Help, our cat eats only cat food!?

Question

Our cat is a 12 pound 2 foot long 2 year old still growing longer cat.

When we got her while she was 6 months old, she would eat almost anything. She even ate our dog's food.

Somewhere along the way she decided to only eat packaged cat food. Now, she would not eat fish. We tried lacing her food with the oil that flows out after broiling salmon or herring. She refused to touch her food for two days until we cleaned her bowl and returned her to packaged food.

How do we get our cat to eat cooked fresh fish?

Also, why does our cat l**k and clean herself everytime after we hugged her? Does she think we are too dirty for her? She crawls up begging for a hug then insult us by l*****g herself after we hugged her. Perhaps, she is l*****g the minerals left by our hugs, I hope.

Answer 1

I think you may have a very smart cat.  Quite often, "people food" is not good for a cat, and definately too much fish is not.  If your cat would rather have the commercial food, LET HER!  It is formulated for complete nutrition.  The oil you mention may also give her diarrhea.   As far as the grooming..... My cat also does this and has for years.  Don't worry about it - apparently our cats just like to be very clean. I think at times that it is a sign of contentment in a way. Kelsie will purr and purr after cleaning herself.  Don't take it as an insult or worry about it - she's doing no harm.  After all, if she didn't like the attention she wouldn't ask!

Answer 2

Cats are funny about their food. Some cats will eat the same thing for years, then suddenly they will refuse to eat it and you have to switch to another type.

Because much of the fish that is available today contains traces of toxins and since cats are much more sensitive to toxins than humans, fish is not the best food for cats.

Human food is not recommended for a cat because cats require special vitamins and minerals and these have been added to cat food in the proper amounts.

It's OK to feed small treats of fish or meats, but it should not contain any spices, salts, onion, garlic, lemon juice, etc.

It is best to feed your cat a good quality canned food.

As far as your cat l*****g itself (cleaning) after you have touched it, don't take it personally. Cats have a very acute sense of smell and are very clean creatures. The cat is just trying to remove your kooties - lol.

Great question.

Answer 3

You have a smart cat.  Cats should only eat cat food and the better the cat food the more nutrition your cat will get from it.  As far as your cat grooming herself that is normal.  My cats are always grooming themselves.

Answer 4

i agree with cate and janel

Answer 5

Janel's right. Give the cat cat food.

Answer 6

Fish is not a 'natural' food for a cat.  A cat in the wild would catch mice, rats etc. (meat).  Many cats don't like fish.  I don't see what the problem is, your cat likes cat food, you like humans food - no problem.  Cats seem to spend most of their time in 3 ways, eating, grooming and sleeping.  Maybe she likes your smell and that is why she grooms after a cuddle.  Enjoy your cat and stop worrying about her food.

Answer 7

Fish as a treat once a week is fine but fish can upset a cats stomach as can cows milk and cream. i have a cat that eats anything he is 4years old.let her eat processed cat food if that's what she likes. its nutritionally balanced especially for her she is not l*****g herself after you've touched her because she thinks your dirty. all cats do this and it is how she recognises your scent for future reference. and cats are always grooming themselves.