Cats are known to be a little choosy when it comes to mealtime, but some felines can be downright finicky about what you put in their food bowl.
A kit that refuses to eat or frequently turns their nose up at what you give them can be stressful, as you want to be sure your cat is getting all the nutrition and calories they need. But it is not so unusual so, after ruling out any underlying health cause for their lack of appetites, the trick is to work out what will tantalize their tastebuds. And this is where our review comes in.
We give you the lowdown on some of the best-tasting cat food for picky cats so you can satisfy your fastidious pet come mealtime.
Key Takeaways
- The best food for picky eaters should contain a high-quality meat protein as cats are carnivores
- A cat that refuses to eat can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, which can cause fat to build up in their liver
- Cats can also be social eaters, which means they can refuse to eat if they are left alone
- Boredom and whisker fatigue can also cause picky cats to be off their food
- Cats use their sense of smell when it comes to deciding if their food is tasty or ‘off’
- Changing the texture or protein source can help picky eaters with their cat food
The Top 10 Rated Tasting Cat Food for Picky Cats
1 Wellness CORE Grain-Free Classic Pate
- Brand: Wellness
- Allergens: None Noted
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 74 kcal/can
- Flavor: Chicken and Chicken Liver
- Type: Wet Food
- Life Stage: Adult
With chicken as its single animal protein and a nicely moist pate texture, Core Wellness comes out tops as the best wet cat food for picky feline eaters.
Grain-free and with no artificial nasties, this delicious wet food is boosted by chicken broth and isa good choice if your cat is prone to a sensitive tum. With its managed calorie level, this recipe is good for indoor cats and the 78% moisture level helps to boost your fussy eater’s hydration levels.
But their nutritional needs are not overlooked in pursuit of texture or taste, as this wet cat food formula is packed with the essentials such as omega oils, antioxidants, and taurine as well as other key vitamins and minerals.
The result? A tasty, straightforward wet canned cat food that can help to get your pet’s appetite back on track.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Meal, Turkey, Pea Protein, Dried Ground Peas, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Alfalfa Meal, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
- Premium chicken for taste plus essential vitamins and minerals
- High moisture level to ensure your cat is hydrated
- Grain, soy, corn, artificial flavor and preservative free
- The pate formula may be a little too smooth for some cats
2 ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Orijen
- Allergens: None Noted
- First 5 ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish
- Primary Proteins: Mackerel and Herring
- Calories: 515 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Fish
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
With six types of fish, this grain-free cat food from Orijen certainly packs a flavor punch as well as a decent 40% protein. And as it includes oily fish such as mackerel and herring, there’s plenty of omega essential fatty acids to support your cat’s eye, heart, and skin health. But what about its food bowl appeal?
Well, each kibble piece is coated in freeze-dried liver for an extra burst of flavor to keep your picky cat’s interest. The ingredient list is on the long side and does include fruit and vegetables but there is nothing of note in the recipe that could irritate or put a kit off. The fish protein is also listed as ‘whole prey’ so includes organs and bones for excellent levels of nutrients you cat should love.
For picky cats that prefer their food on the crunchy side, we think Orijen’s grain-free dry cat food could be a mealtime winner.
Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish, Whole Hake, Mackerel Meal, Herring Meal, Blue Whiting Meal, Pollock Oil, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Salmon Meal, Pollock Meal, Whole Green Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Pea Starch, Natural Salmon Flavor, Sa Ower Oil, Lentil Fiber, Whole Yellow Peas, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid (Preservative), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
- Six types of whole prey fish for superior protein source
- Grain-free and topped with freeze-dried liver for a raw hit
- Quite high levels of carbohydrates
- Pet owners do report smelly poops after feeding this to their pets
3 Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Chicken & Beef Entree
- Brand: Purina
- Allergens: meat by-products
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, liver, water, meat by-products, beef, ocean whitefish
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 95 kcal/can
- Flavor: chicken and beef
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: senior
As your cat ages, their appetite as well as their ability to physically eat can be affected. Which is why this wet cat food specifically formulated for the 11+ feline is such a good choice. Using the classic combination of chicken and beef, it has the flavor as well as the right ingredients for the more senior digestive system.
Plus, the entrée recipe means this is a nicely moist cat food which is easier for your older kit to chew and digest.
The quality protein helps to maintain your senior cat’s muscles and sustain their energy so they can go about their day. And, with 25 essential vitamins and minerals, as well as taurine, this wet food recipe for older picky eaters is well balanced when it comes to nutrition. Use on its own, or alongside your cat’s regular cat food if they are still partial to the crunch of dry food.
Chicken, Liver, Water, Meat By-Products, Beef, Ocean Whitefish, Salmon, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Taurine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Salt, Citric Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Choline Chloride. F467720.
- Entrée formula is ideal for older cats as it is easy to digest
- Contains all the essential amino acids for energy and muscle health
- Free from artificial colors or preservatives
- It does contain meat by-products which are unnecessary fillers
- With a higher fat content, the recipe is on the rich side
4 Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula
- Brand: Wellness
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots, cranberries
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 97 kcal/can
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: kitten
At a time when your little fur baby should be growing and developing, having a kitten who is resistant to their food bowl is a stressful experience. But with their kitten formula Wellness Complete have created a we grain-free cat food that is our pick for best food for finicky kittens.
Each mouthful of this protein-rich pate is nutritionally balanced to support a kitten’s health while helping to support their growth and development. Chicken is the number one animal protein, so you know it is a safe bet and the smooth texture is easy to digest while giving your kit a safe and enjoyable eating experience.
With omegas, antioxidants, taurine and essential vitamins and minerals, the wet cat food recipe is free of any unnecessary fillers or artificial nasties. So, all you get is tasty, kitten-focused nutrition to keep your mini picky eater in good health.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
- Supports your kit’s coat, digestion, muscles, teeth, and immune health
- Nutritionally balanced, with no grains or artificial additives
- The recipe does have a high level of carbohydrates
5 Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain High Protein Recipe
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- Allergens: dried egg
- First 5 ingredients: salmon, fish broth, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken
- Primary Proteins:
- Calories: 81 kcal/can
- Flavor: salmon
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: adult
It can be easy to forget that your domestic cat still has many ‘wild’ traits, and this can impact on what they will and won’t eat come dinner time. With Taste of the Wild cat food, you can provide your cat with nutrient-rich protein without any unnecessary ingredients to keep their diet as nature intended. And all without breaking the bank.
This rich cat food comes in a delicious gravy, which for picky eaters can be a sure-fire draw. And the gravy can help with their hydration levels too.
With no grains, or artificial flavors or preservatives, this formula is also kinder on their tum and provides all the key nutrients such as amino acids and healthy fats, to keep them healthy and on the go.
Salmon, fish broth, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken, dried egg whites, potato starch, pea flour, smoked salmon, roasted venison, peas, ocean fish, guar gum, natural flavor, sunflower oil, sodium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, inulin, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, taurine, DL-methionine, choline chloride, iron amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, sodium selenite, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid.
- Quality protein, including roasted venison supports lean muscles and energy levels
- Rich gravy to entice picky eaters
- The meat chunks tend to be on the larger side
6 Tiki Cat Luau Wet Food for Adult Cats
- Brand: Tiki Pets
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: Succulent Chicken variety – chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, tricalcium phosphate, taurine
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 69 kcal/can
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: adult
They say variety is the spice of life and when it comes to a fussy feline, it can also be the solution. Which is why Tiki Cat’s Luau grain free cat food is a premium choice to get your fussy cat eating.
Each 12-can case of this well-made wet cat food includes a choice of six flavors, including classic chicken, tilapia, and wild salmon. And this gives you the chance to easily experiment to discover which flavors are top when it comes to your kit clearing their food bowl.
