Here's why:
* Bacteria growth: Even covered, cat food can be exposed to bacteria in the air, especially in warm temperatures. This can lead to spoilage and make the food unsafe for your cat.
* Spoilage: The ingredients in cat food can break down and oxidize over time, even when covered. This can affect the taste, texture, and nutritional value.
* Pest attraction: Leaving food out, even covered, can attract insects and other pests.
Instead of leaving it out, it's best to:
* Store opened cat food in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors and becoming stale.
* Discard any leftover food after 24 hours.
* Serve fresh food at each meal.
While a few hours might be fine in a cool environment, it's best to err on the side of caution and store the food properly.