What can you do about a cat who keeps taking your food? It is something that a lot of cats do. No, If you are wondering if they’re just hungry. It isn’t always the case. From your cat’s perspective, stealing food is a lot like hunting. Your cat’s instincts were shaped by Mother Nature to help them thrive in the wild.
It’s OK if you don’t want to share a plate with your cat when eating food. It’s not selfish at all. Your hygiene and the spread of parasites may be a problem. Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat is something you may be concerned about.
One of the essential points to keep in mind is that not all human meals are safe for cats. There is a chance that your cat isn’t getting the nutrition they require. You’ll learn How to Stop My Cat From Eating My Food in this post.
Why do my cats seem to be always hungry?
Catster has published a list of five possible causes for your cat’s constant need for food: worms, sickness, boredom, depression, and nutritionally insufficient food.
A wormed cat will eat a lot, as the roundworms are sucking the nutrition right out of your pet’s system and storing it in their guts. Getting rid of these worms quickly is essential because they can spread to humans. A fecal sample from your cat can be tested by your veterinarian, who will then prescribe an anti-worm therapy.
Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney illness are just a few of the diseases that might drive cats to overeat. Your cat’s inability to acquire weight could indicate that he suffers from some medical condition. Your cat may have food allergies if he keeps begging for food but then refuses to eat it after he gets it. You can purchase a hypoallergenic prescription meal from your veterinarian in the first instance. Secondly, your veterinarian may be able to cure gum disease and alleviate any pain that comes with eating.
Read Also: How to Stop Cat From Climbing Curtains? 10 Ways
Cats may eat out of boredom, although this is not always the case. Cats of all ages are likely to lose interest in playing with toys, spending time with friends, and observing birds as they become older. Once you’ve determined that your cat’s overeating isn’t due to a health issue, stick to a feline nutritionist-approved feeding schedule for these animals. Also, make sure they have many games, toys, and technology at their disposal. Pet owners swear by feeding their cats in a jigsaw or ball. Cats, after all, prefer to earn their food through natural means.
Boredom can lead to depression and other forms of mental disease in cats, leading to unwanted behavior. An extreme case of cat food aggressiveness might lead to psychogenic aberrant feeding behavior. Research on the subject was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. Cats’ food aggressiveness can be a nuisance to their owners, even if it is mild. Amy Shojai’s post on Petcha is a must-read for pet owners who want to stop their pets from behaving aggressively in response to food.
Finally, your cat may be starving for another cause. Because the kitty isn’t getting enough nourishment, the kitty is sick. Our pets, unlike humans, are unable to reach for a protein bar or a fiber-rich snack in the cabinet. Pay attention to the ingredients in your cat food and get advice from a feline nutritionist or a veterinarian who is familiar with feline nutrition.
How to Stop My Cat From Eating My Food
First, feed your cat
Being served food while you’re starving is an unpleasant experience. Even if you’re not hungry, watching someone else eat can inspire you to consume your food.
Your cat is the same in this regard. Before you eat, take a moment to feed your cat. If your cat has a regular feeding schedule and habit, it will be less likely to try to get a bite of food whenever it sees it.
Ensure that the food is kept out of reach
Open food containers on the counter should never be left unattended. Prepared meals should not be left unattended on the table. Don’t keep your cat’s food out in the open.
Read Also: How to Keep Cat From Opening Door? 8 Pro Tips
These Invisible Baby Proofing Locks are an Amazon Choice if your cat is capable of opening your kitchen cabinet doors. A deterrent like the sssCat may be necessary if your feline can figure them out.
As soon as possible, get rid of any unused food
Cats who scavenge for leftovers after meals can pick up a taste for table cuisine. Eventually, if your cat has learned that food will be accessible on the counter, they will get the courage to jump up for dinner!
Make sure to store any leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers, and make a point of wiping down the table as well. Having a cat-proof kitchen trash can is also a good idea because it’s an easy target for cats who enjoy eating human food.
