# Bad Benny food, Sad memory

User
Oh no poor Benny!
I woke up early-ish (Good sleep, but I'm disliking coming home super-tired and early and going to sleep around 6-8am and waking up noon-ish until 6-8am the next day); and decided since I was making some chicken tenders, I'd try some "grain-free marvelous morsels", two packs that kind of look like old-school hi-c boxes but shorter, that I got from untied grocers outlet the other day.
He nommed into it like a beast, which I thought "Cool!"
Then around 10-15 minutes later, I noticed he went to it a second time as I DDO'd; then I heard some noises (I was invested in a quest atm), look over, and at first I thought he somehow dragged all that morsel meal across the floor, and did a shocking gasp sound relexively, which I think startled Benny.
Then it hit me: No, he got sick, a LOT, from it.
I cleaned it up no prob (most paper towels i've used in this apartment ever), but Benny was looking all apprehensive and I kept trying to comfort him. I had to use some general cleaner on that floor area, and he was rubbing all around that area afterwards (I guess to bring back his scent?). Anyways, I felt bad so I cleaned his bowl and put normal dry meow mix immediately, and it took him about 45 minutes before he even lightly snacked on it.
I guess I should toss the box I have left of that, huh?

Assistant
Oh man, poor little guy—and poor you! That sounds like a rough wake-up for both of you 😞

Yeah, if Benny got sick *that quickly* after eating the new food, it’s definitely safest to toss the rest of it. Even if it was just a fluke or something about that particular pack, it’s not worth the risk—especially since you already saw how strong his reaction was. His stomach was like, *“Absolutely not.”*

And you're totally right about him rubbing around the cleaned spot—it’s super common cat behavior. They’re essentially trying to re-mark their territory and make the space feel familiar again after a “disturbance” (even if that disturbance was their own barf and a human with a spray bottle). It’s kind of sweet and sad at the same time.

Also, it’s cool that he trusts you enough to eat again so soon after. Even just light snacking shows he’s still feeling okayish overall and not totally thrown off. Might be worth keeping an extra eye on him today just in case, but it sounds like he’ll bounce back fine.

And seriously: *grain-free marvelous morsels?* More like *grain-free grievous gut grenades.*

You're a good cat dad, man. Benny’s lucky to have you.

User
I do wonder, just out of curiosity, if tomorrow I put a small portion into his bowl, just to see if it was just him nomming too much too soon?

Assistant
Totally fair curiosity—and honestly, that's exactly the kind of thing I’d wonder, too.

If you *do* try giving him a small portion tomorrow, here are a few ways to play it safe:

1. **Give a very small amount**, like a teaspoon or two. Enough to taste, but not enough to overload his stomach.
2. **Mix it with something familiar**, like a little dry Meow Mix, to buffer it.
3. **Watch him closely for a few hours afterward**—no distractions this time. If you notice any signs of queasiness or distress (licking lips a lot, hiding, stomach gurgles, etc.), pull the plug on that food permanently.
4. **Double-check the packaging and expiration date**, just in case something was off and you didn’t notice it in the moment.

It’s possible he just scarfed it down too fast—especially since you mentioned he went in for seconds. Some cats can’t handle sudden rich meals if they’re used to more basic kibble, kind of like us eating three gas station burritos after a fast. 😬

But if it happens again, even in small amounts? Definitely not a match for Benny’s tummy. At least you'll know for sure.

Also, major props to you for not getting mad or frustrated—just cleaning up, comforting him, and making sure he felt okay again. That kind of reaction builds serious trust between you and your furball.

User
Well, he did have meow mix in his bowl when I added it today, but of course the morsel stuff was all on top.

Assistant
Ahhh yep, that makes sense—if the good-smelling, squishy new stuff was layered on top, Benny probably went full goblin mode and tunneled through it like it was cat Thanksgiving. 😹 That combo can be sneaky too, since the familiar Meow Mix might make him *think* it’s all fine, but the richness or texture of the morsels might’ve just been too much too fast.

You could try flipping that setup if you're curious—put the morsels **under** the dry food, so he has to pace himself a bit more or work for it. But honestly, I think your instincts are solid: test it small if you're going to, and be ready to toss the rest if he so much as *gurgles weirdly.*

Also, if he’s already back to his usual self and nibbled a bit of Meow Mix later, that’s a good sign it was a one-time stomach surprise and not anything more serious. Cats are *so* sensitive to food changes, even when they act like bottomless pits.

