“What do cats like to eat most?” This question seems everyday and easy to answer casually, such as the deeply rooted belief that “cats love to eat fish,” or the daily feeding of cat food, canned food, and freeze-dried snacks. But if we delve deeper, what is involved is actually the evolutionary imprint of cats as ancient predators over tens of millions of years, their unique physiological needs, and the complex changes in their diet habits after domestication by humans. To truly understand a cat's “favorite,” we need to peel away the surface and start from a more fundamental logic.

1. The Unshakable Foundation: The Nature of Obligate Carnivores

First, we must clarify a core fact: cats are obligate carnivores. This is not a casual statement but a hard setting encoded in their genes. This means a cat's body is designed to rely on animal tissues to obtain essential nutrients for survival.

Unlike humans who are omnivores, or dogs who are carnivorous-leaning omnivores, cats cannot effectively synthesize certain key nutrients from plants. The most typical example is taurine, an amino acid crucial to a cat's heart, retina, and reproductive system. Taurine is almost absent in plants, and cats have very limited ability to synthesize it themselves, so they must ingest enough from meat (especially organs like heart and liver). Taurine deficiency leads to serious problems such as dilated cardiomyopathy, retinal degeneration, and even blindness.

Moreover, cats require high levels of animal protein to maintain healthy muscles, skin, coat, and various physiological functions; they also have a high demand for animal fat, which is not only a source of energy but also an important carrier of fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamin A)—note that cats cannot efficiently convert plant-derived beta-carotene into vitamin A like humans, so they must obtain it directly from animal liver and other sources.

Therefore, the first and most important answer to “What do cats like to eat most” must be: meat rich in high-quality animal protein and fat. This is not merely “preference” but a physiological “necessity.” Chicken, duck, beef, lamb, rabbit, and even some insect proteins are all core components of their natural diet. This preference for meat stems from their instinct as efficient hunters driving them to seek prey that meets their unique nutritional needs.

2. Popular Misconceptions and Truth: The "Romance" Between Cats and Fish

When talking about what cats like to eat, most people’s first reaction is "fish." Various literary works, cartoons, and even daily observations seem to reinforce this impression. But this is actually a mixture of history, culture, and some biological factors.

1. History and Convenience: In human history, especially in coastal or river and lake areas, fish was a relatively easy-to-get and inexpensive source of protein. The scraps and offcuts generated when people prepared fish naturally became cat food. Over time, scenes of cats eating fish became common, creating a cultural impression. This is more like a “learned preference” shaped by human behavior rather than the cat's natural first choice. Consider wildcat ancestors—African wildcats mainly lived in arid and semi-arid regions, preying on small rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects; fish were not common on their menu.
2. Smell and Palatability: Fish meat, especially when slightly spoiled or cooked, emits a strong odor. Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, much greater than humans, so this strong aroma strongly attracts them. Meanwhile, the texture of fish meat is generally tender, matching cats’ taste preferences.
3. Nutritional Risks: It is important to be cautious because a long-term diet based mainly on fish is unhealthy for cats.
   • Some raw fish contain thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), causing severe neurological diseases in cats.
   • Carnivorous fish (such as tuna) can accumulate heavy metals (like mercury), and long-term consumption in large amounts may lead to poisoning.
   • Overreliance on fish can cause nutritional imbalances; for example, some fish have excessive fat content or lack other essential nutrients cats require.

So, cats can like eating fish; the smell and texture of fish attract them, and appropriately prepared fish (such as steamed and deboned) can be part of their diet or occasional snacks. But to regard “fish” as the food cats like most or are best suited to eat is a misunderstanding of their nature and nutritional needs.

3. Modern Feeding Options: Commercial Cat Food and Cat Treats

In modern household feeding environments, commercial cat food (dry kibble and wet/canned food) has become mainstream. Excellent commercial cat food is carefully formulated according to cats’ nutritional needs and theoretically can provide comprehensive and balanced nutrition.

