Top 6 Reasons Why Your Cat Is a Picky Eater & How to Fix It | PetIndiaOnline

6 Cat Picky Eater Causes & Solutions: Why Your Cat Can Be Such a Snob

If you’ve ever seen your cat sniff her food, cast a bemused look at it, then walk away, you’re not alone. The frustrating quandary of a picky eater is a familiar one for many cat owners. While dogs will eat just about anything, cats can be notoriously finicky — a behavior that can be perplexing and even worrisome.

We at PetIndiaOnline realize the significance of healthy cooked food for your cat. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the top 6 reasons for a cat’s picky


eating, what experts say, and how to get your cat eating again!

Sensory Sensitivity: Cats Are Very Discerning Consumers

Your Sense of Smell is Better than Yours Cats have superbly strong senses of smell, taste and texture that are crucial in determining what they like to eat. Unlike humans, cats have only a few taste buds that can detect sweet flavors, and they’re more sensitive to other odors, mouthfeel and even the temperature of their food.

Why It Happens:

Cats will dismiss food that doesn’t meet their sensory standards. The food could have a different formula, smell or texture that’s strange to them.

class="MsoNormal">How to Fix It:

Experiment with various flavors, textures and brands of cat food. Offering wet food, fresh home-cooked meals or simply adding a bit of warm water to dry kibble can help make food more palatable. Also,

make sure any food offered is fresh and served at the appropriate temperature — many cats prefer room temperature food.

Or you’re struggling with health issues or dental problems

When a cat suddenly develops a finicky appetite, an underlying health problem is usually to blame. Dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections can cause chewing to hurt. Other medical conditions such


as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders or infections may also reduce appetite.

Why It Happens:

Eating can be painful, and the cat may not eat at risk of feeling the pain. Some conditions such as nausea, mouth ulcers or hormonal imbalances can also suppress appetite.

How to Fix It:

If your cat’s fussy eating is accompanied by any other signs like vomiting, weight loss, bad breath, lethargy or trouble eating, make a vet appointment as soon as you can. Vets can address and treat any medical problems. Some cats may be switched to soft food for dental disease.

Food Fatigue or Boredom

Cats,


just like humans, can become bored if they have to eat the same food day in and day out. This very phenomenon, called food fatigue, can cause one to lose interest in meals.

Why It Happens:

Cats are creatures of habit, but even they can lose interest in a monotonous meal plan. If you have fed your cat the same flavor or brand for an extended period of time, they may just wanting variety.

How to Fix It:

Try varying flavors, protein sources, and food textures to make things interesting. You can rotate between wet and dry food as well or add some cat-safe broth to their food to keep things exciting. A gradual shift in their diet will allow them to adjust without messing up their digestive system.

Environmental Stressors or Changes

Cats are very sensitive to their environment. Stressful events such as moving to a new house, bringing in a new pet, changes in daily routine or loud noises can impact their appetite.

Why It Happens:

When cats are anxious, their bodies put survival before food. Stress can lead to behavioral changes, such as refusing to eat, hiding or aggression.

How to Fix It:

Find a quiet, calm feeding spot where your cat can feel safe. Stick to a predictable feeding routine, and consider pheromone diffusers to lower anxiety. Giving them cozy hiding spots and playing with them can also relieve stress.

Treating Too Much or Overfeeding

If your cat is grazing on treats or getting an excess of food during the day, he or she may not be hungry come mealtime. This can leave them with less desire to eat their usual mealtimes, resulting in overfeeding.

Why It Happens:

Cats tend to eat from hunger, so if they’re full from irresistible treats or constant snacking, they may skip their regular meals.

How to Fix It:

Make sure treats do not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Set specific feeding times for them both, don’t free-feed which can lead to over-eating. Follow a portion controlled feeding schedule, and make sure your cat is eating appropriate, nutritionally complete meals.

The Effects of Aging on Taste Preferences

With aging cats, taste and sense of smell can fade, possibly making food less appetizing. Older cats can also have medical conditions like arthritis, dental disease or cognitive decline that can impact their appetite.

Why It Happens:

Senior cats may have trouble chewing hard kibble, or they could find some flavors less appealing. In addition, common age-related health problems can lead to nausea, discomfort or fatigue, which can reduce food intake.

How to Fix It:

Treat them to soft, moist food or warm up meals gently to boost their aroma and make them easier to chew. If your senior feline is suddenly losing weight or hasn’t been eating well, your vet should check for medical conditions.

When to Worry about a Picky Eater

While it’s normal for cats to be choosy, refusing to eat entirely for more than 24 hours can be dangerous. Cats already face the risk of developing life-threatening hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if they go too long without food.

If Your Cat Displays Any of These Signs, Get to a Vet Immediately:

Will not eat for more than 24 hours

Diarrhea or vomiting, or signs of dehydration

Lethargy or extreme weakness

Persistent bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating

Loss of weight quickly or evidence of pain

Tips From the Experts on Enticing Your Cat to Eat

Serve food at room temperature to maximize aroma.

Then try a wide range of foods — wet food, dry kibble, or home cooked meals.

This can help bring out their hunting instincts with the use of puzzle feeders.

Feed little and often, rather than one big meal.

Swirl some cat-safe broth into dry food to kick up the flavor.

Keep plenty of fresh water available, because dehydration can impact appetite, too.

Final Thoughts

If you think your cat could be a picky eater, it is helpful to know that there are certain reasons behind this behavior which could be simply part of their preferences or an underlying health issue. Although it is not unusual for cats to have particular preferences, a sudden or persistent avoidance of food should never be dismissed. At PetIndiaOnline, we want to guide you to meet your feline companion’s dietary requirements best in order to keep them healthy and happy.

If your cat’s finicky eating continues or if you’re worried about their health, speak with your vet. And discover a complete line of premium cat food, treats, and other pet care products here.

A good meal lays the foundation of your cat’s health, so shop now at PetIndiaOnline!