Most of us think it is horrifying when our cats won’t eat. Whether that be because your cat is really a little unwell or requires a diet change, wanting to encourage eating may be difficult.  Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be alarming.

Cats may refuse to eat for various reasons. Sometimes, the reason could be a minor issue like stress or an upset stomach, while other times, it could be due to a more serious health condition.

Many cats who develop kidney problems, diabetes or have food allergies might also need to consume a brand new diet. Introducing this new diet often means you must be slightly sneaky. This is often compounded if your cat can be feeling only a little poorly, particularly when you yourself have a pet with kidney troubles.

WHY IS MY CAT NOT EATING?

Hopefully, you’ve already visited your vet to obtain assistance with the medical reasons for not wanting to consume (mouth pain, nausea, viruses, and gastrointestinal issues).  In case the veterinarian has given you the go-ahead, it’s time to get creative for getting your cat excited about eating.

Cats are creatures of habit, and in an evolutionary sense, they’d no be experimental and adventurous, making use of their foods, unlike our scavenging friends, the dogs.

For cats, variety isn’t the spice of life. They’d be perfectly happy eating that same old mouse each day, they’ve no dependence on change. Various other basic principles to bear in mind when changing their food:

• Cats who have a blocked nose will often refuse to consume simply because they can’t smell their food. Heating the meals to body temperature will make it smell nicer.
• Cats basically develop dietary preferences by 7 weeks old, after their mum taught them what’s food, and what’s safe to eat. This is the reason changing foods in a grown-up cat is problematic.
• Cats will develop a desire for texture and appearance, so trying to help make the new food look and feel just like the old food might help the transition. For instance, if you wish to introduce raw chicken necks, first cut them up into biscuit-sized pieces and sprinkle them with some crushed biscuit ‘seasoning ‘, then gradually leave the pieces bigger and bigger over time.
• Food aversions also can develop into something your cat has been eating if your cat was feeling only a little sick the last time the meal was presented. Many ladies who’ve suffered morning sickness have observed the exact same phenomenon, or simply here is the reason you can’t face Malibu and lemonade anymore!

SIGNS OF NAUSEA

One of the common reasons for a cat to avoid eating is nausea. It can be caused by underlying health conditions, anxiety, or even motion sickness. Some signs of nausea in cats include:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Hiding or isolating themselves
• Vomiting

A pet that’s feeling nauseous will often lick his lips, salivate a whole lot or review to the meals bowl. and leave after having a sniff. Your vet may manage to assist with medications for nausea, and additionally, there are appetite stimulants that could help while your pet is recovering.  Anti-vomiting medications can also be necessary for cats that are vomiting.

If a pet is promoting food aversion, trying different foods can help. Usually, it will take 2-4 weeks for the cat to manage to tolerate that food again. Ask your vet if you will find various kinds of meals you can look at or what home-cooked diets are suitable. 

CHANGE GRADUALLY

Unless advised by your vet, all diet changes must certainly be gradual, over at least 7 days. Your pet has enzymes and bacteria that have adapted to digest that old food, so an immediate diet change can cause diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. 

If your pet is on a prescription diet, such as a urinary diet or even a gastrointestinal diet, it is important to transition slowly. These diets are formulated with high-quality protein sources and sometimes also have restricted phosphate & sodium levels, so making the switch too fast can cause kidney function to worsen.

During the very first 3 days, add 25% of the sum total volume, as the newest food. The following two days, 50% ought to be the new food. On days 6-7, 75% of the sum total volume ought to be the new diet. From then on, it is possible to introduce 100% of the newest food.

UTILISE THE FOOD SCENT

Cats are extremely sensitive to smell. They’ll often refuse to consume a brand new food until it’s warmed to body temperature, instinctively they like to consume things ‘freshly killed ’ and warm. 

