If you leave your cat with self-serve drinks, it can eat as it pleases.
As a hunter-nibbler, the cat has a reputation for always leaving some in its bowl.
But in addition to this specificity, it is important to be vigilant because it can hide a health problem.
Follow the full coverage
Pet
According to an Ipsos survey conducted in November 2022, French people spend an average of 59 euros per month on their pet’s food. When your cat doesn’t finish his bowl, it can be all the more annoying as it is a relatively large expense. But beyond the financial aspect, your cat’s attitude can be a source of concern. If your pet leaves food in its bowl, there can be several reasons for this phenomenon.
-
also read
Loneliness in cats: these signs that do not deceive
Cats’ predatory instinct
Outdoor cats hunt small prey such as mice, lizards or birds several times a day, giving them the opportunity to share their meals. This predatory instinct is found in all cats, even those that live in apartments.
Published in 2023, the results of a study conducted over eight years among 5,048 domestic cats in France confirm this statement. The owners recorded a total of 36,568 prey animals, including 68% mice, shrews and mice.
You also need to take into account the size of the cat’s stomach. Much smaller than dogs or humans, it does not allow felines to eat excessive amounts. They usually vomit after eating too much food.
The need for a quiet meal
The cat needs calm and routine to fully appreciate its food. A bowl placed in a noisy place, near a washing machine or a busy place, for example, will have little appeal for your pet. Place his usual bowl in a secluded and safe place. And avoid changing the food too often so as not to disturb him.
Calm must prevail during the meal. Do not interrupt him and keep other animals in the house away. The cat is generally afraid of the contents of its bowl being stolen. The activities must also be divided. Keep distractions like the cat tree away. As for the litter, it will be placed elsewhere for hygiene reasons.
As for the container, choose a model that is flat and wide enough to eliminate any discomfort. This prevents your cat’s vibrissae from hitting the bottom or sides of the bowl.
Is it a food problem or a symptom of an illness?
The cat has a highly developed sense of smell, much more than that of dogs or humans. A 2023 Ohio University study on domestic animals shows just how effective cats’ sense of smell is. For Kai Zhao, a doctor of otolaryngology and leader of the study, “the cat must analyze smells very quickly“. It can count on its nasal passage being dedicated to smell, which enables it to analyze odors almost simultaneously.
To judge the quality of its food, the cat uses its nose. He will turn away from his meal if he deems it unappetizing. It is best to avoid leaving the moss in the open air for too long, as it will oxidize and change the smell. Unconvinced by the kibble or pâtés you serve him, your pet can go outside to eat, for example at a neighbor’s house.
Your cat’s bowl may also remain intact if it is suffering from dental or digestive pain. Coryza, also called “cat cold”, is a respiratory disease that causes loss of smell in cats. He can no longer smell his food, he prefers to ignore it.
