How To Deal With Picky-Eater Cats

Unsurprisingly, many complaints about their pets being picky eaters are from cat owners because our feline companions are known to be choosey. Little pickiness is fine, but sometimes it’s too much, and the food waste is annoying.

Fortunately, we can strategize to deal with our picky eater cats.

Consult Your Vet

If your cat seems to ignore her food, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems prohibiting her from eating properly. If your cat suddenly loses her appetite, she could be in pain and suffering from anxiety.

You can also ask your vet to recommend appetite-boosting supplements.

Observe Your Cats’ Eating Pattern

It is also essential to observe your cats’ eating patterns. Doing so lets you understand their appetite and know when they will be satiated to the food you give. This will also establish an eating routine that your cats will follow.

Train and Exercise

Aside from tightening the bond and making your cat mentally simulated, training, playtimes, and exercise will encourage good appetite. When they play or train, they burn calories and will soon need some fuel, thus will crave for food.

Train or play with your cats a few minutes before meal times will help you encourage the picky eaters to try out tasty meals.

The Mouse Dash is an interactive cat toy that will keep your cat simulated and busy at the same time. After playing with the Mouse Dash, your cat will surely dig in the food you offer.

Gradually Introduce New Foods

Sometimes, picky eaters have a strong attachment to their favourite foods. You can gradually introduce new portions alongside their regular meals to encourage them to try out new food. This will make them familiar with the taste and flavor.

Cats are also particular about the texture of their food. So, giving them options is also a good idea. You can offer wet, dry, and semi-moist food options. Observe them and see what texture excites them more.

Rotate Foods

After you introduce new flavours and textures, you can rotate them, especially when you see that your cat is already getting satiated. This will keep your cats satisfied with food periodically and will make their meal times exciting.

Rotating foods will make them forget their favourite ones, thus preventing food attachment.

Warm Up The Food

Warming the food will enhance the aroma, release an enticing smell, and attract their attention. You can use the stove and microwave the food for a few seconds before putting it in their bowl. 

Though warming the food is a good idea, you should still be wary because it might burn your cat’s mouth. Use the finger test first before your food.

Add Food Toppers

You can also persuade your cat to try other foods using food toppers like dried meat and wet food. This will enhance the smell, flavour, and texture of their regular meals, adding appeal to the food.

Avoid Free-Feeding

Free-feeding means leaving an immense amount of food in the food bowl and letting your cats eat when they want. This sometimes leads to your cats ignoring the food in anticipation of something special. 

Avoiding this routine will encourage your cat to eat when food is presented. 

Be Patient

Patience is king when you deal with your picky eater cats. Finding the right balance between flavour and texture will take some time and will need you to do lots of tests and experimentations. 

By implementing some of the tips mentioned above, you can gradually increase your cat’s eating habits so they’ll be nourished while enjoying their meals.