Why Does My Cat Crave Your Delicious Human Food?

You’ve just sat down with a mouth-watering plate of spaghetti bolognese, and within seconds, your furry feline friend is rubbing against your legs, meowing incessantly, and giving you those big, pleading eyes. 

Sound familiar? Many cat owners struggle with the same issue – their kitty constantly begging for bites of human food, no matter how much cat food is available. 

But why does your cat want to eat your food so badly? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this feline diet obsession.

Why does your cat want to eat your food?

There are several potential explanations for your cat’s intense interest in your meals. Here are some of the most common:

• Family Time and Bonding: Cats are social creatures that crave interaction and bonding with their human families. Mealtimes represent an opportunity for your cat to socialize and spend quality time with you.
• Natural Feline Curiosity: With their incredible sense of smell, cats are inherently drawn to novel and enticing aromas. The smells wafting from your food ignite their curiosity, driving them to investigate these unfamiliar scents and flavors.
• Boredom with Their Food: Let’s face it, even the best cat food can get monotonous after a while. Your cat may simply crave some variety and excitement in their diet, which your flavorful human meals provide.
• Being a Picky Eater: Some cats are just naturally fussy about their food preferences. If your feline friend turns up their nose at their cat treats or kibble, your delicious home-cooked meals become infinitely more appealing.
• Sniffing New Smells: Even if your cat doesn’t necessarily want to eat your food, the tantalizing aromas may be too much to resist. Their powerful sense of smell draws them in for a closer whiff of your cat meal.
• Finding Human Food More Delicious: Let’s be honest, our recipes and seasonings often make human food taste way better than typical cat snacks. With their refined palate, it’s no wonder cats prefer the flavors of our cuisine.

How do I get my cat to stop trying to eat my food?

While it’s normal for your cat to crave your food, constantly having a furry beggar underfoot can get frustrating. Try these tips to discourage the behavior:

1. Don’t Reinforce Begging: As hard as it is to resist those sad kitty eyes, giving in and sharing your food will only reinforce the begging. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward calm behavior instead.
2. The “Lemon Trick”: Cats generally dislike the smell of citrus. Place a slice of lemon or lime on your plate to deter your cat from getting too close.
3. Never Leave Food Unattended: An unguarded plate is an open invitation for your cat to sneak a few bites. Keep meals covered or in an area your cat can’t access when you’re not around.
4. Training and Positive Reinforcement: With patience and consistency, you can train your cat to avoid counters and tables during mealtimes using treats, clickers, and praise.

Read More :

Cat Not Eating Or Drinking? Why It’s Absolutely Critical To Call Your Vet

Is it normal for a cat to want to eat human food?

Absolutely! While it may seem strange to us, it’s completely normal and natural for cats to be intrigued by human food. Between the novel smells, flavors, and textures, our cuisine represents an exciting gustatory experience for our feline friends’ cat senses.

An excessive or sudden obsession with human food could potentially signal an underlying health issue, like:

• Nutrient deficiencies in their cat diet
• Diabetes or other metabolic issues
• Aging and diminished sense of smell/taste
• Stress, anxiety, or compulsive disorders

If your cat’s interest in table food seems excessive, it’s worth a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.

Are all human foods safe for your cat?

While an occasional bite of cooked chicken or fish isn’t too concerning, many common human foods are toxic or even potentially fatal to cats. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center warns cat owners to avoid feeding their pets the following:

• Chocolate
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks)
• Alcohol
• Raw yeast dough
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candies, etc.)
• Onions and garlic (powder, fresh, cooked, etc.)
• Fatty foods (can cause pancreatitis)
• Bones (cooked or raw, risk of choking/puncturing)
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts

Cats should never have access to toothpaste, mouthwash, cleaning products, medications, or other potentially toxic household substances. When in doubt, stick to cat treats specifically formulated for feline nutrition.

Conclusion

While frustrating at times, your cat craving your food is just their natural curiosity and refined palate at work. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, using deterrents consistently, and ensuring a nutritious, stimulating cat diet, you can discourage begging while keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.

Remember, our bond with our pet companions makes the minor annoyances worth it. So, the next time you sit down to a delicious home-cooked meal, consider sharing a safe bite or two – you may just become your cat’s favourite dinner date. 

Just be sure to check with your vet first about which foods are safe to share as an occasional cat treat. What are your experiences with your cat begging for human food? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!