I’ll be the first to admit that cats can be finicky at times. While some of us are fussy about where we receive our tummy scratches or the toys we play with, others can be picky about their food.
If you find yourself saying “my cat is a picky eater” and get frustrated by your feline’s choosy attitude, you’re not alone. Many cat pawrents struggle with picky eaters, but luckily for you, I know a few ways that could make mealtime more appealing for your furry friend. Take it from a cat!
Here are some easy things you can try to appease your picky eater and ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.
What to Do If Your Cat is a Picky Eater
1. Set a Feeding Schedule
As we already know, some cats can be very particular about their day-to-day schedules. By creating at least two consistent feeding times each day, your cat will eventually learn when it’s time to be fed and could even become excited about mealtime.
Just make sure you stick to the schedule and don’t forget to feed your fur baby!
2. Find a New Feeding Spot
Even if your cat is a pampered house pet like myself and spends their day napping upon fluffy pillows, they still have primal instincts that may be dominating their feeding habits.
If your pet’s bowl is placed within a busy walkway or near the litter box, that could be the problem! Try a different spot in your home for food placement such as a quiet bathroom or spare bedroom.
3. Use a New Food Bowl
When it comes to feeding your feline companion, not just any bowl will do!
Plastic food bowls harbor bacteria and oil that can spoil our purrfect complexions with acne. Stainless steel or ceramic food bowls are much better and may entice your picky eater to dine.
We also prefer bowls that are shallow and wide since bending our necks down into deep bowls can strain our necks.
Most importantly, keep those food bowls clean! A dirty dish isn’t very appetizing to an already picky cat.
4. Try Food Rotation
Do you like to eat the same things every day? Chances are that your cat doesn’t either.
Rotational feeding not only indulges our palettes with various flavors but also provides a more complete approach to our nutritional intake.
You can try feeding your cat a different flavor of food every meal or switching their food every few months. Many cat doctors also recommend rotating between dry and wet foods for optimal nutrition.
Be careful with rotational feeding if your cat has food sensitivities! Introducing new ingredients into their diet may cause them to become sick, so consult with your cat’s doctor if you believe they have a food intolerance or allergy.
5. Add Liquid to Their Food
Some picky eaters need a little convincing to chow down, and adding liquid to their food may do just that.
Incorporating moisture such as meal toppers, pet-safe broths, and even warm water adds tasty flavors to the food while increasing its smell, making it more appealing to even the pickiest of cats.
6. Choose a Different Recipe
The solution to your fussy eater problem may be as simple as switching to a different recipe. Not all cat foods are made equal, and your pet may prefer a different protein or food type than the one you’re currently serving.
Personally, I love wet food since it’s tastier and more nutritious than typical cat kibble. It’s so favored in our house that my pawrents and I designed our own line of grain-free super premium wet cat food.
Love, Nala cat food is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your beloved fur babies without the high price tag that most premium cat foods come with.
Plus, our tasty recipes such as Tuna & Salmon and Chicken Pate with Carrot & Pumpkin are approved by the cat doctors, myself, and thousands of my feline friends across the country, so you can feel good knowing you're getting only the best, which is exactly what your cat deserves.
When You Should Be Concerned That Your Cat Isn’t Eating
If you’ve tried most if not all of these tips and your cat is still turning their nose up at their food, it could be an indication of an underlying issue.
Your cat's lack of appetite could be attributed to:
- Pain or discomfort
- A foreign object in their stomach or intestines
- Dental problems
- Respiratory illness
- Digestive diseases
If your cat has gone several days without eating, contact their doctor and set up an appointment to have them examined as soon as possible.
Make Mealtime Easy With Love, Nala Food and Treats
With several different wet cat food flavors to choose from, you’ll be sure to find your companion’s new favorite in our Cat-a-logue. Our delicious mousse treats are also a great way to show your cats some extra love while enriching their well-being.
From my family to yours, welcome to our thriving and growing community! We’re excited to have you with us.
Love,
Nala
