The Liking of Cats: Butter vs. Margarine and More

Did you know that cats can have very specific preferences when it comes to their human food? One such curious instance is how our furry friends react to margarine versus butter. Our cat, for example, is quite the butter enthusiast, while avoiding margarine like the plague.

My mom, a dedicated baker, often uses margarine in her recipes, and my cat would often try to lick and eat the surface of the buns she makes. I, however, prefer to use butter when baking, and my cat has always let me handle my dough freely without any attempts to steal it. This stark difference in behavior might seem odd, but it's just one of the many quirks our pets exhibit.

But Why the Preference for Butter?

It turns out, the preference for butter isn't just a quirk. My dogs, for instance, won't even lick a margarine wrapper but will actively fight for a butter wrapper. This shows a clear preference for the taste and texture of real butter over the synthetic alternatives. Even when it comes to dairy products, my cat will enjoy a particular brand of Greek Yoghurt and sometimes a piece of Norvegia cheese every now and then, but avoids most other foods.

Understanding Cat Preferences in the Kitchen

Observing the things my dogs would and wouldn't eat persuaded me to take a closer look at fake food and its various types. It's a common belief that cats might enjoy some kind of fake or processed food, but that's not always the case. My cat, for example, does not eat canned cat food, cheap cat food from regular shops, or even real or fake butter. He even avoids fish, another common food for cats in some households.

The Decision to Avoid Margarine

For someone like me, who isn't particularly fond of cats, it might seem natural to want to avoid giving fake butter alternatives to our feline friends. However, I wouldn't even consider giving my cat a product like "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter." This is because, fundamentally, no margarine is one molecule away from being plastic. Any cat owner can test this by letting their cat lick a small amount of margarine and butter placed on their paws. Chances are, the cat will enjoy the butter more and try to shake off the margarine.

If you've observed similar behavior in your cat, or if you're simply curious about cat preferences and dietary choices, this insight might help you make better decisions when introducing human food to your furry companion. Remember, while humans might find fake butter tasty, it's not necessarily the best choice for our feline friends.

By understanding these preferences, we can not only better cater to our pets' needs but also gain a deeper appreciation for the unique tastes of our beloved cats. So the next time you're whipping up a batch of cookies or baking a loaf of bread, consider the potential audience — your cat might appreciate the real deal over the synthetic alternative.