Curious Kitten at the Fishbowl

About this drawing

A cat and fishbowl are a classic cartoon pair. Every comic strip seems to say that cats adore fish, but real life is a little different. The wild ancestors of house cats lived in dry places and hunted mice, small birds and lizards. Fish were not really on the menu.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must get nutrients from animal foods to stay healthy. One of the most important is taurine, which their eyes and heart need. Their bodies cannot make enough of it, so it has to come from what they eat. That is why a cat cannot be fed the same diet as a person or a dog.

So why does the sound of a tuna can bring your cat running? Fish has a strong smell and a rich flavor that many cats find hard to resist. A small bit of cooked fish with no bones is fine once in a while, but it should not be a regular meal. Good cat food is already balanced with everything a cat needs.

As for the bowl, that interest is usually about motion more than hunger. A swimming fish is like a live TV show. If you have both pets, choose a steady place for the tank and keep a secure lid on top. Then the cat can watch all day while the fish stays safe.

• cat
• fishbowl
• goldfish
• pet food