Quote:
Originally Posted by Mamav  3 lb Charlotte is a little spitfire & SNEAKS downstairs to eat cat food  every chance she gets because it is smaller & easier to chew than her Taste of the Wild food. She LOVES it  & it doesn't make her sick. I'm at my wit's end keeping her out of it; she wants it more than her own food!! I've tried ALL the practical solutions for keeping her out of it, but my poor cat ends up either being shut up downstairs so she can eat, shut OUT of downstairs, or her food being put up out of reach altogether. Just HOW BAD is it for Charlotte to be eating a little almost every day it seems???!!! |
Hi and welcome Mamav,
She may be a sneaky spitfire, but I bet Charlotte is adorable.
In an article, "
Dogs that eat cat food -- is this really a problem?" published on
Pets4Home, discusses important nutritional difference between the foods. The author suggests that dogs love cat food for one or more of several reasons including
1. Once told it is "forbidden," they'll see the cat food as a "high value reward." Suspect we all know what that means ....
2. Cat food has more delicious protein, thus has a taste your pup will enjoy
3. The feline food may intentionally be more aromatic, thus more enticing to your pup.
Author goes on to say there are adverse consequences for our little ones if they eat cat food on a regular basis, including
developing a sensitive stomach
liver and kidney problems
obesity and pancreatitis
An article on Petful, "
How to keep cat food away from a dog" has one tip I've seen used in my sister-in-laws home--keep the cat food up high. Sounds as though you are already doing this ("out of reach").
I'd probably just keep the cats food out of reach but there are some engineered or technology driven products if you like that approach.
The Petful article mentions what seems an $$$ feeding solution called "
MeowSpace." Basically, its a big clear plastic box with a cat door at one end. I'm not sure that product is available commercially, but you may be able to DIY.
Here's another engineered product--"
Felines Only." It's basically an enclosed cat dish with a small head/neck opening. Unsure if this would keep your yorkie out, but it might be worth a try.
There are several of technology products that open to the cat if it is wearing a compatible collar/RFID chip.
"SureFlap"--works with something called the "SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder." The compatible feeders come in different styles.
"Smart Link" is called a "Selective Feeder" (includes bluetooth and an app) works with a "Smart Link Tag"
"Wonder Bowl" and the compatible tag with the same name.