Why do cats want you to watch them eat? A strange feline behavior that most cat owners may have witnessed.
As puzzling as this may be, there is actually some logic and reasoning behind why cats do this.
In this post we will answer a number of questions such as, why do cats want you to watch them eat?, why do cats want you to walk them to their food? Why does my cat eat when I eat?, and what to do if your cat won’t eat unless your watching?
Let’s dive straight in!
Why Do Cats Want You to Watch Them Eat?
1.Trust
Cats are extremely aware and observant of their surroundings, but can be quite vulnerable whilst they are eating.
Watching them eat is a way for the cat to trust you because it shows that they are comfortable enough to let their guard down while eating around you.
2.Habit
Another reason a cat may want you to watch them it is due to habits that they have developed as kittens.
When a kitten is weaned, they may begin to eat in the presence of their mother or littermates.
This can lead them into believing that it’s normal for you to watch while they are eating because it is what they’re used to.
If your cat continues this behavior even when there isn’t anyone watching them, then try placing yourself nearby and see if kitty will continue with the same action.
If so, make sure not to stare at your cat as you don’t want him/her feeling intimidated by how much attention he/she is receiving. Instead reward positive behaviour with praise and treats!
Also, if you gave them additional attention such as feeding them on your lap when they are kittens, they may continue this behavior as adults.
3.Fear
Your cat at some point may of been frightened whilst they were eating. This traumatic experience may be the reason why your cat wants you to watch them eat.
Cats are timid creatures, and even minor events may have a huge influence on them, causing them to become anxious.
If you cat did have a frightening experience whilst eating, you being present may put them at ease so they can enjoy their meal.
4.Illness
Although illness can cause your cat to stop eating, it can also have the opposite effect. It can also cause a cat to eat more.
If your cat has developed a fever, they will be feeling even hungrier than usual.
Eating whilst in your company may make them feel at ease if they have an illness and feeling vulnerable.
Why Do Cats Want You To Walk Them To Their Food?
This is a behavior that one of our cats in particular does on a regular basis. This behavior is when a cat will lead you to a source of food.
This may be due to one of the reasons mentioned above such as trust, habit, fear, or illness.
They also want you to lead them to their meal so that you can notice something is wrong, such as the food isn’t fresh. Cats can be very picky when it comes to their food!
Why Does My Cat Eat When I Eat?
Your cat may be an affection eater which means they like to eat when you eat.
Affection eating is generally caused by stress and not illness. The stress may of been caused from either a bad experience whilst eating, or if you have moved home and your cat is eating in a frightening, unfamiliar environment.
What To Do If Your Cat Won’t Eat Unless Your Watching
You may be worried if your cat is only eating if you are watching. If this is the case, here are some tips you can sue.
1. Move Their Food Bowl
Your cats food bowl may be in a quiet location where nobody is around.
If this is the case and your cat is refusing to eat unless they are being watched, try moving their food bowl to a location closer to yourself.
If this is in a living room or a room where you are worried about the food creating a mess, just simply place a cat food bowl mat underneath to help catch food that has fallen.
2. Place A Second Food Bowl In A Different Location
Another option is to add a second food bowl, and keep their regular food bowl in the same location.
3. Move The Food Bowl Away From The Wall
If like us, your cats food bowls are placed right next to the wall, this means they cannot see anything whilst eating which means they may feel vulnerable.
Just simply moving the food bowls away from the wall during meals times will allow them to move around the other side of the bowl.
This will make a cat feel more secure knowing the wall is behind them, and will also allow them to check out their surroundings.
4. Try An Elevated Food Bowl Stand
Elevated cat food bowls are an excellent solution that will allow your cat a more natural way of eating.
There are many options available and can be picked up at a reasonable place on places like Amazon.
As they are raised off the ground on a stand and tilted at an angle, elevated food bowls allow your cat to have a sense of their surrounds whilst they eat.0
Why Do Cats Want You to Watch Them Eat Conclusion
Why Do Cats Want You to Watch Them Eat? If you are worried about your cat’s eating habits, or feel like they need more attention, don’t worry.
Cats want to be watched while they eat because it makes them feel comforted and safe in their environment.
If you cat isn’t eating unless your worried, remember to move their food bowl to another location, don’t put the bowl too close to the wall, and try a elevated cat food bowl stand.
