Why Cats Are Obsessed With This Wet Formula – Scientists Can’t Explain It

Mon, 04 May 2026 07:38:45 +0000

Why Cats Are Obsessed With Wet Formula: Scientists Can’t Explain the Mystery Ever watched your feline friend pounce, twitch, and nibble furiously at a pixelated fish aboard their wet food tray—and wondered, Why is this wet formula so irresistible? Scientists have long puzzled over one of nature’s most enduring mysteries: why cats are obsessed with wet cat food, especially in its modern, high-moisture form. While protein and taste play key roles, recent research suggests there’s a fascinating biological and evolutionary reason behind their intense fixation—reasons even feline behaviorists and food scientists struggle to fully explain. ### The Wet Formula Attraction: More Than Just Taste Cats evolved as obligate carnivores, perfected over millions of years to detect and crave meat-based nutrients. Wet food—rich in animal proteins, fats, and natural juices—closely mimics their ancestral diet. But why do cats prefer wet over dry? One compelling explanation lies in hydration. Though cats have a low thirst drive, wet food provides critical moisture, keeping them properly hydrated. Yet hydration alone doesn’t explain their near-mad focus when confronted with sizzling sachets or glowing trays.