Why are my cats naughty thieving bastards?! Help!

[Getyourarseofffthequattro]

We have two cats. Brothers. They're 6. Had them since kittens.

They're so so greedy. They wolf their food down like you wouldn't believe. I can't give them a full pouch because they eat so fast that they throw up immediately. I've tried separating them. I now feed them little and often but they act like they are starving all the time.

They steal. They broke into a cardboard box and plastic wrapper and ate a cake a few days ago. One of them has been known to eat bread from bird tables.

They are fed enough. They are both a healthy weight. They have been wormed.

It's exhausting and they're driving us mad to the point you can't even leave wrapped food out in case they eat it. I caught one trying to get in the bin.

They're just so naughty. They jump on the side despite me trying numerous tactics to stop them but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Can anyone give me any advice on how to tackle this?

I love them to bits and won't give them up but they're making life really, really hard.

Should I ask the vets? Is it likely there could be something medically wrong with both like thyroid issues or something?!

Thanks in advance

Thanks @nancywhitehead they're in soon for vaccinations so I'll ask if I'm actually allowed anywhere near the vet.

@DisappointedOfNorfolk ooh thanks I'll give that a go!

Good luck, it’s a bit like putting Vicks on your feet for a cough - I have no idea why it works but it does .

Some cats are just greedy, but different food might help.
My current cats are slim and not greedy, so I can leave dry food out all the time and they just graze when hungry and I give them wet food a couple of times a day too. Compulsive eaters probably would get very overweight if fed like that.
They do sound bored though and food has become the highlight of their days! What do they like to play with now?

@Beamur

Some cats are just greedy, but different food might help. My current cats are slim and not greedy, so I can leave dry food out all the time and they just graze when hungry and I give them wet food a couple of times a day too. Compulsive eaters probably would get very overweight if fed like that. They do sound bored though and food has become the highlight of their days! What do they like to play with now?

They are really selective with toys. All they will currently play with is the little shiny pom pom things and occasionally a little soft mouse with catnip in it. They're completely disinterested with anything else, although I am going to get a few more bits to see if I can tempt them!

They are quite lazy tbh.

I would try using a puzzle feeder. We have the Catit Intractive Feeder for one of our cats: www.pet.co.nz/product/cat/senses-2-0-food-tree-cat-interactive-feeder/32079

You can also try hiding their food so that they have to "hunt" for it. There are systems you can buy like this one so they have to "hunt" for their food (which helps with the boredom too):

www.amazon.com/Doc-Phoebes-Indoor-Hunting-Cat/dp/B07HFKDJF8

I think with toys, cats are interested in variety and novelty.
You have to change and rotate them to keep interest.
Mine were insane for their catnip mice a few weeks ago but indifferent at the moment! But they do go out and the nicer weather had them out in the garden.
Mine like a box, but will probably only play with it for a day and then I take it away. Scrunched up paper with a few Dreamies in is fun. Or if they will chase a laser pen +be careful of their eyes) put a few treats slightly hidden first and then lure them to find them with the pen. This might make them more likely to engage.
Cats don't need huge amounts of exercise, they will usually have bursts of activity followed by lots of naps.

I have 2 cats. One of them is exactly the same and will scrounge everything. I’ve tried giving her high meat foods, grain-free food and nothing works except constant food which tends to make her fat!

She now eats a mixture of the good quality foods and felix, with a small handful of dry food a day (high quality). We have accepted that it’s just the way her personality is. The other cat is the complete opposite and takes forever to eat his food so it’s sometimes a struggle and I feel like the meanest person ever. She gives me the evil eye everyday suggesting that I feed her brother more than her just because it’s takes him longer to eat his food.

@floofycroissant

Try them on raw food, very filling and very good for them. Buying raw is pricey, but you can DIY batches fairly economically if you don't mind taking the time to do so.

I absolutely agree with this. And the benefits are wonderful. My girl has a luxurious double coat and no-smell 💩.