Why Food Matters So Much to Finicky Felines

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Does your cat stick her nose in the air when you present her daily vitals? There’s a reason why so many people think that felines are finicky!

Finicky feline…it rolls off the tongue. And, for most cats, it’s a pretty accurate statement. If you share your home with a kitty companion, odds are that you have to put in a little extra effort to find the foods that your pet will gladly eat every day (unless you’re lucky and you have a cat with a more adventurous palate).

Why does food matter so much to your cat? With the help of science and an understanding of feline behavior, you can demystify your kitty’s eating habits.

Related:

Should You Change Your Cat’s Food?

It’s All About Taste

When researchers set out to determine why cats are such picky eaters, they realized that it has a lot to do with their taste receptors. You see, when they’re living on their own in the wild, cats use their sense of taste to determine if a food might be harmful to eat. More specifically, bitter flavors could serve as deterrents. So even though your cat is being fed fresh food that isn’t rancid or toxic, he might still pick up on displeasing flavors because of some of the ingredients, such as plant extracts, that are within the food.

During their research, experts also noted that cats will taste food differently than humans will, so what is bitter to you may not be bitter to them, and vice versa. Prior research had already indicated that cats also can’t taste sweet flavors. By using what they know, and by conducting more studies into how cats react to various flavors, experts might be able to formulate new foods and feline medications that will be easier to administer because they’ll be more appealing to a kitty’s taste buds.

Related:How To Read A Cat Food Label

Comprehending the Cat Mind

Here are a few things that you should know about cat behavior, especially when it comes to food:

    Hopefully, the mystery surrounding your cat’s eating habits is a little less mysterious now that you have a better understanding of how your kitty’s mind works when it comes to food, and how his taste buds work as well. If you are dealing with a cat who is being supremely picky and you don’t know what to do, definitely consult with your vet for some personalized advice.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Kickstarter Gloves Keep You Warm While You Scoop The Poop

    Walkease winter gloves for dog owners promise to make long walks in the cold easier to bear. Can''t say the same from picking up poop, though.
    How To Clean A Stinky Dog Collar in 8 Simple Steps

    What''s that smell? It''s not dog breath-it''s coming from his collar! We often forget that collars need to be washed to help keep our pooches smelling fresh.
    Orange Carob Dog Treat Recipe

    It''s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! It has something to do with our Orange Carob Dog Treat Recipe, a sweet treat with carob chips and clementines.
    Dishing Up the Truth About Pet Food Bowls

    For every dog, there''s a bowl that fits his eating needs. Feeding dishes come in all different shapes and sizes, proving that one size does not fit all.
    Landmark Ruling: Animals Can Now Be Considered Victims In The Eyes Of

    It’s about time – Oregon judge rules that animals are victims, not property Great news out of Oregon –a landmark ruling has declared that a…
    Cash For Cuddles – Survey Finds People Willing To Rent Out Their Pet

    New on the odd things of what people are willing to rent out – their pets. Some folks are really hard up for cash if they’ll let a stranger off t…
    10 Summer Fun Stuff Roundup for Dogs

    It''s summertime and we can''t wait to get out there with our pets to enjoy the weather. We''ve collected 10 fun-in-the-sun products that you''ll love!
    Smart Pet Travel Over the Holidays With PetSmart

    Don''t make holiday travel with your pet stressful. PetSmart has everything you need for a road trip with your pet or if you need a sitter while you''re away.
    Take A Close Look – Study Shows That Dogs Look Like Their Owners

    Scientists have finally uncovered just what it is that makes dogs look like their owners. Turns out, it’s all in the eyes. Sadahiko Nakajima, a psychol…
    It’s Natural That Your Dog Wants Jones Natural Chews

    Have you got a bone to pick... with dog bones? If you''re thinking of giving your dog one to chew on, remember that not all meat bones are created equal.
    Bravo Issues Voluntary Recall of Pet Food

    Bravo has issued a nationwide recall of pet food for dogs and cats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria m…
    New Research Suggests Training Your Cat Can Help Eliminate His Anxiety

    Forget what the haters say. New research suggests that you train cats of all ages, and it''s a great way to lower your kitty''s anxiety.
    Best Dog Paw Protectors

    Dog paw protectors keep your pet''s sensitive paw pads protected from the harsh weather elements, road conditions, and potential injuries.
    Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Owen

    Don’t you just want to hug Owen, our Adoptable Dog of the Week? This furry fella is a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees mix from Portland, ME. Owen’s Sto…
    DIY Framed Paw Print

    If you''re looking to add some meaningful wall art to your home or surprise someone close with a thoughtful gift, try this quick and easy DIY project.