There are many reasons why excessive hunger can occur in cats. Reasons can include:
Roundworms
Roundworms are a common type of parasite that invades the intestinal system of cats. When roundworms infest a cat’s system, they take all of the nutrients from the cat, thus causing the cat to be hungry all the time.
Diabetes
When cats do not produce enough insulin, which is essential in balancing the levels of glucose, or blood sugar, this is known as diabetes. Diabetes can cause cats to feel hungry often since the blood sugar levels are very imbalanced.
Acromegaly
This endocrine disorder causes excessive growth hormones to be produced by the pituitary gland. When this growth hormone is overproduced, the cat can feel hungry very often.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Cats may become affected with a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce the digestive enzymes needed for the general nutrition of the feline.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a myriad of gastrointestinal abnormalities that may be chronic. This type of illness is caused by an influx of inflammatory cells protruding into the thick walls of the gastrointestinal tract. This causes the gastrointestinal system to have difficulty functioning properly.
Cancer
Tumors, both cancerous and benign, may produce insulin, increase production of the growth hormone, or cause nutrients to not be absorbed properly. In the later stages of cancer, loss of appetite will be a problem.
Infections
Certain infections that can affect cats can cause nutrient deficiency or the lack of absorption of nutrients in the cat’s system. These factors can cause cats to feel hungry all the time.
Medications
Side effects of certain medications, such as steroids, can increase a cat’s appetite. If your cat is ravenous, discuss this medicinal side effect with your veterinary caregiver. A change of medication may be in order.
Hyperthyroidism
A disorder of the thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism, can cause appetite increase. An increase in the concentration of a specific thyroid hormone in the blood can cause this effect on cats’ appetite.
Boredom
If your cat has a behavioral issue such as boredom, anxiety, or depression, you may notice your cat will be looking for different things to do, such as eat. This may be accompanied by other behaviors as well, such as destruction of household furniture or aggression.
Nutritional Deficit
If your cat has a nutritional deficiency, he may be eating more because he feels his body is needing something different. When a nutritional deficiency is present, a feline may eat unusual things such as cat litter or dirt. He may also be drinking more water as well.
