Cat feeding behavior and obesity
- NATURAL PREDATORY BEHAVIOR
The cat is a solitary hunter of small prey (taking food of constant composition, in small quantities, 15 to 20 times a day). Cats appreciate routine, both in the composition of their food and in the times and places at which it is distributed. And well-fed cats hunt, even if hunger accentuates predatory behavior.
- RITUALS
Positive emotions stimulate a cat's appetite (the pleasure of stroking combined with the pleasure of eating).
- SATIETY
The signal to stop eating, satiety depends on many factors linked to the ration (volume, fat, fiber and moisture content), but also on emotional factors that are often neglected.
- OBESITY
Obesity is the result of over-consumption of calories. The reduced activity of city cats, by lowering their energy requirements, contributes to weight gain.
Overeating can be linked to the distribution of a high-energy food in a few meals, but also to behavioral problems (bulimia linked to anxiety) or medical problems. In all cases of obesity, it is important to review with us the way meals are distributed, to check their composition and to stimulate the cat's activity (games, chasing, etc.). The use of soothing pheromones can also be a great help in cases of anxiety.