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.
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!
If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become a fussy eater, you may need to replace your supply. As dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather), your stocks may have turned stale. If your cat has started to turn their nose up at their usual wet food, it could be because it's too cold.
If your cat refuses to eat dry food there is usually a reason why. Generally, cats prefer to eat wet food because it approximates fresh meat. They are obligate carnivores by nature so they will choose the wet food option over dry almost every time. Cats must eat meat protein as their main source of nutrients.
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.
Even dry food left out for your cat to free feed needs to be fresh, so be sure to provide new food each day.
It's important to only change your cat's food if there's a strong reason to do so — typically only if your veterinarian recommends it or your cat has reached a new stage in life.
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.
1: Naturally, cats prefer to eat several small meals a day, even when they have ad libitum food access.
Cats do not like their food and water right next to each other. Cat behaviorists believe this may be due to cats hunting away from their water source in the wild. Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. In addition, they are turned off by food particles in their water.
There is no perfect frequency for rotating between foods. Some cats tolerate a new flavor each day; others prefer a change every few months. You can adjust the rotation schedule to suit your cat's needs and preferences. “It is good to rotate dry and canned products and to feed a mix of both,” Dr.
It is usually a stress factor for them. A simple diet change can be enough for your cat to decide not to eat what's in his bowl! In fact, the factors related to the food itself are very important for our cats: flavor, aroma, texture and temperature can influence their decision.
You can safely leave dry cat food out for several days and it won't spoil, but it's best to throw out leftovers and wash the dish on a daily basis, to keep Fluffy's food at its freshest. Keep in mind that dry food will grow stale within a day and may not be as appealing to your cat once this happens.
Kibble can be left out in bowls for a day or so, but don't offer more than should be consumed in 24 hours. Larger meals limit your ability to monitor your cat's appetite and put pets at risk for overeating and obesity. Wash bowls used for dry food at least once a week in hot, soapy water.
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.
Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or feeding them at separate meals is a good way to give your cat the variety she not only wants, but also needs.
Find a cat food that fits your pet's needs
Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
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.