With real meat, delectably shredded in a rich consume, the recipes read like a gourmet menu, but the formulas are not overloaded with ingredients. And Tiki Cat does their best to avoid any ingredients that can be an issue, especially for sensitive cats.
All-in-all, while you will pay a little more than comparable brands, you do get nutritional quality.
Napili Luau Wild Salmon & Chicken: Salmon, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin.
- Great choice of inventive recipes which are nutritionally balanced
- A lovely, shredded texture with gravy that is easy for a picky or fussy eater to eat and digest
- The odor is low, so the recipes could be benefit from a more appetizing smell
7 Stella & Chewy’s Yummy Lickin’ Salmon & Chicken Dinner Morsels
- Brand: Stella & Chewy’s
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: salmon with ground bone, chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed
- Primary Proteins: salmon and chicken
- Calories: 125 kcal/ounces
- Flavor: salmon
- Type: raw food
- Life Stage: adult
If you do have a fussy eater, then raw food could be the answer as it aims to mirror their natural wild diet. And we think Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels offer the best of both worlds, as they are protein rich but easy and mess-free to feed to your picky pet.
Made from raw protein, which includes the nutritious organ and bone, this recipe uses wild salmon and farm raised chicken for a quality taste. The formula is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including taurine and probiotics for a happy digestion. The whole recipe is then freeze dried for freshness and taste.
You do need to be careful preparing their food – it should never be re-heated although you can add water to rehydrate more if needed – but for straightforward, meaty nutrition, this could be your answer.
Salmon With Ground Bone, Chicken With Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Fenugreek Seed, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
- Natural whole chicken and salmon for a raw hit of quality protein
- Delicious taste and texture cats will love
- These freeze-dried dinner morsels are on the expensive side
- You need to be careful how you prepare this cat food
8 Instinct Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Instinct Limited Ingredient
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, pea protein
- Primary Proteins: turkey
- Calories: 197 kcal/can
- Flavor: turkey
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: all
If your cat is off their food due to sensitivities to what they eat, then a limited ingredient diet is one of the best solutions to pursue. And with Instinct Limited Ingredient wet cat food, your fussy kit doesn’t have to lose out on taste.
Made with just one source of protein and one vegetable, this is clean eating of the feline kind. And that means no grains, dairy, or common proteins such as chicken which can trigger a reaction.
Made with turkey, the recipe is also inspired by a raw diet, all packed in a delicious, super-digestible wet pate. The result is a no-nonsense limited ingredient cat food that’s perfect for tempting your fussy cat back to their kitty food bowl.
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Peas, Pea Protein, Montmorillonite Clay, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate
- Real turkey and just one vegetable recipe that’s ideal for sensitive kits
- Can be served alone or as a topper for kibble
- Some pet owners report the consistency is more wet than pate-like
9 Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe
- Brand: Halo
- Allergens: dried egg product
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, dried peas, dried chickpeas
- Primary Proteins: chicken
- Calories: 397 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Indoor cats need a careful eye on their calorie intake to ensure it matches their activity level. But if your indoor kit is also a reluctant eater, you also need to ensure the food you give is not only tasty but supports their energy and nutritional needs.
If this is your specific concern, then we think Halo’s Indoor Cat Healthy Weight is a good option to consider. The dry kibble is a good size to chomp on while being easy to digest. Cage free chicken is the protein, used as whole meal with no rendered meat or by-product.
And as it is free of artificial fillers or ingredients, the whole recipe is kind on their digestion while ensuring they get the nutrients they need. Another plus for the picky indoor cat is the texture, as it gives a satisfying crunch to help keep your indoor kit coming back for more.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Dried Chickpeas, Soy Protein Concentrate, Dried Potatoes, Natural flavor, flaxseed, Pea fiber, Potato Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Salmon Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Carrots, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Salt, Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, L-Carnitine.
