Most cats are perfectly content with a daily portion of dry or wet food. Some even dislike radical changes in their diet. But some cats are true connoisseurs of human food and consider it their duty to try it, even if it means stealing it.
Micronutrient deficiencies
To regulate metabolism, normal growth, and other bodily functions, cats require the following trace elements: calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc. If a cat doesn't get enough of these elements from its diet, it may feel hungry even after eating a large amount and, of course, will begin searching for food.
Discuss the food you feed your pet with your veterinarian and ensure it meets their dietary needs. To prevent stealing, ensure they receive a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities.
Spoiling a pet
Many people consider their cats not just pets, but members of the family. Some owners go even further, allowing their pets to join them at mealtimes and eat the same food as the rest of the family. This can lead to the cat becoming spoiled and preferring human food to cat food. In the worst case, a spoiled cat will steal from the table.
Curiosity
Cats are naturally curious. Kittens especially! They explore the world around them using their five senses. They're curious about what you're cooking in the kitchen and what you're eating at the dinner table. They just have to jump on the table, see, and taste your food.
Cats are a lot like our children. They want to imitate you and participate in everything you do, including eating the same food you eat. And, like human children, if they haven't yet been taught not to touch human food, they can't resist the temptation to try any food you leave unattended, any scraps left on your plate.
Cats likely consider your entire living space their territory and are naturally suspicious of anything new or unusual they see. A cat's curiosity about your grocery bag stems from its desire to protect you and its territory. Some animals eventually lose interest in human food. But some discover it's tastier than cat food.
How to stop your pet from stealing food from the table
Not everyone wants to share a plate with their cat: hygiene issues and maintaining a healthy weight can be problematic. Furthermore, human food isn't always safe for pets.
Prevent your cat from jumping on the kitchen or dining table, and stop any attempts to steal food, beg, or raid the trash can by saying "no" in a sharp voice. Be consistent, because once you give in, even just once, your pet will know you're in their clutches.
If your cat continues to climb onto the table, return it to the floor each time. However, if it remains on the floor and obeys you, reward it with food or a cat treat. Feed your cat exclusively from its bowl and only on the floor. Avoid giving any food from the table. If it's tempted to jump up just to look at the table, place its bowl on a chair or stool next to the table, but never allow it to jump onto the table. Feed it before you eat. If your cat is full, it will likely remain quiet while you eat.
Don't encourage your cat to beg. If she asks for human food, never give in. If you give her even a crumb, she'll definitely come back for more. This also applies if you accidentally drop something while eating or cooking. Don't leave it for her. Make sure she doesn't get anything.
Food always plays a role in your cat's natural hunting energy. If you can reduce this energy through play, you're very close to stopping your cat from stealing food. The most effective method is to use an interactive, moving toy that mimics prey. Let your cat catch it and occasionally bite it. Also, provide toys that she can play with independently. These can be as simple as stuffed mice left on the floor.
Most people feed their cats twice a day. Perhaps your cat simply can't wait for dinner, and two meals a day isn't enough to prevent theft because your pet is genuinely hungry.
In the wild, a cat can eat up to ten times a day. How do you provide three meals a day if you're away during the day? Give the first meal before you leave, the second when you come home, and the last before bed.
Punishment will only be effective in stopping your cat from stealing food in your presence. This means your cat will learn to fear and avoid you. However, as soon as you're in the next room or simply turn your back, things will change. It's best to interrupt the stealing with a sudden noise or by throwing something on the floor next to it, but that's not all. Don't chase the cat afterward; you only need to stop the stealing, not punish it. Keep in mind that you're unlikely to change its stealing habits. The best thing to do is be mindful when it comes to food. Don't leave prepared meals and other food unattended on the counter or where your cat can get to it. Keep trash can lids securely closed. It's not your cat's fault if you've placed an easily accessible temptation nearby.
