Increased Appetite (polyphagia) in Cats
Key takeaways
Increased appetite (or polyphagia) defines a change in eating habits where cats suddenly appear hungrier than usual.
- It is normal for cats to appear hungry at all times
- Polyphagia is usually not a symptom unless it is accompanied by other clinical signs
- Common symptoms associated with increased appetite that warrant further investigation are vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, excessive thirst, or weight loss
- In senior cats the most common cause is hyperthyroidism
- Other associated conditions include diabetes mellitus, FIP, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, and THC toxicosis
- Diagnostics might include imaging, urinalysis, fecal examination, bloodwork, physical evaluation, and caloric analysis
- Treatment varies according to the underlying condition and might consist of medications, insulin therapy, surgery, and nutritional therapy
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A closer look: Increased Appetite (polyphagia) in Cats
It is a normal behavior for cats to continuously have an appetite and it usually does not indicate increased appetite.
It is important to differentiate between a normal eating compulsion and polyphagia.
Polyphagia commonly presents with associated symptoms that help to differentiate the two. Some associated conditions are more serious than others.
If any of the above symptoms are present, prompt veterinary attention is warranted. Emergency veterinary attention is warranted for any cat who appears to have abdominal pain or if the abdomen is bloated and firm to the touch.
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Possible causes
There are many conditions associated with increased appetite.
Risk factors
Acute or chronic polyphagia can cause serious effects in cats. Changes in body conformation (weight gain or weight loss) are not unusual and can also lead to muscle atrophy.
Polyphagia presents with various associated symptoms. The severity varies depending on which other clinical signs are present.
Testing and diagnosis
The diagnostic process focuses on discovering the underlying condition causing increased appetite.
Diagnostics include:
- Full medical history of the patient
- Complete physical evaluation
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Diagnostic imaging
- Fecal analysis
- Caloric analysis (comparison between caloric requirement and actual caloric intake)
Treatment largely depends on the underlying condition and might include:
- Therapeutic trials (especially for younger cats in which hyperthyroidism is unlikely) such as deworming and dietary trials
- Nutritional therapy
- Specific treatment for the underlying condition such as insulin, surgery, or medications
Some conditions are untreatable and the only options are palliative therapy and/or hospitalization.
Similar symptoms
It is normal to mistake a common feline behavior such as constantly looking for food with a real symptom. In cases of polyphagia, there is a sudden obvious change in eating habits and it is normally accompanied by other clinical signs that help make the distinction.
Associated symptoms
Polyphagia usually presents alongside other symptoms. Concurrent clinical signs vary according to the underlying condition.
