Cats are known to be afraid of water. But have you ever wondered how cats developed a liking for eating fish?
Felines and their fishy diets seem to be a match made in heaven. But there’s more to it than just coincidence.
A cat’s ancestral diet
The cats we know today are believed to be closely related to the African wildcat – nocturnal animals with a high prey drive. African wildcats are excellent hunters that mostly prey on small animals like mice, rabbits, birds, insects, and reptiles.
Their ancestry might be the reason why cats eat mice even if they have access to commercial cat food.
A cat’s desire to consume meat is also because of their body’s need to acquire taurine, an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own. This is the very reason that commercial cat foods must be enriched with taurine as a requirement set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Something smells fishy
Aside from domestication, when pet owners provide their cats with fish to eat, another reason why cats like eating fish is because of its strong odors.
Compared to humans, a cat’s sense of taste isn’t as well-developed. While they do taste the food that they eat, cats however mainly rely on their sense of smell to fully enjoy their food.
Cats have the special ability to taste scents. They have a scent organ called the vomeronasal located at the roof of their mouths. For cats, anything that smells good can be strikingly delicious. The strong, fishy smell attracts cats, making seafood a delish meat that cats enjoy.
Is fish good for your cat?
Fish is an excellent source of protein. Cats need a high quality source of protein with the right amino acids to keep their immune system strong and their energy levels high.
A fatty fish, like salmon, is rich in Vitamins B6, B12, D, Omega-3, and is extremely low in unhealthy saturated fat.
But before you go and give salmon to your cat, check its quality and if it is the best choice recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch®, like New Zealand king salmon.
As a tasty treat, indulge your cats to the alluring smell and mouthwatering taste of Addiction’s Salmon Bleu for Cats, a grain-free and highly nutritious blend of New Zealand king salmon and antioxidant-rich cranberries and blueberries.
Salmon Bleu is a hypoallergenic pet food free from grains, gluten, wheat, corn, soy, artificial hormones, preservatives, and artificial colors. It is formulated to exceed the nutritional requirements set by the AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles for cats across all life stages.
With Addiction’s Salmon Bleu, you’re sure to give your cats food that’s good for them.
Discover the goodness in Addiction’s Salmon Bleu
Salmon Bleu is also available for dogs and puppies