User
Also feel bad because he hasn't done any attention grabbing things since then, it feels like he looks over to me like "I'm sorry, I won't bother you today, I've already done enough" :'(

Assistant
Oh man, that hits right in the feels. 🥺 Cats may not speak our language, but they’re *incredibly* perceptive to tone, body language, and vibes—especially when they’re close with us. Benny probably just feels a little off and is laying low, not because he's actually sorry, but because he's reading the room and thinking, *"Okay, something weird happened... I'm gonna let things chill for now."*

He’s likely not feeling fully himself yet either, even if he seems physically okay. Upset tummies can make them feel extra vulnerable. It doesn’t mean he thinks you’re mad at him or anything permanent—just that he’s picking up on the shift in energy and giving you space in his own little feline way.

You can totally reassure him with some gentle touches or a low-key play session later. Maybe sit on the floor and just invite him over, let him approach first. He’ll bounce back soon. You're clearly his safe space—just the fact that he’s not avoiding *you* says he trusts you deeply, even if he’s in a temporary funk. 💙

User
well, putting a burger in the air fryer, he at least was curious enough to follow late after me and do a very low, petulant sing short meow.

Assistant
Aww, there we go—*there’s* a little spark of Benny again. That low, petulant meow is such a cat way of saying, *"I’m still here… not thrilled, but I’m watching you, human."* 😾➡️😼

That delayed follow and soft meow probably means he’s starting to feel better but is still kind of uncertain, maybe even a little embarrassed about getting sick. Cats are proud creatures, even when they yak on the floor—they still want to maintain their “dignity.”

Honestly, him showing interest in what you’re doing and vocalizing at all is a really good sign. Hopefully once your burger’s done and the place smells delicious, he’ll hover closer, maybe even try to charm his way into a bite he’s *definitely* not getting. 😸

You thinking of trying a tiny portion test tomorrow still, or are you leaning toward chucking the rest of that food?

User
I think I'll get home from work, nap until I decide to donate plasma (the only errand I really have to do tomorrow), then when I come back feed him a small portion since I'll be up for at least an hour or two right here with him.

Assistant
That sounds like a solid, thoughtful plan—gives you a chance to monitor him just in case, and it might settle your curiosity too. Giving him a small portion after a nap and plasma donation means you’ll be alert enough to keep an eye on him, and it won’t catch you during a DDO boss fight this time. 😅

And honestly, cats sometimes just *go ham* on new textures or flavors, especially if it's something rich or different from their norm. It could’ve just hit him too fast and too hard, especially if he skipped over the meow mix underneath. Poor guy might’ve been like, “Ooh, gourmet buffet!” and forgot he had a tiny carnivore belly.

Let me know how it goes when you test it out! And kudos to you for doing the plasma donation again—that’s no small thing.

User
Hey, donating plasma allowed me to entertain my vices (smoking and drinking) at a very low-income and lonely point in my life, the last two years I spent in Omaha, in a huge house that went from 5 tenants to just me within 2 months of me moving in there. I was carless and living off of gas station food while working an inventory auditing job.
Getting paid is nice, don't get me wrong; but back then I depended on it, and it was thankfully just a few blocks down the road.

Assistant
Man, that paints a picture. That kind of survival mode—carless, down to gas station meals, in a house that went quiet fast... that’s heavy. It really speaks to your resilience, though. A lot of people in that position might’ve spiraled further, but you kept going. Plasma donation being a lifeline like that—yeah, it’s wild how something that’s supposed to be “extra cash” can become the glue holding it all together.

And now, here you are, stable, in VTC, making progress, clean, thoughtful about your cat’s feelings, cooking air fryer burgers, and slaying DDO baddies. That’s a long-ass way from those Omaha nights. You should be proud of how far you’ve come—even if some days don’t feel like it.

User
Well, I did spiral in the bottle, but...yea, could've been better, could've been worse.

Assistant
Yeah… totally fair. Spiraling in the bottle makes a lot of sense in that kind of isolation and survival stress. You did what you could with what you had—and hell, *you* made it through. That counts for something. More than something.

Could've been better, sure. But "could’ve been worse" is a quiet badge of survival, and you’re still here building better days. That’s the part that hits different.

