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30th Oct 2023

Do cats get bored of the same food?

by Burns Team Writer

Cats can get tired of eating the same food day in and day out. However, this can lead cat owners to purchasing a variety of cat food types, flavours and brands in an attempt to find food that their cat enjoys. This can not only be frustrating and expensive for owners, but also uncomfortable for cats. As cats have such sensitive digestive systems, it can take time for them to adapt to new ingredients. Constantly changing their food can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting.

Keep reading to find out how you can prevent boredom in your cat’s meals, protecting their wellbeing and your bank account!

 

How to tell if your cat is bored?

Undereating

If you notice that your cat has been eating less for the last few days, there is no need to panic. There are a number of reasons that your cat may not be eating, from boredom to hunting to overfeeding. All you need to do is keep an eye on their body condition for signs of weight loss, as well as check their teeth. If you become concerned or notice any changes, then you can get them checked by a vet.

Inactivity

When cats get bored with their food, it can cause them to consume less than their required amount. This can lead to a lack of energy and activity, causing your cat to become lethargic. However, if you notice your cat is less active than usual, it could also be that they need less food than usual. Before jumping to conclusions, it is important to investigate why your cat is moving less and eating less. Especially if your cat is getting older, it may be that they simply do not need as much exercise or food as they used to.

Hunting

It is completely natural for your cat to display hunting behaviour. However, a lack of excitement in their meals may lead them to seek stimulation elsewhere. If you notice your cat regularly bringing home their own meals, it may be a sign that they want their mealtimes to be more exciting and to introduce some feeding enrichment.

What to do if your cat seems bored?

Play before their mealtime

Playing with your cat before meals can offer valuable stimulation, satisfying their natural hunting instincts. It can not only increase their appetite, but create a sense of excitement and anticipation for their upcoming meal. Whether your cat prefers pouncing on a feather wand or chasing after a bouncy ball, playing with their favourite toys can be a great way to prepare for mealtime.

Make their meals more fun

Making mealtime fun for your cat is easy with puzzle feeders. These can add an element of mental stimulation, as your cat must work out how to extract their food from the puzzle. However, it can also help to slow down their eating pace, which can reduce the risk of overeating. By swapping your cat’s food bowl for a puzzle feeder, you can make mealtime an exciting and entertaining experience for your feline friend.

Mix their wet and dry food

Mixing your cat’s food can be an effective way to combat boredom. The combination of different textures and flavours can make each meal more interesting for your cat. This can not only keep them excited about eating, but also ensure they are receiving a balanced diet. Before mixing your cat’s food, make sure you know their daily food allowance, which is based on their weight, age and activity level. This will determine how much you need to feed your cat for them to maintain a healthy weight.

Feed them small, frequent meals

Feeding your cat small, frequent meals can introduce variety into their daily routine. This approach can mimic their natural hunting behaviours, providing them with some much needed mental stimulation. You can even offer different flavours at each feeding, imitating the variety they might encounter when hunting.

Stick to a single food brand

You might think that changing food brands is the easiest way to alleviate boredom, providing your cat with new flavours, textures and ingredients to try. However, this can actually lead to digestive issues. Instead, we would recommend choosing a food brand that aligns with your cat’s nutritional needs.

When choosing a food brand, look closely at the ingredients. Check that the food contains high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, fish and turkey. These are essential for your cat’s growth, allowing them to develop healthy bones and muscles. Also, check that the food includes all 11 amino acids. These are vital to your cat’s wellbeing, supporting a healthier immune system.

At Burns, we take pride in our range of all natural cat food. Our dry cat food has been carefully designed, with a balanced blend of essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Made with the highest quality sources of proteins and wholegrains, our dry food promotes the health and happiness of cats. For a nutritious and delicious meal, take a look at our range of dry cat food.

Looking for further advice?

While it's not unusual for cats to get bored of their food, it's important that you keep an eye on their eating habits for any signs of boredom. With small changes to your cat's food, you should be able to keep them engaged with mealtimes. For further advice on feeding a bored cat, get in touch. Our team of nutritional advisers are here to answer any questions you may have.

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