Cat in multiple cat family eating more than her share?

by Lenora S. Lockwood
(Florida)

My friend has 9 cats. One that I gave her just wants to eat all the time and gets far more than her share. She is approximately 1 and 1/2 years and of course, she is getting fatter by the day.
I adopted her from our Humane Society and thought it was unusual that she would come to me, want to be petted and then leave and eat a few bites, only to repeat the same pattern over and over.
Incidentally, the reason I had to give her up was that she and my other "only cat", after 6 weeks just would not tolerate each other.
Can cats be compulsive eaters? Is there a solution?
Thanks for your input.

RESPONSE:

Lenora:

Yes, cats can become "compulsive eaters" but I doubt that is what's happening. This little kitty more likely is bored and food is the highlight of her day. She also probably associates food with good feelings. There are a few things your friend can try.
More play time will be a great help. Several sessions of interactive play each day will help her burn calories. It's also fun! Good feelings without food. Try to schedule play sessions before meals. Treat balls are also good. Make her work for her food. If dry food is left out, try using the bowls on a timer that open only at scheduled times to keep her from continually "grazing" all the time.
Read Feeding Many Cats on our site and especially the section called "Feeding Your Cat" for more ideas on how to deal with the little piggy eaters. A little behavior modification can go a long way toward getting a cat to focus less on food but it will take time.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom