canned food question

destination09

We recently had to switch kitty to all wet food, but his appetite still isn't great.  How long can you leave wet food out before it goes bad?  The last thing I want is stomach issues on top of everything else he is going through! 

LuckyAngel07

My guess would be "not too long."

I got my kitties on set feeding times before I introduced wet food into their diets, but they eat everything they're given when I put it down for them now that they've gotten used to the feeding schedule.

Your kitty might take some time to get used to it, but I'd put his food down, give him 30 minutes up to an hour at the most to eat it, then pick up and put away whatever is left (I'm pretty sure you can re-refrigerate leftover wet food). Then repeat at the next meal time. He'll eventually learn that if he doesn't eat it all, he has to wait until the next time to eat anything.

breaness

I just read this on a website this morning. I forget which one, but I'm sure you could find it if you wanted. It said it could be left out for 12 hours no problem, but if you are a little concerned, freeze half of it and put it out with the rest and that way when it thaws over the course of several hours kitty will have more to eat. 

This was moreso for leaving the cat alone for a day and having food available to them on a canned food only diet, but I think it's fine.

My mom leaves it out for about 2 hours for her cats, adding in water every once in a while to freshen it up. 

destination09

Thanks ladies.  You both gave good advice. 

msmerymac

I leave some out all day while I'm at work, although once I get home Sam wants "fresh" even though he hasn't eaten all of it. It does tend to get a little dry throughout the day, but if you use a chunky food vs. a pate, that tends to be more moist. Also, if you leave out a full can in a smallish dish, the food on the bottom will stay moist as he eats off the top.