Has your usually selective eater turned into a bonafide foodie, batting at your plate and giving you those irresistible, pitiful eyes as you sit down for a meal?
It’s common for cats, known for their picky palates, to suddenly want a bite of your dinner. While it’s cute at first, regular feeding of human food can lead to serious health issues for your feline friend.
So, what’s causing this sudden behavior change? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Eating Human Food?
Cats are curious creatures by nature, and their curiosity also extends to food.
Their curiosity and keen sense of smell make them want to investigate and taste your food.
Human food often has a stronger scent than cat food, especially if it’s seasoned or contains meat. The aroma might entice your cat to try it out for themselves.
This initial taste can quickly become a persistent habit if your cat discovers that they enjoy the flavors of human food more than their own.
Over time, they may become less interested in cat food and hooked on human food.
Other Possible Reasons Why Your Cat is Eating Human Food
Aside from sheer curiosity and a love for the taste of human food, there could be other reasons why your cat is suddenly begging for scraps at mealtime. These can include:
Mimicking Behavior
Cats are known to mimic their owner’s behavior. If they see you eating something, they may also want to try it.
This is especially true for social animals like cats that bond closely with human companions. They may also pick up on your positive reactions towards certain foods and want to join the fun.
Lack of Proper Nutrition
Another reason for a cat’s curiosity towards human food could be a lack of proper nutrition in their diet. Cats have specific dietary needs, and without the necessary nutrients, they may start looking for alternative sources to fulfill their cravings.
Spoilt Cat
We all love to spoil our cats, and sometimes, this can extend to giving them human food as treats. This can lead to a spoiled cat that only wants human food and turns her nose up at her own food.
It’s essential to understand the difference between spoiling and treating your cat. Giving them occasional treats is fine, but it should not replace their regular meals or consist of unhealthy options.
Stray Cats Love Human Food
Survival instincts often drive stray cats to have a keen interest in human food. Unlike domesticated cats that receive regular meals, abandoned cats must scavenge for food.
This makes them more open to exploring and consuming whatever they find, including leftovers or discarded human food.
If you have rescued a cat from the roadsides or adopted a stray, it may be difficult to wean them off human food and onto a proper diet. You will need to be patient and consistent in introducing them to healthier food options.
Begging Attitude Reinforced
Cats are quick learners, especially regarding behaviors that reward them. A cat that has received bits of human food in the past for begging is likely to repeat the behavior, reinforcing the begging attitude.
Every time a cat receives food after meowing, staring, or displaying other forms of begging, it solidifies the idea that such actions lead to rewards.
This can inadvertently train them to become persistent beggars at the dining table. Setting clear boundaries can help prevent or mitigate this learned behavior.
Leaving Human Food Unattended
Leaving human food unattended can be a significant temptation for any cat, particularly those with a history of being fed table scraps or those who have had to scavenge in the past.
Their survival instinct kicks in, and they may see the unattended food as an opportunity for a meal. This can lead to them developing bad habits such as jumping on counters or stealing food from plates.
Food Boredom
Feeding cats the same diet day in and day out can cause them to experience food boredom.
This lack of variety can cause a cat to become disinterested in their meals, which may lead to them seeking more stimulating tastes and textures, often found in human food.
Attraction to Fats and Proteins
Cats naturally gravitate towards foods rich in proteins and fats essential for energy, growth, and overall health.
As obligate carnivores, this natural preference explains why cats seem irresistibly drawn to human foods, especially meats high in these nutrients.
When cats encounter the rich scents and flavors of fatty or protein-heavy foods, their innate feeding instincts are triggered, making such foods highly appealing.
Therefore, even well-fed domestic cats may attempt to snatch a piece of chicken off the counter or beg for a bite of your fatty fish.
How to Stop Your Cat from Stealing (Eating) Food
Now that you understand why cats are obsessed with human food, let’s discuss ways to prevent them from constantly stealing and consuming it.
