How Can I Encourage My Cat To Eat?










Is your cat a picky eater?How do you get cats to eat food they don't like?After spending several cans of cat food, I wanted to learn more about eating habits and find out if my cats were really picky eaters or if something else was playing. 


We press Dr. Mikel Delgado PhD, renowned cat scientist and expert at Feline Minds, for advice. Here's what he has to say about feline food preferences and what may be causing your cat's addictive eating habits. 





Q:How do you know if your cat is adorable or has underlying health problems?

A: If your cat stops eating the food it used to like, it is worth contacting your veterinarian. Changes in appetite can be a sign of many health problems, and not eating has can quickly become a medical emergency.)




Q:What are the main types of cat food? (Is food the main cause of this overeating?)

(A: It really depends on the cat. If you feed your cat a nutritionally complete commercial food (as determined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials) and your cat likes it, likes with you, then it is very good. Some cats can be sensitive to textures and shapes. So you can try different types and flavors to find a few that your cat will like. (For example, do they like paté or chunky sauce?)




Q:What is the best way to make your cat's food different and delicious?)


A:Why do cats need different foods? They eat a lot of rats every day. If your cat eats enough of its food, it will be fine! Think about a few flavors or types of food your cat likes and don't worry about giving him a big new treat. If your cat seems agitated, ask your veterinarian.)





Q:What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone dealing with a cat who eats junk food?

(A:First, talk to your veterinarian and make sure your cat doesn't have any health problems like gastrointestinal (GI) or dental disease that could be contributing to their problems. Many stray cats suffer from intestinal infections! Second, make sure your feeding area or station meets your cat's needs. 


They need fresh food from clean bowls, so if you try to fill their bowl, it may be full of crusts or hard food.food and dirty with your cat's milk. Change the dishes and meals every day.



Make sure that your cat is safe when he eats: make sure that he can see around him (do not put the bowl against the wall where he will turn other fish) and that he has space complete with other animals. 


Cats don't eat the same food, so each cat needs its own food, but you have to have a lot of space between feeding the cats (no bowls side by side) or even feeding them. in different rooms.


Finally, cats eat many small meals each day and most cats prefer to eat only a few bites at a time. Sometimes people misinterpret the way to eat less food as something serious. It is best for most healthy cats to give them control over their eating habits (for example, an active microchip plate that they can chew on) 




Q:What other signs of intestinal disease can people look for that could indicate that their cat's difficulty is actually an intestinal problem?


(A:Sometimes poor eating is the only sign of bowel disease, but you may also see your cat eating and licking its lips or pooping, which has ability to show nausea. Unintentional weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue are other symptoms that indicate it is serious!)






  • Pancreatitis
  • Obstruction of urine or digestion
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Inflammation of the esophagus
  • Stress or change in the home











✓ Sprinkle nutritional yeast in your cat's food. Many cats enjoy the nutty, cheesy taste and high B vitamin content. (Note: Nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast are not the same thing.)


✓ Try adding a little baby meat, chicken or turkey puree.


✓ Add a delicious topping made for cats, like JAC Pet Nutrition Super Food Crumbles Cat Food Topping and Sauce Mix ($8). Available with chicken, salmon or herb, these foods also contain quinoa organic and turmeric. )


✓ Add a little fish oil to their food. Added benefit: fish oil improves your cat's health, from skin and coat to joints. We love Iceland Pure Pharmaceutical Grade Uncooked Salmon Oil. (from $15, icelandpure.com)


✓ Add water to cans of tuna or anchovies. (If your cat is on a low sodium diet, avoid anchovy water because anchovies can be high in sodium). 


✓ Try adding a little goat's milk, which can stimulate a cat's appetite and has other benefits for digestion and immune health. (starts at $13, openfarmpet.com)


✓ Try sprinkling a little parmesan on your cat's food to make it more appealing.)


✓ Add a little low-sodium chicken broth (again, no onion or garlic!) Or better yet, bone broth made just for pets, like Primal Pet Foods turkey bone broth, which uses such as organic carrots, butternut squash, and turmeric ($10, primalpetfoods.com/broth)


✓ Try supplementing with a pet probiotic, such as VetriScience Probiotic products daily, to improve digestion. ($9, vetriscience.com)




Cat doesn't want to eat? Try these tips for picky Eaters


1..Starvation is not accepted: not eating can lead to death within a few days. Contact a veterinarian if your cat does not eat for 24 hours.


2..Don't suddenly change your cat's food. Slowly transition to new foods regularly


3..know your cat's tastes and preferences. New isn't always good. 


4..Try gently heating the food in the microwave or adding a little warm water, which will improve the smell and help your cat's interest in eating: cats are very interested by 'The thought of their heads! 


5..Try the cat. Some cat owners report that cats stimulate their cat's appetite. Can't hurt, can help and get rich


6..Make sure your cat's food bowl is wide and shallow, or feed your cat from a bowl. A bowl with high sides can cause whisker pressure, make your cat's delicate skin pass through, and prevent it from eating.


7..Don't get free food. Feed your cat, leave the food for 20 minutes, and remove it if it is not eaten. Feed your cat several small meals like this throughout the day. If you are not at home to do this, you can get a smart feeder that will automatically feed your cat several small meals on a schedule.


8..Reduce treatment. A hungry cat can eat it.


9..Increase exercise to stimulate appetite. Get your cat moving with a laser pointer or a feather toy. Don't forget to let it hold anything


10..Remove the bowl and stimulate your cat's hunting instincts with this homemade pet food system. Instead of putting your cat's food in a bowl, add water or kibble to these fun, cute feeders so your cat can hunt, catch and play with lots of small treats every day, just like nature planned. ($20, docandphoebe.com)