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How to Get Your Finicky Cat to Eat More
Some suggestions that work!
While dogs will eat almost anything, cats are known to be finicky about their food. Some cats are inherently good eaters, while other cats will suddenly turn away from their favorite food or ignore a new food that is healthier or just different.
If your cat suddenly decides that your food isn’t appealing, there is usually a reason. It can be stressful when your cat turns its nose up at mealtimes, especially when you know they need proper nutrition to stay healthy.
Understand Why Your Cat Is Being Finicky
Before you try to change your cat’s eating habits, it’s important to try to figure out why your kitty might be refusing food.
Common reasons why your cat might not be eating include:
Health Issues:
Dental problems, digestive issues, or an underlying medical conditions like kidney disease or gastrointestinal discomfort can cause a lack of appetite. If your cat’s eating habits have changed suddenly, consult your vet to rule out any health concerns.
Stress:
Any changes in your home environment, such as moving furniture, new pets, or different people in the household, can stress your cat, causing them to lose their appetite.
Food Preference:
Just like us, cats have preferences when it comes to texture, flavor, and even the temperature of their food. Your cat might simply be bored with their current diet or simply dislike certain ingredients.
Some Tips to Help Your Finicky Cat to Eat More:
Experiment with Different Flavors and Textures
Cats can be particular about the flavor and texture of their food, so one of the simplest solutions is to try different options. If your cat prefers wet food but isn’t eating as much, experiment with various flavors like chicken, salmon, or beef. Some cats love a smooth pâté, while others prefer chunks in gravy.
You might also try adding a small amount of warm water to dry kibble to soften it or mixing wet and dry food. The moisture can release more enticing smells and make the food more palatable.
Cats Love Food with A Strong Smell
Cats love food that has a strong smell or scent. Those intensely fish-meat-poultry aromas wafting from cat food bring felines running at the first hint of the opening of the can. The smell of chicken or beef broth is especially enticing to the finicky feline.
If your cat is primarily on dry food, introducing wet food might be a good way to encourage them to eat more, as it is often more fragrant and appealing.
Try Warming Up Your Cat’s Food
A cold dish straight from the fridge isn’t very appealing to most cats. Warming your cat’s food to just above room temperature can make it more aromatic, which can stimulate your cat’s appetite. Warm food also mimics the temperature of freshly caught prey, which might appeal to your cat’s instincts.
You can warm wet food in the microwave for a few seconds, but make sure to stir it well and test the temperature to avoid burning your cat’s mouth.
Make Mealtime a Relaxing Experience
Cats are sensitive creatures to noise and stress. If you have a lot going on during your feeding time, it can stress out even a hungry cat and stop them from eating. Make sure that your cat’s food bowl is placed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home where they can eat without distractions. Some cats may also prefer elevated food dishes, which can make it more comfortable to eat.
If your home has other cats and dogs, consider feeding your finicky cat in a separate room to give them some peace and prevent competition for food.
Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Sometimes, cats simply don’t enjoy eating large portions all at once. Offering smaller, more frequent meals can help them eat eating throughout the day without becoming overwhelmed by a full bowl of food.
For cats that graze, leaving a small portion of food out and monitoring their intake can be helpful. Be sure to adjust meal sizes accordingly to prevent overeating or food going stale.
If you feed your cat dry food, you can purchase an automatic feeder which will distribute your kitty’s food throughout the day.
Keep to A Consistent Feeding Schedule
If your cat has been eating free-choice (or whenever he or she wants to), try feeding your kitty two meals a day. Most cats are hungry after not eating for twelve hours. Real hunger is a stimulant and your kitty will probably devour your food on sight!
Entice Your Cat by Adding Toppers or Broth to Their Meal
If your cat needs a little extra motivation to dig into their meal, you can try adding an appetizing, healthy topper. Always do this moderately as the last thing you want is for your cat to be expecting the toppers or broth every meal. Maybe just a drizzle now and then.
Some ideas include:
Cat-safe broth: Low-sodium chicken or bone broth can make dry or wet food more appealing. Drizzle a small amount over their food for added flavor.
Tuna water: The liquid from a can of tuna in water (never oil) can be a great way to tempt a picky eater.
Specialized toppers: There are many healthy, low-calorie cat food toppers available, like freeze-dried meats, that can provide added flavor and nutrition.
Avoid Constantly Changing Foods
While it may be tempting to switch your cat’s food frequently in an attempt to get them to eat, this can lead to a pattern of even more finicky behavior. Cats may learn that refusing food results in being offered something more exciting, which can make it harder to establish consistent eating habits.
Stick with one food for a few days to see if your cat comes around. If they continue to refuse it, make a gradual transition to a new diet instead of abrupt changes.
Use Puzzle Feeders or Interactive Toys
Some cats may find food more interesting when it’s presented as part of a game or a challenge. Using puzzle feeders or interactive toys to dispense food can help encourage your cat to eat, as it mimics their natural hunting instincts.
Puzzle feeders can also slow down a cat that tends to eat too quickly and help a cat that’s bored with mealtime become more engaged.
Consult Your Vet
If your cat continues to be a finicky eater despite trying various approaches, it may be time to consult your vet and see what they might recommend.
If you do change your cat’s diet, make sure to do so slowly. Your kitty might need time to adjust to the new food. Or maybe they will just eat it up readily. Either way, it’s best to do the transition slowly,