1. Kittens Fighting Over Food
-
Kittens are naturally competitive when it comes to food because in the wild, getting enough calories is crucial for survival.
-
Even if they’re well-fed, their instincts kick in—they might swat, hiss, or chase each other around the bowl.
-
Sometimes, it’s just play disguised as aggression; kittens often practice hunting and pouncing on each other during mealtime.
2. Carnivorous Nature of Cats
-
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet needs to be mostly meat.
-
Their digestive system is optimized for protein and fat rather than carbohydrates.
-
This is why they’re so enthusiastic about meat or wet food, and less interested in plant-based foods (although kibble often contains grains or veggies).
3. Kibble-Eating Cats
-
Kibble is convenient, but it doesn’t always satisfy a cat’s hunting instincts.
-
Some cats may eat quickly and competitively, especially if there are other cats around.
-
Free-feeding (leaving kibble out all day) can reduce fighting, but for multiple cats, separate feeding stations usually work best to avoid stress and aggression.
Practical Tips
-
Feed kittens and adult cats in separate bowls or rooms if they fight.
-
Make sure each cat has access to enough food—competition usually spikes when they feel scarcity.
-
Rotate between wet and dry food to satisfy their carnivorous cravings.
-
Slow feeders or puzzle feeders can slow down aggressive eaters and give shy cats a chance.
