Keeping two or more cats from eating from each other’s food bowls might be a challenge. Malnutrition in the more submissive cats can be caused by dominant cats stealing food from their companions.
As a result, cats taking each other’s food might lead to obesity in the more dominant feline if one or more cats require a special diet or medication. So, How to Keep Fat Cat From Eating Other Cats Food? If you want a peaceful and contented household, make sure your cats don’t consume each other’s food.
Why is my cat stealing food from the other cat?
In the same way, we humans approach our meals, cats have their unique approach. On the other hand, they prefer to dine alone and in silence. Food and water bowls must be in a strategic location.
It needs to be in a quiet, private area of the house, apart from our daily activities. To begin with, the litter box must be kept in a separate area.
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When you have more than one kitty in the house, it’s more challenging to maintain your sense of privacy when you dine. When cats get along well enough to share their food, it’s not uncommon for one of them to steal another’s morsels. Cats steal food for various reasons, all of which merit further investigation.
- We may mistakenly believe that all cats can get by on the same sort and amount of food. It’s impossible to generalize what a cat eats because each is unique. Their size, age, and health status are the most important considerations. Generally, a large young cat will eat more than a smaller elderly cat. A lack of food may be why one cat is taking food from the other.
- Cats have their preferences regarding the quality and flavor of their food. Because they like it more, one cat may choose to eat the other’s food over their own. If we have to feed one of our cats a special diet, the other cat may prefer it to their usual meal.
- In both good and bad health, increased hunger in cats can be a sign of various illnesses. If the cat is suffering from a medical condition that causes them to overeat, they may end up eating the other cat’s food. One of the most likely causes is an intestinal parasite infection or some other gastrointestinal disorder. Obesity in cats, on the other hand, maybe caused by a hormonal imbalance.
- We meet our cat’s fundamental needs, but they might become worried and insecure if they have cause to believe that you will not supply their needs. Bringing a new cat into the house may have made one of your other cats feel neglected. Cats may consume the other cat’s food because they are afraid they will lose the competition.
- If your cats are not stressed and otherwise healthy, there may be a hierarchy issue regarding social contact. Cat colonies have hierarchies and duties, which can change depending on various conditions. There may be a territorial issue or a simple need to prove who is in charge if one cat is eating the food, something that can be noticed when a new cat enters the family.
- Cats have diverse personalities and can’t always get along. One of the most prominent reasons for this is a lack of social interaction in early life. Poor socialization. It’s not always easy to figure out what’s bothering a cat, but if both cats aren’t eating their food, it could be a clue they don’t get along. It seems that some cats don’t get along with each other.
When both cats have enough food to eat, there is no need to compete with each other for this resource. All cats in a house will have more issues if their basic needs aren’t met.
How to Keep Fat Cat From Eating Other Cats Food
#1) Organize a Feeding Routine
It’s usual for cat owners to provide their pets with free food, but this isn’t the best option for various reasons. It’s more difficult to keep track of your cats’ dietary needs and well-being when you fill their bowls and leave them out all day. It encourages food guarding and theft.
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Feeding a dog regularly can help alleviate many of these issues. Set a feeding plan for your cats, whether it’s once, twice, or three times a day. After a few days of protests, your pet will only trouble you when it’s time to feed.
#2) Try to feed them both the same thing to see if that works.
If your cat is stealing another cat’s food because they prefer it, consider giving them the same food they are currently stealing from.
Some cats have special dietary requirements that necessitate handmade or custom-tailored food. You should feed the other cat the same type of food you feed because they may prefer it.
Occasionally, a cat’s health may be adversely affected by eating the same food. It is, of course, a rare occurrence. Even if one cat is on a specific diet like a hypoallergenic or grain-free one, it’s possible that both cats can safely consume these foods.
#3) Dispose of Food Bowls Immediately
Food snatching might be encouraged to separate your cats but keep their dishes out. Your dominating cats may try to snatch some extra food from the food bowls as soon as everyone can wander freely.
In addition to encouraging your cats to steal food at every opportunity, it can also lead to obesity if you allow it. When your cats are done eating, remove and clean their food bowls. After a while, they’ll become used to the pattern and hopefully cease looking for extra calories.
#4) Do not feed them together.
If two cats aren’t getting along, you may have to separate them. It’s not ideal because it’s much better if the cats get along. The sad truth is that some cats will have no choice but to relocate. If this is the case, you can move the food dishes to a different room when it’s time to feed your pet. Even the doors can be closed if necessary.
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If there is a question of social order, it is preferable to feed the cat at the top of the food chain first. They won’t be tempted to steal from each other this way.
#5) Feed Appropriate Portions
Around a third of the cat, the population is overweight or obese, which can cause a shorter life span, osteoarthritis in the joints and joint and bladder stones, heart disease, and cancer.
A variety of things can cause obesity in cats, but one of the most common is overfeeding. When cats steal food, they are more inclined to overeat, leading to obesity.
On the other hand, overweight cats steal food, depriving the other cats of essential nutrients. When in doubt about how much food your cats should be eating, consult with your veterinarian for guidance and advice.
What Happens to an Adult Cat if It Eats Kitten Food?
The proportions of protein, fat, and carbs in kitten diet versus adult cat chow vary. For example, kitten food has a higher fat content because their bodies are still developing. Providing kitten food to an adult cat can lead to weight gain because their metabolism is slower than an infant. As a result, they’ll be less able to shed the extra pounds.
Feeding two cats in the same house, especially an adult and a kitten. Cat food with a higher fat content may be more enticing to kittens, especially if the adult cat does not eat wet food.
While it may be necessary to divide their feedings and make other adjustments above, this should endure for around a year. If you wait until after that, both cats will have the same type of food, making it more difficult for one to take from the other.
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FAQs – How to Keep Fat Cat From Eating Other Cats Food
How do I stop my kitten from eating my older cat food?
To get your kitten used to eat in her bowl, you’ll need to housebreak her by allowing her to eat in a different room. The kitten’s training will take some time.
Otherwise, the house will be filled with commotion as the kitten continues to devour the food of others. Fostered kittens for the Humane Society while working at the shelter.
How do you feed two cats with different eating habits?
When it’s time to eat, keep them apart and keep the doors closed. The cats should be fed at different times in the same room, with the other cats being barred from entering until it is their turn. It’s best to feed cats in the same room but in distinct areas. It’s best to feed the cats at different heights.
Is it OK for older cats to eat kitten food?
It is safe for an older cat to eat kitten food. You should, however, avoid feeding kitten food to senior cats on a long-term basis. An increase in body fat and caloric intake may result in obesity. Not all elderly cats necessitate additional weight or vitamins; some may be wasting their money.
Why is my cat eating her kitten’s food?
If your kitten’s food smells good, looks tempting, and is within a reasonable distance of your older cat, the cat will eat it. Even though it’s a simple chance, some cats can’t resist it. It’s unlikely that your kitty will be able to stop it.
