A Japanese study found that cats stop eating not because they’re full, but because they become bored with the smell of the same food. Introducing a new food or even just a new food scent restores their appetite, showing that smell plays a major role in how much cats eat.
Source: PETFOOD Industry, October 19, 2026. Link. Researchers tested 12 domestic cats and found that offering different foods increased total intake compared to serving the same food repeatedly. Simply introducing a new food odor without changing the actual food restored cats’ appetite and feeding motivation.
Cats that leave food behind may not be full, researchers found, but simply habituated to its smell.”
INSIGHTS: These research findings are actionable when interacting with finicky cats and their owners. Share the importance of a variety of smells and food choices.
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