What food do cats like
Cats can be very demanding when it comes to food with some happily eating just about anything and others turning their noses at everything i.e. rejecting it. Read our article on what cats should eat and what they need in their diet to make sure they are healthy and happy.
Do cats eat meat?
Cats are carnivores, as they obtain essential amino acids from animal protein and are vital to their health. Cats can develop complications even after a day or two of not having these amino acids in their diet. You should offer high-quality whole cat foods because they contain the right balance of nutrients for your cat, including high protein levels.
What about vegetarian diets for cats?
You should never feed your cat a homemade plant-based diet, although there are some commercial options available that contain synthetic versions of essential nutrients. However, there is no suitable vegetarian diet.
What do cats eat?
Domesticated cats should eat good quality commercial cat food that is appropriate for their lifestyle, age and health. Currently, there are three main groups of cat food on the market:
Dry food: Dry food is often referred to as a kibble and can be designed to promote good oral health. It's also easy to measure serving size at meal times.
Complementary food: This category tends to include foods and would not be a complete and balanced diet in and of itself. Food in this category is designed only for feeding along with your cat's diet and should never be served as a complete meal.
If you are not sure whether a wet or dry diet is best suited for your cat, we recommend speaking to your vet as they will be able to discuss your options. Pet owners often feed cats a mixture of the two.
What do cats like to eat
There are some foods that cats love to eat that can be suitable alongside a complete and balanced diet. However, it should always be cooked properly and served in moderation:
- Salmon.
- trout.
- salted fish.
- mackerel.
- whitefish.
- chick.
- turkey chicken.
- beef.
All of the above should only be given as a treat to your cat and should never be fed in place of a proper whole diet. Fish in particular contains high levels of fatty acids and an excessive intake of it can lead to a vitamin E deficiency. Always make sure that there are no small bones. Find out more information about some foods like eggs, and how you should give your cat.
What do cats look for in their food?
There are three main ingredients your cat will look for in her food: smell, taste, and texture. There is a great deal of individual variation in what cats enjoy and find palatable. Cats can also be mischievous or neophiliac. Neophobia is the fear of new things, and these cats will really hate trying new diets. They may prefer to be fed food similar to what a kitten would have given them. Neophiliac cats love new things and will be happier with a variety of flavors and textures in their diet. A cat may prefer meat flavors rather than fish flavors, or vice versa. They may also have a preference for wet or dry food, although many cats have access to both at mealtimes.