How to Feed a Picky Cat- Petcurean

Feline and finicky are nearly synonymous. The majority of cat owners have had some sort of issue with their beloved Fluffster turning his nose up at food at one time or another. Most cat experts will tell you that finicky eaters are made, not born. In an attempt to please them we can inadvertently create picky little food critics.

Let’s start with some interesting facts about cats and their diet. First of all cats suffer from neophobia. They don’t like change in their environment and they don’t like change in their food. Secondly, in comparison to dogs, cats have some unique dietary requirements. Cats have evolved from their strictly carnivorous beginnings when the consumption of meat proteins was their staple for survival. Today’s kitty lives a much different type of life and can thrive on a variety of diets. From a nutrient perspective, cats do not necessarily require an ultra-high protein diet, but they do have higher requirements for amino acids from dietary protein than dogs.

Cats are very sensitive to the shape, size, mouthfeel, and texture of the foods they eat, so start them early with a wide variety of recipes.

There are many reasons why cats can become picky eaters. Most can be rectified by adjusting the way we feed them. However, if at any time your cat stops eating, a visit to the vet is a good idea. Cats will stop eating if they are ill, and it does not take long for them to go into fatty liver failure which can be fatal, so err on the side of caution.

Many people find a food that their feline enjoys and then feed it to them day after day, sometimes for years. If the formula of the food changes, or if the cat needs to go on special diet, you may find yourself with a cat who refuses to eat. Vets and cat experts suggest that you vary your cat’s diet.

Stick with the same healthy food your cat likes but change up the flavour, texture, and shape of the food. Make sure you incorporate both dry and wet varieties.

Feeding wet food ensures hydration, as many cats do not recognize when they are thirsty, or drink enough at the water bowl. If you are making any major food changes they need to be done gradually in order to avoid stomach upset, or food rejection.