What Do Cats Like to Eat? The answer to this question can be fun if you know what your cat enjoys. If not, you’ll always be wondering what kinds of foods to give them to eat. Cats are notoriously fickle when it comes to their diets and can be notoriously picky eaters.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find out what they like! In this article, we’ll look at the list of foods cats love. Keep these in mind the next time you’re stocking up on kitty food!
Table of Contents
- A Cat’s Natural Diet
- What Do Cats Like to Eat?
- A Few Things to Avoid Feeding Your Cat
- What do Cats Like to Eat Besides Cat Food – Final Thoughts
A Cat’s Natural Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores. What that means is that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins.
Cats have sharp incisors that are great for slicing meat, and their intestines are much shorter than those of other animals. This is because their intestines aren’t designed to break down plant material—that’s the job of their stomachs and intestines.
So what does all this mean for your cat? It means that your cat needs a diet that consists mostly of animal-based proteins. And that’s why cats do best on a diet of wet food, which is high in protein and moisture.
Your cat’s natural diet revolves around animal-based proteins and taurine. That’s why it’s so important to feed them food that has been correctly balanced for their nutritional needs.
You might be surprised to learn that most of the commercial cat food on the market is made with plant-based proteins. And while this might be okay as a supplemental diet, it’s not providing your cat with the nutrients they need to thrive.
That’s why it’s crucial to find a food that has been properly formulated with animal-based proteins as the main ingredient. This will help ensure that your cat is getting the protein they need to stay healthy and active.
Carbohydrates are not essential for cats—that doesn’t mean you should never feed your cat carbohydrates—they can certainly enjoy a good mix of fruits(guava, Korean pears), and vegetables—but it’s not essential. Too many carbs can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
You may not realize this, but fat is an essential part of a cat’s diet. It’s one of the most important nutrients a cat needs. Fat is the most concentrated source of energy in meat, it’s essential for cats.
So what are the best sources of fat for cats? The answer is simple: animal-based fats. You can find good sources of fat in organ meats like liver, as well as in fatty cuts of meat like beef and pork. You can also find healthy fats in dairy products and eggs(not the better option).
If you’re looking for a list of some of the most popular foods that cats love, it’s time to open pandora’s box. Keep reading for the exciting list of foods that cats go crazy for!
What Do Cats Like to Eat?
It’s hard to know what cats like to eat since they’re such picky eaters. They’ll often turn their noses up at the same food day after day. However, there are a few things that most cats seem to love.
Most cats love fish, chicken, and other types of meat. They also love crunchy foods like cat treats and dry food. You can give your cat a little of everything to see what they like the best.
Tuna
Tuna is a great, natural source of protein for cats. Canned tuna is high in sodium, so be careful to feed your cat no more than a little piece of it, and feed it no more than thrice a week.
Many cats are sensitive to the mercury found in tuna. Ensure you don’t make tuna, your cat’s main meal, except it was prepared—having the cat in mind—which means; every other thing that constitutes a balanced diet for cats, is represented in the right amounts.
Treats
Cats love both the act and the taste of hunting, so they enjoy treats that look like mice or crickets and almost all treats, and if you’ll toss some—making your cat chase and catch, it’ll become a win for you both.
You can buy treats made out of pumpkins, turkeys, salmon, and blueberries; also, chewy meat-based treats are a great way to reward your cat for good behavior. Be sure to watch the amount you give your cat; just like humans, cats can become overweight if they eat too many treats. If you’re like me who goes the extra length; determine the weight of your cat, and calculate how many calories it needs per day—20 calories per pound is how you measure.
Meat
Cats are carnivores, so their main food source should be meat. Most cats are happy to eat chicken or beef, so feel free to buy the cheapest cuts you can find. Just be sure to remove all bones, and skewer pieces for easier feeding, and cook them well.
Raw meat is dangerous for cats because it can contain pathogens that are killed by cooking. Also, cats don’t digest raw meat, as well as they, do on a cooked diet—leading to constipation. Discuss transitions to a raw diet with your vet, for proper advice.
Eggs
Eggs contain amino acids, which are the building block of protein. Eggs are very high in protein and healthy fats; they’re even better for your cat than they are for you!
