Tags: adult cat food, cat eating habit, eating habit, kitten eating habit, kitten eats adult food, kitten food, q & a, reader's question
Question from Amber:
Our kitten seems to be eating the adult food is that okay for him? And our adult cats keep eating the kitten food. Do you know why that is?
Answer from Amy:
Do you feed the cats together? If you do, when you feed them, do the adult cats take over the kitten’s bowl first or the other way around? Or do your adult cats prefer the kitten food to their own food?
Sometimes cats eat off each other’s food to show a sign of dominance. Other times it could be that they prefer that particular smell of food. Remember cats rely on their sense of smell strongly when it comes to tasting food.
In most cases, it is OK for adult cats to eat kitten food. Kitten food usually contains more protein and fat that little kittens need for their development. However, kittens should stick with kitten food until they reach adulthood so that they can obtain adequate nutrition necessary for them to build a strong and healthy body.
If your cats like to eat off each other’s food, the best way to deal with it is elevate the adult feeding bowls to higher places where only your adult cats can reach. Another option is to feed them in separate rooms.
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Tags: cats, sweet tooth, taste bud
When you take out a tray of roasted turkey from the oven, your cats are probably already waiting by your feet, begging for a share of your food. However, unwrapping a candy bar or munching on your favorite cookies does not seem to intrigue them the same way at all. Most cats are not interested in sweet foods.
There are receptor cells situated on our tongues that send out signals to our brains every time we taste something. There are five taste sensations that we often experience: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, a taste that is associated with meats and other high-protein foods.
However, cats’ taste buds are not as versatile as humans. They lack a major protein that regulates sweet receptors. Since they cannot detect the taste of sweetness, they are most likely indifferent about it.
However, there have been many anecdotes of cats begging for ice cream or yogurt. That is because these foods contain a large amount of a protein that produces amino acids. Cats are naturally drawn to amino acids rich foods because that’s one of the most vital parts of their diet. Also, many diary products contain a high quantity of fat which is also very attractive to cats.
A caveat for cat owners:
Most human foods are not suitable for cats to consume since cats have a very sensitive digestive system. Feeding them high quality cat food is the best way to maintain a healthy and happy feline in your family.
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