If you’re a new pet parent, you’ve probably noticed that your kitten seems to be hungry all the time. It’s natural to wonder if this is normal or if something might be wrong.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about why your kitten always seems to have an increased appetite, including expert insights from Dr. Stephanie Liff.
Why is my cat always hungry?
Kittens are little balls of energy, and their constant hunger often stems from their rapid growth and development. Here are some common reasons why your kitten may seem to have an appetite all the time:
Growth and high metabolism
Kittens grow fast, especially during their first few months of life. That kind of rapid development demands lots of calories and nutrients—which is why they need to eat more often than adult cats.
Most of the time, kittens are just burning through calories because of their rapid rate of growth. They have a high metabolic rate, so their bodies need a lot of fuel.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Small stomachs and frequent mealtimes
Your kitten’s tiny tummy can’t hold a lot of food at once, so they need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Feeding your kitten three to four times a day is typical and often recommended until they’re about six months old.
Playful energy and activity level
Kittens are incredibly active, spending their days exploring, playing, and pouncing. All that activity burns calories, which contributes to their increased hunger.
Nutritional needs and quality of food
Not all cat food is created equal. If your kitten is eating a low-quality diet, they might not feel full—even if they’re technically eating enough. Choose kitten food with high-quality protein, taurine, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals to keep them full and healthy.
Nutrition is a big part of kitten development. That’s why it’s important they see a vet regularly at each booster visit—not just for vaccines, but to monitor how they’re growing and whether their food needs to be adjusted.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Boredom or stress
Sometimes, your kitten’s meowing for food isn’t about hunger at all—it’s about attention.
Acting hungry from boredom or stress is a learned behavior. If they meow and you always feed them, they’re training you.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
To help, make sure your kitten has plenty of toys, playtime, and stimulation. Food puzzles, chase games, music, and vertical spaces like cat trees can all help curb attention-seeking hunger cues.
Could health issues be causing my kitten’s hunger?
While a hungry kitten is often perfectly normal, certain medical conditions can also lead to increased hunger. If you notice other symptoms, like weight loss or unusual behavior, it’s time for a check-up with your vet. Here are some potential health issues to watch out for:
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites like roundworms or tapeworms can make your kitten feel hungry all the time. These parasites compete for the nutrients in your kitten’s food, leaving them feeling unsatisfied. Deworming, as recommended by your veterinarian, is essential to keeping your kitten healthy.
GI issues or malabsorption
If your kitten isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, they might eat a lot but still act hungry—and possibly show other signs like vomiting or poor weight gain.
Kittens with malabsorption or GI disease usually show additional symptoms beyond always being hungry. I look at things like blood work, fecal tests, or imaging to figure out what’s going on.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Hyperthyroidism
Though it’s more common in older cats, hyperthyroidism can occasionally affect young cats. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your kitten’s metabolism and causing increased hunger, weight loss, and even restlessness.
Diabetes
High glucose levels in the blood, caused by diabetes mellitus, can make your kitten feel like they’re not getting enough food. This condition can also lead to increased urination, weight loss, and lethargy. If you suspect diabetes, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Other medical conditions
Other medical issues, such as malabsorption or certain infections, can interfere with your kitten’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food, leading to increased hunger. A check-up with your vet can help identify and treat these issues.
How to manage your kitten’s appetite
If your kitten’s appetite seems excessive, here’s what you can do to help make sure they’re eating properly while staying healthy:
- Choose the right food: Make sure you’re feeding your kitten high quality kitten food. Wet food is often more appealing to kittens and provides hydration, but dry cat food (kibble) can also be a good option. A mix of both can help meet their nutritional needs. But remember to always consult your vet about any changes to your kitten’s diet.
- Keep an eye on their weight: Monitor your kitten’s weight to ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate. What’s considered “healthy” can vary depending on your kitten’s age, breed, and body type—so it’s a good idea to track their weight at home and bring it up during routine vet visits. If they’re eating a lot but not gaining weight (or gaining too much too quickly), it could point to an underlying issue worth investigating.
- Provide plenty of playtime: Sometimes, your kitten might act hungry out of boredom. Engage them in play with toys and activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- Set a feeding schedule: Avoid leaving food out all day. Instead, offer three to four small meals spaced throughout the day.
We don’t recommend free-feeding or those bottomless food bowls. It’s hard to track how much they’re eating—and it’s a recipe for weight gain.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
How often you feed your kitten will depend on their age: Very young kittens under four weeks old need to eat every two hours, while those between four and eight weeks can go six to eight hours between meals. By the time your kitten is eight to 16 weeks old, feeding every eight to twelve hours is usually appropriate.
Before we go…
Having a hungry kitten can be both amusing and concerning, but understanding their needs can help you ensure they’re healthy and well-fed.
While you’re making sure their bowl is always filled with the right food, it’s also worth thinking about how to handle any surprise vet visits. Pet insurance can help cover the unexpected, so you can focus on your kitten—not the bill. Get a free quote from Lemonade pet insurance and see how we can help you care for your kitten at every stage.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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