Cats are crafty creatures! These tiny masters of manipulation have perfected the art of training their humans to get exactly what they want. I don’t need to tell you how the mewls, cries, and purrs tug at our heartstrings and often result in more treats or cuddles for our feline friends. Did you know, though, that there is science behind it all? Our clever kitties have learned to mimic the cry of human babies because they know we are hardwired to respond to that sound positively.
But wait, before you reach for the treat jar or give them an extra meal, you need to make sure your cat is actually hungry.
If your kitty is running around and acting like they are always hungry, it might be that they are just seeking your attention.
The first step is to engage with your kitty in some focused playtime with a toy or take them outside for a walk - any type of engaging activity to take their mind off of food. If it distracts them, then you know they aren’t really hungry, they’re bored and craving some connection with you. Here are some great tips to enrich bored kitties.
However, if your cat is truly hungry frequently and they don’t seem satiated by their food, the best solution is to switch them to a fresh food diet that is rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats. Before you embark on a major diet overhaul, the first prudent step is to rule out any health issues like parasites, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes which may be causing your cat’s excessive hunger. Once you have the all-clear from your vet, check out my low-cost course which will help you in giving your cat the best diet for their health in just a few minutes each week.
In the past when I have guided people through switching their cats to a fresh food, gently cooked, fresh frozen raw, or freeze-dried raw diet, their cat is still hungry quite often.
What I recommend in these circumstances is to add some healthy fats, like ghee, or coconut oil. To ensure you add the correct amounts, you need to work under the guidance of your vet or a qualified pet nutritionist (like myself).
Adding high-fiber supplements like flax seeds or psyllium husk powder is also a great idea to add some bulk to your cat’s meals and help them feel fuller for longer.
Another great idea is to break up your cat's meals into 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day. Cats are natural grazers, so, eating smaller meals more frequently might also help to combat those tummy grumbles.
