Even if your cat prefers to eat their food in a few sittings, don't be tempted to leave wet food out all day, as this increases the risk of disease-causing bacteria developing. After a maximum of four hours, throw out the old food and wash the bowl properly with soap and water before refilling with fresh food.
Can old cat food make a cat sick?
Bacteria and Mold: Expired or improperly stored food can promote mold and bacteria growth. These unwanted additions to your cat's food can make them very ill and disturb their sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
Can wet food make cats sick?
Sometimes cats eat indigestible stuff (such as grass), which can cause vomiting. Spoiled food is another culprit, as is wet food that's too cold. (If you serve your cat refrigerated wet food, try letting it come to room temperature first.)
How long can wet cat food sit out before it goes bad?
How long can you safely keep wet/canned cat food out for? Leading pet food manufacturer Purina suggests removing uneaten wet food after one hour, while Hill's says it's safe to leave the food out for up to four hours at room temperature. Anywhere in between in a cool room is probably safe.
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