Constantly hungry young cats

[clearsommespace]

We have two young cats (1 year old) neutered male and neutered female. Since being neutered at 6 months they've been on a brand of kitten biscuits recommended by the vet. We were giving them the portion recommended for their weight. They were happy with this.

A week ago we moved over to the adult cat version. The portion is smaller (different composition + not growing so fast I guess) and they eat the half days days ration in less than 6 hours and seem constantly hungry for the remaining 6 hours.
They have started mewing for food whereas before they would just hover near us when feed time was nearing.
They were trained to not go on kitchen surfaces, now we have to keep the door shut otherwise they try to get up looking for food.

Today I gave 25% more than the recommended amount. They have eaten it, are asking for more yet they shouldn't be fed for another 3 hours.

Is this normal as they adapt to their new food?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Have you checked the nutritional content? If its lower in protein they might not be satisfied.

I'd put them back on kitten food but I like a quiet life.

[cozietoesie]

What breed (in case it's a big one) and weight are they and how much food are you actually giving them? I don't like a fat cat (and too many are these days) but they're still growing at that age and their behaviour does smack a little of desperation.

[BetsyBell]

They might have increased their activity levels with the everso slightly spring like days recently? My 2 year old neutered cats are definitely hungrier than they were a couple of weeks ago. Our male is always long and slender whereas the female tend to put on a bit of weight at times (on account of moving around far less!) - I fed them extra for a few days but now I'll limit it again for a while. It might be worth upping their protein levels for a bit, with actual meat or fish?

[clearsommespace]

They are tabby with white splodges.

The male is 5kg and the female (who was the last of the litter) is 4kg. They should be getting 120g of the biscuits per day between them according to the packaging but I am giving them 150g and they still seem hungry. They get super active when they are hungry.

They aren't slender like they were are 8 months but not fat either. Slightly rounded tums at the side but not underneath.

I don't have any kitten food around to compare the label. Will do so in the week.

Thanks for the suggestion re extra protein.

[GiraffesAndButterflies]

Also worth checking they don't have worms, the food switch could be coincidence.