Kibble or pâté? Shreds or chunks in gravy? The texture of your cat's food plays a larger role than just taste: it's a key enrichment tool that excites their senses and makes mealtime fun. Here's how offering a variety of food textures can benefit kitty’s nine lives!
Note: Before introducing new food to your cat's routine, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian, as every kitty has unique health needs.
Why food texture matters
Cats have evolved to be very specific about their eating preferences. Their ancestors hunted small prey, which offered them a variety of textures and flavours. Cat food often lacks this diversity, which can lead to boredom and decrease their natural hunting behaviours. Introducing a variety of food textures will better emulate the hunting experience, making mealtime more satisfying and enriching for your cat.
Crunchy vs. soft food
Benefits of crunchy kibble
Kibble provides dental benefits by helping reduce plaque and tartar build-up. The act of chewing can also be satisfying for cats, offering a sensory experience that soft foods can't.
Look for kibble or crunchy treats that specially caters to feline dental health or has a unique texture.
Benefits of soft food
Soft foods, such as pâtés or morsels in gravy, can be more palatable for older cats or kitties with dental issues.
Mixing textures—like combining soft food with crunchy kibble—can create an appealing mealtime experience that stimulates your cat’s senses and encourages them to eat.
Introducing new textures
Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
These foods offer a crunchy texture and are often high in nutrients. Rehydrated, they can provide a consistency that imitates prey. You can rehydrate dehydrated or freeze-dried foods with warm water to create a soft meal or serve them as-is for a crunchy treat.
Homemade textures
Homemade foods or treats allow you to experiment with different textures. From meaty chunks to creamy blends, you can tailor the texture to your cat’s preference and dietary needs.
Consider incorporating bone broths or whole fish like sardines to add a new layer of texture to your cat’s diet.
Engaging your cat's senses
Textures aren’t just about chewing: they also engage your cat’s sense of smell and taste. A varied diet with different textures can keep your cat’s interest and prevent mealtime boredom. Consider these tips:
Mix and match
Combine different food textures in your cat’s meals. For example, you could mix a spoonful of soft food into their kibble.
Interactive feeding
Use puzzle feeders or lick mats that challenge your cat to forage for their food. This additional layer of enrichment makes mealtime even more exciting.
Treats and toys
Reward your cat with tasty treats in a variety of textures and flavours. Toys with treat compartments can provide an interactive experience that keeps their brain active.
By incorporating a variety of food textures into your kitty's diet, you’re not only making mealtime more fun but also supporting their overall health. Offering them new food textures to try can help satisfy their natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom.
Curious about how to add more enrichment to your cat's routine? A monthly or bi-monthly meowbox subscription offers an exciting rotation of unique toys and delicious treats to keep kitty happy and healthy. Get started here.