how to feed picky cats

If your cat is picky by character, or is just moody sometimes, getting them to eat your choice of food properly can be a challenge. It’s important to keep in mind that sometimes picky eating can be caused by underlying health problems, so make sure to consult your vet to rule out any issues. If you’re sure your feline friend’s pickiness is not related to their health, then try these tips to get their nutrition in and their pickiness out.

1. Know that your cat is a carnivore

By nature, our feline friends are carnivores, and therefore need meat in their diet - opting for meals that are rich in the proteins and nutrients they would get in the wild is essential to them being attracted to the food in the first place.

2. Don’t fuel their pickiness

It’s important to remember not to fuel their pickiness by offering too much of a variety of food. Too many choices can be bad and can cause your cat to get even pickier.

3. Stick to a specific time

Get your feline friend used to eating at specific times throughout the day and stick to it. Creating a routine helps your cat get into a routine as well.

4. Time their feedings

 Aside from creating a timely routine, be sure not to leave out their food for longer than 15 to 30 minutes. Even if they haven’t eaten the food, put it away until the next schedule feeding time. This will teach them to eat when you feed them, and not give them the luxury of eating (or not eating) whenever they want.

5. Stick to what they like

Your cat might enjoy a certain texture or flavor of food. If you know what they like, try to stick to their favorite. If you are introducing a new kind of food, make sure to do it very gradually over a long period of time to slowly get them accustomed to the new flavors and textures.

6. Include water

Also by instinct, cats need water in their food and crave foods that provide this hydration, as they would get it in the wild. A fry food diet, aside from being unappetizing to your feeling friend, can also be unhealthy, potentially causing dehydration and urinary tract infections.

7. Try it warm

Cats love eating foods that have strong smells, so your cat might like their food warm, for one because it enhances the smell and might get them interested in eating, and secondly, it might spark their interest as a new way to eat their food.

Keep in Mind

One last thing to keep in mind is that every cat is different, and only you and your vet can really assess their health and their wellbeing. Focus on getting all of their nutrients in by providing food that is healthy and wholesome, and avoid filling in with snacks and empty calories.