 Domestic cats select food based on its temperature , smell and texture ; they dislike chilled foods and respond most strongly to moist foods rich in amino acids , which are similar to meat . Cats may reject novel flavors ( a response termed neophobia ) and learn quickly to avoid foods that have tasted unpleasant in the past . They may also avoid sugary foods and milk . Most adult cats are lactose intolerant ; the sugars in milk are not easily digested and may cause soft stools or diarrhea . They can also develop odd eating habits . Some cats like to eat or chew on other things , most commonly wool , but also plastic , cables , paper , string , aluminum foil , or even coal . This condition , pica , can threaten their health , depending on the amount and toxicity of the items eaten . 