However, many housecats don’t like the taste of eggs, so you may have to cook the eggs or scramble them—make sure not to add seasoning or salt, and take out the shell completely. While my cat loves eggs so much, there is a high chance yours may not want to eat eggs at all.
Fish
Fish is a healthy protein for cats. Try to select a fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, or herring. Stay away from fish that is high in mercury, such as tuna and swordfish.
Some cats don’t like fish, so you may have to disguise it in some way or feed it to them as part of a different meal. But for some other cats; if care is not taken, they may have you feed them only fish(don’t forget that; only fish diet is not sufficient for your cat).
Fats and Oils
Cats need plenty of fat and oils in their diets, but they need the right kinds. Cats are highly sensitive to polyunsaturated fats. Feeding your cat a small spoonful of canola oil every once in a while is fine, but don’t make it a regular part of your cat’s diet.
Fat and oil in addition to being energy carriers are also Fat-soluble vitamin carriers (A, D, E, K) are part of cell membrane structure, contribute to hormone formation, and help keep your cats’ skin and fur healthy and bright.
Nuts
Cats don’t need to eat nuts every day, and they aren’t as nutritious for cats as they are for humans. However, cats enjoy the taste of nuts, so mix a little in with their regular food. But don’t feed your cat too many nuts, since they are high in fat and can lead to obesity.
Giving nuts to cats is never a good idea. Cats are more likely than dogs to suffer from choking and blockage of the throat, stomach, and intestines caused by nuts. Cats should avoid them because of their high-fat content and dense calorie count.
Grains/Beans
Cats need plenty of protein in their diet, but grains and beans are the main source of carbohydrates for them. You can feed your cat a small amount of dry cat food that has grains or beans in it but try to avoid feeding your cat a large number of grains, but in general, grains have never been proven to cause I’ll to cats or reduce their quality of life.
Beans aren’t necessarily dangerous to your cat if they’re served plain, cooked, and only as an occasional snack.
Wet and Dry food
Wet food is a great way to give your cat some added nutrients and moisture. It also helps keep their teeth healthy, since it’s a bit harder for them to chew than dry food.
There are all sorts of different wet food options out there, so it’s important to do your research and find something that your cat will love. My personal favorite is Tiki Cat, which comes in a variety of flavors like chicken, beef, and fish.
Dry food is acceptable if it is complete and balanced. Dry cat food is less expensive than canned cat food and lasts longer. Cats that only eat dry food require plenty of fresh water, especially if they are prone to urinary tract blockages.
Turkey
Hey, have you ever given your cat a piece of turkey? A lot of people don’t know this, but cats love turkey. It might just be their favorite food.
Turkey is a great source of protein, and it’s something that most cats enjoy eating. So if you’re looking for a way to give your cat a little bit of a treat, consider giving them a piece of turkey. You might be surprised at how much they love it.
Blueberry
While some small fruits, such as grapes and raisins, are toxic to cats, blueberries are generally considered safe for your cat to consume. They are, however, not required in your cat’s diet. My cat goes crazy for blueberries, give your cat a little and let us know its reaction.
A Few Things to Avoid Feeding Your Cat
Your cat is a carnivore, so it’s important to feed them a diet that’s high in protein. But that doesn’t mean all you can just give them are pieces of meat. There are a few foods you should avoid feeding your cat altogether.
For starters, don’t give them raw meat. Cats are susceptible to bacteria like E. coli, and raw meat can contain traces of these bacteria. Second, don’t give them onions or garlic. These foods are toxic to cats and can cause liver damage.
Dairy (and other protein sources) Cats, like humans, are lactose intolerant, so they can’t digest dairy products very well. Many cats also have an allergy to the proteins found in eggs, so avoid giving your cat large amounts of these. Feed your cat small amounts of dairy or eggs, but don’t make them a major part of your cat’s diet.
Feeding your cat a natural, balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for her. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things; in the end, you’ll find the things that your cat likes to eat.
What do Cats Like to Eat Besides Cat Food – Final Thoughts
Besides cat food, cats love to eat carrots, guava, all kinds of fish, beef, chicken, turkey, pumpkin, creatively made treats, mice heads, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, spinach, eggs, and cheese.
Cats are individual and would have different preferences when it comes to what they eat. However, the list we made above is from personal experience and dealings with cats.
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