- Uses cage-free whole chicken as number one protein
- Crunchy recipe that’s free from artificial ingredients or by-products
- For some cats, the kibble shape can be a little tricky to chew
- You do pay a little extra for the holistic approach
10 Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe Cuts
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: dried egg whites
- First 5 ingredients: deboned duck, duck broth, turkey broth, turkey liver, deboned turkey
- Primary Proteins: duck and turkey
- Calories: 85 kcal/pouch
- Flavor: duck
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: adult
If you suspect sensitivities or food intolerances are turning your cat off their food bowl, then check out these grain-free morsels from Merrick. These tasty bites are also ideal for fussy cats that don’t like dry food as you get chunky, satisfying bites in a rich, tasty gravy.
The core ingredient is real, deboned duck so also a good choice for sensitive cats as it’s a more ‘novel’ animal protein that can be beneficial. And the moisture levels of the wet recipe can help to boost hydration.
With no corn, wheat, gluten, or artificial ingredients, this is a clean diet that doesn’t scrimp on taste or nutritional value. Use on its own, or as a delicious topper for your cat’s usual dry food and Backcountry Grain-free is a good choice for sensitive fussy eaters.
Deboned Duck, Duck Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Deboned Turkey, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide) Sodium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid) Inulin, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary Extract.
- Grain-free and with whole animal protein can help minimize dietary sensitivities
- 100% free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
- The recipe does contain egg whites, which can be a dietary irritant
How to Choose Best Cat Food for Picky Eaters
It can be stressful if your furry feline friend appears to be off their food or shows selective behavior around their food bowl. But with a few simple steps, you can get your fussy cat to overcome their mealtime tendencies.
We look at why your pet may be a fussy eater, what you should do, and how to choose the best cat food to get them eating properly again.
Why Are Cats So Picky About the Food They Eat?
Unlike dogs, who are natural scavengers as well as hunters and can happily live as omnivores, felines are straight-up carnivores that require meat to survive. This means that while their diet is straightforward ‘in the wild’, for domestic kits, the food they are given can be a little more problematic.
The digestive system of cats is also sensitive as it is totally tuned into eating just meat and so can be easily upset if the ingredients in their processed cat food are not quite right. And this can all add up to your kit being fussy about what you put in their food bowl.
An upset stomach in the wild can be a deal-breaker, but for domestic cats, it is not always such an issue. However, their instinct to avoid anything that could be unfamiliar and potentially harmful is still strong. And this can lead to your cat becoming a picky eater, or even a total food avoider, which has a name – feline neophobia.
Is it Normal for Cats to be Picky Eaters?
Some cats love their food, while others like to take their time, or nibble and graze throughout the day, which is why you may think your pet is a picky eater. But if your kit is clearing all or most of their food bowl each day and is otherwise in good health, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
However, while it is common for felines to be picky cats at times, it’s important not to assume it is just your pet being a normal cat as there can be other reasons why they are being choosy.
There are numerous reasons your cat may be off their food or be selective when it comes to their food bowl. These include whisker fatigue (where their food bowl irritates their sensitive whiskers), stale or bad food, or feeling insecure.
Health reasons, such as diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or pancreatitis may also be the underlying cause.
For these reasons, it’s essential to act and get your cat to the vet if you find they are refusing to eat, especially if they have symptoms of ill health, digestive upset, or lethargy, so you can get professional help to discover the root cause.
How to Get Your Kitty’s Appetite Back
Having a cat that is a picky eater or is refusing to eat can be worrying. But if a vet has ruled out any health issues, then there are some steps you can take to get your cat’s diet and appetite back on track:
Get them excited about mealtime
Creating a positive routine around their mealtime can help to get your kit interested in the contents of their food bowl. And this means ‘selling’ it to them!
Be consistent with their mealtimes, make a fuss of them and get excited about the food you are giving them can work. And always keep their feeding station fresh and clean.
What to do if Your Cat is a Social Eater
Many cats like to have their human around when they eat, and it harks back to their wild cat ancestry where they need to feel safe. In the wild, a cat can be vulnerable if they are left alone to eat as they cannot always see if something is sneaking upon them.
