My Cat is a Picky Eater

Does your cat walk away after smelling their meal? There are several reasons why your cat may not want to eat. Thankfully, there are some strategies that you can use to restore mealtime to normal.

What makes your cat picky

Have you recently changed the food that you give your cat? Your cat might refuse to eat if you change the flavor, texture, or temperature. When they are used to eating room-temperature food, a change in its texture or flavor could be enough to stop them from eating.

You have to look at other options if their food is the same. Do they get too many treats from you or your friendly neighbors? If so, their kibble may not be as interesting as usual. Has your dry food been in the bag for a while? Your cat will smell spoiled food long before you do. Changing your cat’s bowl of food may be necessary to get them off the food they love. Cats are known for being high-maintenance.

What can you do to help your picky eater

Here are some quick fixes for your cat who won’t eat. Look at the list and try the best for your cat. Don’t be surprised if this takes several tries. Even though you know your cat best, they can still surprise us occasionally.

Switch food gradually. To transition your cat from one food to another, slowly mix the new food into its old food. Victory.

Keep a strict schedule. Your cat may eat more regularly if they expect breakfast and dinner to be served simultaneously daily. You can try leaving the food out for 15-30 mins and then taking it away until your next meal. You can also gauge your cat’s food better with this method than with free feeding.

Limit treats. If your cat is eating a lot of expensive treats or human food, it might want that instead of dinner. Keep your cool, even if they start to scream.

Check that their food is not spoiled and the bowl is clean. A cat can smell bacteria or rotten food in their bowl.

Praise your cat for eating. Many cats enjoy having company when they eat. A good petting session after the meal and lots of praise can teach them to anticipate dinner time.

Don’t forget that even the pickiest eaters have their favorites!

Try Different Cat Foods

Some people hate Brussels sprouts, no matter how much people tell them they are delicious! Your cat is also subject to the same rule. You can test out different types of food to see which one excites your cat for dinner.

Some cats love the crunchy texture of Dry Cat Food, while others prefer the freshness and moisture in Wet Cat Food. You can combine the two by using wet cat food as a topping to make kibbles more appealing. You might be surprised that your cat prefers chicken and doesn’t like seafood.

When should you see your vet

Picky eating may not be a cause for concern, but you should watch out for warning signs. Call your vet if your cat shows behavioral changes, eats less, or never eats. Visiting your vet is vital if your cat hasn’t eaten for 24 hours. Poor nutrition can lead to a dangerous liver condition known as hepatic lipidosis.

In most cases, there is a simple solution to food refusal or picky eating. You may have to do head-scratching, but you will get to know your cat better. You will learn more about whether they are picky eaters or insistent on eating only tuna. Understanding their quirks can help you keep them happy. You can also learn more about the following: you are happy to come dinnertime.