What Do Cats & Kittens Like to Eat?
The dietary requirements of kittens and adult cats varies. Kittens are only given their mothers’ milk during the first few weeks of their lives. Before switching to a comprehensive and balanced kitten food, they are first given wet solid food.
Kittens, like adult cats, are daring eaters that like to try new foods, so you can give them dry food, wet food, or a mix of the two.
“Cats need animal-based protein as part of their main diet,” says Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, regardless of whether you’re feeding a cat or a kitten. Cats enjoy eating meals high in protein, such as:
1#A range of fish, including whitefish, salmon, trout, and tuna
2#Chicken, turkey, and pheasants are examples of poultry.
3#Beef
Cats consume a range of small prey in the wild, therefore varying the protein sources in your cat’s food might appeal to their natural appetites.
What Can Cats Eat?
Although cats may consume a variety of foods, their primary energy source is protein. While cat food tends to be higher in protein, this does not imply that it does not contain other foods or that cats are not in need of them.
Cat meals contain pleasant, easily digested non-protein substances that help a number of health features. These could consist of:
1#Rice
2#Wheat flour
3#Chicory root that has been dried
4#Oatmeal
Apart from cat food, what other foods do cats enjoy?
Cats can consume some human foods, but we advise limiting their diet to full and balanced cat food and occasional treats. These consist of:
1#The blueberry
2#Eggs that have been cooked
3#Melon
It’s not because they’re tasty that some cats enjoy berries and melon as treats. Cats’ tongues lack the receptors necessary to detect sweetness. Instead, foods like these have a bitter flavor, like amino acids in protein, which cats find tasty.
These foods shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric consumption, much like other cat treats.
Is Milk Safe for Cats to Consume?
Even as a treat, your cat shouldn’t drink milk unless they were raised on it and have continued to do so into maturity. When lactase enzymes are insufficient, milk can upset your stomach.
What Foods Do Cats Enjoy Eating?
Cats adore unusual tastes and sensations. Because they are inherently daring eaters, they might attempt to eat inappropriate foods. Cats may be tempted by raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, but these should be avoided as they may contain parasites or foodborne illnesses.
Fish and meat with bones should be kept out of reach. A cat’s mouth, throat, or intestines may sustain severe injuries as a result of the bones.
What Happens If a Cat Has Picky Tastes?
Your cat can seem like a finicky eater to you. They might actually be bored. Your cat’s need for variety can be satiated by frequently introducing various food textures and flavors.
Identifying the Foods Your Cat Enjoys
When it comes to cat food, there are several options available. In addition to adding broths, creamy toppings, and other ingredients to make things more interesting, you can choose dry or wet cat food, or a combination of the two.
Based on your cat’s particular dietary requirements and preferences, we can assist you in selecting the best food.
Additional advice on cat food and nutrition from our experts can be found on our Pet Expertise page.