Picky eaters
Cats have a reputation for being picky eaters. They all have their favorite textures and flavors, but they're not born picky. The best way to prevent food cravings is to avoid teaching your cat bad habits from the start.
Don't teach him bad habits
Cats are independent-minded, but they do pay attention to how they're treated. If you change their routines at the first sign that they don't want to eat, or if you worry and try to lure them to their food bowl with leftovers from your own meal, you're definitely turning them into a picky eater.
He'll quickly understand how to manipulate you into getting his owner's tasty food instead of healthy, balanced cat food. Put yourself in your cat's shoes: what would you do if you were "rewarded" with something extra for refusing to eat? So, to avoid making your cat a picky eater, you need to establish a routine and stick to it.
Is your cat really picky?
- Sometimes this reaction may not be triggered by the food itself, but by the way you feed your cat. Generally, cats prefer to eat undisturbed, without onlookers. So give your cat some privacy while it eats.
- Make sure their food bowl is clean. Many cats won't eat from a bowl that still has old food scraps in it. Make it a habit to wash their food and water bowls after each use.
- If your cat normally enjoys dry kibble but suddenly refuses it, change the kibble. Dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather), making it less fresh.
- If your cat normally eats canned food and now refuses it, it might be because it just came out of the refrigerator. Wet food that's too cold lacks aroma, and cats won't eat what they can't smell. Remove wet food from the refrigerator in a timely manner, or you can make it more appealing by warming it slightly until it feels lukewarm. This releases the aroma and will stimulate your cat's appetite.
- If your cat spends part of the day outdoors, remember that they have plenty of opportunities to eat outside. So, they might not be hungry in the evening.
- Just like humans, cats also react to the climate. Warm summer days reduce their appetite.
- Most cats stop eating when they are no longer hungry.
If your cat keeps refusing to eat
If your cat still won't eat, try a different recipe of the same quality, but keep in mind their usual preference for dry kibble or wet food. A different flavor or variety can stimulate their taste buds again!
Also check your cat's teeth. A dental problem can make eating difficult and painful. If your cat's gums are red and swollen or if they have bad breath, have your vet examine their teeth.
When he doesn't want to eat for 24 hours or more
If your fussy cat has been refusing all food for more than 24 hours, or is eating significantly less than usual, consult your veterinarian. A cat's lack of food can indicate a number of illnesses and conditions.