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I've seen so many posts on this, and they all seem to get only halfway. Many of them say it's the taste, but that's only really half right. Cats (and most other mammals for that matter) do not have very sensitive pallets or taste buds, but like so many other mammals, they have a very keen sense of smell. Fish tends to have a very strong smell compared to other types of meats and foods, and their senses tell them that it is a strong source of protein, which cats find particularly appetizing. Not all cats are fish maniacs, however. While cats need protein to survive, felines have a tendency to be finicky eaters, and some cats just don't appreciate the smell (taste) of fish.

So really, it's the scent that attracts them. Just like when you pass by a restaurant that's serving some good-smelling grub- the stronger the odor, the more you want to eat. And so cats tend to like fish for the same reason. Fish isn't the only type of meat they like, however. Cats will eat a variety of proteins if they have a strong smell. My own cat goes nuts when I open a package of beef jerky (by the way, beef jerky is notrecommended for cats). The smell of it lures him to it- even if he doesn't know what it really is, he can smell that protein!

Another factor that may affect weather or not a cat will like fish is the diet it has maintained. As a cat gets more used to certain types of foods, they come to expect it in their diets, sometimes resulting in a "finicky cat" behavior if their food is changed or is served in a different manner. Since they have been scavengers and pets for thousands years, they are hardwired to return to the same place for the same thing day after day (conjecture), like pigeons do at an outdoor cafe or a public park.

For whatever reason, some cats just don't care for fish, but if your cat likes it, it's okay to feed it every once in a while, maybe a meal once a week tops (especially for adult cats), or just whenever you open a can of tuna, give your kitty a little sample if you like.

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14y ago

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