Have you ever noticed that your cat only eats when you’re next to it and looking at it? Perhaps it even likes to be stroked while it eats. This behavior can be a bit confusing, but understanding it can give you a better insight into your relationship with your cat.
Cats, even pet cats, have a wild predatory instinct, inherited from thousands of years ago, and they always need to know what’s going on around them, otherwise they won’t feel comfortable.
They can behave differently, depending on how much they trust you, how you raised them and the feline’s own personality. But in this article, we’ll look at the reasons for this habit in cats and whether it’s possible to change it.
Why do some cats need you to eat?
The reason some cats only eat when they are being watched closely is because it makes them feel safer. Have you ever wondered why most animals only eat standing up?
Because it is in this position that they are able to first defend themselves, then defend their food, or even run if there is a problem while they are eating.
As cats are predators by nature, they have extremely sensitive instincts that they use to monitor their surroundings while eating. Wild cats, even when eating, keep their guard up and keep an eye out for possible threats.
That’s why pet cats, in the same way, often can’t eat calmly if they think they’re in some kind of danger, even if they’re inside your home.
However, they still need to eat, which may be why your cat only feeds if you are watching it. This is called affective feeding, which is when cats depend on the presence of their guardian to eat.
Affective feeding
Although affectionate feeding is the main reason why cats only like to eat with their guardians, there may be other factors that cause this behavior, such as fear, habit or illness.
It’s possible that your cat doesn’t need you to watch it all the time. However, in cases where they feel threatened, being with them will help them feel more secure.
Even so, there may be other reasons why your cat acts this way:
Not having a fixed meal routine
Cats are highly sensitive to any kind of change. Having a fixed meal routine for your cat can improve its health and temperament. Anything new, such as a new piece of furniture in the house or a noise outside, can scare a cat into only eating in your presence.
If it’s due to habit, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s scared. Instead, it means that the cat is so used to eating with you that not doing so will be too big a change in its routine.
The need for attention
Cats are sociable animals and love the company of their owners. When we’re at home, our cats are more likely to ask for our attention. They may meow, rub against our legs or even climb onto our laps.
The same can happen during their meals. If your cat only eats when you’re present, this could be a way of getting your attention. They may be trying to say “hey, look at me, I’m eating!”.
Associative learning
Another reason why cats may prefer to eat in the presence of their guardians is associative learning. They may have learned that when they eat in your presence, they are rewarded with attention or even extra treats.
This association can become so strong that the cat no longer wants to eat alone, as it knows it won’t get the same reward if you were with it.
Stress and anxiety
Cats can be anxious and stressed animals, especially if they are alone in the house. When we are present, our cats feel more secure and confident, which can help them eat better.
If your cat only eats in your presence, it could be a sign that he’ s not comfortable when he’s alone. Give them some toys, provide a warm cuddly place for them to lie down and access to food and water when you’re away.
Your cat may be ill
Last but not least, your cat may be ill. There’s nothing that makes a cat feel weaker and more vulnerable than illness. If this is the case, it will only eat while you are watching because it feels too weak to eat on its own.
However, if you think your cat is ill or may be suffering from a health problem, it’s important to take it to the vet. Some health problems can cause cats to be selective about when they eat, such as kidney failure or a tooth problem.
Your vet can assess your cat and give you specific advice on how to help him eat properly.
Why does my cat eat every time I enter the room?
If you have a cat that only eats when you enter the room, it’s because those are the only times it feels safe enough to eat.
Although the cat may have lived in your home for a long time, this is not enough to override its survival instincts in a domestic environment.
Therefore, your cat may be waiting for you to protect it while it feeds. It’s a question of instinct, and not something you can easily change.
However, you can help him feel safer and more comfortable at mealtimes by making sure the environment is calm and quiet.
Many cats prefer to eat in high places, such as shelves or counters, where they feel safe and can keep an eye on their surroundings.
In addition, you could try putting your cat’s food in a more private or hidden place, where they can eat without worrying about their surroundings.
How to encourage your cat to eat alone
If you’re worried that your cat will only eat when you’re present, there are a few things you can do to encourage the opposite behavior.
- Try to feed him at regular times every day. This can help establish a feeding habit and reduce anxiety.
- Avoid disturbing the cat during mealtimes, such as loud noises or other animals that might distract or upset your cat.
- Leave enough food for your cat throughout the day. This can make your cat realize that food is always available, even when you’re not there.
- Place the food in different places around the house. This can encourage them to explore and discover new areas to feed in.
- Provide feeding toys, which allow the cat to have to work to reach the food, making the meal more challenging and exciting.
If he’s still not willing to eat on his own, it can be useful to sit with him while he eats. This can help him feel safe and secure, and may encourage him to eat more often.
However, it’s important not to reinforce this affective eating behavior, as this can lead to behavioral and health problems in the future. Instead, try gradually allowing your cat to eat alone, gradually increasing the distance between you and the food bowl.
Conclusion
Although it is common for cats to only eat when their guardians are present, there are many reasons behind this behavior. Take the necessary steps to help your cat feel more secure and comfortable when eating.
With time and patience, you can help your cat eat properly and enjoy a long and healthy life.
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And let me know in the comments below if you also have an Angora cat.
