Jessica
At WeLovePetz, we are dedicated to providing you with the best pet care tips.
The Problem
I was tired of throwing money into the trash can. Specifically, I was tired of the “lick and leave” routine. You know the one: I’d buy expensive “stew” or “shredded” cat food, and my cat would happily lick up all the gravy, leaving a pile of dried-out, expensive meat chunks in the bowl. Every morning, I was scraping half-eaten food into the bin. I felt like I was paying for a full meal and my cat was only drinking the soup.
The Discovery
I decided to stop fighting the texture war and go back to basics. I needed something consistent where the meat and moisture couldn’t be separated by a clever tongue. I picked up this 30-can variety pack of Fancy Feast Classic Pate (Poultry & Beef Collection) because it’s known as the “McDonald’s of cat food”—maybe not the highest-end organic cuisine, but famously palatable and reliable. I wanted to see if the smooth pate texture would force him to actually eat the meal.
️ How It Solved It
The moment of relief came on the very first morning. I opened a can of the Tender Beef Feast. It slid out as a solid, moist loaf. I mashed it down with a fork—it took about three seconds to turn into a soft paste.
I put the bowl down and waited. My cat sniffed it, realized there was no gravy pool to lap up, and started eating the actual food. Because the moisture is integrated into the meat, he couldn’t pick and choose. He ate the whole thing. For the first time in months, I picked up a clean bowl. No crusty leftovers, no wasted money. This 30-pack meant I had a month of guaranteed “clean plate club” mornings ahead of me.
⚠️ It’s Not Perfect
I have to be honest about the smell. While the “Classic Pate” recipes are grain-free, they are definitely old-school cat food. When you pop that ring pull, you get a strong whiff of organ meat. It’s not the subtle aroma you get from some of the newer, human-grade brands. Also, the 3 oz cans are small. If you have a large Maine Coon or a very active cat, one can isn’t enough, which means you’re burning through two cans a meal and filling your recycling bin rapidly.
⚖️ Pros/Cons Table
| Life Improvements | Annoyances |
|---|---|
| Zero Waste: The smooth texture prevents cats from just licking the gravy and leaving the meat. | Recycling Volume: Using 30 small metal cans generates a lot of trash compared to larger tins. |
| Pill Hiding: The soft pate is excellent for crushing pills into; cats rarely notice the difference. | The Smell: It has a very distinct, strong “canned meat” odor that lingers in the kitchen. |
| Consistency: Every can is exactly the same texture, so no surprises for picky eaters. | Can Design: The small cans can be hard to scrape clean; food gets stuck under the rim. |
| Variety: 3 flavors (Chicken, Turkey, Beef) keeps them from getting bored of one taste. | Ingredients: Contains meat by-products, which some owners prefer to avoid. |
Why It Beats the Old Way
With “shreds in gravy” style foods, I was throwing away about 40% of the can by weight because my cat would leave the solids. With dry kibble, I worried about his hydration levels because he doesn’t drink enough water.
The Fancy Feast Classic Pate beats the gravy shreds by ensuring he consumes the calories I paid for. It beats the dry food by sneaking in moisture (78% max moisture) without him realizing he’s hydrating. It’s the pragmatic middle ground that works for my household.
Recommendation
If you suffer from the frustration of buying premium food only to throw it away because your cat is a “gravy licker,” get this. The Fancy Feast Classic Pate 30-Pack is the most reliable way to ensure a picky eater finishes their dinner. It’s not fancy, despite the name, but it works.
