Some may call it stubbornness, but every fabCat knows it’s just feline nature. Being picky at mealtime, while not an issue for all cats, is a familiar struggle for many cat parents. Whether due to a lack of appetite, health issues, poor-quality food, or simply evolving tastes, cats often turn their noses up at food they previously devoured. So why do cats suddenly reject the food they once loved? And how can you convince your kitty to finish up that stash of premium pouches you bought? Let’s dig into this, fabCats.

Picky Eating – Should You Worry?

Cats may have fewer taste buds than humans, but their sense of smell is exceptionally sharp. This olfactory sensitivity often dictates whether a food is tasty or something to avoid. That’s why freshness is crucial; an opened can or pouch may lose its aroma after sitting out too long, even if it’s the same food they loved when fresh.

Occasional pickiness isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Before running to the vet, ensure you’re serving fresh meals at room temperature (not straight from the fridge—cats in nature don’t hunt cold prey), and don’t let food linger too long in the bowl. While some cats don’t mind eating leftovers, for picky eaters, the fresher, the better. Also, ensure the dishes are spotless—cats can truly sense the difference!

Once you’ve found the texture and flavors your cat enjoys, don’t be afraid to rotate a few options. As long as you’re consistent in quality, a healthy cat shouldn’t struggle with a bit of variety, which can even encourage them to eat. Plus, rotating a few flavors means you’re less likely to be stranded without a backup if their favorite flavor suddenly goes out of stock.

When should you be concerned? If you notice a sudden, drastic drop in appetite, weight loss, or any other symptoms (such as diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing, or lethargy), or if even the usual appetite-boosting tricks fail, visit your vet promptly. Cats’ metabolisms are adapted to frequent small meals, so even a day without food can be dangerous.

The Dramatic Side of Mealtime: How Cats Act to Get a Menu Change

Some cats seem to have Oscar-worthy acting skills, pulling out all the stops to get a menu upgrade. Recognizing these signs can help you resist the cuteness overload and avoid reinforcing picky eating habits. Here are the top drama tricks:

• Serenading you by the food bowl,
• Pawing around the bowl as if they’re trying to bury it,
• Waiting near the cabinet where the treats are kept (even better if they’re right next to the food),
• Enduring a hunger strike to make you cave and swap out their meal,
• Laying by the bowl as if to say, “Look at me, I’m starving!”

One common cause of pickiness is offering low-quality food. It’s tempting to reach for the cheaper pouches (like Whiskas or Gourmet) when our cats refuse to eat, but fabCats, that’s not the way! The key to a balanced feline diet lies in high-protein, quality wet food. You can enhance these meals with freeze-dried meat sprinkles or healthy gravy to make the dish more appealing. From experience, we’ve noticed picky eaters are often more enthusiastic about food in pouches (more gravy!) than in cans.

Tricks for Your Picky Eater

Let’s start with the basics: flavor-enhancing. It’s not about mixing random stuff into their food—choose wisely! There are various options like freeze-dried sprinkles or small amounts of fish oil (e.g., salmon oil, which also benefits fur health), finely crushed dried meat, and shredded filets. Just be careful with portions so they don’t overeat.

Regular, small portions can also make a difference. Cats in the wild eat small, frequent meals, so offering 4-6 tiny meals a day could help, especially for picky eaters. If they leave food behind, cut down their portions. We get that this might be tricky if you’re at work for part of the day, fabCat. But try offering food in the morning, right before leaving, and then after you’re back. Automatic feeders can also be handy in such cases.

Another tip? Limit treats. It’s tempting to hand out treats whenever they do something cute or give you that look, but every treat is extra calories they might later refuse as a regular meal. Reserve treats for training, medication, grooming, or nail trimming.

Lastly, even packaging matters! Some cats are put off by the canned food smell. In such cases, transferring food from the can to a glass jar as soon as it’s opened can make a huge difference.

How to Buy Cat Food Without Wasting It

Let’s wrap up with a situation every fabCat dreads: your cat loves certain foods, you stock up, and suddenly they won’t touch it. Is there a solution? Truthfully, it’s tough to predict when a cat might turn their nose up to their favorite meal. While stocking up can be budget-friendly, with picky eaters, smaller portions—cans or pouches in various flavors—are a safer bet. And if you do get stuck with extra food, remember: local shelters, rescue groups, and caregivers of outdoor cats are usually thrilled to accept donations. 🐾

PS: Next week, we’ll dive into how texture affects nutritional value and what types of food best meet cats’ dietary needs. If you have a picky eater at home, you won’t want to miss it!