Many cats like to sniff their food for a long time before eating it.
Why do they do this and what does it mean? It's not about being picky, but about the peculiarities of their senses.
Cat sniffs food: reasons
Cats are natural predators who used to hunt for their own food.
Therefore, they have developed sense organs that help them navigate the world around them and determine what can be eaten and what cannot.
In particular, cats have a very well-developed sense of smell, which plays an important role in their nutrition.
When a cat sniffs food, it does so not only to determine its freshness and quality, but also to gain additional information about it.
Cats have a special organ on the roof of their mouth called the Jacobson's organ or vomeronasal organ.
This organ allows cats to analyze the chemical composition of food and learn a lot about it: for example, where it came from, who prepared it, what ingredients were used, etc.
Thus, a cat sniffs food not because it doubts its deliciousness or safety, but because it wants to get as much information about it as possible and enjoy its aroma.
Cat sniffs food: what to do
If you notice that your cat sniffs food for a long time before eating it, then there is no need to worry or scold her for this.
This is normal and natural behavior for cats and does not mean that she does not like your food or that there is something wrong with it. On the contrary, it means that she is interested in your food and appreciates it.
So what can you do to improve your cat's appetite and make her eating more comfortable and enjoyable?
Offer a variety of foods - cats like variety in their food and do not like to eat the same thing every day.
Therefore, try to change the types and composition of your cat's food, and also occasionally add fresh products such as meat, fish, eggs or cottage cheese.
Maintain hygiene - cats are very clean animals that do not like dirt and smells. Therefore, clean up after your cat after meals, wash its bowl and tray, and also ventilate the room where it eats.
Consider preferences - each cat has its own taste preferences and characteristics. Some cats like warm food, others - cold.
Some cats like soft food, others like hard food. Some cats like to eat quietly, others like company. So watch your cat and consider its individual characteristics when feeding.
Summary
A cat sniffs food for a long time not because it is picky or dissatisfied, but because it uses its sense of smell to obtain information about the food and enjoy its aroma. This is normal behavior for cats and should not be discouraged or punished.
On the contrary, you need to maintain your cat's interest in food and make its diet varied, hygienic and convenient. Then your cat will be healthy, happy and grateful to you for your care.
Previously, we wrote about the friendliest dog breeds.
