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Your Cat’s Mealtime Behaviours

Cats' behaviours around mealtimes are an endless source of fascination and puzzlement. From cats eating food too fast to hiding snacks in bizarre places, there’s a lot to decode in how your kitty nibbles their kibble. 

Eating too fast

Does your feline gobble their food as if it’s a race? While this might seem amusing, a cat eating food too fast can pose several health risks.

Health risks

Mealtime guzzling can cause bloating, vomiting, and choking. This is because rapid eating prevents proper digestion, which can create health complications over time.

Management strategies

Luckily, there are several strategies to prevent this. First, try introducing slow feeder bowls. These are designed to prevent your cat from eating food too fast by making it more challenging for them to access their food. Introducing interactive feeding toys can also slow your kitty’s eating pace by distracting and stimulating their mind. Spreading food on a flat surface is another effective strategy to curb a speedy muncher.

The overeater 

Cats, just like humans, can overindulge. As this holds serious consequences for our beloved pets, it’s important to spot signs of overeating before it becomes a problem.

Identifying overindulgence

If your feline is constantly begging for food, raiding the pantry, and rapidly gaining weight, they are probably an overeater!

Possible reasons 

Boredom, stress, or an underlying medical issue are possible causes behind overeating. It could also be that they love the taste of a WHISKAS® meal- who could blame them? However, as overindulgence can lead to more serious issues, knowing why your cat is overeating is crucial in managing this behaviour to prevent health problems later in life.

Consequences for health

The Australian Veterinary Association estimates that over 32% of cats are obese. Obesity, which is caused by overeating, can lead to diabetes, arthritis, joint problems, and heart disease. These issues reduce your cat’s quality of life and shorten their lifespan.

Intervention approaches 

Thankfully, there are lots of simple ways you can address overeating early on. Implementing portion control, encouraging regular exercise, and ensuring a balanced diet rich in proteins and fibres are all positive ways you can keep your cat svelte and satiated. 

The Hunter's Instinct: Why your cat plays with food 

Your cat playing with food is actually them mimicking instinctive hunting behaviours. Cat hunting behaviours are completely natural and can be supported at mealtimes with interactive feeding toys to make the experience more satisfying for your little hunter. 

Secret stashes: When cats hide their food

As well as your cat playing with food, you might notice they’ve taken to stashing their breakfast in unusual places. This stems from their keen survival instinct and can be a sign your puss needs some TLC at mealtimes.

Understanding food hiding 

In the wild, hiding food from predators was an essential part of a cat’s survival. This deep-rooted instinct is still visible in domestic felines today, many of whom continue to hide food in funny places. However, a kitty hiding food at home might be a sign that they feel stressed or insecure about their food supply.

Addressing the issue 

Overcome this anxiety by establishing a stable and consistent feeding schedule. Ensure your cat’s feeding area is calm and quiet, and avoid taking away their food abruptly.

When eating habits signal trouble 

Changes in your cat’s eating habits can sometimes indicate health issues. It’s crucial to know when to seek professional help.

Seeking your vet's help 

Drastic fluctuations in appetite or weight mean it’s time to visit the vet. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major health problems.

Fostering a healthy food relationship

Given that it’s common to run into challenges at mealtimes, whether that’s a cat eating food too fast or a cat playing with food mischievously, establishing a stable feeding routine can help your kitty develop a healthy attitude towards eating.

Creating a positive feeding environment 

Mealtimes should be enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your cat. To achieve this, keep their feeding area quiet, clean, and cosy. 

Using your kitty’s favourite bowls and introducing interactive toys can also encourage healthy eating habits.

Regular health monitoring

Remember that prevention is a cure! Tracking your cat’s overall health, including their weight, eating habits, and behaviour, can help catch and resolve potential health issues early. 

More importantly, understanding your cat’s eating patterns enables you to make mealtimes satisfying, stimulating, and fun - everything a good WHISKAS®meal should be!

For more ways to keep your cat hunting, happy, and healthy, check out our Guide to Purrr-fect Living. 

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