In the wild, cats can spend hours (or even days) hunting for their food. However, domesticated cats, especially indoor kitties, don't get that same amount of stimulation. Therefore, your cat may feel bored with their food because there's no fun in it! Try playing with your cat before giving them their meal.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Some cats are notoriously finicky and skipping one or two meals is not unusual. Other cats may be prone to eating less following sporadic vomiting episodes due to hairballs, plant ingestion, or other unexplained reasons.
1: Naturally, cats prefer to eat several small meals a day, even when they have ad libitum food access.
Cats have small stomachs; on average about the size of a ping-pong ball, so their eating patterns can involve several breaks rather than eating an entire portion in one sitting. It's also possible that your cat is filling up on food from another source.
Sleep, sleep, sleep
It was no surprise to find my cats spend a lot of time sleeping. It's estimated that cats spend 12 – 16 hours a day sleeping, and as indoor cats, my two love lounging around. They have several different preferred snoozing spots depending on the time of day.
Indoor cats become bored easily because their entire life exists within four walls. Day in and day out their environment, food, social interactions, and routine stay basically the same. Curious by nature cats have limited opportunities for exploration that keep them interested in their environment.
If your cat suddenly becomes very finicky after not previously displaying that kind of behaviour, or appears to be losing weight you should talk to your vet. Sometimes behaviour that appears fussy can be caused by an underlying medical reason like a dental problem, a digestive upset or hairballs.
You really are more than just a source of food to your cat: A study published Monday finds that cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security, too. In other words, they do love you ... even if they don't show it.
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.
If a cat eats more food than it needs, it will become overweight and may suffer. If you underfeed your cat, it will lose weight and may become ill. Healthy adult cats should maintain a stable body weight that is neither too thin nor too fat. A vet can advise on the correct weight for your cat.
It's often a strong feline motivator, so it makes sense that cats tend to enjoy the company of those who regularly feed them. The person who gets up every day and feeds the cat its favorite kibble is going to be in the running for the cat's favorite person.
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.
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.
Your Cat May Be Experiencing Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
Cats have emotions too, and there can be several emotional or behavioral causes of loss of appetite. Losing a beloved family member, whether animal or human, can cause some cats to stop eating due to anxiety or depression.
"Cats may also go on brief hunger strikes in response to environmental stressors, such as the presence of guests in your home," points out Animal Planet. Other environmental changes, such as moving to a new home or adding a new pet or baby to the mix, may affect eating habits, too.
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.
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.