Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? When Should I Worry?

Hungry cat begging for food — Pet parents know that cats can be very vocal when they want food. DimaBerlin / Shutterstock

Is your cat meowing for food right after finishing a meal? You might be wondering, why is my cat always hungry?

A hungry cat isn’t necessarily a greedy one. The behavior could point to anything from natural instincts to underlying medical issues.

Understanding your cat's appetite starts with observing its eating patterns, weight, and energy levels. For most cats, hunger is tied to specific nutritional needs, age, and health status.

How Much Food Is Enough?

Cat eating — If you're seeing weight gain in your cat and it's still hungry, it might be time for a vet visit. Marina Demidiuk / Shutterstock

The right balance of calories for your cat depends on its age, size, activity level, and overall health. Adult cats that spend most of their time indoors generally need fewer calories than outdoor cats. But many cats act like they need more food than they actually do.

Pet parents should review the caloric contents of their cat food and make sure they’re feeding a balanced diet.

Food obsession or constant begging may mean your cat isn't getting the nutrients it needs—or it's just craving attention or mental stimulation.

Medical Conditions That Cause Increased Appetite

A cat that's always hungry but still losing weight might have a medical issue. Increased appetite, or polyphagia, can be a classic sign of hyperthyroidism. This condition, more common in older cats, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, speeding up the cat's metabolism.

Other signs of hyperthyroidism include increased thirst, excessive urination, and muscle wasting. Blood tests confirm the diagnosis, and a urinalysis helps monitor overall health. Treatment options include medication, dietary therapy, or radioactive iodine therapy.

Diabetes mellitus is another possible cause of increased hunger. In diabetic cats, the body can't use glucose properly, making your pet feel hungry all the time and altering the cat's eating patterns.

Veterinary medicine uses bloodwork to diagnose diabetes and create a treatment plan that meets the cat's nutritional requirements.

Could Parasites Be the Problem?

Internal parasites, especially in younger or outdoor cats, can lead to increased hunger. Intestinal parasites rob the body of nutrients, leaving the cat feeling endlessly hungry despite eating enough food.

A small animal veterinarian can check for parasites with a stool sample. Deworming medication is often effective and can quickly resolve the issue.

Behavioral and Environmental Factors

Ball toy for feeding pets — Is your cat hungry or bored? Here's how to address both. George Rudy / Shutterstock

Sometimes, a hungry cat isn’t hungry at all—just bored.

An indoor cat without enough stimulation may start seeking food as entertainment. This is especially true for cats that don't have scratching posts, puzzle feeders, or interactive toys.

Food puzzles and small meals throughout the day can help satisfy your cat’s need to hunt, pounce, and work for food. These tools tap into natural instincts while supporting your cat's diet and mental health.

When To Call the Vet

If your cat is always hungry and showing other symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or increased thirst, call your vet. Medical causes need to be ruled out first before you assume it's just behavior. Routine blood tests and exams can catch issues early and help maintain your cat's well-being.

Cats vary depending on age and health, so the underlying cause of increased hunger isn’t always obvious. But with careful observation and a partnership with your vet, you can ensure your feline friend stays healthy and well-fed—without overdoing it.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.