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.
If you could see the menu through your cat's eyes, do you think they want to eat the same food every day? Many of us never think to ask. In fact, the vast majority of domestic felines eat the same food for every meal. Every day of their lives.
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!
Fussy eaters will often smell the food first, and then if they are not interested, they will generally walk away or turn their nose up in the air. It may be something as simple as they are tired of tuna, but if your cat shows signs of not feeling well, you need to know what to watch out for and what to do.
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.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they're meat eaters. They also like variety, so they may not be satisfied with eating the same dry kibble day after day. Fortunately, there are numerous options ranging from wet cat food to dry kibble to complements and toppers, so your cat can experience new flavors and textures.
However, our feline friends will often lose their appetites when feeling unwell and avoid eating. A cat's loss of appetite often indicates illness and is a medically significant symptom. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat and if the behavior lasts for more than a day you should call your vet immediately.
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.
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.
You might think that with the 15 hours a day your cat spends napping that she may not have time to get bored. But unfortunately, cats can—and do— get bored.
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.
1: Naturally, cats prefer to eat several small meals a day, even when they have ad libitum food access.
Only mix foods for the same species and life stage (i.e. don't mix dog and cat food, or puppy and adult food together). Make sure both foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, with similar nutrient profiles.
It is best to start in a bi-weekly schedule at first slowly. Feed your cat one protein for a week and gradually start adding the next protein in until he can tolerate it. There is no exact timing when it comes to how frequently you should change your cat's food—let your cat dictate what he can do.
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.
Even if your cat prefers to eat their food in a few sittings, don't be tempted to leave wet food out all day, as this increases the risk of disease-causing bacteria developing. After a maximum of four hours, throw out the old food and wash the bowl properly with soap and water before refilling with fresh food.
If your cat never seems to finish their full portion of cat food, consult a vet. A vet can help you find the right diet for your cat, or assess whether your cat has any health issues. Cats' eating patterns can involve several breaks, rather than eating an entire portion in one sitting.
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.
If your cat begs for food but won't eat it once he has it, that behavior could be a sign of food allergies or gum disease. In the first case, the vet can sell you hypoallergenic, prescription food. In the second, your vet may be able to treat gum disease and relieve any pain associated with eating.
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.
The cat's favorite food
Cats love pork, chicken and beef. Beef is the only type of meat that can be given to a cat raw, as long as it is fresh. As well as meat, there are also other foods that your kitten likes to eat, perfect for making him happy on Christmas Day. Salmon and tuna are among the cat's favorite fish.
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.