We all know that our feline friends can be slightly fickle regarding food. One moment they’re devouring their kibble, and the next, they’re pushing it around the bowl with a look of disgust. And then there’s the occasional growl that accompanies their mealtime routine. But have you ever wondered why your cat might growl while they’re eating?
It is a common misconception that cats growl when they eat because they are unhappy with the food. It could be feline food aggression too. But cats generally growl to warn other animals or people away from their food bowls and the surrounding area if they are unfamiliar. Cats may also purr when eating so as not to scare off any prey if it were hiding nearby, waiting for an opportunity to steal.
Why Do Cats Grunt?
When eating, some cats growl since it’s part of their territorial behaviour as kittens. Consider the hardness of cat kibble and even some meaty cat diets’ relative harshness. If your cat has one or more painful teeth, chewing its food may be unpleasant. Your cat might have dental issues. This is a possible source of your cat’s growling and should be investigated.
7 Reasons That Cause Cats to Growl
When finding the root cause of why your cat growls, it’s important to consider what triggers these behaviours. Knowing the reason behind your cat’s growl will help you figure out how to get them to stop. The following are seven reasons (or causes) that trigger cats to growl.
Your Cat Is Annoyed
If your cat has a bad habit of growling during meals, she may be irritated. Perhaps the family dog is prowling about while she eats, and she is afraid he will try to steal her food bowl. Or maybe you are not giving much attention. Cat’s aggression indicates to everyone around her that she is on the defensive. “Stay away from me — and my food” She is effectively warning others.
Your Cat Is Warning You When Eating Meal
It may be interpreted as a “soft” warning signal if you hear your kitten growling while eating. Perhaps your kitten is enamoured with the meal, wishes to continue in peace, and is content to sit and contemplate. They may tell you not to even try stroking them if you come near them. It is better to give them space. Even though I have faced this, sometimes my cat does not allow me to pet it while eating, so this might be a reason.
Food Aggression In Cats
Cats with food aggression may growl to try and scare away other animals or people from their food. This can be dangerous behaviour, as the cat may attack if it feels like its territory is being threatened. If your cat has been growling at you while trying to feed her, she may be doing so because she’s uncomfortable with you being close to her while she eats.
You may need to back off and give her some space until she’s done eating. In a multi-cat household, you need to feed your cats in a separate bowl so they don’t show aggressive behaviours. This way, you can manage food aggression in cats. That’s why I always keep extra bowls for each pet.
Your Cat is Purring
Before you conclude about your cat’s current personality, let me tell you that she may be purring rather than growling. Purring is a deep, rumbling growl that sounds similar to roaring and may cause serious feline communication misunderstandings when paired with loud and frenzied feeding. Your kitty may be in a dizzy condition rather than an irritated and annoyed one – surprise. Yup, that’s something you should know, and I realized it after 3 years.
Your Cat Is Trying to Talk With You
Consider your cat’s body language and voice to understand what she is trying to communicate when she is growling. If she’s hissing and arching her back, she is definitely angry. But if her tail is up and she’s making soft grunting noises, it’s possible she just wants you to back off so she can enjoy her meal in peace. I remember the first week I got my cat. It was not allowing anyone to come near except me.
Your Cat Is Keeping You Safe
Your sweet kitty may growl as a defensive warning to other creatures that they are prepared to attack if required. Suppose you have a dedicated and loving cat. In that case, they may act possessive if another person or animal tries to harm you. Cats are pretty loyal and may growl as a way to let them know they will protect you at all costs.
Is It Common for Cats to Snarl?
Yes, your cat may growl from time to time when they show aggressive behaviour or is afraid. Hopefully, this isn’t a common noise you hear from your kitty since it might indicate that something in their surroundings has set him or her off. While your cat is growling, it’s important to remember that it may be showing its most violent tendencies. If you notice your cat acting this way, try to fix the problem as soon as possible.
What Causes Cats to Snarl At Night?
Cats may growl at night if they are frightened or warn you of anything they observe while sleeping. It depends on your cat’s nature. However, some cats are easily frightened by almost anything. Cats cannot see in complete darkness, but they have highly developed night vision that is significantly superior to humans. Because of this, cats may spot something moving in their field of vision at night and growl if they perceive it to be a threat.
Why Do Cats Squeal When They See Kittens?
When your cat growls at a new kitten you’ve welcomed into the household, they display territorial behaviour over their territory. Cats tend to warm up to other cats, especially when the new cat is introduced into your household. Cats are frequently more lonely creatures who like to be in charge.
A new kitten is an outside danger, so attempt to introduce them cautiously to avoid either animal becoming angry. If you have other pets at your home, there are chances of cat food aggression behaviours when you provide food. Try to give food to each pet’s own bowl.
Final Words
You should always give growling cats a comfortable environment until they calm down and feel more at ease. If you notice your cat is continually irritated, consider whether anything in its living environment has changed significantly. Cats are habit-oriented creatures who dislike large changes in their routine. They may snarl and act out if you abruptly start feeding them at a different time of day or change residences.
They may also do this if you unexpectedly bring home a new cat or dog. If your cat was used to being the only animal in the house, he or she might be disappointed that they now share its owner with another person. Recognizing the source of your cat’s distress is the most effective strategy to alleviate their distress.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q. How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Growling When Eating?
Ans: If your cat is growling while eating, it’s possible she’s doing so because she’s not comfortable with you being close to her while she eats. You may need to back off and give her some space until she’s done eating.
Q. What Does a Low Growl from a Cat Mean?
Ans: If your cat makes a low growl, it’s possible she’s trying to communicate with you. Consider her body language and voice when she is growling to understand what she is trying to tell you. If she’s hissing and arching her back, she’s definitely angry. But if her tail is up and she’s making soft grunting noises, it’s possible that she just wants you to back off so she can enjoy her meal in peace.
Q. Why Do Cats Growl for No Reason?
Ans: Cats can growl for a variety of reasons, including being scared, angry, or trying to communicate with their owners. If your cat is growling for no reason, it’s possible there’s something she’s afraid of or that’s making her angry. Try to figure out what’s bothering her and fix the problem as soon as possible.
Q. Why Does My Cat Growl When I Pet Him?
Ans: If your cat growls when you pet him, it’s possible he doesn’t enjoy being touched in that area. Try petting him in other places to see if he reacts differently. If he continues to growl when you pet him, it’s possible he doesn’t like being touched at all.