Make use of a cat deterrent
You can use a scat cat training aid if you have to leave the food out to chill. Whenever your cat approaches, this battery-operated, motion-activated cat deterrent sprays a stream of air at it. Alternatively, you can use inexpensive but less handy double-sided adhesive tape on the table or counter near the food.
It would help if you resisted temptation
Those vast, wide eyes pleading for supper leftovers make it challenging to say no. Don’t succumb to your cat’s constant begging for food as you eat! The only thing you’re doing is encouraging the behavior by giving your cat table crumbs after it’s begged.
Cats that perch on your lap or jump on the table while you’re eating are doing you the same favor. Repeated exposure to the problem region might lead to behavioral issues in cats. Eventually, the cat will catch on.
Increase your cat’s level of exercise
You can trace your cat’s inherent prey-seeking instincts back to its love of food. Your cat will have less energy to scavenge for food if they play instead of scavenging for it. We discovered that utilizing an interactive toy to play with our cat was the most beneficial strategy. SmartyKat’s Hot Pursuit Cat Toy proved to be a hit with our feline companions.
Make use of a big puzzle feeder
Some cats are inclined to steal your food for reasons other than hunger or greed. It is what they’re after: a more difficult task!. A cat’s unique ability to think on its feet and solve problems makes them ideal prey for predators. You can constructively harness instincts with puzzle feeders.
When you eat, feed your kitty
You can feed your cat simultaneously as you eat if your cat begs for food when you sit down to eat or steals your food at specific times (e.g., as you prepare meals). If you do this, your cat will be less likely to come begging or take food from your dish.
Read Also: How to Warm Up Cat Food? Different Ways
Is My Cat Consuming Too Much Food?
Information on cat diet is available from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. No matter what ideas or practices cat parents adhere to when it comes to feeding, one thing is sure: we all want our cats to have enough nutrient-rich food to remain healthy and happy. Make an appointment with a feline nutritionist or consult your veterinarian to ensure that your cat receives the proper nutrients.
Consult With Your Pet’s Veterinarian
When your cat is taken from you, it may be because of a medical condition. Diabetes and hyperthyroidism are the most frequent. Cats who have worms may also have a continual desire for food.
It’s important to know that cats can spread worms to their owners. You might spread the worms by eating from the same dish. Theft of food may be more than just a problem of bad habits in these situations. You must have your pet checked out as soon as you see any signs.
It’s essential to remember that scavenging for food is an instinct for wolves. Even if your cat is doing anything wrong, they are unaware of it.
Stop your cat from stealing food with these tips. Your cat will be less likely to steal your food or engage in other disruptive behavior if they get adequate exercise, are mentally active and are fed appropriately. If you and your pet do this, you’ll feel better about both of them.
FAQs – How to Stop My Cat From Eating My Food
Why does my cat keep trying to eat my food?
As a rule, they want to know what you’re making in the kitchen & what you’re eating at the table. Just get their butts into the meal and enjoy it. Some cats may outgrow this stage. It’s not uncommon for cats to become addicted to eating human food because it tastes so much better than cat food.
Is it normal for a cat to eat human food?
Some human foods are safe for cats to consume. Food and how much they’re trying to eat at a time are the main factors. If you’re going to let your cat consume human food, you do so in moderation and steer clear of anything that could make your cat sick. If you’re unsure what to give them, give them the best.
Why does my cat act like it’s starving?
There are many reasons why your cat’s eating habits have altered, including parasites, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Before making assumptions about your cat’s behaviour, such as an eating disorder, have your veterinarian do basic tests to rule out a more serious medical condition.
Conclusion
I hope we have solved your question on How to Stop My Cat From Eating My Food? Cats can’t have a long, healthy life if you don’t have a good relationship with them. Examine the possibility that your cat has a medical problem, provide suitable mental and physical activity for your pet, and provide nutritional foods in sufficient quantities if your cat is continuously hungry.
