If your cat is a picky eater, you're not alone! Many cats can be finicky about their food, but with the right approach, you can help your furry friend enjoy a more balanced diet. Here are some tips to encourage them to have better eating habits.
Feed them on a Schedule
Cats love a routine and thrive on consistency. Feed your cat at the same times every day, and remove any uneaten food after 20 or 30 minutes. Then try again at the next scheduled mealtime. They will learn that food won’t always be readily available, which encourages them to eat when food is offered.
Introduce New Foods Gradually
Cats can be sensitive to changes in their diet so we don’t recommend changing their diet overnight. A gradual introduction helps them adjust to the taste, smell, and texture without outright rejecting it.
Mix the new food in with the old food over the course of 7-10 days. This will give your cat’s digestive system - and their palate - time to adjust to the new food. Start with a small amount of the new food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food each day. For example, give 75% of the old food and 25% of the new food for 2-3 days, then 50% of the old food and 50% of the new food for 2-3 days, etc. Once your cat is happily eating the new food, you can complete the transition.
Limit Treats and Table Scraps
Too many treats can make meals look boring. Feed your cat fewer treats and avoid giving them human food at all. It’s so easy to spoil your cat with treats since they LOVE them, but too many treats can lead to them rejecting healthier food. Treats should be used as a reward for good behavior or learning tricks and should account for less than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Make Mealtime More Fun
Food puzzles can make mealtime more fun and exciting. Some cats enjoy the hunt as much as the meal itself and may appreciate working for their dinner. Puzzles require cats to use their brains and figure out how to get their food. Cats have to use their natural hunting instincts to solve the puzzle, which can be very satisfying for them and may encourage them to eat a more varied diet.
Offer High-Quality Cat Food
Choosing a healthier brand may entice your cat to be less picky. High-quality wet cat food is specifically crafted to support cats’ optimal health and vitality. Choose high protein, grain free food that is free from artificial flavors. High-quality food is vital for maintaining cats’ well-being and ensuring they remain active and healthy throughout their lives. Higher-quality foods often contain better ingredients and provide more complete nutrition, which can lead to fewer health problems in the future.
Top Off Their Wet Food
Try adding a food topper like a bit of air-dried food, bone broth, or mousse treats. This can add variety and flavor, making the food more appealing.
Try New Textures and Flavors
There are so many kinds of cat food. It’s just a matter of finding what your cat likes best. Some prefer wet food while others prefer freeze-dried or air-dried. There are many flavor options like salmon, tuna, mackerel, chicken, duck, turkey, and even lamb and beef. There are also different textures and formulations to try like pate, grilled, gravies, or stews. The variety of textures can help maintain a cat's interest in meals. The strong aroma of wet food also stimulates a cat's sense of smell, making the food more appealing.
To help figure out what your cat likes best, try buying variety packs. The variety facilitates nutritional completeness and makes it easier to introduce a broad spectrum of flavors. Once you find what your cat enjoys best, you can start to understand what their body wants and needs.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise your cat when they eat their new food, even if it’s just a little bit. Positive reinforcement helps them associate eating their meals with good experiences. Reward them with a small treat or lots of affection after they eat a full meal.
Warm Up Their Wet Food
A cat’s sense of smell plays a big role in their appetite. If your cat isn’t loving their new wet food yet, heating it up can enhance its aroma and make it more enticing to your cat. Just a few seconds in the microwave will help bring out its scent. Alternatively, you can add some warm water to their food.
Your cat can definitely develop healthier eating habits and be less of a picky eater. The goal is to figure out what they like best. Find out what food gives them energy, keeps them active, makes their coat bright and shiny, and gives them healthy poops. As always, consult with your vet to determine the best feeding plan for your cat's age, health, and lifestyle.
Love, Nala