So, if your cat refuses to eat alone, then they are a social or affectional eater. And they are telling you they need to feel safe. So, take the cues and respond – either by hanging out in the vicinity while they eat or making some changes to ensure their feeding area is safe and they have a clear view while they chow down.
Enhance the Taste
Cats love strong flavors such as salt or fat, which could be missing from their nutritionally balanced cat food. And, as cats use their sense of smell to boost appetite and taste, it may be worth adding something extra as a topping to their food bowl.
Small pieces of bacon, grated cheese, dried bonito flakes, and even a small amount of catnip sprinkled on top of your cat’s food can entice them to start taking a bite. And the juice from chicken or a can of seafood such as tuna can be delicious for picky cats and will help to increase their hydration levels too.
Don’t Leave Their Food Out Too Long
While many cats take their time eating, and will even walk away between mouthfuls, to come back later to try again, they will not eat stale or tainted food. So, for this reason, a good way to help maintain their appetite is to not leave uneaten food in their bowl.
After a reasonable amount of time, empty the bowl of your cat’s food and try again later with a fresh amount.
Serve Picky Cats Their Food at the Optimum Temperature
Checking the temperature you serve their food at may well entice your picky eater back to their food bowl. This is because cats, as hunters, prefer their food at body temperature, rather than cold.
If you store their wet food in the refrigerator between mealtimes, then there is no harm in briefly zapping it in the microwave to bring it up to room temperature as it can also boost the flavor. Just don’t serve their food warm or hot.
Variety is the Spice of Life!
And finally, cats just like humans can get bored if they are eating the same thing, day in day out so aim to shake things up for them to keep their mealtimes enjoyable.
This can be as simple as buying a variety pack of their favorite cat food or adding extra texture to keep things fun and fresh.
What to Look for in a Cat Food for Picky Eaters
As well as following the above guidance on getting your fussy cat to enjoy their mealtime again, you should also consider changing the food you give them.
To help, here’s the lowdown on the essentials to look for in a picky cat’s food.
A Quality Protein Source
As cats are carnivores, they need a good quality meat protein as the main ingredient of any cat food you give them. And this protein should not be over-complicated so look for a recipe that focuses on a single animal protein source, or a maximum of two.
Chicken or fish are the usual animal proteins used in cat food but for a picky eater, it is worth trying a more unusual, or ‘novel’ meat source, such as rabbit, duck, or lamb. You may find that your fussy eater is attracted to the new smell or taste and be tempted back to their food bowl.
Texture
The texture of their food may be putting your fussy cat off their mealtimes so it’s worth being mindful of what your kit likes…and doesn’t like. If they have an issue with their wet cat food, change to a food with a different texture, larger chunks rather than a smooth pâté-for example, or a dinner with a richer gravy.
Trial and error are needed here to see what texture may pique your pet’s attention and tastebuds.
Smell
Cats are sensitive creatures and as we have already explored, have an innate instinct to avoid any food that could be ‘bad’. And the smell of their cat food could be putting them off. But that doesn’t mean their food should be a low odor as a strong odor is actually a good draw, as long as it smells good to your cat.
Unlike humans who have over 9,000 tastebuds, felines have only several hundred but a more highly honed sense of smell. And they will use this sense to help them make a judgment on the cat food in their bowl.
Check the Fat Content
If you really are struggling to get your cat to eat, then look for cat food that has a higher fat content as fat from a quality animal source is going to improve the overall taste. But do make sure it is good fat, so there are nutritional benefits too, for example, boosting the condition of their coat.
A Balanced Diet
Talking of nutritional value, any cat food you choose for a fussy eater should not just be about flavor, smell, or texture. You need to ensure they are still getting the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need for good health.
So, this means checking the cat food label for high-quality ingredients that are nutritionally well-balanced and have the right number of calories to match your cat’s activity and lifestyle.
Avoid ‘Bad’ Ingredients
And finally, while it may be tempting to opt for cat food that has a strong smell and taste your cat is attracted to, you really need to avoid any ingredients that can be bad for your picky cat in the long term. These include known allergens for cats such as dairy and grains as well as meat by-products which can be hard for your cat to digest.
