A Sydney cat has attracted viral attention for its unusual dinnertime setup.

Kendra, a 14-year-old red cat, delighted viewers of TikTok with footage of her contemplating five separate plates of food, each lovingly prepared by its owner to satisfy the cat’s selective palate.

Owner Lauren, who did not give her last name, was stunned to arrive home and see meals laid out on the floor. In a video on TikTok, she wrote: “When we got home, my mom gave our 8kg cat not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5 bowls of food to choose from.”

In the caption, she joked: “In this economy?

Lauren said News week: “My mom did this because my cat is spoiled and she’s a picky eater. I found it funny and a little shocking, so I shared it on TikTok.”

Cat behavior consultant Molly Kelsey, known as “the cat consultant,” said Kendra’s selective feeding was not unusual. “A cat may refuse to eat a specific food that it eats regularly for a multitude of reasons,” she explained. News week.

“Food can be spoiled, which can happen if stored improperly, such as opened canned foods left at room temperature. Our noses may not notice a change in the food, but cats have no problem!”

Kelsey said a cat’s change in eating habits could also come from environmental changes, health issues or stress. “Something as simple as a new kitten at home or children being home during the holidays can disrupt a cat’s usual eating routine,” she said. Other potential factors include medication side effects, recent stressful events like a trip to the veterinarian, or changes in food formula. “Cats form a flavor and texture profile like kittens, and they are not inclined to deviate from it without good reason,” Kelsey said.

In the comments, people were quick to express their admiration for Kendra’s luxurious dining room, with one viewer dubbing it “cat tapas” and another joking: “My cat saw this TikTok and now he is angry at only getting one food at a time.” Another viewer joked: “Don’t let my cat see this!” »

The video shows how finicky cats can be when it comes to food, a behavior that actually has deep evolutionary roots.

Cats are natural hunters, descended from wild ancestors who relied on fresh prey. Today’s domestic cats retain a preference for hot, fresh meals, which mimic the warmth of live prey, and their sensitive palates (equipped with only about 470 taste buds, far fewer than humans’ 9,000) often reject anything that does not meet their expectations. strict criteria of flavor and texture.

Kelsey also gave advice to cat owners on how to minimize mealtime issues. “Make sure your cat has a quiet, private, safe place to eat. Sometimes the kitchen floor isn’t ideal,” she said. She recommends following proper food storage guidelines, as improper storage can lead to spoilage.

For any changes in eating behavior, Kelsey stressed the importance of consulting a veterinarian: “Cats need food to survive, so if an owner notices a drop in appetite, it’s a valid cause for concern. “

Cat eating habits are frequently the subject of viral moments online. Earlier this year, hearts melted when an owner explained that her rescue cat would only eat when her owner holds the food bowl.

While the ‘distinguished’ Kiwi cat was filmed sitting at the table with his humans, carefully tasting pieces of salmon alongside the family.

In Boston, a woman rescued a cat from a shelter in 2021 that had very specific meal needs. Shaggy has always been very interested in food, but when he started stealing salad ingredients from his owner, the family had to do something.

Instead of getting Shaggy out of the room, the owner Dina started making him your own side salad which he now demands at every meal.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or photos of your pet that you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pets of the Week lineup.

UPDATE 6/11/2024, 4:10 a.m.: This story has been updated with additional comment from cat behavior consultant Molly Kelsey.