A 14-year-old ginger cat named Kendra has become an internet sensation for her lavish mealtime setup in Sydney. Her owner, Lauren, shared a video on TikTok that quickly went viral, showing Kendra contemplating no less than five separate plates of food, each carefully prepared to satisfy her finicky taste buds.
Lauren, who chose not to reveal her last name, was surprised to come home and find Kendra’s meals spread out across the floor. In the video, Lauren humorously captioned the scene: “Coming home to find my mum has given our 8kg cat not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5 bowls of food to choose from,” adding the remark, “In this economy?”
Speaking to Newsweek, Lauren explained: “My mom did this because my cat is spoiled and she’s a picky eater. I thought it was funny and a bit shocking, so I shared it on TikTok.”
Cat behavior expert Molly Kelsey, also known as “The Cat Counsellor,” commented on Kendra’s selective eating habits, noting that it’s not an uncommon behavior. “A cat may refuse to eat a specific food that they have routinely been eating for a myriad of reasons,” Kelsey said. “The food may be spoiled, which can happen if stored incorrectly, or environmental changes may disrupt a cat’s eating habits.”
Kelsey also pointed out that a cat’s picky eating could result from a variety of factors, such as the introduction of a new pet or person, changes in food formulation, or even medication side effects. “Cats form a flavor and texture profile as kittens, and they’re not inclined to deviate from this without good reason,” Kelsey added.
In the TikTok comments, viewers were quick to express their admiration for Kendra’s extravagant dining spread. One user playfully referred to it as “cat tapas,” while another joked: “My cat saw this TikTok and now he’s mad he only gets one food at a time.” A third commented, “Don’t let my cat see this!”
The video also showcased just how picky cats can be when it comes to their food—a trait that has deep evolutionary roots. Cats, descended from wild ancestors, are natural hunters who prefer fresh, warm meals, mimicking the temperature of live prey. Their sensitive palates—equipped with only about 470 taste buds, far fewer than humans’ 9,000—mean they often reject food that doesn’t meet their strict criteria for flavor and texture.
Kelsey also offered tips for cat owners to avoid mealtime struggles. “Make sure your cat has a quiet, private, and safe place to eat. The kitchen floor might not always be ideal,” she advised. Proper food storage is also key, as improper storage can lead to spoilage and changes in taste.
For any significant changes in eating behavior, Kelsey emphasized the importance of consulting a veterinarian, stressing that a lack of appetite in cats should always be taken seriously. “Cats need food to survive, so any decline in appetite is a valid cause for concern.”
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