My cat is a picky eater

If your cat is a picky eater, don’t worry. Cats have a reputation for being extremely picky about what they eat. In fact, this behavior is acquired and is not an inherited trait.

You probably think that your cat needs a varied diet, but in fact, she will happily eat the same thing throughout her life, provided that the food consumed meets her nutritional needs.

Nowhere to hurry

It may turn out that a picky cat is actually just playing for time. Many cats start eating slowly and prefer to eat small portions for a long time. If the cat does not eat all the food in the bowl right away, this does not mean that she does not like it.

My cat doesn’t eat much

Your cat may refuse food when she has other food sources. If you’re giving your cat too many table treats, you’d better stop doing it. Your cat will be unhappy with this change for a while, but will eventually realize that the only thing she can count on is the food in her bowl. 

Make sure no one else is feeding your cat – neither your household nor your neighbors. Only one person should feed the animal.

If you give your kitten the opportunity to choose the food he likes best by letting him try a few, then over time, as he grows up, you may find that your pet has decided that this will always be the case. If you open a lot of different cans of canned food in the hope of persuading your cat to eat at least some of this, then you know: she did train you.

Here is an effective way to train your cat to eat only what you offer him:

• Leave the food you would like to feed the cat in a bowl for half an hour.

• If she didn’t touch it, take it away.

• Repeat this until she starts eating.

After a day or two, the cat may begin to demand additional treats. Don’t give in. Your cat is not starving, she is just trying to get what she wants with all her charms. You may have to endure such complaints for a couple of weeks, but such measures will soon put an end to her fastidiousness.

How to transition a cat to a new food

If you decide to change the diet of the animal, you need to do it gradually. Start mixing small amounts of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the proportion of the first until the animal is fully transitioned to the new diet.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

If your cat has suddenly become extremely picky about food, which was not observed before, or you think that she is losing weight, you should consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes picky eating can be due to some pathological condition, such as dental disease, indigestion, or the formation of hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract.