August 6, 2025, 3:47 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

How Does Addiction Develop in Cats?

Addiction is generally defined as a state in which a living being loses control over the desire for a particular stimulus or substance–often despite negative consequences. Similar behavior can be observed in cats. While they cannot reflect or verbally express that they are “addicted” like humans, they do show addiction-like patterns: an excessive desire, repeated seeking of the trigger, restlessness during withdrawal–and in some cases, even withdrawal symptoms.

Addictive behavior typically arises from repeated activation of the brain’s reward system. This has been well-studied in dogs. During this process, happiness hormones like endorphins are released, leading the animal to associate certain stimuli with positive feelings. For example, dogs can experience a kind of euphoria when playing with a ball.¹ If this repeats, a strong expectation and ultimately a dependency can develop. Cats can also become addicted to certain games.

How Does Addictive Behavior Manifest in Cats?

Cats with addiction-like behavior usually show certain signs:

• Excessive vocalizations, especially around feeding times or when seeing certain objects
• Restlessness and seeking attention when the stimulus is absent
• Compulsive behavior, such as scratching cabinets, obsessively staring at screens or light reflections
• Hyperactivity, especially when expecting medication or play
• Aggression or withdrawal when the expected behavior (such as playing with the laser pointer) does not occur

What Can Cats Become Addicted To?

1. Drugs and Medications

Many drugs and medications that have addiction potential for humans can also lead to dependencies in cats, as they often have similar effects on the animals’ bodies. Opioids such as morphine, tramadol, and buprenorphine have proven addiction potential–even in cats. Clinical studies show that even low doses of morphine given daily can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. ²

On the veterinary portal “VetHelpDirect,” British veterinarian Dr. Lily Richards reports on a case of a cat addicted to benzodiazepines–a substance found in medications like diazepam and alprazolam. As soon as the dose the animal received was reduced, the cat began to self-harm–a sign of dependency.

Typical withdrawal symptoms in cats include:

• “Wet-dog shakes”–shaking like a wet dog does to dry off
• Catatonic behavior (manifested by increased movement but also complete immobility)
• Restlessness, vocalization, withdrawal

The antiepileptic drug gabapentin can also cause dependency with prolonged use. It’s important: Medications should never be stopped abruptly–a gradual dose reduction under veterinary supervision is essential.

2. Food

Food can become an obsession for cats–especially when highly flavored industrial food or treats with specific attractants (such as pyrophosphates–also known as “cat crack”) are used. In Germany, such addictive substances are banned. Cats develop an excessive desire for food, become loud, intrusive, and sometimes show panicked reactions when the bowl is empty. The cause often lies in targeted taste optimization through palatants–attractants that create extreme appeal without offering health benefits.³

But cats can also become addicted to food due to under-stimulation, especially if eating is the only highlight of their day. Eating releases happiness hormones like dopamine. Therefore, cats that are neglected or insufficiently stimulated and whose only happy moment is eating often develop obesity. If owners open the food can at every meow instead of engaging the cat appropriately, a ritualized behavior and vicious cycle quickly develop. Once a certain weight is reached, cats experience pain and move less. Eating then often becomes their only happy moment.

3. Play–Especially Laser Pointers and Digital Games

Many cats love the laser pointer. But for some, it becomes a real obsession. Since they can never catch the glowing dot and thus never make a real catch, it can lead to frustration and compulsive behavior: Cats stare at light reflections for hours, chase sunspots, or tirelessly search for the vanished dot. I therefore warn against such games for cats. You can learn more in this article.

But “video games” for cats can also be addictive. U.S. author Richard Moss reports in the tech magazine “VentureBeat” that his cat is addicted to an iPad game for cats developed by pet food manufacturer Purina called “Cat Fishing.” In this game, cats chase an interactive mouse on the screen. Moss describes how his cat meows loudly and demandingly as soon as he holds the iPad. This is similar to the pointer: The cat cannot catch the mouse on the display–leading to frustration and obsessive behavior.

Can Cats Also Become Addicted to Catnip?

Although it is often said that cats get “high” from catnip, it does not cause addiction. The same applies to valerian or matatabi sticks: They can trigger euphoric effects but do not lead to true dependency. While tolerance develops with frequent use, there are no withdrawal symptoms if cats do not receive these substances. ⁴

What to Do if Your Cat Is Addicted to Food or Play?

If you have identified unhealthy obsessions in your cat, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Here are my recommendations, depending on the situation:

Regarding Food

• Introduce fixed feeding times, no constant availability
• Weigh food portions and, if necessary, assign them individually with microchip bowls
• Reduce highly processed snacks and treats
• Seek veterinary advice for obesity or food aggression

Regarding Play

• Use laser pointers only selectively and in moderation, ideally with a “prey conclusion” (such as real toys or treats)
• Prefer alternative games with tactile feedback: feather wands, interactive balls, scent toys
• Limit screen games–digital stimuli can cause overstimulation in some cats

More on the topic

"Laser Pointer Syndrome" Warning: This Game Can Lead to Compulsive Disorders in Dogs

Behavior Explained Why Some Cats Like to Lick Plastic

Is There a Withdrawal Process for Cats?

Yes, but only in certain cases. For medication addiction, especially opioids and benzodiazepines, medically supervised withdrawal may be necessary–similar to humans. Symptoms like restlessness, shaking, or withdrawal require veterinary support.

For food or play addictions, behavior training combined with management changes is usually sufficient. “Withdrawal” occurs through stimulus reduction and replacement strategies–such as food toys, structured playtimes, and mental engagement.

Conclusion

Cats can indeed develop addiction-like behavior–especially with highly processed food types, certain medications, or highly stimulating games like the laser pointer. While not every preference is an addiction, we as owners should be vigilant if certain routines seem compulsive or are accompanied by restlessness and frustration.

Not everything our cats love is good for them in the long run. It’s all the more important to nurture them with balance, create variety and rest periods–and seek professional advice if in doubt. Because: A happy cat life doesn’t need addiction. It needs balance.