Help! My Cat is Always Hungry? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Why is my 5 and 1/2 years old female cat, Siya, always looking for food? I give her mostly wet food only. Also, she is a little overweight; she needs to lose weight. What kind of food do you recommend so she feels a little satisfied and still helps her to lose weight?“ – Rekha
Quick Info about Siya
Hi Rekha,
It’s wonderful to hear that you’re offering Siya mostly wet food, which is typically more appropriate for a cat’s natural hydration and nutritional needs. When a cat is persistently seeking food despite being slightly overweight, it’s often a mix of biological and behavioral factors at play. Some cats have a strong food drive, especially if meals are spaced far apart or if they’re eating foods that aren’t particularly filling. Wet food is a great base, but not all formulas are equally satisfying. If the food is low in protein or high in carbohydrates, Siya may be feeling full temporarily, but never get truly satiated.
To help her feel more satisfied while gently reducing weight, I’d recommend a high-protein, low-carbohydrate wet food with moderate fat content. Cats thrive on animal-based proteins, and these tend to support lean body mass while curbing hunger. Look for foods that list real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn, wheat, or starchy vegetables. If your budgets allow for it, you could give fresh food like Smalls a try, they offer recipes that align much more closely with a cat’s natural dietary needs. Fresh diets are generally lower in carbohydrates and free of unnecessary thickeners and plant-based ingredients that cats don’t metabolize efficiently.
Otherwise, Tiki Cat, Weruva (especially the low-carb varieties), or Dr. Elsey’s CleanProtein may be suitable. Also, feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help reduce food-seeking behavior.
Using feeding toys or puzzle feeders can also slow her eating and keep her mentally engaged. If you’re unsure how many calories Siya should be getting, a quick consultation with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet. They can help you calculate her ideal daily intake and tailor her plan, all while staying aligned with a species-appropriate approach.
It’s also important to rule out medical causes like hyperthyroidism or early diabetes, especially if her hunger has noticeably increased. A quick check-in with your veterinarian and blood sample collection will be ideal. I leave this last because you mentioned she needs to lose some weight, and cats with this condition are usually underweight, but still worth checking her.
You’re clearly doing a wonderful job caring for Siya, and it’s likely that with just a few tweaks, Siya will be well on her way to a leaner, happier life.
Good luck
– Dr. Paola