My Cat is a Picky Eater, What Can I Do About It?

Cats are famously selective when it comes to food. Almost weekly, we have customers describing their cats as picky eaters, giving them a hard time when switching from one food to another.

This selective eating behavior can be frustrating, but it's not without reason. Studies show that cats have a strong preference for certain textures, tastes, and smells, and they can be sensitive to changes in their diet.

Their instincts are shaped by evolution, making them more cautious about trying new foods. Understanding these scientific factors can help you navigate the challenge of switching your cat's food with less stress.

Why Are Cats Picky Eaters?

1. Natural Instincts: In the wild, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of meat. They’ve evolved to be cautious eaters, avoiding anything that might harm them.

2. Taste and Smell Sensitivity: Cats can’t taste sweet stimuli but are very sensitive to bitter tastes. Their heightened sense of smell also influences their interest in food more than taste does. Foods that smell bland to humans or dogs could be an unpleasant experience for cats.

3. Supermarket Brands: Many supermarket cat foods contain cereals, meat, and animal derivatives, making them smell appealing. However, these ingredients are often low quality and can cause health issues like urinary or renal problems. To ensure your cat gets proper nutrition, choose foods that list real meats like chicken, chicken breast, salmon, or lamb within the first 5 ingredients instead of vague protein sources or derivatives.

4. Food Preferences: A cat’s food preferences are formed when they’re young. What their mother ate during gestation and nursing, plus the types of foods they were exposed to as kittens, plays a big role in their preferences later in life. Exposing kittens to various foods is important to prevent future pickiness.

5. Health Issues: Dental problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other medical conditions can make eating difficult or unpleasant for your cat. If your cat’s pickiness is sudden, consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

6. Location: Cats thrive in low-stress environments that meet their need for cleanliness. Cats may refuse to eat if:

• Their food is placed near a litter box.
• Their bowl is located in a high-traffic area of the home.
• Other animals are around during their mealtime.
• The food is stale, rancid, or served in a dirty container.
• Their food bowl is placed near their water bowl.

Changes like moving to a new home or relocating their feeding area can also disrupt their eating habits.

Strategies to Help Your Picky Eater

1. Stop Free-Feeding: Do you keep a never-empty dry food bowl and let your cat decide when to eat? Remove it and give your cat the chance to get hungry during the day. Feed them at scheduled times, such as morning and evening.

2. Play Before Mealtime: Just like with humans, a little exercise can stimulate your cat’s appetite. Engage your cat in play before feeding.

3. Create a Stress-Free Environment: Cats eat better when relaxed. In the wild, they’re solitary hunters and take their time eating. Make sure your cat’s feeding area is quiet and free from distractions.

4. Keep Your Cat Company: Many cats eat better when their humans are nearby. Stay close during mealtime or even eat at the same time. Some cats enjoy being petted while eating.

5. Mixing and Gradual Transition: In most cases, except for acute health issues, the transition to new food should happen gradually. Mix the new food with the old, slowly increasing the new food’s portion over 7-10 days.

6. Explore Texture and Kibble Shape: On our website, we offer a wide variety of wet food textures because some cats are more particular about texture than flavor. These include broth, chunks,shredded, gravy, jelly, loaf/pâté, mousse, and terrine. Even in dry food, the shape and size of kibble can make a significant difference. Experiment with different options to see what works best for your cat.

7. Choose the Right Bowl: The shape and size of your cat’s bowl can impact their eating experience. Persian and Himalayan cats with flat faces often struggle with small or narrow bowls, which can irritate their whiskers. Wider, shallow bowls are better as they prevent whisker fatigue, a condition where overstimulation of the sensitive whiskers causes discomfort.

Ingredients to Avoid

When choosing cat food, avoid fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. These ingredients provide little nutritional value and can contribute to digestive issues. Instead, opt for foods that list high-quality proteins and real meat as the primary ingredients. The first 5 ingredients make up the majority of the meal, so having real meat listed first is crucial.

When to Seek Help

If your cat’s picky eating persists despite trying these strategies, or if they’re losing weight or showing other signs of illness, consult your veterinarian. Persistent issues could indicate underlying health problems that need medical attention.

Conclusion

While managing a picky eater can be challenging, understanding your cat’s behavior and needs is key. By offering variety, creating a routine, and ensuring their health is in check, you’ll help your cat develop better eating habits.

Need help finding the right food for your picky eater? Luckily, high-quality wet food is available in Lebanon. Check out our cat food collection on Petriotics for premium options that cater to even the fussiest felines. We also offer a selection of bowls designed to enhance your cat’s eating experience and minimize discomfort.

Still unsure about what type of wet or dry food to choose? Reach out to us via WhatsApp; our experts are here to help!