Evaluation of Feeding Behaviour and Palatability of Domestic Cat (<i>Felis catus</i>) on Locally Formulated Chicken-Based Wet Pet Food Containing Different Flavor

Abstract The dominance of imported products in Indonesia’s pet food industry necessitates the development of local alternatives. This study evaluated feeding behavior and palatability in domestic cats (Felis catus) using a locally formulated chicken-based wet pet food. A randomized group design was used with three treatments: control food, chicken-flavored food, and fish-flavored food. Pet food was given twice daily for sixty days based on daily intake requirements. The fish-flavored food had the highest palatability score (4.88), followed by chicken-flavored (4.71) and control (4.33). Total dry matter consumption was highest for the fish-flavored food (85.35 g), followed by chicken-flavored (70.77 g), and control (38.87 g). Protein consumption mirrored these results. Arachidonic acid content was highest in the control food (0.030%), followed by fish-flavored (0.028%), and chicken-flavored (0.020%). Cats fed chicken and fish-flavored diets gained more weight, while those on the control diet lost weight. Cats showed quicker responses and higher consumption rates for the flavored foods and no digestive issues such as diarrhea were observed during the study period, suggesting that these foods do not cause distress to the cats’ digestive tract. The chicken-based local wet pet food formulation is well-accepted by domestic cats and shows potential as local alternative in Indonesia.