Kittens tend to grow fast, and it becomes typical behavior for them to beg and eat as much as possible. As a result, most pet owners are encouraged to free-choice feed their kittens if they are younger than four months old. At that point, kittens are at a crucial stage where they need to gain nutrients to ensure a proper balance of body growth and activeness.

These nutrients help build their body tissues and gain enough energy for the day. Regardless, it is essential to note that when a kitten reaches four months old, we need to start maintaining a feed schedule for them. Keeping a proper feed schedule helps avoid overfeeding a kitten as they have smaller stomachs and cannot withstand large amounts of food.

While it might be hard to turn down a begging kitten, it is important that you don’t overfeed your kitten. It is important to get to the root of the issue and find out why your kitten is always hungry.

Reasons why kittens are always hungry

Kittens are always hungry because of boredom and food deprivation. You kitten might also be hungry because of health issues.

1. Boredom: When your kitten has nothing better to do, it may want to eat more. Allowing more playtime for kittens can lessen their chances of boredom. Using play toys such as track toys, chasers, etc., can be possible ways to increase playtime and avoid their boredom eating habits.
2. Food Deprivation: Past traumas can affect a kitten’s eating habits. For example, if you are dealing with a rescue kitten deprived of eating the proper amount of food, they might be used to eating food whenever it is available. Getting your pet used to a feeding schedule can help their obsession with food once they become older.
3. Health issues: Worms, such as tapeworms, roundworms, lungworms, and hookworms. These parasites can be another factor causing your kitten’s hunger. Worms steal and take the nutrients in their food, making them hungry more than usual. Constant overeating can also lead to other health issues like obesity, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

You should check with your local veterinarian and have them examine your kittens and symptoms. Talking to a medical professional can help you identify their kitten’s issues. Vets will be able to diagnose them properly and advise you to ensure your kitten is back to normal! However, there are other measures used to prevent overheating issues.

How to prevent your kitten from being hungry all the time

1. As mentioned before, teaching your kitten to get used to a feeding schedule is essential to avoid constant begging for food. Once you remain consistent on their schedule, kittens may start to understand when their food will be available.
2. Don’t overfeed your kitten: This will also help prevent your kitten from becoming bloated.
3. Avoid human food: Sometimes, it might be hard to resist giving your kitten a tiny nibble of your food. However, refrain from doing so as they might always expect to receive food this way. It would only disrupt their feeding schedules.
4. Play toys: Once again, play toys are crucial. Puzzle toys are usually the best option because they help occupy your kitten’s mind when they are eating, and the less they will think about eating more. Buy a wide variety of play toys to keep your kitten entertained before, after, and during food. If your kitten doesn’t receive enough social interactions while it is young, it could develop single kitten syndrome.
5. Check-ups: It is vital to check up with your local vet, especially when your kitten is still in its development. Adequately monitor their changes because it efficiently prevents health issues that may arise.

Conclusion

As pet owners, we pay good attention to our kittens’ behaviors and habits, which is the most significant factor in ensuring their proper health and growth. If we notice anything unusual or different, take all the necessary steps given and find a way to make sure your kitten is in good condition once more.

Of course, we must remember that young kittens eat more often, but trusting your vets and gut intuition is vital because sometimes there might be an underlying health problem we didn’t realize was even there.

Also, you should never overfeed your kitten. It can lead to health issues and indigestion for the young kittens. Lastly, if your kitten’s hunger has become excessive, it might imply underlying health or behavioral issues.