Researchers from Iwate University have determined that cats refusing food might not just be satiated, but could also be due to a habituation to the food’s scent. This finding is detailed in a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior.
The research was spearheaded by Professor Masao Miyazaki. Twelve domestic cats, ranging in age from three to 15 years, participated in the experiment. To gauge their response to repeated meals, the animals were fed in brief sessions interspersed with breaks, as well as subjected to extended periods without food, all while receiving the same diet.
Observations revealed that as the identical food was presented repeatedly, cats progressively consumed smaller amounts. Certain felines even left their meals untouched, despite not being completely full.
However, switching the food instigated a turnaround. A novel odor intensified their interest in eating, prompting more vigorous consumption. This revitalization of appetite was observed even when the overall nutritional content of the diet remained constant.
The study’s authors posit that the sense of smell is instrumental in this process. Familiarity with the food’s aroma diminishes its desirability, whereas fresh scents can reignite their eagerness to eat.
In the scientists’ view, this mechanism accounts for why cats often favor grazing on small portions throughout the day. The results garnered could be valuable in managing care for pets experiencing poor appetite, as altering the food’s olfactory profile proves effective in encouraging them to consume more.
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