Feeding Pixie and Pepper: The Foods My Two Cats Can’t Resist

If you live with cats, you know they don’t just eat food—they judge it. Every crunch, sniff, and side-eye glance is a verdict. I’m Mahek, and I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, with my two very opinionated cats, Pixie and Pepper. Over time, I’ve learned exactly what makes them come running to the kitchen… and what earns me a dramatic walk-away.

Pixie and Pepper may share the same home, but their personalities—and food preferences—are completely different. Watching them discover what they love (and what they absolutely refuse to touch) has been both entertaining and surprisingly educational.

This is a little peek into the foods my cats genuinely love to eat, the ones that get bowls licked clean, and what I’ve learned along the way as a cat parent.

Wet Food: Their Absolute Favorite

If there’s one thing Pixie and Pepper agree on, it’s wet food. The sound of a can opening is enough to summon them from anywhere in the house.

Pixie prefers pâté-style wet food. She likes smooth textures and tends to lick around chunks rather than chew them. Chicken and turkey-based flavors are her top picks, especially when they’re simple and not overly fishy.

Pepper, on the other hand, loves shredded or minced textures. He enjoys variety and seems especially fond of gravy-heavy recipes. Anything with chicken in broth or a mix of poultry flavors usually disappears fast from his bowl.

Wet food has become a staple in their diet, not just because they love it, but because it helps keep them hydrated—something especially important for indoor cats.

Dry Food: Crunch Time Favorites

While wet food feels like a treat, dry food is their everyday comfort. Pixie enjoys smaller kibble sizes and tends to graze throughout the day. She’s not in a rush—she eats when she feels like it.

Pepper is the opposite. He eats with purpose. The moment fresh kibble goes into the bowl, he’s there, crunching enthusiastically. He prefers chicken-flavored dry food and seems less interested when fish flavors dominate.

I’ve learned that switching dry food too often isn’t their thing. They appreciate consistency, and when they find a brand they love, they expect it to stay.

Cooked Chicken: A Special Treat

Cooked chicken is hands down their favorite homemade treat. Plain, unseasoned, and gently cooked—nothing fancy.

Pixie is polite about it. She waits, sniffs, and takes small bites like she’s savoring every piece.

Pepper? He loses all composure. The moment he smells chicken, he becomes extremely focused, sitting near my feet and staring until it’s served.

I only offer chicken occasionally, but when I do, it’s always a hit. It’s also reassuring to know exactly what’s going into their food when I make it myself.

Fish (In Moderation)

Fish is tricky. Pixie enjoys tuna-flavored cat food but doesn’t care much for plain cooked fish. Pepper, however, is intrigued by fish smells and will investigate eagerly.

That said, fish is something I offer sparingly. Too much can upset their stomachs, and I’ve learned that just because cats love something doesn’t mean it should be an everyday food.

When fish is involved, it’s usually as part of a balanced cat food rather than a standalone treat.

Cat Treats They Actually Get Excited About

Not all treats are created equal. Some get ignored completely, while others turn Pixie and Pepper into professional beggars.

Soft, chewy treats tend to be Pixie’s favorite. She likes treats that don’t require much crunching and often eats them slowly.

Pepper prefers crunchy treats with a strong smell. If a treat makes noise in the bag, he’s already convinced it’s amazing.

Treat time is also when I see their personalities shine the most—Pixie being graceful and reserved, Pepper being bold and impatient.

Foods They Surprisingly Don’t Like

It took a few experiments to learn what not to buy again.

Pixie dislikes overly fishy smells and will walk away from food that’s too strong. Pepper dislikes bland food and seems offended when something lacks flavor or texture.

Neither of them enjoys vegetables on their own, and dairy is a definite no-go. I learned that lesson quickly after trying to share a tiny bit of milk—never again.

What Living With Pixie and Pepper Has Taught Me

Living in Raleigh, where pet-friendly stores and vet advice are easily accessible, has helped me become a more informed cat owner. But most of what I’ve learned came directly from Pixie and Pepper themselves.

Cats are incredibly good at telling you what they like if you pay attention. Their eating habits reflect their personalities, moods, and even their comfort levels.

Pixie taught me patience and consistency. Pepper taught me enthusiasm and curiosity. Together, they’ve made feeding time one of my favorite daily routines.

Final Thoughts

Food is more than just nourishment for cats—it’s bonding, comfort, and routine. Watching Pixie and Pepper enjoy their favorite meals reminds me how small moments matter.

Every clean bowl feels like a win. Every rejected food is just another lesson learned.

If you’re a cat parent too, you’ll understand this perfectly: when your cats love what they eat, life feels a little more peaceful—one purr and one crunch at a time.