Here are a few strategies you can try:
Use Cat-Proof Food Containers and Storage
Store human food in cat-proof containers and keep them out of your cat’s reach. Ensure food is not left unattended on counters or tables where curious cats might access it.
Investing in a trash can with a secure lid can also prevent your cat from rummaging through garbage for food scraps.
Provide Adequate and Varied Nutrition
Ensure your cat’s diet is both nutritionally complete and varied. You can also introduce a mix of wet and dry food to keep your cat’s mealtime interesting. This reduces the likelihood of them seeking out human food due to boredom with their meals.
Scheduled Feeding Times
Set regular feeding times for your cat instead of leaving food out throughout the day. This helps regulate their appetite and establishes a routine, decreasing the chances of them scavenging for alternative food sources.
You can also consider using an automatic feeder that dispenses food at set intervals when you are away.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Teach your cat that good behavior around food earns rewards. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving them food or cat treats when they obey commands to stay away from human food. Avoid using human food as a treat.
Provide Adequate Enrichment
Keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated with toys, playtime, and climbing structures. A well-entertained cat is less likely to look for food out of boredom or desire for stimulation.
Never Feed Your Cats from the Table
Although sharing your food with your cat may be tempting, feeding them from the table only reinforces bad behavior. Instead, feed your cat only on her plate and the floor, not your lap. This will help them understand that human food is off-limits.
Ignore to Discourage Begging
Be consistent, and do not give in to your cat’s begging behavior. If they start meowing or jumping on the table, ignore them and do not give them any attention. This will teach them that their begging will not result in getting food from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Human Foods are Safe for Cats?
Human foods that are safe and beneficial for cats include:
- Cooked Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean beef, free from sauces or seasonings, provide excellent protein sources.
- Fish: Cooked fish such as tuna or salmon can be a healthy treat, offering omega-3 fatty acids that support cat health. However, it should be served in moderation to prevent mercury exposure and nutritional imbalances.
- Vegetables: Offer your cat small amounts of cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans as a low-calorie treat. Ensure they are plain and free from any added seasonings.
- Eggs: Cooked eggs, specifically scrambled or hard-boiled, can be a good source of protein. Make sure you cook the food without seasoning.
Why Do Cats Like Human Food?
Cats like human food because it is tasty and smells good to them. They are also attracted to the texture and variety of human food, which differs from their regular cat food.
What Human Food is Bad for Cats?
While some human foods can serve as occasional treats for cats, others are strictly off-limits and potentially dangerous.
Never give your cat chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or foods with high salt content. These can cause serious health issues such as obesity and heart disease.
Why Does My Cat Try to Bury Her Food?
Cats try to bury their food as an instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. This behavior, known as caching, is a survival mechanism to hide food from other predators and avoid attracting them with the scent of leftovers.
In the wild, covering up food can also prevent the spoiling of uneaten portions, allowing the cat to return to it later. While domestic cats have regular meals provided to them, this instinctual practice persists, demonstrating their deeply rooted natural behaviors.
Why is My Cat Obsessed with Human Food?
Cats may become obsessed with human food because of its palatability and smell.
If cats have frequent access to human food, they can develop an unhealthy dependence, leading to behavioral issues such as begging and food stealing.
Should I See a Vet If My Cat Eats Human Food?
If your cat has consumed a small amount of human food and shows no signs of illness, there is no need to see a vet.
However, it is best to seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat has ingested a large quantity or shows any concerning symptoms.
Signs of potential toxicity in cats can include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and changes in behavior.
Conclusion
When seasoned or meaty, the aroma of human food tends to be more potent than cat food, enticing your cat to taste it themselves.
But remember that cats have different nutritional needs than humans and should not eat human food regularly.
Instead, provide them with a balanced and appropriate diet specifically designed for felines. If your cat consumes human food, monitor them closely for any signs of illness and seek veterinary attention if necessary.