.
- Rubbing against owners – Cats will often nuzzle up against or head-butt their owners when wanting food.
- Restlessness – Pacing, following their owner, or waiting near their food bowl are signs a cat is ready to eat.
- Changes in activity levels – Lethargy or low energy can indicate a cat is hungry and needs a meal.
- Agitation or irritability – Anxious or aggressive behavior like swatting or hissing could signify hunger.
Additionally, some situational factors can be good indicators a cat may be hungry. Cats who appear extremely eager or ravenous at mealtimes, steal human food, or meow insistently right before their normal feeding times are likely showing signs of hunger. Paying attention to subtle body language cues, energy levels, and vocalizations are the best ways for owners to determine if their cat needs more food at any given time. Understanding a cat’s unique signals takes time, but tuned-in owners will be able to detect when their cat is hungry.
Sources:
https://www.catster.com/nutrition/how-to-tell-if-a-cat-is-hungry/
https://encorepetfood.com/uk/pet-wellbeing-uk/is-my-cat-hungry-or-just-greedy/
Self-Regulation
Cats do not have a strong innate ability to self-regulate their food intake like some other species. Research shows that the domestication process has altered feeding behaviors in cats compared to wild felines. According to a 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine, “obese cats cannot self-regulate their calorie intake, displaying changes in their feeding patterns that are probably due to an alteration in their self-regulating mechanisms.”1
This is likely because domestic cats have evolved to rely on humans for food provision, rather than hunting prey themselves. One vet explains, “Unfortunately, while some cats will automatically self-regulate their food intake, there are others who lack the capacity to register that they aren’t hungry.”2 Therefore, many cats will overeat if given unlimited access to food.
Overfeeding
Free-feeding allows cats constant access to food, which can lead to overeating and obesity over time. Cats are naturally prone to “boredom eating,” even when not hungry, just for something to do. This becomes a major issue with free-feeding, as the food is always available for snacking. As explained by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, “Free-choice feeding encourages overeating, which can lead to excessive weight gain. Gaining too much weight will put your cat at risk for significant health problems.”
To prevent overeating, it’s important to portion control your cat’s meals instead of free-feeding. The general recommendation is to feed most adult cats two or three times a day. The exact amount will vary based on your cat’s age, activity level, and other factors. Stick to the suggested serving sizes on your cat food packaging as a starting point. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice on ideal meal portions for your cat. Measuring cups make it easy to portion out the perfect serving every time.
It takes time, but switching your cat from free-feeding to scheduled, portion-controlled feedings is crucial for preventing overeating issues. Just remember to gradually transition their feeding schedule over a week or two to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
When to Intervene
As a cat owner, it’s important to monitor your cat’s eating habits and watch for signs they may be overeating under free-feeding. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Weight gain – One of the clearest signs your cat is overeating is if they start to gain excessive weight. According to Food Fur Life, obesity is unhealthy for cats and can lead to diabetes, arthritis, and other issues.
Overeager eating – If your cat frantically gobbles up food whenever it’s made available, they may have difficulty self-regulating. This overeager eating can lead to overconsumption.
Excessive begging – A cat that begs persistently for food even after their bowl is filled may not know when to stop eating.
Lethargy – Lethargy or inactivity between meals can be a sign your cat is overfed.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to switch your cat to a scheduled feeding routine instead of free-feeding. Most experts recommend feeding adult cats 2-3 times per day on a consistent schedule. This allows you to better monitor their food intake and prevent overeating issues.
Prevention
To help prevent overeating and obesity in cats, it’s important to monitor their food intake and provide regular exercise through playtime. According to MetroVet, several short play sessions throughout the day can help burn calories and prevent weight gain. Engaging toys like feather wands and laser pointers can entice cats to run and pounce. Climbing structures and treat puzzles also encourage activity and exercise. Additionally, LifeLearn recommends sticking to a feeding schedule rather than leaving food out at all times. Portion control and avoiding excessive treats can help prevent overeating. Regular weigh-ins allow early intervention if a cat starts to gain too much weight. With diligent monitoring and playtime, it’s possible to help cats maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related illnesses.
Conclusion
In summary, cats have natural eating behaviors geared towards survival in the wild that don’t translate well to domestic life. Left to their own devices, cats are at high risk for weight gain and obesity from overeating. As owners, we must be attuned to our cats’ hunger cues and not overfeed them just because food is available. Portion control, scheduled feedings, and understanding satiety signals are key to preventing obesity and related health issues in cats. Exercise and environmental enrichment are also important. With proper care and feeding, our furry companions can live long, healthy lives.
The main takeaway for cat owners is to be proactive and informed. Do not free-feed kibble 24/7. Instead, feed measured meals based on your cat’s needs and activity level. Provide mental and physical stimulation between meals. Learn your cat’s unique satiety signals and don’t overfeed. Schedule annual vet checkups to monitor weight. With some planning and vigilance, you can help your cat maintain a healthy appetite and weight.