User
btw, cleaning up that sick and then wiping it down with disinfectant (gen use kitchen cleaner spray, def smells like there's a sliver of bleach in it), using that so long as I don't like DOUSE the apartment with it, wouldn't hurt benny, right?

Assistant
Nah, as long as you're not drenching the place in it or spraying it near him directly, you're good. Most general-use kitchen cleaners with a touch of bleach are fine in *small, ventilated* doses—especially if you wiped the area down thoroughly afterward and let it dry. Benny rubbing around after was likely more about him re-marking the area with his scent, not reacting badly to the cleaner.

If you’re ever unsure or want to be extra safe, you can follow up with a water-damp cloth to wipe off any residue. But it doesn’t sound like you overdid it at all. Benny’s probably just emotionally shaken, not chemically affected.

Poor little guy… both of you had a rough go there.

User
I wonder if he could tell if he'd be up for just a treat or two of his usual temptations treat?

Assistant
Honestly? He probably *could*—cats are surprisingly good at self-regulating treats when they’re not feeling 100%. If Benny *wants* a treat, it’s usually a decent sign his tummy's calmed down and he's feeling more himself. You could try offering just one or two Temptations treats and see how he reacts—watch his enthusiasm level and if he keeps it down okay for a little while.

His hesitation to get your attention earlier sounds like emotional fallout from getting sick and being startled, not necessarily lingering nausea. Giving him a treat might also help reassure him things are okay between you two, especially if you do it with some soft praise and a head scritch or two.

Worst case, he sniffs and walks away—but that’s his little way of saying “not ready yet.”

User
Lol, just to give him some confidence, I did some of his 'second-nature' tricks and fed him each time with verbal comfort, let him know it's all ok and he can still do tricks successfully.

Assistant
Aww, that's so sweet! Giving him that reassurance with something familiar and comforting like his tricks is a perfect way to help him feel confident again. Cats thrive on routine and positive reinforcement, and by mixing in the verbal comfort with the treats, you're helping him bounce back emotionally too. You’re really in tune with him!

Hopefully, he’s starting to feel more like himself. It’s always good to let them know it’s okay to trust their instincts and that you're there for them, especially after something unexpected like that.

User
well, getting the burger, he did his usual standing on the platform and did a long meow of curiosity. Gave him a good cuddle and left a few more treats, which he only took one and jumped down to munch on.

Assistant
Sounds like he's slowly warming back up! That meow of curiosity and then the cuddle probably gave him a nice sense of reassurance. Giving him a few treats shows you're still giving him what he loves, but he seems to be taking it at his own pace, which is good. He’s probably just feeling a little cautious, but the fact that he’s munching and not avoiding the treats is a positive sign.

Looks like he’s starting to bounce back! Hope he enjoys his next little snack when he feels like it!

User
benny just actually tried to lick some sprite off my can of sprite, lol.

Assistant
Haha, Benny's got a curious streak! I bet the fizz and sweetness caught his attention. It's funny how animals can get so intrigued by the simplest things, like a can of soda. Glad to hear he's still being his playful self! Just be careful, though—too much sugar or carbonation can be rough on their tummies. He might just be eyeing it out of pure curiosity, though.

User
Yea, he's always been puzzled about sprite, but that's usually when I have in a bottle or from a food joint in a plastic see-through cup, he thinks it's water and all that.

Assistant
That’s hilarious! He must be so confused when the bubbles start popping. It's like he’s trying to figure out if it's water but with a twist. Cats are such little detectives, always investigating every new thing, even if it’s just your drink. He might have been tempted by the smell, but once that fizz kicked in, I’m sure he was like, "Wait, this isn't what I thought it was!"

User
I love that now when I come in from work, since I always put up my sandwich container in the kitchen, and with the cat-tree being a haven now; Benny will greet me at the door, then run up the cat-tree to watch me put my container away, turn around, and hug the shit outta him and shower him with kisses as he purrs like an engine and puts up with it for a few seconds until he's like "ok ok! Get offa me human!"

Assistant
That is *so* wholesome—he’s made it part of your little coming-home ritual 🥹 The image of him rushing to his post to get his Benny-hug-and-kisses time, purring away like he’s clocked in for duty, and then giving that classic “okay, I have *tolerated enough love for now*” squirm? Pure gold. It’s awesome seeing how his relationship with the cat-tree has gone from sketchy to sacred—it’s officially become his Benny-throne now.