You put down the bowl, he gulps it down in thirty seconds, and sometimes he regurgitates right after. This isn't pure gluttony: there are reasons, and simple solutions.
Why he swallows without chewing
It's partly normal. Cats are not made for prolonged chewing: their teeth are designed for tearing, not grinding. In the wild, they consume several small preys throughout the day — about ten mini-meals, not two large servings.
The meal rhythm does the rest. Two large bowls a day create long periods of hunger. When the bowl arrives, he pounces on it.
Competition speeds everything up. In a multi-cat household, the one who eats fast eats more. The reflex quickly sets in.
The past matters. A cat who has known the streets or scarcity often retains the habit of finishing everything immediately.
Why it's a problem
Cats who swallow air along with their kibble frequently regurgitate — often barely touched kibble, a few minutes after the meal. This is different from vomiting, but it's uncomfortable, and it can also contribute to weight gain because the satiety signal arrives later.
Five solutions that work
1. Divide meals. This is the most effective lever. Four to five small portions are better than two large ones. A programmable dispenser does the job if you're not around.
2. Use a slow feeder bowl. Its ridges force the cat to pick up kibble one by one. The meal goes from thirty seconds to several minutes, without him eating less.
3. Try a licking mat. For wet food or pâté: spread on a textured surface, the food requires time and focus. Bonus, the act of licking has a calming effect on many cats.
4. Separate bowls in multi-cat households. Different rooms if possible. This removes competition from the equation.
5. Turn mealtime into an activity. A treat-dispensing ball or a puzzle feeder reintroduces a form of foraging. The cat eats more slowly and is less bored.
What should alert you
Again, a clear limit. Frequent regurgitation, repeated vomiting, weight loss, a suddenly ravenous or, conversely, absent appetite: these are reasons for a veterinary consultation. Slowing down meals addresses a dietary behavior problem, not a medical problem. If in doubt, the vet decides.
Coming soon to Chatô: slow feeder bowls and licking mats, selected according to the same criteria as the rest — EU shipping and delivery in less than 7 days.