Feline Feeding Behavior & Palatability: Insights to Support Appetite
Feline Feeding Behavior & Palatability: Insights to Support Appetite
Speaker:
Sandra Lyn, PhD
Date: 17 July 2025
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
In this insightful lecture, Dr. Sandra Lyn, a psychologist with expertise in animal behavior, looks at the complex interplay between feline feeding behaviors, illness, environmental stressors, and food palatability. Drawing on behavioral research, she reveals how much of a cat’s feeding behavior is learned rather than innate, challenging long-held assumptions.
Dr. Lyn explores the roles of taste and smell in shaping food preferences and addresses the intriguing question of whether cats can associate flavor with nutritional value. A key highlight is her explanation of conditioned taste aversion, including how quickly it can develop, and its implications for feeding sick or stressed cats.
The presentation concludes with practical, science-based strategies to support appetite and improve outcomes for feline patients under stress or illness, making this a must-watch session for veterinary professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of cat behavior.
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