Is Your Cat Eating Her Emotions?

Does it seem like your cat is eating more than normal? Unfortunately, when a cat has an increase in the consumption of its food, which is called polyphagia, there may be an underlying cause that will need to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

There are two types of polyphagia.

Psychological polyphagia is the type that is occurring when the cat has a ravenous appetite due to overfeeding or from some sort of learned behavior.

Often times this type of polyphagia is associated with the aging process of the cat. This will often lead to the cat becoming overweight or obese.

The other type of polyphagia occurs when the cat has a disease that is causing the ravenous appetite. Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocortism, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, bowel disease, tumors produced from insulin and a lack of gastrointestinal absorption of the nutrients in the cats body can all be causes of polyphagia.

Pregnancy is also reason for the cat over eating if it is a female that has been exposed and has not been spayed. As with most other symptoms, it is always best if the underlying condition is discovered as soon as possible and treatment has begun.

“Indeed, there is nothing on this earth more peaceful than a sleeping, purring cat.”
– Jonathon Scott Payne

There are many reasons that a cat may eat more than usual. Not all are related directly to medical conditions that could affect the cat’s health in a negative way. But, if the cat owner is not sure why the cat is eating so much or is worried about it, then a trip to the veterinarian is a good idea. However, there are some signs to look for that may make the decision to take a trip to the vet easier.

These signs include the cat having a behavior change or a change in the confirmation of its body. The cat may also vomit and will of course eat more food than usual.

Polyphagia or ravenous appetite in cats is something that should be carefully watched. If the symptom does not subside in a timely fashion, then it is best to at least contact a vet and let them decide what action should be taken.

The vet may decide that the cat should be given a little more time before it has to be taken to the vet clinic for further examination.

As usual, it is always best to be safe than sorry when considering the health of the family cat.