🐱 Breakfast pleeaassseee!
Before I was a girl mom, I was a boy mom 🐱 I can talk about my cats as much as I can about my kids.
So how do we start a typical day?
6 AM: Scream for food.
There is no need for anyone in this house to be awake prior to 7 AM, which is when they are, and always have been, fed. But Benzi, the fat one, screams on purpose to wake everyone up. He now knows if he wakes the kids up, we’re also forced awake, so he shouts outside of my toddlers room.
Another option instead of screaming is for Mr. M to get involved and they run and tackle each other in the loudest way possible. I understand this because it’s a way to play-hunt before the feeding but dang it’s annoying.
We always make them wait till 7 in the hopes they’ll get these bad habits squashed out of them someday but Mr. M pukes when he’s too hungry 🙄
Anyways here are these crazies doing what they do every morning, acting like they haven’t been fed in days.
You know that feeling when your feline friends decide 6 AM is 'Breakfast time!!' no matter what the clock says? I totally get it! While my boys, Benzi and Mr. M, have their own dramatic ways of telling us it's feeding time, it always gets me thinking: what should we really be giving our cats for breakfast to keep them happy and healthy? It's not just about stopping the early morning serenades; it's about providing them with a nutritious start to their day. Many of us reach for commercial cat foods, and they are formulated to be complete and balanced. For breakfast, I often rotate between a high-quality wet food and a small portion of dry kibble. Wet food is fantastic for hydration and can be more palatable, making it a great way to satisfy those hungry tummies. I've found that giving them a good wet meal in the morning can sometimes help hold them over longer, reducing those frantic 'I'm starving!' episodes. But beyond the usual suspects, have you ever wondered about "what do cats like to eat for breakfast?" Sometimes, I like to add a little something extra to their bowl for variety and added nutrients. A tiny bit of plain, cooked chicken or salmon (boneless and skinless, please!) can be a real treat. Just make sure it's unseasoned. You can even purée a small amount of pumpkin for digestive health, though my cats aren't always keen on that for *breakfast food*. Small amounts of cooked eggs are also a surprisingly good source of protein for them. Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid upsetting their tummies. When we talk about 'healthy breakfast ideas' for cats, it's crucial to remember that portion control is key, especially with treats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet should be primarily meat-based. Avoid feeding them human foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and anything with artificial sweeteners or excessive salt, as these can be toxic. Even dairy, despite the cartoon image, can cause digestive issues for most adult cats, so it's best avoided. Managing those early morning 'cat breakfast' demands isn't just about what's in the bowl. I've been experimenting with puzzle feeders for their dry food portions – it slows them down and makes them 'work' for their meal, mimicking their natural hunting instincts. It can also help stretch out their morning meal, giving them something to focus on besides screaming at the door! Setting up a consistent feeding schedule is also super important; cats thrive on routine. Even if they try to convince you otherwise, sticking to that 7 AM feeding time (or whatever time works for you) helps reinforce good habits and can lead to a more peaceful household. Ultimately, finding the 'cat breakfast food' that works best for your furballs involves trial and error and knowing their individual needs. For us, a mix of good quality wet food with an occasional healthy topper makes 'Breakfast time!!' a much happier (and quieter!) start to the day for everyone. What are your cats' favorite breakfast rituals?