What do cats like to eat?

We know it's the understatement of the century, but cats love food. Though some are grazers and others are gobblers, we've all heard their excited yowls whenever they see their food coming. Or have experienced them screaming at us early on a Sunday morning demanding breakfast.

But have you ever wondered what they actually like to eat? While it might seem like cats will eat just about anything, there are certain flavours and textures they like the most. So stay tuned to find out what foods your cat just can't resist.

Cats and kittens have different nutritional needs. Kittens tend to need more food to support their growth and development and replenish all of the energy they burn while running, playing and exploring. Adult cats need the right balance of nutrients to maintain healthy weight and energy levels.

Despite their different needs, they both have one thing in common when it comes to food: they love eating meat.

While there is plenty of food that cats can eat, it's important to remember that cats are carnivores. Plain and simple. They require a high animal protein and high moisture diet. Chicken is usually cats' and kittens' favourite food. They're also fans of turkey, beef, lamb and even duck.

Feeding cats fruits, vegetables, grains, or other fillers won't give them the nutrition they need. And many of these foods are hard for their bodies to digest.

Yes. Many human foods are perfectly safe for cats to eat. But they shouldn't be eating human food regularly, only every now and then as a special treat. Some human foods may also be used to treat poorly cats, like plain rice, canned tuna and pumpkin puree to help settle an upset stomach.

Human foods cats like to eat include:

• Fish

• Cooked eggs, i.e. scrambled or boiled.

• Cucumbers

• Lettuce

• Celery

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Watermelon

Fruits and vegetables aren't needed in a cat's diet. But, if your cat is overweight, they provide a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat and high-water treat.

Just like us, cats can get bored with their food. Imagine eating the same thing every single day? No thanks. Cats are naturally adventurous. Some like trying new things. Experiencing new flavours, textures and smells. So give them recipes with different flavours, from chicken and beef to duck and fish.

Whether they're in a mood with you or you need to entice them into the pet carrier for a trip to the vet (good luck), tempting them with irresistible food will do the trick.

Cats are drawn to strong-smelling food. Fresh, warm chicken or salmon or tuna will always pique their interest. You'll be forgiven for making them go to their annual check-up or for letting the batteries in the laser toy die with these irresistible snacks.

Cats are well known for being picky eaters. But it’s actually more likely to be a mixture of neophobia (an extreme dislike of new things) and boredom. Cats are naturally wary of new foods. But they can also become easily bored if they’re fed the same thing every day. Think about it – you wouldn’t want to eat the same menu every day. You’d get totally fed up.

Finding a food they really love (hint: like KatKin) is the best way to make sure they get the consistency they crave while still offering lots of flavours to keep them interested. Kick that picky eating to the kerb.

Fresh, human-quality meat is best. Fresh food that has been gently cooked and contains all of the good nutrients that cats can easily absorb is what will keep them healthy and happy. After our KatKin recipes have been cooked, they are then frozen to lock in the vital nutrients and flavours without the need for preservatives and fillers that you'll find in most cat food brands.

Learn more about why you should choose fresh cat food, and read a vet's review of our cat food here.