Most cat people are more than aware of the fact that some cats are known for being fussy eaters. Unless you have been blessed with a cat that will eat whatever you put in front of them, having your pet turn their nose up at a certain type of food because they prefer chicken to fish today or they want to eat a different brand, thank you, is something that many cat parents are going to experience.
While some cats are picky but will happily eat the healthy meals that you put in front of them, it can be concerning if your cat is refusing to eat anything except the cheapest and least-nutritious food from the local supermarket. It might be great for your wallet, but you really don’t want to let your cat eat what’s the equivalent of a McDonald’s meal for humans at every meal. But when you put better-quality food in their bowl, they look at you like you’ve just grown a third head and continue meowing to demand junk food.
So, what can you do?
Make Sure Your Cat is Actually Hungry:
Some cats live on a strict schedule and as soon as the clock hits feeding time they are there, weaving in and out of your legs and meowing at you until you fill their bowl. Others will only eat when they are hungry, and if this is the case with your cat, then it might not be that they are picky – they could just be full.
It’s also worth considering that an outdoor cat might be getting food elsewhere when they are exploring the neighbourhood for the day, whether they’re hunting wildlife or sneaking into a neighbour’s home where they chow down on the food that’s meant for another cat.
Going twelve hours before refilling your cat’s bowl can help you determine if your cat is actually a fussy eater, or if they’re just not eating because they’re not hungry.
Stop Free-Feeding:
A problem with free-feeding is that you never get to see how much your cat is actually eating. And if they begin refusing their food all of a sudden, it is often unclear whether this is because they are being picky about what you’re serving them or because they’re just not hungry after grazing all day long. Instead of making sure that your cat’s bowl is always full, serve them two to three meals at set times throughout the day to get them into a feeding routine.
Consider the Environment and Other Pets:
Some cats love eating with a friend while others are happier when they get to chow down on their meal in complete privacy. If you have a multiple-pet household or several cats at home, it’s important to understand the personality of each cat and determine which ones are OK to eat in pairs or groups and which ones would do better being fed in another room with the door closed so that they can get some peace and quiet. If your cat has started refusing to eat and is normally fed around other pets, try placing their food in a separate room to see if that will tempt them.
Switch Up Your Cat’s Bowl:
If your cat is being funny about eating, it’s worth considering that the problem might not be with the food, especially if you are giving them high-quality and tasty meals. Cats can be quite sensitive to both taste and smell, so certain bowls might affect the way that their meal tastes and put them off from eating out of it altogether. Plastic and metal bowls can be off-putting to some cats, especially if it’s warmed up by the weather or the food inside. Ceramic bowls are usually the best choice for cats, so it’s worth switching to a new ceramic bowl if your cat normally eats from a plastic or metal bowl to see if this has any effect on their appetite.
Switch to More Interesting Food:
Cats have very strong senses when it comes to taste and smell and it might be that they are refusing certain food and prefer others because they smell more appetising. Switching to raw cat food might be an idea to consider since many cats will find it impossible to resist food that smells good and fresh.
Raw food for cats is highly nutritious and filled with protein, unlike many commercial cat foods. It has a lot of benefits for your cat including improved energy, better coat condition, and a lower chance of digestive problems. If your cat is turning up her nose at every commercial cat food brand you put in front of them, check out Bella and Duke for nutritious, healthy raw cat food meals. You can tailor the foods to suit your cat’s dietary needs and lifestyle.
Feed Appealing-Smelling Food:
Use your cat’s strong sense of smell to your advantage when it comes to choosing an ideal food for them that they will want to eat. Feeding strong-smelling food that is appealing to your cat can be very effective in tempting them to eat something. This is another area where raw feeding can definitely come in handy, as it will often smell stronger compared to kibble, encouraging your cat to see what’s in their bowl. Sprinkling something with a strong smell over the top of your cat’s food like a little bit of grated parmesan cheese or tuna can also be a good way to get your cat to show some more interest in their food; even if they only eat the topping at first, it’s a good start.
Try Hand-Feeding:
If all else has failed and your cat is still being picky about their food, you might want to consider hand-feeding them. This is often the last resort, but it can be a good way to get your cat to at least try a bite of something. Place a little bit of appealing food on your finger and offer it to your cat as a treat. Let them come to you and lick it off your hand; don’t try and force-feed your cat since this can have the opposite effect and create food aversions. If your cat enjoys being petted, giving them plenty of pats and gentle scratches while they’re eating can be very helpful to get them to start associating eating with something that they like.
Visit the Vet:
For most cats that are fussy when it comes to food, it is easier than you think to fix the problem by making some simple changes to your cat’s diet, feeding routine, or feeding environment. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to have your cat checked by a professional to ensure that the aversion to food is not the result of something more serious. Some cats may lose their appetite if they are unwell, or it could be a sign of dental problems. Your vet will be able to shed some light on the situation and offer tailored advice to help you make sure that your cat gets a healthy and balanced diet.
Cats have a bit of a reputation for being picky eaters. If your cat has been turning up his nose at certain foods, try these tricks to encourage them to eat.