Also, on the avoid list for your picky eater are excessive fruits and sugars, unnamed oils and fats, and any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. All of which can irritate your cat and exacerbate their issues with food.
Should You Feed Your Fussy Eater Dry or Wet Food?
The jury is actually out on whether a dry or wet food diet is best for feline picky eaters. Many cat owners and vets believe that wet food is the best option to choose for picky cats due to its higher moisture content, less processing, and reduced carbs compared to dry food varieties. But you may find your cat disagrees if you make the transition!
Knowing your cat and what may tempt their appetite is a good place to start. And if your cat is also a poor drinker, then switching to wet canned cat food can also help them stay hydrated.
As long as the pet food contains a quality meat protein source, ingredients that are appropriate for cats, and is nutritionally balanced and healthy, the best type of cat food – wet or dry – is the one your fussy cat will eat.
And there is certainly no harm in switching up their food from wet cat food to dry (or vice versa) if they have not changed their food type for a while, to see if a change is as good as a rest when it comes to recharging their appetite.
How to Transition Your Finicky Fur Baby to a New Food
It is important that cat owners take it carefully when transitioning any cat to a new food, but more so if your pet is particularly finicky. And you may need to take into account that their food issue could actually be related to how they were introduced to new food in the past.
So, your starting point to transitioning your cat to the new contents of their food bowl is to offer your picky eater a mix of their new and old food. Then gradually reduce the amount of the old food you give them until they have completely transitioned to their new diet.
By taking it slowly, you will give your cat’s digestive system to adjust to the new food and also help to prevent ‘neophobia’ – or a fear of new foods – in your picky cat. However, it is also important to observe your cat during this transition phase, noting their energy levels and their bowel movements to ensure they are happy, and their GI tract is working as it should.
Also, look out for any signs of allergies to their new food. Any physical concerns and you should stop their new food to see if any of these unpleasant symptoms stop.
Here’s are some other key things to consider when transitioning your cat’s diet:
Location of Their Food Bowl
Your cat needs to be able to eat their food in peace, and not have to worry about being surprised by another pet or human when eating, as this can put them off their food.
Place their food bowl in a quiet space in your home but position it so they can see what is going on around them when they eat.
Be Mindful of Whisker Fatigue
The size and shape of their food bowl could actually be the cause of their reluctance to eat. And this is because it could be rubbing against their delicate whiskers and causing unpleasant irritation. If you suspect whisker fatigue, try a shallower bowl to reduce contact with their face.
Will Cats Starve Themselves if They Don’t Like the Food?
The truth is, yes. If there is no underlying health issue and your cat is simply a picky eater and doesn’t like the food you are giving them, they can hold out rather than eat something unpalatable. And it doesn’t take long – just a couple of days before this refusal to eat anything can become a health problem.
Once a picky cat stops eating altogether, there’s a risk to their body as, after a day or two, they start metabolizing their reserves of body fat as a source of energy. However, this can then cause problems with their liver as it gets clogged up by the fat. This is a condition called hepatic lipidosis (or fatty liver syndrome) and can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
So, if your cat hasn’t eaten anything for 24-48 hours, take them along to the veterinarian clinic to get them the medical help they need.
Do Cats Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?
Just like humans, cats can get tired of eating the same food every day and can demonstrate their boredom by becoming a fussy eater, or not eating at all. If you suspect your kitty is bored of what’s in their food bowl, try a different high-quality cat food, or switch to a different flavor or texture.
Another good tip to pre-empt mealtime boredom is to feed your kit a variety of foods from a young age, so they are accustomed to being fed different tastes and types of food in the first place. However, whatever you choose to feed your cat, it’s important to always ensure that they are getting complete and balanced nutrition.
Source:
- Katherine Scott, DVM, Feeding a cat that’s a picky eater – Pets WebMD
- Mike Paul, DVM, Why is my cat a picky eater? – Pet Health Network
