Why Does Garfield Eat Too Much?

Many a cat owner wonders why their furry companions overindulge in their meals. This question is particularly poignant when caring for rescued cats who may have experienced food scarcity in their past.

Rescued Cats and Food Scarcity

Our rescue cat, like many others, came from a home where cat hoarders struggled to provide adequate nourishment. With too many cats in one household and insufficient food, it's common for the most dominant cats to dominate food intake. This leaves the more timid and less aggressive cats with minimal portions. In our case, our kitty is one of these more timid cats, possibly due to past experiences of food scarcity and frequent fights.

Adapting to New Environments

Our rescue kitty has a rather timid nature. She doesn't trust other cats and has learned that food is limited. Consequently, she has developed a love for eating, especially for cat treats. When she first arrived, she would devour her food so quickly that it often made her sick. Now, she eats more slowly, but remains vigilant for any opportunity to snack on the delicious treats she adores.

Concerns About Weight

The new vet we introduced to our cat has raised concerns about her weight. She is described as large and slightly fuller than average, which raises worries about her wellbeing. We are attempting to reduce her food intake, but it is challenging when her soulful, pleading eyes beg for just one more treat. To address this, we are switching to high-quality, digestible foods. Brands like Science Diet have been highly effective in helping our pets maintain a balanced and healthy diet without overeating.

Natural Cat Eating Habits

Cats, like humans, have their reasons for overeating. Factors such as boredom, the taste of food, and the difficulty in stopping can contribute to overindulgence. However, in the wild, cats have evolved to store excess food through a primordial pouch, also known as a hanging belly pouch. This feature allows them to store extra food for later, particularly useful during times of scarcity. For instance, a female cat might gorge herself on large portions to regurgitate and feed her kittens later when food is scarce.

The Primordial Pouch in Big Cats

Big cats like lions, cheetahs, and tigers also possess the same primordial pouch, which plays a crucial role in their survival. When they make a kill, they store excess food by gorging themselves. Afterward, they return to their den, regurgitate some of the food, and save it for later. This behavior is not only about survival but also about preserving energy. If a cat has no idea when or where its next meal will come from, it would be wise to save some food for later rather than waste it.

Conclusion

Cats, especially rescued ones, may overeat due to a combination of past experiences and environmental factors. To address this, it's essential to provide high-quality, digestible food and to monitor and manage the amount of food and treats given. Understanding the natural instincts behind a cat's eating habits can help us better care for them.

Keywords: Garfield, cat hoarders, digestive foods