Understanding Your Cat's Behavior: Why She Loves Sardines but Shuns the Empty Can

Cats are known for their love of fish. When you open a can of sardines, their keen sense of smell detects the potent aroma and prompts them to come running. However, what happens when you offer your cat an empty can instead? This article explores the reasons behind your cat’s behavior and offers tips for satisfying their appetite without compromising their instincts.

The Allure of Scent

Cat's heightened sense of smell allows them to detect even the subtlest of scents. The fragrance of fresh sardines is irresistible to them, triggering their natural hunting instincts and making them eager to partake in the meal. When you open a can of sardines, the aroma signals the presence of a potential meal, which is why your cat rushes to you.

The Empty Can Dilemma

Once the sardines are gone, the empty can no longer emits the same enticing aroma. Cats can be quite discerning about their food, often preferring fresh, whole prey over remnants. This behavior reflects their instinctual preference for fresh food and their sensitivity to smelly remnants. An empty can might even have a different, less appealing smell, deterring your cat from approaching.

Picky Cat Preferences

Cats can be quite particular about what they eat. They may prefer fresh sardines over the leftovers, which could explain why they shun the empty can. In the wild, cats hunt and eat whole prey, which includes the flesh and often the nutrients in the guts. Sardines, being a complete food, might be more appealing to them than the smell of an empty can. This preference is a natural extension of their instinctual feeding behavior.

Solving the Empty Can Problem

Feeling frustrated? Here are a few tips to address your cat's dissatisfaction:

Provide a Piece of Sardine: Instead of offering the empty can, try giving your cat a piece of the sardine. If she eats it, it confirms that she was indeed looking for a taste, not just the can. If she doesn't eat it, it might indicate that she prefers her food in a more complete form, like wet cat food. Share the Meal Equally: When sharing human food like sardines, ensure you are giving your cat a fair share. A 60/40 split, favoring the cat, could be a good starting point. You are not just sharing the food but also showing her that she is valued as a member of the family. Emphasize Anticipation: Sometimes, the anticipation of a meal is just as satisfying as the actual experience. If your cat doesn't eat an empty can, it might be because the anticipation of a meal was enough to make her happy. Let her enjoy the experience of eagerly awaiting her food. Proper Disposal: When disposing of food waste, make sure to clean the empty can thoroughly. After disposing of the food waste, ensure that the can and the surrounding area are clean. A well-emptied can will not attract pests or odor that could deter your cat.

Understanding and catering to your cat's natural behavior and instincts can help resolve issues related to empty cans. By providing fresh, whole food and respecting their preferences, you can ensure that your feline friend is happy and content.

Keywords: cat behavior, cat sardines, empty can preference