My Cat Is Not Eating: An Owner's Guide to Fussy Eating Cats

In the graphic above, you can see the difference between a wide, shallow dish and a narrow, deep bowl. The shallow dish offers comfort and ease, while the deep bowl can create discomfort and discourage your cat from eating.

Ensuring their food bowl is comfortable is an easy yet effective step in addressing fussy eating habits. 

2. Changes in Routine

Cats thrive on routine, and disruptions to their daily schedule can have a big impact on their eating habits. Irregular feeding times or changes in the household, such as introducing new family members or pets, can make your cat anxious and wary of their food. Even going on vacation and leaving your cat with a sitter or at a boarding facility can cause them to feel unsettled. To mitigate this, try to keep feeding times consistent, even if someone else is caring for your cat. Provide familiar items like their regular food and dishes to offer comfort and maintain a sense of normalcy. Look for an automatic feeder if you have an irregular routine. 

3. Stressful Environments

Cats are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and stressful environments can significantly impact their willingness to eat. Excessive noise, such as loud music, television, or household appliances, can make your cat feel uneasy. Similarly, a busy household with frequent foot traffic or the presence of other animals can deter your cat from approaching their food. 

4. Weather

Hot weather can lead to a natural reduction in appetite for cats. Similar to humans, cats may prefer lighter meals during the summer months. During particularly warm days, cats may drink more water and eat less food, which is a normal response to the heat. To ensure your cat stays nourished, you can offer smaller, more frequent meals that are easy to digest. Wet cat food can be particularly beneficial during hot weather, as it provides additional hydration. Additionally, serving meals during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, can make mealtime more appealing. Always ensure your cat has access to fresh, cool water to help them stay hydrated and comfortable during hot weather. 

5. Health Issues

A sudden loss of appetite or increased pickiness at mealtime may indicate an underlying medical problem. Conditions such as dental disease, kidney disease, or digestive issues can make eating uncomfortable or unappealing for your cat. If your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, it’s important to consult a veterinarian promptly. Early intervention can help address potential health concerns before they become more serious, ensuring your cat’s well-being and restoring their appetite.

How to Get a Picky Cat to Eat

Encouraging a fussy cat to eat requires a combination of strategy and patience. Here are some practical tips:

1. Warm the Food

Cats are more likely to eat food served at body temperature. Warming wet food slightly can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing. We suggest adding warm water to the dry food or our freeze-dried raw food to increase the aroma. In the wild, cats consume prey that is at body temperature, so serving food that mimics this warmth can appeal to their natural instincts. Cold or refrigerated food may seem unappetising and could even cause your cat to reject their meal.

However, not every cat likes wet food, so try feeding them just dry food and compare the food temperature differences. We recommend leaving a full water bowl out if you are feeding Frontier Pets cat food dry.

2. Experiment with Flavours and Textures

Offer a variety of flavours and textures to identify your cat’s preferences. Some cats prefer pate, wet food, while others enjoy chunky or shredded options. Rotating proteins like chicken, fish, and lamb can also keep meals interesting.

Additionally, rapid eating of cold food might occasionally lead to regurgitation or "cat barf," as their digestive system may struggle to process the abrupt temperature difference. Providing food at an ideal temperature can help reduce this issue and ensure smoother digestion, keeping your cat happy and healthy.

TIPS! Gradually introduce new foods over 7–10 days to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach.

3. Add Toppers or Broth

Enhance the flavour of your cat’s food with toppers such as freeze-dried treats, low-sodium chicken broth or our Boosters. Cats have an incredibly strong sense of smell, and adding aromatic meal toppers can make their food more enticing. These additions provide variety, which cats often enjoy and can turn an otherwise bland meal into an appealing feast. Experiment with different toppers to find what your cat loves most, and ensure the added ingredients are safe and nutritious for their diet.

4. Stick to a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to feeding your cat. Feeding your cat at the same times every day helps reduce anxiety by creating a predictable schedule they can rely on. Cats are creatures of habit, and establishing a routine not only supports their physical health but also promotes emotional stability. If you need to adjust feeding times due to work or travel, try to make changes gradually to avoid unnecessary stress.

5. Minimise Treats

While treats can be a delightful addition to your cat’s diet, overfeeding them can make regular meals seem less appealing. Cats can quickly develop a preference for treats over their balanced food, leading to nutritional gaps. To encourage healthy eating habits, limit treats to occasional rewards and ensure they make up only a small percentage of your cat’s overall diet. Focus on offering treats that complement their nutrition rather than replace it.

6. Create a Calm Dining Environment

Cats value their privacy and prefer to eat in quiet, undisturbed spaces. Choose a low-traffic area in your home where your cat can enjoy their meal without distractions. If you have multiple pets, consider setting up separate feeding stations to prevent competition or intimidation. Additionally, ensure the feeding space is not close to the litter box, free from loud noises, such as appliances or busy family activities, to help your cat feel secure. Creating a calm environment can significantly improve your cat’s willingness to eat.

A clean feeding area is crucial. Always check for a dirty bowl or spoiled food in their litter box area, as these can deter a cat from eating. Use airtight containers to store quality cat food, ensuring its freshness and palatability.

7. Use Food Puzzles

Engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts by incorporating interactive food puzzles or toys into mealtime. These tools can make eating more stimulating and rewarding, especially for cats who enjoy mental challenges. Food puzzles are not only a fun way to serve meals but also help slow down fast eaters and provide an added layer of enrichment. Start with simple puzzles and gradually introduce more complex ones to keep your cat engaged and excited about mealtime.

Will a Picky Cat Eventually Eat?

Cats may instinctively eat when they become very hungry, but this isn’t an ideal or safe approach for managing picky eating. Prolonged fasting can lead to serious health risks, such as hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening liver condition. Instead of waiting for your cat to "give in," focus on addressing the root causes of their fussiness. By creating a stress-free mealtime environment, sticking to a routine, and experimenting with flavours and textures, you can encourage your cat to eat a balanced diet without putting their health at risk. Always consult a veterinarian if your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours to rule out any underlying medical issues.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

A fussy eater can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Contact your vet if:

• Your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours.
• They show other signs of illness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss.
• Dental issues or bad breath are present, as this could indicate oral health problems.

Conclusion