If you have a cat, then you know that they love to eat. In fact, some cats will scarf down their food as if they haven't eaten in days - even if their last meal was fairly recent. While this might not seem like a big deal, the truth is that eating too fast can actually be dangerous for your pet. Here's a closer look at some of the problems that can arise when they eat their food too quickly.
One of the biggest problems that can occur when your cat eats too fast is indigestion. When food isn't properly chewed, it doesn't break down as easily in the stomach. This can lead to stomach pain, bloating, and even vomiting. Additionally, large pieces of food can cause obstructions in your pet's intestines. If not treated promptly, these obstructions can be life-threatening.
Another problem that can occur when your pet eats too fast is weight gain. When food isn't properly chewed, more of it is absorbed by the body instead of being excreted. This means that your pet is taking in more calories than they need and could start to put on extra weight. Obesity in pets can lead to a host of other health problems including diabetes, joint pain, and respiratory difficulties.
There are a number of dangers associated with cats eating their food too quickly. If you're concerned that yours may be eating too fast, talk to your veterinarian about ways to slow them down at mealtime. Additionally, be sure to supervise your pet while they eat and remove their bowl when they're finished so that they don't go back for seconds (or thirds!)
Another option is to purchase a slow feeder bowl, which has raised ridges or partitions that make it difficult for your cat to scoop up large mouthfuls of food. This forces them to eat more slowly, which is all around better for their health and well-being.
The slow feeder bowl pictured at the top of this article is the one we use for our cat. He is an older guy, seriously overweight, and we are using this to help him eat more slowly and gradually lose some weight. So far, it seems to be working great!
We recently reviewed five of the best cat slow feeder bowls. You can find that article by clicking the button below. This might be the best way to help your cat eat more slowly and stay healthier.
