Uncovering the Curious Cravings of cats: Why cats love to eat moths

 

Are cats finicky eaters, or do they have a penchant for moths? It’s time to uncover the curious cravings of cats and find out why cats love to eat moths. In this article, we’ll explore cats’ hunting behaviour, the nutritional value that moths provide cats, and the potential risks associated with cats tucking into these winged creatures. Weigh why cats may be drawn to moths and explore ways to prevent them from eating them. So if you’re wondering why your cat is drawn to those pesky little bugs flying around your home, read on!

 

Cats and Moths: A Delicious Combination 

 

Cats are known for their unique diet, but few people know about the lesser-known delicacy of moths. They have been observed to actively hunt and consume various moths with gusto.

 

The Appeal of Moths to Cats 

 

Moths are one of the most attractive snacks for cats due to their abundance in nature and because they offer a great source of protein. They may also provide some additional nutrition that cats cannot find elsewhere in their diets, which is why cats tend to seek out these little critters when hungry. Additionally, some cats may find catching and eating these insects enjoyable. 

 

Types of Moth Species that Cats Enjoy Eating 

 

Many moth species appeal to felines, but some are particularly popular among them. These include: 

The Tiger Moth

This species is light brown, has yellow stripes on its wings and can typically be found in gardens worldwide. It is beautiful for cats as it offers an abundance of protein to snack on. 

The Black Arches Moth

This species has distinctive black markings on its wings and can be found in European gardens. Its unique pattern makes it especially appealing to curious cats who want something different from their regular meal choices.  

The Garden Tiger Moth

This striking species sports bright orange wings marked by black spots and stripes. It is commonly found in European gardens and provides plenty of protein for a hungry feline companion.  

The Elephant Hawk Moth

This large moth can be identified by its striking pinkish-orange wings marked with dark spots and stripes along the edges, making it easily recognizable even from a distance. It’s widely distributed across Europe, so there’s plenty available for eager kitties who want a change from their regular meals!  

 

Benefits Of Eating Moths 

It should come as no surprise that consuming moths offer several nutritional benefits to felines when compared with other sources of food like dry kibble or canned food options: 

 

High Protein Content

As mentioned, moths are packed with essential proteins for growth and development in kittens and older cats! The high levels of protein (in terms of both quality & quantity) obtained from eating moths are hard to beat when it comes to providing your cat with essential nutrients necessary for good health & well-being long-term! 

 

Rich Source Of Vitamins & Minerals

Not only do moths provide an excellent source of protein, but they also contain essential vitamins & minerals such as zinc, magnesium, selenium & more which are beneficial for cell repair & normal functioning within your cat’s body! All these compounds work together synergistically, making them an even greater power source than just one nutrient alone!  

 

Helps To Keep Teeth Clean

As your cat chews away at her moth feast, tiny particles get stuck between her teeth which help clean away plaque & tartar build-up resulting in healthier teeth overall! Also, chewing helps keep jaw muscles strong, giving her better control over those pesky rodents she might like chasing after outdoors at night! 

 

Safety Considerations When Feeding Your Cat Moths 

Despite all the nutritional benefits associated with feeding your cat moths, there are still certain safety considerations that you should bear in mind: 

 

Check For Parasites

Before feeding any insect (or mammal), check closely for parasites, as they could spread disease if ingested by your pet! Be extra vigilant when sourcing wild-caught insects, as they may have come into contact with contaminated water sources or other infected animals previously. Meaning higher risk levels are involved here, so always take precautions where possible!  

 

Watch Out For Pesticides

If you’re planning on sourcing wild-caught insects, try not to let them roam around the garden where pesticides or other toxic chemicals are present. This could result in serious health issues if ingested by your pet (including organ failure or death!). Check fences/perimeters/hedges regularly throughout the year, too, as this will help reduce chances significantly from occurring here too…  

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, cats love eating moths due to their tasty flavour profile and high nutritional content levels across multiple vitamins & minerals essential for healthy growth and long-term general wellbeing too! However, caution should always be taken when sourcing wild-caught insects as potential contamination significantly increases risk levels. So ensuring safety measures outlined above remain a top priority always moving forward…

 

If cats eating moths is a frequent occurrence in your house, be sure to get your feline friend insured with furrr.co.uk for peace of mind! With their comprehensive pet insurance policies and reliable customer service. You can rest assured that your cats are covered even if they do end up tucking into too many moths!