Has your cat developed an insatiable appetite? Constant ravenous behavior is called polyphagia [polly-fage-ee-ah], and there are a number of potential causes.

Polyphagia may be psychological or the result of a disease. Sometimes this behavior develops in geriatric cats. Certain medications, such as prednisolone [pred-niss-alone] or phenobarbital [fee-no-barb-ital], can also cause polyphagia.

Behavioral polyphagia can result in obesity. However, a ravenous appetite accompanied by weight loss can signal a medical problem. Diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease or hormonal imbalances involving the pancreas or adrenal gland are each associated with polyphagia.

So if your cat’s hunger has become a bottomless pit, it’s time to visit your veterinarian. A thorough examination and diagnostic tests can help zero in on the reason for endless eating.