Why does my adopted stray cat constantly overeat and act hungry?

Question

I'm fostering a 2 y/o former stray. When I took him home two weeks ago, I could feel and see his spine and ribs. Now, neither feature is apparent. However, he will consume 2-2.5 cups of food EVERY DAY, if I let him. He acts like he never gets enough food. I guess I'm wondering if he'll ever settle into not overeating- is it an overextended stomach issue, or an "I never got enough as a stray" mentality issue? I'm feeding him a set amount on a schedule, but it's really hard on my slow-eating cat. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 9 months old

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

It's possible being a stray could play into part of it. Some cats also just really enjoy eating food. Ruling out any common issues such as parasites, metabolic issues, etc is also a good idea if you haven't already as this may also cause appetite changes along with weight changes/constant hunger. There are some timer-based feeders as well as feeding toys that allow you to schedule when your cat eats. The feeding toys are also great because you can separate his meal into smaller portions and "hide" them around the house for him to find. It encourages him to get some exercise, get enough food, but in smaller portions so he can constantly graze throughout the day without feeling like he's not being fed.

Why does my adopted stray cat constantly overeat and act hungry?

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