Pawademy

Category: Nutrition

  • Why your cat eats too fast and what to do

    Why your cat eats too fast and what to do

    If your cat eats too quickly, it is not just a funny or harmless habit. Eating too fast can cause discomfort and may leave your cat feeling hungry all the time. The good news is that in many cases, simple changes to feeding habits can help.

    Why it can be a problem

    Eating too fast may lead to:

    • regurgitation right after meals
    • nausea
    • hiccups
    • gas and stomach discomfort
    • overeating
    • weight gain

    If this happens often, it is worth looking for the cause.

    Why cats eat too fast

    There can be many reasons:

    • Competition around food. If there are several pets in the home, your cat may rush to eat before someone else gets their food.
    • Infrequent meals. If there are long gaps between meals, your cat may become overly eager at feeding time.
    • Stress or anxiety. Moving, noise, new pets or changes at home can affect how a cat behaves around food.
    • Past experiences. Cats adopted from shelters or rescued from the street often keep the habit of eating quickly whenever food is available.
    • It tastes too good. A favorite food, especially wet food, may disappear in seconds.

    What you can do

    The easiest solution is to make it harder for your cat to eat so quickly as before:

    • Use a slow feeder. A slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder encourages smaller bites and slower eating.
    • Split meals into smaller portions. Many cats do better with smaller meals more often. You can also place small portions of dry food in different spots around the home.
    • Feed pets separately. Removing competition can reduce the urge to rush.
    • Keep a routine. Regular mealtimes often help reduce anxiety.

    When to see a vet

    If your cat is constantly hungry, losing weight, regurgitates after every meal or suddenly changes behavior, it is best to speak with a veterinarian. Sometimes fast eating can be linked to an underlying health issue.

  • How much water should a cat drink?

    How much water should a cat drink?

    Cats need constant access to water. Proper hydration supports kidney function, urinary health, digestion and overall well-being. If your cat drinks too little or suddenly starts drinking much more than usual, it is important to pay attention.

    How much water is normal?

    On average, an adult cat needs around 40–60 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight per day:

    • 3 kg cat: 120–180 ml per day
    • 4 kg cat: 160–240 ml per day
    • 5 kg cat: 200–300 ml per day

    Why real-life numbers may vary

    The figures above refer to the total daily fluid intake, not just the water your cat drinks from a bowl.

    Several factors can affect this:

    • Diet. Cats that eat wet food get part of their fluid from meals. Cats on dry food usually drink more from their bowl.
    • Weather and activity. In hot weather, warm indoor temperatures or after active play, cats may drink more than usual.
    • Age. Kittens, senior cats, pregnant cats and nursing cats may have different hydration needs than healthy adult cats.

    How to tell if your cat is drinking too little

    Pay attention if your cat:

    • rarely goes to the water bowl
    • urinates less than usual
    • seems lethargic
    • eats less
    • prefers drinking from the tap but ignores the bowl
    • has dry gums

    How to help your cat drink more

    • Place several water bowls around the home. Many cats drink more when water is available in different rooms.
    • Change the water daily. Fresh water is usually more appealing.
    • Choose the right bowl. Many cats prefer wide bowls where their whiskers do not touch the sides.
    • Try a cat fountain. Moving water often attracts cats more than still water.
    • Add wet food. An easy way to increase total fluid intake.

    What kind of water should you give a cat?

    Cats should only be offered clean, fresh water with no odor or unusual taste. It should be replaced daily. Good-quality filtered or bottled water is often the best option.

    When to see a veterinarian

    If your cat drinks far too little or too much, urinates frequently, loses weight or seems lethargic, do not delay seeking veterinary advice.

    Pay attention not only to the water bowl, but to your cat’s overall behavior as well. A steady interest in drinking is an important sign of good health.

  • Toxic foods for dogs: what to avoid

    Toxic foods for dogs: what to avoid

    Not all foods that are safe for humans are safe for dogs. Some can cause mild digestive upset, while others may lead to serious poisoning and require urgent veterinary care.

    Foods dogs should never have (even “just a little”)

    For a small dog, even a small amount can be a significant dose. Sensitivity also varies: something that caused no problems once may trigger a serious reaction another time.

    1. Chocolate and cocoa products 

    Contain theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs.

    2. Grapes and raisins

    Can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts.

    3. Onions and garlic (all forms)

    Contain organosulfur compounds that damage red blood cells and can lead to anemia.

    4. Xylitol

    A sweetener found in gum, candy, some baked goods and even certain toothpastes. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure.

    5. Alcohol

    Dangerous even in very small amounts and can be present in unexpected foods. There is a risk of severe poisoning and even a fatal outcome.

    6. Coffee, energy drinks and tea 

    Due to caffeine, these can overstimulate the nervous system and cause a rapid heart rate, tremors and other serious symptoms.

    7. Cooked bones

    Especially poultry bones. They can splinter and cause serious injury to the digestive tract.

    8. Fatty, fried or very salty foods

    May lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis.

    9. Raw yeast dough

    Expands in the stomach and can cause dangerous bloating. As it ferments, it also produces alcohol, which adds another layer of risk (see p. 5).

    What to do if your dog eats something dangerous

    Do not wait for symptoms. Some types of poisoning take time to develop, even if your dog seems fine at first.

    What to do right away

    • remove any remaining food
    • note what was eaten, how much and when
    • keep the product packaging if possible
    • contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible
    • follow professional advice

    Do not try to induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to do so. In some cases, it can make things worse.

    The general rule is simple: if you are not sure, do not feed it. Stick to dog-safe foods and treats made specifically for dogs.