Y: Don, anyone with a cat knows how particular their furry friend is about what it eats. Yet, it sometimes seems that people take that as a sign of the feline’s finicky nature, which is not really accurate.
D: True, Yaël, while it may seem as if cats stick to their preferences out of spite or an overindulged disposition, it actually has to do with their refined palate.
Y: Cats are driven to eat food that contains about three times as much protein as fats or carbs. They get this from their meat-based diet, which gives them long-lasting energy that primarily comes from protein and fat. Because cats lack taste receptors for sweetness, they’re not generally interested in carbs or sugars. Nutrition is key to a kitty.
D: Cats evolved as solitary hunters, rather than as pack animals; so, they are not prone to scarf down their meal like a canine might. They take their time while eating, judging the meal with their acute perception of taste and smell. If they sense a new ingredient, or a bit of medicine you slipped into the bowl, they might turn up their nose.
Y: Your cat may go for a treat that’s not exactly healthy perhaps because of short-term appeal or conditioning. But as obligate carnivores, cats require more protein than other domesticated animals. An improper nutrient balance will take the shine out of a cat’s coat, and in serious cases, can lead to eye and heart diseases.
D: Our feline friends are not as dainty as we sometimes like to characterize them. They have certain food demands and they act as good judges of what they need.
