The 5 STRANGE Cat Eating Habits

Excerpt from Blog By Michael Kearley, DVM

Published Apr. 29, 2024

Cats have unique nutritional requirements and are carnivores. They are opportunistic hunters, eating when the occasion presents itself. As a result, they often eat small amounts of food several times in a day. It comes as no surprise that for some pet parents, cats seem to have strange eating habits—some which they may consider alarming.

Here is a list of five strange cat eating habits—some that are truly alarming and require medical attention, and others that are actually considered to be normal eating habits. For more details visit the Dr. Kearley's full blog post here https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/strange-cat-eating-habits.

1. Eating Nonfood Items

Cats that either chew, suck, or eat inappropriate and inedible material have a condition called pica. Cats with pica may try to eat non food materials. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice your cat chewing on or swallowing inedible items.

2. Not Eating

If your cat has a decreased appetite, decreased food intake, or a complete lack of appetite, they require veterinary attention. It’s often a symptom of a much larger medical problem.

3. Eating Too Much

Just like us, cats will eat when hungry. Some cats will eat out of boredom or stress. On average, cats are good at regulating their food intake, but unfortunately, if provided with the opportunity they will usually overeat. This is often attributed to pet parent overfeeding or free feeding. If your cat eats her meal and then meows, begs, or complains for more, do you give in? Inadequate or nutritionally poor diets and some side effects from medication such as prednisolone can also increase appetite. Encourage a more natural feeding pattern for your cat. To reduce boredom, consider switching how your cat is fed: switch from free feeding (leaving the food out all day and topping it off when it seems low) to feeding small but frequent meals. You can also try “hiding” the food throughout the house so they have to “hunt” for her meals.

4. Refusing to Eat By Themselves

Cats are often solitary creatures, especially considering their predatory nature and hunting instincts. If you find that your cat will only eat with you nearby, then it’s recommended to have your cat examined by the veterinarian to rule out medical conditions that could affect your cat’s ability to eat.

5. Playing With Food

Cats can certainly spill their bowl, swat at their food, or throw it across the floor—all part of their natural predatory behavior. By playing with their food, they are merely mimicking their hunting instincts and enjoying themselves.Rarely is a cat playing with her food seen as inappropriate behavior or due to an underlying medical condition. Often, cats that don’t like their food or are picky eaters are more often seen not eating or playing with it! Puzzle feeders, timed treat dispensers, or interactive toys can provide a source of enrichment for your cat that may make playing with her food less appealing.

Visit our Cat Corner at Beach Paws Boutique and Ask Dr. Caryn for recommendations related to cat toys, supplements, and enrichment feeders!