How Long Can Canned Cat Food Sit Out Safely?
Being a pet owner can be pretty exhausting and overwhelming at times. Think about how hectic it is when you first bring him home, scared with its tail between its leg, to learning what to feed him, his food allergies, and how best to make him comfortable. Then there is behavior training, which can take a toll on your patience and tolerance. Oh my! Don’t even mention those costly vet visits that drain your finances and leave your pockets empty. Wearing the shoes of a pet parent can outrightly be compared to having a baby, no matter how many you have, all come with different needs and each time you need to learn what works for each of them.
However, our talk about pets cannot be complete without mentioning the joy and love they bring in our lives. Your cat running and climbing on your lap after a long day can make your day. The way they wag their tails or lick their paws when they are comfortable and happy is the joy of every pet parent. They are the right company when you want to come home from a busy day and cuddle. They are basically our best friends and we are never worried about wavering allegiance.
Time is a scarce resource we can agree. Most days, we just want to retire to bed or have tasks we have carried over from work that we want to settle down and do. Therefore, we always do not have enough time to care for them, warm their food, or put them to sleep. We all have a something to say when we talk about forgetting to return leftover food to the refrigerator after our feline friends have had their full and cracking your head next morning wondering whether it is fit for consumption. So, this bids the question, how long can you leave wet cat food out?
First, what influences how long wet cat food can sit out?
Most vets advise that cats should be put on a wet diet to mimic their food while they lived out in the wild, hunting and gathering in the fields. However, little or no advice is given about the lifespan of these wet foods. Most pet parents will, therefore, go for dry food because of their long life span considering cats eat very little food all day. Can you guess what influences the rate at which wet cat food spoils?
Temperature
The temperature of the room your cat stays in or your home can greatly influence the duration it takes for your cat’s food to spoil. During hot weather like summer, food will tend to go bad really fast. If you live in high-altitude areas with temperatures of about 30 degrees or above, then you better set the alarm to remind you to refrigerate the remaining cat food. Wet cat foods in such areas will spoil in a mere twenty minutes. Before you think you are safe because it’s winter or you live in low-temperature regions like the north pole, remember your ac is always on, and temperatures in your house never fall below 20 degrees. In such a case, the food has thirty minutes; then it will go bad. However, if the temperatures in your room are generally low, you have an hour before the food spoils and you will have to toss it out in the gutters. The lower the temperatures of your place the safer you are from spoilage, no wonder each can specifies that you store in a cool place.
Exposure to Air
Well, I wouldn’t eat food that has been left in the open without cover either! The air is filled with millions of bacteria and harmful microorganisms that are likely to cause illness and stomach infections. Under normal room temperature, bacteria breed very fast as they find the temperature ideal. In such a case, it’s inevitable to avoid spoilage. It also exposes your cat to adverse effects that can be fatal to his well-being. Food containers should always be kept as airtight as possible. Otherwise, you should dispose of the food as soon as possible.
Humidity
Moisture is a no-no when it comes to wet food. Humidity is all over the air. When your cat’s food is exposed to moisture, it can grow mold that will make your cat sick instantly. You sure do not want your sweet furry friend puking all over your house. Therefore, to keep moisture at bay, cover your cat’s food in airtight food storage bags.
So how do you handle wet cat food once you have brought it home to ensure it stays fresh and edible as long as possible?
No matter how rich you may be, I believe wastage is not what you will try and teach your cat. If at all cat’s gossip, can you imagine your feline baby telling the neighbor’s cat how its owner is always throwing food away? It will be quite a bad cv you will have among cats don’t you think? Therefore, how you handle wet cat food will make a big difference in how long it maintains a good state.
Purchase small quantities
As a pet parent, you know the amount of food each of your cat eats. For instance, kittens can only eat two teaspoons because they have tiny stomachs and their digestive systems can barely handle digestion. Instead of buying big cans they won’t finish and you are likely to forget to refrigerate, why not purchase single servings cans?
Refrigerate
After opening a can of wet food for your cat, refrigerate the leftovers as soon as you have served him. It is easy to forget, especially when your mind is clouded by the endless things you need to get done at the end of the day. However, it is a favor you need to do for your friend or you will spend more time visiting the vet. Also, bear in mind that cats do not like cold food. After refrigeration, ensure you warm it up or your feline won’t eat.
You can also use disposable Ziploc bags that are convenient, affordable and airtight. When using a Ziploc bag, its easier to rewarm the food because you can simply lay it under running tap water at room temperature and it will do the trick.
Read the instructions on the label
Each can, no matter the manufacturer comes with a set of instructions on the way to feed your cat and store the food. Therefore, be keen to look out for all nitty gritty. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight because of temperatures that come with sunlight. You should also mark the date of expiration, which is indicated as “best before” to avoid feeding your best friend with expired food.
Easy-peasy right? A happy cat starts from a healthy stomach. Keep your pet happy!
