One cat eating another's food usually comes down to hierarchy, different food types, or portion sizes. Separate feeding areas and matching portions help stop the behavior.
When several cats live in the same household, it often happens that one of them eats the other's food. In this animal expert video, we'll go over the most common situations in which this can happen and explain what you can do to fix it. Let's get started. The foods are different. If one of your cats has a different food because it has different nutritional needs, the other cat is likely to like this food more because it's different from its own. It's also possible that this food has flavorings that make it more appetizing or because its taste is more exquisite and it doesn't like its own. They have too much food. If you give them too much food and one cat eats more than the other, it's possible that one of them eats the amount that its body needs and the other eats more. In this case, you'll notice that the cat is overweight or even obese and will show other symptoms such as anxious eating and vomiting afterwards. This could be because the cat is stressed, bored or sick. They are at different levels of the hierarchy. If both cats eat the same food and are completely healthy, the reason for this behavior is due to the hierarchy. This is very complex and can vary depending on many factors, such as the arrival of a new cat. So it could be that one of them occupies a higher rank than the other and therefore can afford to steal the food it wants. If you have just introduced a new cat to your home, do not miss the video that we have included in the card. They have less food than they need. If you give them less food than they need, it is normal for the cat with a higher hierarchical rank to steal the food from the other. In this case, you will notice that the cat that eats less will be thin, listless and tired. They do not have a good relationship. If they do not get along and in general tend to compete for territory and resources, the weaker cat will be the one that ends up eating less. This happens when cats share everything. That is why it is important that each one has its own things. Find out more about living together between cats in the video above. To end this situation, we have four tips for you. 1. Establish a routine and separate resources. Cats prefer to eat several times a day. That's why you should identify the amount of food they need according to their age and activity level and distribute it over several feedings. Once you've done this, you should set a schedule and be strict with it. It's also important that each cat has its own bowl, regardless of whether or not they get along. 2. Offer them the same food. If the reason is that one of them follows a special diet, consider whether you can feed both cats the same food. To do this, it's best to consult with your vet. If one of them needs to eat sterilized cat food, grain free food, or hypoallergenic food, you can offer it to both. However, if the special food is to treat an illness or disorder, then it's best to move on to the next. Tip 3. Feed them in separate rooms when two cats don't get along, it's difficult for them to eat peacefully in the same room. That's why it's best to feed them in separate rooms and even close the doors if you think it's necessary. If there's a hierarchy between them, it is advisable to feed the cat with a higher social rank first to prevent it from feeling the need to take the other cat's food. 4. Use a programmable feeder. Nowadays, there are feeders that can be programmed to refill the bowl automatically. There are even some that use a chip that is placed on the cat's collar to refill the bowl when the animal approaches. Of course, this option is more expensive and does not usually solve the problem when the cats do not get along or one of them needs to follow a special diet. Finally, if you have an adult cat and a kitten living in your home, it is important to keep a close eye on their food. Both the adult and the kitten must receive food appropriate for their age. To do this, make sure that the cats have two feeders and that neither steals the other's food. Tell us, have you already detected why one of your cats eats the other's food? Until next time, experts m.
