Dr. Laci Schaible
|January 31, 2022
Cats are known for their night vision, unmatched jumping abilities and even nine lives, but what cat food tastes like to cats is not as well documented.
Scientists do know feline taste buds are far less complex than our own, and that's likely rooted in evolution. According to Scientific American, cats are the only mammals that lack taste receptors for sweetness. They do seem to have taste receptors for sour, bitter, salty, umami (savoriness) and possibly fat along with a taste for something we don't have: adenosine triphosphate (ATP). While researchers don't entirely understand this taste profile, ATP seems to be a signal for meat as it is the compound that supplies the energy in every living cell.
But how exactly do we know what cat food tastes like to cats and if they even like it? With wet vs. dry cat food, tuna vs. chicken, gravy vs. sauce and all the other choices out there, let's dig into the different types of cat food options and some of your cat's potential food preferences.
There are three main categories of commercially available cat food, each in a variety of flavors:
According to Merck Veterinary Manual, dry foods make up the most popular type of commercially produced cat food in the U.S. and other countries. Also called kibble, these foods generally contain about 90% dry matter and 10% water. They are available in a variety of flavors and specialty formulations, such as indoor cat formula and hairball formula. Some dry foods are formulated to help prevent dental calculus accumulation.
Canned cat foods contain closer to 70%–80% water and 20%–30% dry matter. Wet cat food is safe to be refrigerated for up to three days but is not stable for long when left at room temperature. Because cats typically eat many times a day, instead of in one or two large meals, uneaten wet food is prone to forming a crust on the outermost parts as it dries up, decreasing both its palatability and convenience, as the dishes have to be repeatedly cleaned.
These types of cat food are what they sound like: softened kibble pieces that aren't dry and crumbly but also aren't wet and soggy like canned food. They often come in pouches, and their ratios of water to dry matter are 25%–40% to 60%–75% respectively. The advantage these have over wet food primarily is the convenience factor since they usually don't require refrigeration and their preservatives assure shelf life.
There are several questions to ask your vet to help you pick the most appropriate food for your cat. Reviewing meal choices with your vet is a good habit to incorporate at each appointment, regardless of whether it's for wellness or illness. Here are some questions to consider asking your vet:
All in all, there is no one-size-fits-all kind of food, texture or flavor for any of our cats and no single way to know exactly what cat food tastes like to cats. In addition to trying samples to identify your cat's individual food preferences, consult your vet for guidance on selecting the best cat food. The adage "you are what you eat" holds true with our feline family members as choosing the right food can help your cat live a longer and healthier life.
Dr. Laci Schaible is a small animal veterinarian, veterinary journalist, and a thought leader in the industry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and her Masters in Legal Studies from Wake Forest University.
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Fewer calories for less active cats
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Learn about the impact of brain aging and cognitive brain disorders that can affect cats. Good brain health is critical as your cat ages.
Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with your cat including by car, train, or air. Learn the safest ways for your cat to travel.
Learn helpful info about cataracts in cats, including what causes them, typical signs of a feline cataract, how they are diagnosed and treatment options.
Why does your cat's tongue feels so rough? Why does their tongue hang out of their mouth sometimes? Learn fun and interesting info about your cat's tongue.
Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.
Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.
Choosing the best food for your cat, starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
Learn how to tell if your cat is too skinny, including key causes of weight loss, and what you can do to help your cat get back to a healthy weight.
Like human sneezing, cat sneezing is normal to a certain extent, but it can signal an underlying health concern that requires support or treatment.
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
Does your cat need help keeping their ears clean? Check out this guide on how to clean cat ears, from when to consider it to what to use.
Discover some vet-recommended advice about some common cat digestive problems, including how to deal with upset stomachs, worms, hairballs, and more.
Learn how health and money are important factors tied to obese cats, and why your cat's weight really matters.
Learn how to spot the signs of a cat seizure, what you should do if your cat is having a seizure, and what the common causes of seizures are.
Health-related issues in cat become more common as they age. Here are 6 senior feline health concerns you need to know about.
Curious why your cat is eating grass? Discover the underlying reason, such as a digestive issue or anxiety, and learn if it's truly a problem.
Learn if laser pointers are truly safe to use with your cat, if there are any recommended types, and when to recognize your cat's playtime frustrations.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool