Cats are cats. These little furry, carnivorous babies need all the love and care you can give to them.
Although they sometimes act cranky or scared, all cats deserve a person or a family full of compassion and acceptance.
However, we must realize that a cat’s needs aren’t the same as that of a human.
They have their own food (and like most of us do not know, cats cannot digest milk except their mother’s), their own temperature regulation, and their own sleeping patterns.
In short, we cannot control how cats will behave because they have a system, and of course, disturbing that system would be something inhumane.
Another thing to notice whenever we talk about cats is the misconception of them being “mean” to their owners.
Of course, some of the cats get more defensive compared to others with time, but that does not imply that cats are inherently aggressive. Some of them just need more love and care.
Now that we have talked a lot about cats in general let’s have a look at why cats want their owners to be with them while they are eating.
Why Do Cats Want You To Watch Them Eat?
Cats want you to watch them eat if they’re affectionate eaters. Affection eating isn’t a medical condition per se but is often a cat’s way of responding to stressful stimuli. Whenever they feel stressed, not in the mood to eat, or when they have constipation, cats will resort to affection eating.
Affection Eating
The cracking noise of the cat food bag excites tiny kittens. But some of them just can’t eat alone without their owner being around.
However, you can encourage these cats to eat by stroking them softly. This is called affectionate eating, also known as attention eating.
Not all cats necessarily have to be affection eaters, but those who are seem to eat better whenever their owner is around.
Some cats might just want someone to sit and observe them eating their meal.
Meanwhile, other cats might need more affectionate gestures like petting or bringing their food close to them.
Just like stress might cause humans to lose their appetite, affection eaters are also reacting to a possible intimidating environment that is new to them.
Cats might develop the habit of affection eating due to losing their prior home and owners.
According to experts, affection eating isn’t a medical condition but a cat’s response to stressful situations.
However, if not treated, stress-induced anorexia in cats can soon become a medical condition that can drastically affect the cats’ health.
Here are some elaborated points on the peculiar cat habit:
You can befriend a scaredy cat if you pet them while eating
The founder of Feline Minds, Dilara Perry, suggests that a cat’s mealtime is the best opportunity for a cat owner to befriend their new, nervous cat.
A shy cat will let you approach them and will allow you to pet them softly.
However, if they feel overstimulated, they may get defensive, like scratching and biting the owner.
Cats being picky
Cats can be fussy about what they eat. Sometimes they end up turning down the offer of a meal just because they are not in a mood to eat it.
But if this habit is consistent, consider petting or stroking them while you offer them food.
If the cat is an affection eater, will right away start eating once you start rubbing it.
Make sure you are aware of some of the leading causes due to which cats can probably stop eating at all:
- Any non-urgent medical condition, for instance, a toothache
- A cat on medication
- A cat recently vaccinated
- Cat having an allergic reaction to the medication
- Psychological stress
Your cat is probably having constipation
According to some experts, cats can develop affectionate eating behavior if they are suffering from constipation.
In addition, stroking and petting them may cure constipation. If still not, visit a veterinarian.
Tips for your cat to adjust and eat healthily
Give your cat its own “safe place”
Secure your newly adopted cat in a confined, small space of its own for the first few days.
This little room should be having everything your little buddy would be needing: a litter box, water, food, play toys, including their bed, keeping it as far away from the litter box as possible.
Also, visit their room often and build a connection of trust between you and the cat.
Try not to rush; let them take their time and come to your once they are comfortable.
Pet and stroke them gently so that they can trust you easily.
Keep them engaged
Consistent interaction between you and your pet can strengthen the bond.
Spend as much quality time with the cat. Playing games with them can keep them relaxed and busy.
Monitor what they eat
Make sure you always give your cat a measured amount of food.
Malnutrition and obesity can both cause life-threatening health issues for the cat.
To avoid both situations, keep your kitten on a balanced diet plan that they can regularly follow while staying healthy.
In case your cat is not taking the meals properly, consider visiting a veterinarian.
Severe medical conditions such as anorexia can cause adverse diseases like fatty liver.
What Food Should You Feed Your Cats: Must-Know Information
Talking about cat food, it is plain and simple: meat. Cats need meat to get proteins to have healthy body systems and better eyesight.
The meat also helps them have a strong heart and an efficient reproductive system.
The food items that are good for the cats are:
- Whole Grains
- Fish
- Eggs
- Veggies
However, the food items cats should NOT eat are as follows:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Milk and Other Dairy Products
- Caffeine
- Fat Trimmings and Bones
- Raw Eggs
- Raw Meat and Fish
- Dog Food
Conclusion
Pets need a lot of care. This includes cats as well.
If your cat is an affection eater, you need to take extra care of him or her.
Give them a separate space for growth and take some time building your feline’s trust in you. Keep them away from any food item that can harm them.
Note down all the causes that have let them develop an affection eating habit.