Have you ever wondered why do cats growl when they eat? It can be a bit puzzling, especially if your kitty is usually quite docile. While there isn’t a definitive answer, there are a few possible explanations to the questions. So Why Do Cats Growl When They Eat?
This article is a comprehensive guide about feline growling during eating. We will let you know about all the possible causes of cat noise during eating and how you can stop it.
Why do cats growl when they eat?
Cat can growl when they eat for many reasons such as food aggression, physical pain, feeling threatened, dental issues, disliking the food, excessive hunger, stress or anxiety, excitement or happiness and Hyperthyroidism.
9 Reasons Of Cats Growling When Eating
1) Food Aggression
Many cat owners have experienced the frustration of having their feline friend growl when they try to eat. While it may seem like a harmless quirk, food aggression in cats can actually be a serious problem.
Cats who are food aggressive are usually unwell, and may be suffering from an underlying medical condition. In some cases, food aggression can also be a sign of psychological distress.
For example, a kitty who was previously abused may become aggressive when approached during mealtimes. If your cat is growling when you try to eat, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
By ruling out any potential medical problems, you can help your cat to feel more relaxed and comfortable around food.
Signs of food aggression in cats are:
- Eating quickly
- Growling when approached during mealtimes
- Hissing or spitting when someone comes near their food
- Swatting at people or animals who come too close to their bowl
- Guarding their food from other pets
- Becoming aggressive when someone tries to take their food away
2) Physical Pain
When a kitty make noises while eating, it is likely experiencing physical pain. Some possible causes of this pain include dental problems, such as tooth decay or infection, gum disease, and mouth ulcers.
Additionally, gastrointestinal issues like intestinal tumors or blockages can cause pain when eating. In the meantime, try offering wet food or canned food instead of dry food, as softer foods are easier on the teeth and gums.
You may also give your pet smaller meals more often throughout the day to help minimize pain.
If your cat is growling while eating for a long period and regularly, make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
3) Fear and Threatened
Cats are known for their independence and self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get scared from time to time.
One common trigger for fear-related growling in cats is mealtime. Some felines may be afraid of their food bowl, associate it with pain or discomfort, or simply be overwhelmed by the sights and smells of their food.
As a result, they may start to growl or adopt noise behavior when they approach their bowl or when they see you coming with their food.
If your tom or queen is fearfully growling during mealtime, it’s important to consult a professional pet behaviorist to rule out any behavioral issues.
4) Dental Issues
Many people are familiar with the sound of a cat’s purr, but did you know that growling is also a common vocalization? While it might seem like an aggressive noise, growling is actually quite common in cats, and it usually indicates discomfort or pain.
One of the most common causes of growling in cats is dental disease. When plaque and tartar build up on teeth, it can cause irritation and inflammation.
This can make eating painful, causing your cat to growl in frustration.
If you notice your cat making this noise during mealtimes, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup. With early diagnosis and treatment, dental disease is quite treatable.
5) Disliking the Food
Cats are fussy eaters. If they don’t like the food, they’ll let you know by growling while they’re eating. It’s their way of telling you that they’re not happy with what you’ve given them.
There are a few reasons why your cat might not like the food you’ve given them. It could be the type of food, the flavor, or the texture.
It could also be that the food is too old or has been sitting out for too long. If your pet is growling while they’re eating, try changing the type of food you’re giving them.
6) Excessive Hunger
Any cat owner knows that meowing is not the only sound their furry friend makes. Cats also make a variety of other sounds, including purring, hissing, and growling.
While some of these sounds are simply a way for cats to communicate their needs, others can be indicative of a health issue. For example, growling while eating may be a sign of excessive hunger.
The most common cause of excess noise when eating is simply that the cat is eager to get to the food. This is often seen in kittenhood, when kitties are growing rapidly and are always hungry.
It can also be seen in adult cats who are very active or have a higher than average metabolism. If your cat is just munching away noisily, there’s no need to worry.
This can happen if your kitty is not getting enough food, or if they are expending more energy than usual (such as through exercise).
To solve the issue you can simply increasing the amount of food. However make sure to not overfeed your pet to avoid any health issues.
7) Stress or Anxiety
If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’re probably familiar with the sound of them purring. But did you know that cats also make other noises when they eat? If your cat starts to make a low growling sound while they’re eating, it could be due to stress or anxiety.
There are a few different reasons why your cat may be feeling stressed at mealtime. For example, they may not feel safe eating in their current environment, or they may be competing with other pets for food.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to try to reduce your cat’s stress level to help them enjoy their meals. One way to do this is by providing them with a separate eating area away from any potential threats (such as other pets).
8) Excitement or Happiness
While it might seem odd, some cats make growling noises when they’re happy or excited. This is most commonly seen when a cat is eating their favorite food.
They might start to make a soft grumbling noise as they eat, which is simply their way of expressing their pleasure.
9) Hyperthyroidism
As any cat owner knows, mealtimes are often accompanied by a variety of strange and sometimes loud sounds. Cats may purr, squeak, or even growl as they eat.
While most of these noises are perfectly normal, but very rarely growling can sometimes be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, causing a range of symptoms including weight loss, increased appetite, and anxiety.
In some cases, hyperthyroidism can also cause digestive problems, leading to growling or other stomach noises when eating.
If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. With early diagnosis and treatment, hyperthyroidism is usually easily to treat.
How do I get my cat to stop growling when eating?
If your cat is growling while eating, there are a few things you can try to help them stop.
1. Feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day. This will help to reduce their hunger and may make them less likely to growl at mealtime.
2. Try adding some wet food to their diet, as this may be more satisfying for them.
3. If your cat is growling due to stress or anxiety, try to create a calm and relaxed environment at mealtimes. This may involve providing them with a separate eating area away from other pets or noise.
4. If your cat is growling due to dental issues, hyperthyroidism, physical pain or any other health issues it’s important to take them to the vet for treatment.
Why do cats get angry when eating?
There are a few different reasons why cats might get angry when eating. One possibility is that they’re feeling stressed or anxious. This can be due to a variety of factors, including competition for food, fear of predators, or simply not feeling safe in their environment.
Why my cat growling at food and not eating?
If your cat is growling at food but not eating, it’s possible that they’re feeling stressed or anxious. This can be due to a variety of factors, including competition for food, fear of predators, or simply not feeling safe in their environment.
If your kitty is growling due to stress or anxiety, try to create a calm and relaxed environment at mealtimes. This may involve providing them with a separate eating area away from other pets or noise.
Conclusion:
Why Do Cats Growl When They Eat? Cats can growl during meal time for many reasons. The most common are food aggression, physical pain, dental issues, stress and anxiety.
If your cat is growling while eating, there are a few things you can try to help them stop. Feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day. Try adding some wet food to their diet.
Try to create a calm and relaxed environment at mealtimes.
If your cat is growling due to dental issues, hyperthyroidism, physical pain or any other health seek vet help.
Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comment section below if they worked for you!
