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How to Tell When Your Cat is Hungry

How to Tell When Your Cat is Hungry

Updated On November 21st, 2016

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Reviewed By Petco's Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Cats can be hard to read, so how can you tell if your furry friend is hungry? Providing adequate nutrition is a key component to being a successful pet parent, so you don’t want to miss the signs if your cat is telling you he’s still hungry.

Cat Vocalizations

Although cats have a reputation for being quiet roommates, they can be expressive when they want to. If you’ve had your cat for a while, you may have noticed that he has distinctive meows or cries when he wants to get your attention. When cats cry for more food, they will often meow with a higher pitch more insistently. If he is indeed using this cry because he is hungry, he will often come find you wherever you are and cry, leading you straight to his food bowl.

Cat Behavior

There are many reasons your cat clings to you and walks around your feet, but if you notice he does it more and more when you get near his food bowl, or he seems to be directing you that way, this could mean that your cat is hungry. Some cats will even sit by their food dish and bang it around with their paws to draw your attention to how empty it is.

Cat Nutrition

If your cat always seems to be begging for food, it’s important to make sure that you are providing adequate nutrition. Most cats require about 240 calories per day. Dry food has approximately 300 calories per cup, and wet food has about 250 calories per 6 ounce can. As cats are prone to obesity, it is important to not overfeed your cat- no matter how much or how loudly they vocalize.

Most cat pet parents feed a combination of both wet and dry food, providing dry food throughout the day, giving wet food twice a day. If you choose to provide dry food throughout the day, measure out the day’s allotment of food each morning and place it somewhere your cat can easily access. You can adjust the amount of wet or dry food depending on your cat’s affinity for each.

Cats are not able to digest plant proteins as easily as proteins from meat. Be sure that any food you feed your cat is high in meat proteins, low in plant proteins and does not contain more than 10% carbohydrates. Wet food should be predominately meat based.

How much to feed your cat will change throughout his life as his metabolism and nutritional needs change. Feel your cat’s backbone and ribs. If his ribs easily show through his skin, he is too skinny and if you can’t feel his ribs, he is overweight.

If you have any questions about your cat’s nutritional requirements based on their special needs, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Medical Reasons for Hunger

If you know you are providing adequate food for your cat, but he is still always hungry, be sure to consult your veterinarian. There could be a medical reason why your cat is hungry all the time. He could have hyperthyroidism, diabetes or an intestinal problem. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if your cat’s appetite suddenly increases or decreases.

If you have ruled out any medical issues with your cat and he is still crying for food, it could be a behavioral issue. Feeding your cat at exactly the same time each day creates consistency for them, and will eliminate their need to beg for food. He will know when to expect it.

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