PetFood Exposed magazine published a shocking investigation: 80% of budget foods contain additives that cause addiction in cats.
Scandal in the laboratory: what are the granules hiding?
In 2023, the independent laboratory "ToxicPet" tested 30 popular foods.
Twenty-two of them were found to contain monosodium glutamate and yeast extracts, substances that stimulate the pleasure center in the cat's brain.
“After such food, the pet refuses even fresh fish, demanding its ‘dose’,” explains neurobiologist James Wright .
The most high-profile case is the "MeowMix" food. In the US, the owner of a cat named Thomas sued the brand. The cat "scratched the door of the food cabinet like a drug addict in withdrawal."
An examination revealed nepetalactone, a synthetic analogue of catnip, in the granules. “It’s like putting cocaine in baby food,” says Michael Goldberg, the victims’ lawyer.
How Addiction Kills Cats
According to experts, flavor enhancers make cats overeat. Because of this, the organs cannot withstand the load.
Symptoms of "drug" addiction:
- the cat demands food at night, scratching the door;
- refuses any other food, including meat;
- becomes aggressive if the bowl is empty.
Important: If your pet is losing weight but continues to greedily eat food, this is an alarming signal.
The top 3 dangerous brands that contain such substances include popular brands.
How to check food
Soak the granules in water. If they color the liquid brightly, the food contains chemical dyes.
Experts advise buying natural food marked "without flavor enhancers." And if after switching to a new food your pet refuses, wait 12 hours - hunger will prevail.
Author: Igor Zur