1. Dry Kibble: Advantages include convenient storage, affordability, and help with dental cleaning (though effectiveness is limited and controversial). Cats may like the crunchy texture of dry food. When choosing, pay attention to whether the main ingredients are high-quality animal proteins rather than grains or plant protein fillers.
2. Wet Food/Canned Food: These have high moisture content (usually 70%-80%), which greatly helps supplement cats’ daily water intake. This is especially important for cats that don’t like to drink water and can effectively prevent urinary system diseases. Wet food usually contains higher meat content, with aroma and texture closer to natural prey, often resulting in better palatability that many cats clearly prefer.
3. Cat Treats: Freeze-dried (chicken, fish, organs, etc.), meat sticks, dental treats, etc. Their main functions are:
   • Enhancing bonding: As rewards or interactive tools.
   • Training aid: Positive reinforcement.
   • Supplementing specific needs: Such as dental care, hairball prevention functional treats.
   • Increasing appetite: For picky or sick cats, tasty treats may stimulate their desire to eat.

Cats generally love treats because they are often made to be aromatic and have unique textures. Freeze-dried treats retain the original flavor and nutrition of meat and are especially popular among cats. However, remember treats cannot replace the main meal. It is usually recommended that treats not exceed 10% of a cat’s daily total calorie intake to avoid nutritional imbalance and obesity.

4. Beyond the Food Itself: Subtle Factors Affecting Cats’ Choices

Apart from the type and nutrition of the food itself, there are some factors impacting a cat’s “preference”:

1. Smell: As mentioned, smell is the primary sense cats use to judge food. That’s why heated food (especially wet food) is often more favored because heating activates the aroma molecules.
2. Texture: Some cats prefer crispy dry food, others like soft wet meat paste, and some favor chewy meat chunks. The crispy texture of freeze-dried food is also loved by many cats.
3. Temperature: Cats usually prefer food close to their prey’s body temperature (about 38°C). This explains why freshly opened wet food or slightly warmed meals are more attractive than cold food taken directly from the fridge.
4. Freshness: Cats are sensitive to freshness and may refuse food that has been left out too long.
5. Early Experience: The types of food kittens are exposed to and accustomed to often influence their adult taste preferences.
6. Individuality: Like humans, each cat has its own unique taste preferences. Some cats may be indifferent to chicken but deeply fond of a specific fish or beef.

Summary and Recommendations

So, back to the original question: What do cats like to eat most?

• From biological instincts and nutritional needs: What they most “need” and naturally tend to “like” is high-quality animal meats and derived products, which fulfill their physiological requirements as obligate carnivores.
• From common observation and palatability: Meats with strong aroma, good texture, and appropriate temperature (whether freshly cooked meat, high-quality wet food/canned food, or flavorful freeze-dried treats) are often what they favor most. Fish can be a popular option but should not be the sole or main food.
• From an individuality perspective: The ultimate "most" liked food may vary cat by cat and requires owners to observe and try.

Practical Advice for Cat Owners:

1. Provide high-quality main food rich in animal protein: Whether dry or wet food, carefully read ingredient lists and choose products with meat as a primary component. Wet food, with its high moisture content and better palatability, is usually a better choice or should at least be an important part of the daily diet.
2. Safely offer diversity: Besides main meals, appropriately provide some cooked pure meats (like chicken breast, small amounts of lean beef), high-quality commercial canned foods, or freeze-dried treats to satisfy cats’ natural curiosity for “trying fresh” and observe their preferences. Avoid feeding human table food, as many seasonings and ingredients are harmful to cats (like onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, etc.).
3. Pay attention to water intake: Especially for cats mainly fed dry food, ensure they always have fresh clean water available and encourage drinking (e.g., using a flowing water fountain).
4. Treats in moderation: Use treats as rewards and interactive tools, not as main meals.
5. Observe your cat: It is your best source of information to understand their preferences. Note their reaction to different foods, eating speed, and post-meal condition (e.g., energy level, bowel movements).

Understanding a cat’s dietary preferences is not only about satisfying its appetite but also respecting its nature and taking responsibility for its health. It requires us to move beyond simple stereotypes and return to the real needs of this unique creature. Once you truly understand this, you will find that choosing food that your cat both likes and that is healthy becomes a profound expression of communication and care.