Iwate University study links feline appetite loss to scent familiarity

Researchers at Iwate University in Japan have identified that a healthy cat may stop eating its food due to olfactory familiarity rather than a lack of hunger. A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior suggests that when cats are repeatedly exposed to the same food scent, the aroma loses its appeal.

Animal behavior specialist Masao Miyazaki noted that even after fasting for 16 hours, some cats did not consume their full portion of dry food. The study found that while cats may still be hungry, the monotony of the scent prevents them from being attracted to the meal. However, when researchers introduced different flavors, the cats' interest in eating increased.