Why do cats get bored of their food? While Mr Whiskers may like consistency in most areas of life, it is possible for your cat to feel bored of the same food. Part of this has to do with the innate nature of cats as apex predators.
Cats need variety, just like humans! Similar to your cat, you would get tired of eating the same meal every day. If your cat stops eating, try switching the flavor of her food. If she's been stuck on tuna flavor, offer chicken flavor.
Some cats definitely do better when they eat the same thing every day. Reasons can vary from diet-responsive health problems like inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies, to a more generic “sensitive stomach” that rebels to change, to extreme finickiness.
The most common cause of a cat losing interest in food but acting normally otherwise is simply that she doesn't like the food. If it is new food or if she has been eating the same food for a long time, she may decide to be picky about what she eats. This is normal—but it can be frustrating!
One way to tell is if your cat is out foraging for food more often (especially when you are not paying attention). As natural hunters, one way to keep their interest in food could be putting some kibble in toys or hide certain pieces around the house so that they would need to “hunt” for their food.
If you are going to have your cat inside, it is important to make its environment as stimulating as possible. If you don't, cats can quickly become bored, stressed and even depressed, resulting in detrimental and destructive behaviours.
Generally, a change in the brand or flavor is fine, as long as it meets the requirements for your pet's health and life stage. Some cats have other preferences. Some prefer kibble or dry food while others love wet, and some do well with a combination.
Some cats eat less (or stop eating) when they get stressed. If your cat is stressed, you also may notice your cat is hiding more and/or you may see blood in your cat's urine. While it can be hard to predict what's causing the stress, cats can get stressed from things like: A move to a new home.
Too much snacking in between meals may be the reason why your cat won't eat wet food. Complementary food isn't a problem when kept below 3% of the overall diet. Anything over that is not healthy or helpful. Giving cats treats willy-nilly can mess up their appetite and hinder their metabolism in the long run.
Any change in your cat's appetite could be caused by an underlying medical issue. It could range from a disease to even a tooth problem that's causing pain whenever your cat attempts to chew. Respiratory problems could cause your cat to reject her food because she is unable to smell it.
Happily, in most cases the answer is yes. It's generally fine to change your cat's food to a different brand. Provided the new food is complete and balanced, suitable for your cat's life stage, and that they actually like the taste of it, there's no reason why you can't mix it up.
"From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day." Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.
There is nothing wrong with feeding a variety of brands and flavors of natural wet cat food. In fact, it is actually a good way to ensure they are receiving a well-balanced diet and supports cats with food sensitivities.
1: Naturally, cats prefer to eat several small meals a day, even when they have ad libitum food access.
My cat will vomit or have diarrhea.
If you've ever eaten the same food – even for a week – you know the answer. This new food would be rejected (or perhaps more accurately – ejected) in unpleasant ways. Some cats will scarf down a new food – and react the same way. This doesn't mean the new food is bad.
Cats should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, and right before bed schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.
Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.
Not intentionally, but sadly due to the way their livers process fat your cat can and will starve itself to death. Unlike people, your cat will never get hungry enough where it will just eat.
Cats drink different amounts of water depending on their diet. Cats fed wet food will get a large proportion of the water they need from their food (just like their wildcat ancestors), whereas cats fed mainly on a dry diet will drink more water.
Most felines will be perfectly content being left alone for up to 8 hours while you're at work. As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level. Retreating from humans or other family pets.
Generally the average adult cat should weigh around 10 pounds and needs about 1/3 to 1/2 a cup of food per day. That's equivalent to around 250 calories.
It's simple: If your cat eats a high quality, balanced and age appropriate diet, they're going to live longer. Specifically what that diet includes will vary from cat to cat based on lifestyle and specific health needs. In general, aim for a diet that's as organic and fresh as possible and avoid over or underfeeding.
Cats develop strict individual routines for how they hunt and feed. In general, they are solitary eaters, so they prefer to eat alone although they will also share food with offspring. They also prefer to eat in a private, isolated area away from distractions.
Your cat purrs or meows as food is being prepared. She does a “happy” walk to the bowl with an upright tail. There's no slinking body posture or hesitation. She may chirp or let out a happy “mew” as she heads to the bowl.