Anyone sharing a home with a cat knows the hierarchy. They thrive on routine, they decide precisely when affection is required, and they are often notoriously difficult to please at dinner time. Managing the menu for a household with a three-year-old cat and a four-month-old kitten is a constant exercise in trial and error. Frequently, these culinary experiments end with the kitten devouring both portions while the older cat turns its nose up at the smell.
While adjusting a pet’s diet requires patience—often necessitating careful portioning to introduce new brands—finding food containing quality ingredients and varied flavors is worth the effort. In a market dominated by canine products, Smalls stands out as a subscription service specifically focused on feline nutrition. We put their human-grade wet and dry food to the test to see if it could satisfy picky eaters and offer a healthy alternative to standard pâté.
Fresh Ingredients and Subscription Logistics
Smalls operates on a “chop, steam, freeze, ship” model, offering high-protein meals designed to improve energy levels and coat health. Their product line is divided into wet food and freeze-dried options. The wet varieties include “Smooth Bird” (chicken), “Other Bird” (turkey), “Ground Cow” (beef), and “Smooth Fish,” all incorporating vegetables. The freeze-dried selection, which serves as a crunchy alternative, features chicken, turkey, and duck options rich in natural micronutrients and antioxidants.
From a user experience perspective, the ordering process is streamlined. A website quiz gathers data on the cat’s age, weight, build, and neuter status to customize a plan. Our test resulted in a sampler pack accompanied by “Catnip n’ Chill” treats. However, the service is not without its drawbacks. While the food is fresh—lasting a week in the fridge or a year in the freezer—the packaging can be messy, and the instructions provided were somewhat lacking in clarity.
Understanding High-Maintenance Personalities
Proper nutrition is only half the battle when caring for cats; understanding their distinct temperaments is equally vital. Just as some cats are particular about texture and flavor, others have strict requirements for their social environment. A prime example of this complex feline character is Galadriel, a 20-month-old European Shorthair currently awaiting adoption through the Wermelskirchen Animal Protection Association.
True to her namesake, the royal elf from The Lord of the Rings, Galadriel is a black-and-white beauty who can appear somewhat aloof. She is an intelligent, spirited cat who enjoys human attention, but strictly on her own terms. Susanne Schmahl, a representative from the shelter, notes that prospective owners should be prepared for a pet with a mind of her own.
Finding the Right Environment
Galadriel’s play style is described as enthusiastic but slightly heavy-handed; in her excitement, she sometimes forgets to retract her claws. Because of this rougher play style and her dominant nature, she is not suitable for households with children or other cats. She demands to be the sole queen of her castle.
Furthermore, happiness for Galadriel means having access to the outdoors. The shelter emphasizes that she requires a home in a quiet, low-traffic neighborhood where she can roam safely. For those experienced with independent cats and willing to provide a calm, solo environment, Galadriel could be a rewarding companion. Interested parties can visit her at the Wermelskirchen shelter at Aschenberg 1, where visitation is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Whether you are upgrading your current cat’s diet or looking to adopt a cat with a strong personality, understanding the specific needs of these animals is the key to a harmonious home.