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My cat is always hungry and tries to eat everything. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 14 days old | 7.055 lbs

My cat is always siffing food and trying to eat everything. Is that normal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2016

Kittens will try to sniff food to see if it is appetizing to them, and will try to eat it if it smells good. You may not be feeding her enough, and I would check the instructions on her food to make sure that she is getting the recommended daily allowance. It is not advisable to feed her human food, as there are many that are toxic to cats. I would try to keep her from eating your food, and increase her food as needed.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Yes, at his age it is definitely normal, young cats can have a very good appetite and some cats will want to eat all the time. Make sure you are indeed feeding him enough and not too much.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on December 26th, 2018
Kittens are constantly growing, and some cats are just natural gluttons and want to eat everything. The amount of meals daily seems about right for a young cat that's growing, and if he's trying to get into others' food, moving him out of the room or monitoring feedings can help.

If you suspect there is an underlying health condition causing this, he is gaining weight too quickly, or he seems otherwise sick, a vet exam to rule out any possible issues is always a good idea!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on September 29th, 2017
Hi and thanks for your post!

Cookie has a very cute face :)

Although it can be normal for cats to beg occasionally for human food or something else, I wouldn't encourage the behavior by allowing her to eat anything else besides her cat food. Changing the food can cause her to become a very picky eater.

However truly wanting more food because she is truly hungry is another thing that could be caused by a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism which is common in cats and can cause extreme hunger along with weight loss.

You may want to schedule an appointment with her vet soon to rule any medical causes out, otherwise keep feeding her regular food and do not reinforce the behavior by feeding her other things.

I hope this helps and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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