So can you microwave cat food or not? Yes, though not for a very long time. This headache-inducing question stems from the very concept of cat foods; after all, how can you raise a cat healthily without catering to their daily diets and meals?
As a result, storage methods and tips also come up naturally, one of which – you guessed it – is microwaving. Though the strategy is normal for human foods, it doesn’t seem so for kitten meals!
So are there other tips for food maintenance that ensure its quality is not affected? Continue reading!
Can You Microwave Cat Food?
We cannot deny that numerous experts advocate microwave cat foods. Nevertheless, there are still reasons you need to exercise more caution!
For one, some studies have discovered that microwaving may alter the protein and taurine produced during the cat food’s making process, which makes their digestion much more difficult. As a result, your cat’s access to nutrients will be significantly reduced!
This detrimental phenomenon is referred to as “the microwave effects,” known for killing substances and nutritional content in meals. Why waste so much money on fresh foods if we just use microwaves to destroy them in the end? Better go back to commercial small kibble!
Worse, as per professionals from Prime Pet Foods, microwaves may radically change the fat modules, rendering them dangerous. In the long run, your cat’s health will deteriorate startlingly due to the destruction and damage in pancreatitis. Who wants that to happen to their pet?
Lastly, do not forget the plastic containers of these foods, whose danger will rise ten fold if contacting microwaves. Researchers from John Hopkins claim:
“Phthalates are considered environmental contaminants, which exhibit hormone-like behaviors by becoming endocrine disruptors within both animals and humans.
Hence, once the plastics are heated, you will accidentally boost the amount of leaching container phthalates in foods and water. Some animals even died from that.”So the main takeaway is that, while microwaves are still acceptable in some cases, the best bet is only to heat the food in a relatively short time (one minute – or sometimes even thirty seconds). That’s to ensure the food can heat enough without giving sufficient time for harmful substances and chemicals to leak.
Related Post: Do I Need To Warm Up Cat Food?
What Are Tips to Microwave Cat Foods Safely?
If you still decide to microwave the cat foods, try to do so with caution. Here are some tips to ensure safe outcomes:
- Place only a small amount on a dish (microwave-safe, obviously) and use another plate to cover it. This method is to sidestep spitting.
- Reduce the microwave’s power to low and only use it for 4-5 seconds. Then remove the meal and set it somewhere to cool down. After that, microwave it a little more (another 4-5 seconds). Repeat if necessary.
Why do we have to go through so much trouble? The aim here is to prevent overheating. We only want to eliminate the cold, making it reach room temperature.
Any periods longer than what we recommend are not encouraged. Otherwise, the meal will get hot too quickly, running into the risks we already discussed above.
- Always double-check the food’s temp before serving. Its’ because a typical microwave heats things in uneven pockets; hence, stirring the foods first is a great idea to distribute the heat, eliminating scorching areas.
- Let the meal stand for two minutes before the cat eats it – just in case excessive heat is still there. Normal felines often back away immediately from heat sources, but who knows; the food smell may distract them until things are too late!
Other Ways to Warm Up Cat Foods Without Using Microwaves
Cautious of microwaving risks? Here is the good news: there are several alternatives you could adopt. Check out what they are!
Portable Food Warmers
Do you need to warm these foods immediately or during trips with your cats? Consider buying a crockpot and portable warmer – an ideal option to replace microwaves. They can reheat frozen or fresh meals evenly without bad odors or burning.
Reheating styles also vary – depending on your preferences and conditions. Some require car chargers or outlets, which, fortunately, are easily accessible.
Most models offer heating elements within heat-safe containers. Many products even arrive with protective layers for additional convenience.
Some famous brands/types highly recommended by customers are:
- Crockpot: It comes with a food container that’s both removable and dishwasher-safe – along with inner lids that can hold 20 ounces.
- Aotto Portable Oven: This oven is ideal for frozen foods, prepared meals, and leftovers. The design resembles a lunch box with carrying handles, convenient for hotels, travels, and offices. Your cat will never be left uncared for!
Travelisimo Electric Box: The product includes two plug types for dual usage. The 100V one is for heating leftovers, while the 24V/12V adapter boasts microwave functions to reheat foods on truck and car rides.
Steam
The method works wonders for vegetables, paster, quinoa, and rice – foods that both humans and cats can enjoy! It’s undoubtedly among the best practices for food reheating without microwaves since steam can conserve flavor, texture, and fiber much better.
All critical nutrients like vitamins C & B – often easily destroyed by microwaving – are also well preserved. Furthermore, steam adds more moisture – contrary to microwaves, which dry out the foods instead.
Quick steps to use steam:
Step 1. Add water (one cup) to a big pot. Then place the meal in a basket or colander of fine mesh. Ensure the colander/basket fits well into your pot (the lid counted).
Step 2. Boil the water on medium-low heat. Its steam will warm up the food. You might add a trivet at the pot’s bottom, then place a steel basket upon it.
The process should take about 1 minute or more – depending on the food’s volume. Vegetables heat much faster than other food types, so check them often to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Related Post: Can You Vacuum Seal Dry Cat Food?
1. Do Cats Love Warm Foods?
Though the answer might change depending on the pet’s preferences, it’s safe to say that MOST cats love to eat heated meals at around room temp – which is also close to their body temperature.
2. Are Cold Foods Alright For Them?
There are exceptions, but our answer is still NO. Like small human children, cats can also get stomach upset once eating something too cold. And it will take quite a lot of time for them to recover.
Conclusion
Can you microwave cat food, and if yes, how can you do so safely? For people with no household microwaves, are there alternative methods?
Our inclusive guidelines have addressed the above issues, lending excellent heating tips that can guarantee the cat’s utmost eating experience. An extra FAQ section is also covered to discuss the common dilemmas of cold food, warm food, and possible diseases.
Always keep an eye on your precious kitten and look out for unusual signals during their meals. This tip is especially important for cats with medical histories or notorious food allergies. Write to us if troubles persist.
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