Yes, it is generally a good idea to warm up wet canned cat food or refrigerate leftover cat food before feeding it to your cat. Warming the food enhances the aroma and taste, makes it more appealing and appetizing to cats, and provides some health benefits.
Do Cats Like Warm Food?
Cats typically prefer their food slightly warmed up instead of served cold from the fridge. In the wild, cats are used to eating fresh prey which would be warm.
The aroma of warm food is more appealing to your cat’s sense of smell, which is 14 times better than humans. Warm food also tastes better for cats as the flavor profile becomes more pronounced after heating.
The texture and moisture content also become more palatable. All of this makes warm cat food more enticing and can encourage picky cats to eat.
Benefits of Warming Up Cat Food
There are a few benefits to warming your cat’s wet food before mealtime:
Enhances Aroma and Taste
As mentioned, heating up the food releases more aroma and flavor compounds, making it more enticing for fussy felines. The smell and taste become stronger, which cats naturally find more appealing.
Makes it More Appealing to cats
The enhanced aroma, taste, moisture, and texture of warmed food make it more palatable and appetizing. Even finicky cats will be more inclined to eat warm food. This ensures your cat is getting adequate nutrition.
May Support Digestion
Some cat owners find that serving food at room temperature or slightly warmed aids their cat’s digestion. The warmer temperature may be gentler on your cat’s stomach.
Reduces risk of Gulping Air when Eating
Cats may gulp down cold, refrigerated food faster, inadvertently swallowing air as they eat. This can lead to gas, bloating, or indigestion. Slightly warmed food prevents this.
Brings out the Natural Flavors
Heating food releases more of its natural taste compounds, allowing the flavors to shine through. This can make it more appetizing and satisfying for cats.
How to Warm Up Cat Food?
Never serve cat food piping hot or straight from a hot pan! It should be warmed gently to around body temperature. Here are some safe methods:
Microwave Method
- Microwave the cat food in 5-10 second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat any one spot.
- Test the temperature before serving. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
- Transfer the food to your cat’s dish. The dish itself can help further cool down the food if needed.
Adding Hot Water
- Scoop out the refrigerated or canned food into your cat’s bowl.
- Add a spoonful or two of hot (not boiling) water and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute heat.
- Let it sit briefly until the food is lukewarm before serving.
Heating the Food in Water
- Place the sealed can or refrigerated packets of cat food into a bowl.
- Pour hot tap water around and over the food, like creating a hot water bath.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes so the food gently warms up to room temperature or lukewarm.
- Open the can or pouches and mix the heated wet food before serving.
No matter which warming method you use, always stir thoroughly and check the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot before feeding your cat. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the ideal serving temperature to enhance taste and aroma without overheating.
While dry kibble can be served at room temperature, warming up wet canned or refrigerated cat food can make it more palatable and appetizing.
The enhanced smell, taste, and texture entice finicky felines to eat up. Start by trying your cat’s favorite wet recipes warmed up to see if they enjoy it. Just be sure to warm it gradually and test the temperature first.
With a few added seconds in the microwave or soaking in hot water, you can bring out the flavor and aroma to enhance mealtime for your cat.
How to Warm Up Cat Food Without Losing Nutrients?
- Use Low Heat When heating cat food, use low heat methods like a warm water bath or microwave at 50% power. High temperatures can denature proteins and degrade vitamins.
- Don’t Overcook Just warm the food until it reaches body temperature, not piping hot. Overheating for too long can break down nutrients.
- Microwave in Short Bursts Microwave in 5-10 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent hot spots. This minimizes exposure to high heat.
- Don’t Reheat Leftovers Multiple Times Reheating leftovers once is fine but overdoing it can deplete nutrients. Discard any uneaten portion after 2 days.
- Add Some Warm Water Mixing in a bit of warm water raises the temperature without microwaving further. The water also adds moisture.
- Serve Immediately Once warmed, serve the cat food right away. Letting it sit could allow nutrients to dissipate over time.
- Don’t Refrigerate Again Refrigerating wet food again after warming up to room temperature further diminishes nutrient content. Discard any uneaten portion.
- Check Ingredient Quality Choose cat foods with premium, natural ingredients to start with the highest nutrient content possible before warming.
- Rotate Foods Rotate multiple flavors and brands of wet foods to ensure variety of nutrients in your cat’s diet.
