Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? 3 Possible Causes

Do you feel like your feline friend always pounces on you, ready for the next meal? No matter what time of the day, it seems like your cat is always ravenous and ready for more kibble. Many cat owners are prompted to ask a key question that could reveal deeper issues: why is my cat always hungry?

If you want to dive more into the hidden causes of constant cat hunger, you’ll want to take a look at the possible warning signs below!

In this article:

Diabetes
Worms
Boredom or depression

Table of Contents

Diabetes

Many people don’t realize that their cat may be at risk for diabetes, just like a human.

Cats can be susceptible to both type I and type II diabetes, both of which prevent them from processing the glucose in their food properly. The top symptoms of diabetes in cats include an excessive amount of hunger and thirst.

Why is my cat always hungry? You may want to evaluate if they have been drinking more frequently as well. An excessive thirst and an increase in urination could be deciding factors that your cat’s hunger is related more to diabetes than any other cause.

This condition can be managed and their hunger reduced with proper treatment. Be sure to consult with your cat’s veterinarian to officially diagnose your cat and learn to monitor their blood sugar. You may have to become accustomed to administering insulin shots at home in order to reduce your feline’s near-constant hunger.

Worms

Do you give your cat de-wormer on a monthly basis? If not, you may want to inspect them for worms if they have a constant craving for food.

Roundworms and other types of parasitic infections rob your cat of the nutritional value in their daily meals. Because their body isn’t receiving everything it needs and craves, your kitty wants more and more in an attempt to satisfy it.

Don’t let your cat’s size fool you regarding a potential worm infestation. Swelling is common with an infection.

How can you diagnose worms? A fecal sample will contain some of these worms, so you will want to bring one to the veterinarian to have it tested.

Boredom or Depression

Have you ever wanted to raid the pantry when you didn’t have anything better to do? Your cat may have more in common with you than you think.

If they aren’t actively engaged in other activities, whether that means basking in the sun or playing with toys, they may spend a lot of time hyper-focused on food.

You can start to eliminate this problem by providing a more stimulating environment. Give them extra toys to play with, a scratching post, or a new kitten friend to help occupy his time.

Similarly, a depressed cat will also turn to the food bowl to alleviate their sadness. This is similar to humans who crack open a pint of ice cream at the end of a terrible day. Food can be a great source of comfort for everyone, cats included. Unfortunately, it doesn’t solve the problem.

Spending more time with your cat is a great way to boost their mood. They may enjoy some extra snuggles or light play time to make them feel more connected to you. If this doesn’t work, you may want to consult a veterinarian about other options.

Final Thoughts: Why is My Cat Always Hungry?

Why is my cat always hungry? The answer could have more to do with an underlying issue than a personality problem. Be sure to pay attention to your cat’s overall symptoms to see what you can do to reduce their need for more kibble.