Cats are known for their independent nature, playful personalities, and, more often than not, their selective appetites. While a cat turning up its nose at their dinner is common, fussy eating can be a sign of underlying issues that need attention. Keep reading to learn about the common causes of picky eating and ways to help your cat love their meals again.
Why is my cat a fussy eater?
Cats can be picky eaters for a variety of reasons: some behavioural, some medical. One common cause is a simple preference: cats may just not like a particular flavour or texture. Like humans, they can develop likes and dislikes, especially if they’ve been fed the same food for a long time.
Health issues, however, are a different type of concern. Dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or even stress can affect a cat’s relationship with food. If a normally good eater suddenly becomes fussy, it’s always wise to consult a vet to rule out a health issue.
Changes in your cat’s environment, routine, or small details like where you place their food bowl (more on this below), can also impact your cat’s eating patterns. Cats are sensitive animals, but also creatures of habit, so they may react negatively to anything unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
How to help a fussy eater
Through personal experience and vet advice, we’ve learnt the following tips can go a long way in helping you manage (and solve) picky eating in cats. There’s hope!
1. Book a vet check-up
Picky eating can be a sign that something is not right, be it stomach sensitivities or a dental problem. This is why it’s important to rule out health issues first, as your vet can check for these and other conditions affecting appetite. Often, they may recommend a suitable food or treatment, such as Go! Solutions Sensitivities, a grain-free recipe designed to help address allergies and sensitivities.
2. Gradually change their diet
Speaking of food, always consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet, remembering to transition slowly. This can be done by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old one over a couple of weeks or so, to allow your cat’s digestive system to adjust and avoid sudden digestive upset.
3. Experiment with flavours and textures
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on a diet that is high in animal protein. A good example is Go! Solutions Carnivore, which contains 84% of animal protein. But trying different protein sources, like chicken, turkey, fish or duck, and a variety of food textures such as dry, wet, or a combination of the two (known as ‘mixed feeding’) can also help discover your cat’s preferences.
4. Warm up their food
Slightly warming up your cat’s wet food can increase its aroma, making it much more appealing to your cat. Make sure it’s warm and not hot, touching it with your fingers to test the temperature. Alternatively, you can add a splash of hot water to their food, then mix.
5. Stick to a feeding routine
Offer meals at the same times each day and remove uneaten food after 20 to 30 minutes to reinforce their routine. It’s also worth mentioning that cats like peace and quiet during mealtimes and will not eat when feeling stressed or disturbed. They usually don’t respond well to having to share their bowls and may even prefer to eat away from other cats, something to keep in mind if you have multiple pets.
6. Minimise treats
This may sound obvious but too many treats can reduce a cat’s hunger at mealtimes. Avoid giving table scraps to your cat and use snacks as an occasional treat, saving them as a special reward or for positive reinforcement when training.
Bite by bite
Fussy eating can be very frustrating for cat owners, especially when we’re not sure about what’s causing it. However, a little patience and trial and error can help revive your cat’s interest in food. The solution may lie in their behaviour and preferences, together with keeping their health in check: all great steps towards helping them look forward to their meals again.
