Why Do Cats Stare at Your Food?
Have you ever noticed that when you're eating, a cat suddenly approaches and intently stares at your food? You might think it's just begging for a bite, but the reason behind this behavior could be quite fascinating: your cat might actually believe you're eating its food!
Many human foods, whether by their packaging, appearance, or even smell, closely resemble cat food or treats. This similarity can confuse cats, making them think that what you're enjoying is actually meant for them. Understanding this can give you a new perspective on your feline friend's curious behavior at mealtime.
This article shares three types of human foods that most easily confuse cats. After reading, you'll understand why they always mysteriously appear by the dining table!
Canned Tuna: The Food That Most Resembles Cat Cans
When it comes to the food that most closely resembles cat canned food, nothing compares to canned tuna! Whether it's the appearance or the "pop" sound when you open the can, it is almost identical to cat food cans.
Not to mention the irresistible aroma that wafts out once the can is opened — for cats, it is simply the most irresistible attraction.
Why You Should Not Feed Tuna Canned Food to Cats
Although canned tuna may look like just fish meat, it actually contains a large amount of oil and salt, making it unsuitable for feeding to cats.Feeding cats canned tuna regularly can not only place a burden on their heart and kidneys but may also lead to a condition known as "yellow fat disease" (pansteatitis).
Therefore, even if your cat looks at you with innocent eyes begging for it, you should not feed it canned tuna.
Cornflakes and Cats: Why Your Cat Comes Running
Many people enjoy having milk with cornflakes for breakfast. When you pour a bag of cornflakes into a bowl with a loud "clank, clank, clank" sound, your cat will often come running immediately. This happens because the sound of pouring cornflakes closely resembles the sound of pouring dry cat food.
Additionally, the shape and color of the crispy flakes are quite similar to cat kibble, which easily confuses cats. So, the combination of the familiar sound and the visual similarity tricks your feline friend into thinking it's feeding time.
Why Cornflakes Aren't Suitable for Cats
We all know that the cornflakes people eat often contain added sugar, salt, and sometimes even chocolate powder. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients are harmful to cats and should be considered "no-go" foods for them.
So no matter how pitiful your cat's expression might be, it's important to gently tell them, "This is not your breakfast".
Keeping our feline friends safe means being mindful of what we feed them. While it's tempting to share snacks, many human foods can cause serious health problems for cats. Always stick to cat-friendly meals and treats to ensure their well-being.
Strip-Shaped Snacks: Why Cats Instantly Appear When You Open Them
Strip-shaped snacks come in many varieties, such as jelly sticks and cheese sticks. The moment you tear open the packaging, your cat will instantly appear by your side. This is because cats instinctively suspect that any strip-shaped item might be their own special meat paste!
Whether it's a sweet treat or a savory snack, the shape alone is enough to pique a cat's curiosity and make them eager to investigate. So next time you enjoy a strip-shaped snack, don't be surprised if your feline friend shows up right away, hoping for a taste of what they believe is their delicious meat treat.
Why You Shouldn't Let Cats Eat Human Sweets and Dairy
Some cats watch you eat jelly treats and may even suddenly sneak a lick. However, when cats consume human desserts and dairy products, it can cause stomach discomfort and may even trigger allergic reactions.
Despite how cute and close they get, cat owners must remember to stick to the rules and not allow their cats to steal and eat human food.
Health Risks of Feeding Cats Human Sweets and Dairy
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant because they lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose found in dairy products. Consuming milk, cheese, or other dairy items can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Additionally, many human sweets contain sugars and additives that are not suitable for feline digestion and can upset their gastrointestinal system or cause allergies.
Feeding such foods regularly can also contribute to nutritional imbalances, obesity, and other health issues in cats. Therefore, it is essential to avoid giving cats human desserts and dairy, even if they beg or try to sneak a taste.
How to Protect Your Cat
- Keep human food, especially sweets and dairy, out of your cat's reach.
- Do not feed your cat table scraps or treats not specifically formulated for cats.
- Provide a balanced diet with food designed for feline nutritional needs.
- Resist the temptation to share your food, no matter how endearing your cat's behavior is.
By maintaining these principles, you help ensure your cat stays healthy and avoids digestive upset or allergic reactions caused by inappropriate foods.
Conclusion
The three types of human food mentioned above can easily be mistaken by cats for cat food. However, for the sake of their health, never casually let them "try something new". After all, just because humans can eat certain things doesn't mean cats can.
