Channel Episode: A Cat’s “Refined Palate” Is More Than Just Picky Eating

If you've ever wondered why your cat is so finicky with their food, you're not alone! In my recent episode, I dive into the fascinating world of feline eating habits, exploring why your cat might turn up their nose at even the fanciest of meals. From their unique sense of smell to their genetic makeup as obligate carnivores, I review the reasons behind your cat’s refined taste. Let's embrace our cats' quirks and understand their sophisticated palates together!

Hi CatCrazies,

I’m Petra Luna and you’re watching the CatCrazy Channel.

If you are lucky enough to share your home with a cat, you know how fussy they can be when it comes to their food. And if you’re as catcrazy as I am, you’ve probably spent hours at the pet store trying to figure out which food they might like to eat this week. And then you bring home a variety of different flavors and brands that offer the healthiest food options available. 

Are we having fish today? Or maybe chicken? You've probably experienced your cat turning up their nose at the expensive store-bought food you brought them, leaving you to open multiple cans of cat food only for them to walk away. Meanwhile, your dog gleefully devours the smelly fish from the trash can, dirty socks, and the ‘number two’ left by your cat in the litterbox. 

So why is there such a difference between our furry companions? Why are cats so fussy with their food?

Of course, one reason is familiarity. It’s good to know what kind of food your cat was exposed to as a kitten. This can definitely lead to lifelong preferences because of the familiar texture, smell, and taste of protein. 

Another reason is boredom. Cats just get tired of eating the same food every day, so offering different flavors will keep things interesting for them. In the wild, cats pick and choose what they’re in the mood for. 

Also, sensitive stomachs, dental issues, or allergies play a role.

Now think about how cats eat: Unlike dogs, who tend to gobble up their food quickly, cats take their time and savor each bite. This is because cats are solitary hunters and choose what they are in the mood for that day. They have time to finish their meal when they get hungry again because nobody is there to take it away from them. No need to rush. 

Dogs, on the other hand, are pack animals and instinctively eat quickly to ensure they get their share.

But here’s the main reason for cats to be considered picky eaters: their genetic makeup. Specifically their sense of smell and taste.

Cats have a special sense receptor, which is called the “Jacobson’s Organ.” It is located on the roof of the mouth. They use this organ to “taste-smell” their food.

Research has shown that the noses of cats are much more sensitive than the ones of humans and even dogs. 

On the other hand, cats have way fewer taste buds compared to humans or dogs. And because of that, cats determine what they eat by mostly smell before they even try it. 

While dogs are omnivores and can detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory, cats mostly detect sour, bitter and savory food. They can’t detect sweet flavors. 

This is because cats are obligate carnivores and eat a meat-based diet. They don’t need the ability to taste sweet things as that is not necessary for their survival. This limitation makes their choice of food very selective.

And that’s why dogs beg for scraps off your plate while cats don’t. If a cat is eating ice cream, for example, they most likely enjoy its fatty, creamy texture and, perhaps, even its protein content.

Cats are more sensitive to bitter compounds in their food than dogs. The ability to taste bitter as a defense mechanism and rings “alarm bells” in their noses to help them avoid spoiled food or harmful toxins in plants and unripe fruits. Of course, cats don’t usually consume plants and fruits, however, their prey may have eaten them so they’ll reject the bitter parts that might be in the gastrointestinal tract of their prey. 

Even though your cat might also bring you little presents like toads, frogs, and other animals that contain bitter and toxic chemicals in their skin and bodies, their “bitter detectors” will make them avoid eating them…they’ll just play and probably also kill them—to keep their hunting skills in great shape.

To sum this all up: It does not matter how healthy, tasty, or expensive the latest food you just bought for your cat might be, if there is one little ingredient in there that doesn’t pass your cat’s “taste-smell” test, your cat will not touch it! Period! And there’s no way to force your cat to eat. Instinctively, your cat will refuse anything bitter and rather starve than eat something that could potentially be spoiled or toxic.

And since aroma is so very important it also makes sense that your cat won’t like to eat leftover food right out of the fridge since it doesn’t smell as savory as warm food.  

So what does this tell you? It tells you that your fuzzy little friend has good reasons to be picky so why don’t we just call them “refined connoisseurs” instead and accept the fact that we might have to open up a second can every once in a while and give the other one to the dog.  
There you have it my friend, and Stay CatCrazy!