Try microwaving the meals until it’s slightly warm, just watch for that spot at the centre and never feed cooked bones. The smell may also be masked by sprinkling Parmesan cheese or crushed biscuits over the top. If your cat still won’t eat it, add some crushed-up kibble from his old diet over the newest diet and mix it until he realises it’s not too bad after all.

If your pet can’t smell his food, he’s less inclined to want to consume it. Cats who have a blocked nose will often refuse to eat because they can’t smell their food. Heating the meals to body temperature could make it smell nicer. Don’t overheat it, though, or you’ll have to wait for this to cool before serving.

FROM DRY TO WET FOOD

When you yourself have a pet with urinary issues or diabetes your cat might be best eating a greater protein food or wet food. Many cats love dry biscuits, so transitioning them to wet food can lead to a hunger strike.  

Follow the above-mentioned advice with the gradual transition and start mixing your cat’s biscuits in with only a little bit of wet food. Adding some crushed-up biscuits sprinkled on the top can also help. You may start with quite a bit of the additional ‘seasoning ‘, gradually reducing the total amount over time.

One other option would be to just wet down your cat’s biscuits, adding more and more water each day. Then add hot water to the biscuits and let them sit for about 20 minutes.

The taste of dry food is extremely different from wet food. Cats may take a little while to adjust to the new texture and flavour, so patience is key. Try mixing in wet food with the dry biscuits in small amounts gradually increasing over time until they are fully transitioned.

MOTIVATING YOUR CAT TO EAT RAW MEAT OR BONES

If your vet has advised you to begin feeding your cat raw meat and bones for dental health, there are always a few clever tricks that could encourage trying something new.

Cats tend to be reluctant to consume meat that’s cold and straight from the fridge, so let it reach room temperature first. You can even sear the meat in an exceedingly hot pan, making certain merely to use it the warmth for some seconds, and so the bone continues to be raw.

For an extra-sneaky tip, try cutting up the meat and bones into tiny piecesFor an extra-sneaky tip, try cutting up the meat and bones into tiny pieces, crushing up some dry food, or mixing it with some wet food. Aim to produce what looks just like your cat’s previous food as you can and mix the old and new foods, gradually reducing the total amount of the last food over time.

PROVIDE A STRESS-FREE ENVIRONMENT

Stress can significantly affect your cat’s appetite, making it difficult for them to eat new foods or even their old favourites. It is important to create a stress-free environment in your home to encourage your cat to eat and try new foods.

Make sure their food and water bowls are always clean and easily accessible, away from loud noises or other pets that may cause anxiety.

Additionally, you can try using food puzzles or toys to make mealtime more interesting and stimulating for your cat. These can also help slow down fast eaters and encourage them to engage in play while eating.

Another way to reduce stress during mealtimes is to establish a routine for feeding. This will help your cat anticipate when they will be fed and provide a sense of security and comfort. Try to feed your cat at the same time every day, preferably in a quiet and calm area of the house.

Lastly, it is important to consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat’s lack of appetite or difficulty in transitioning to new foods. They can provide helpful tips and guidance on how to make mealtimes more enjoyable for your feline friend.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

It is important to maintain consistency when it comes to your cat’s diet. This means sticking to a regular feeding schedule and avoiding constantly switching between different types of food. Frequent changes in their diet can cause digestive upset and may lead to picky eating habits.

Try to serve meals at the same times each day, and if you’re free-feeding, consider transitioning to timed meals during the diet change to help monitor intake and encourage appetite. In addition, avoid giving your cat too many treats or table scraps, as this can also disrupt their regular diet.

It’s also important to stick with the new food for at least a few weeks before making any changes or switching back to the old diet. This will give your cat’s digestive system time to adjust and get used to the new food.

AVOID FORCING

It’s important to never force your cat to eat a new food. Forcing them to try something new can create stress and negative associations with mealtime. Instead, use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement when introducing new foods. This can include offering treats or praise when your cat shows interest in the new food, and avoiding punishment if they refuse to eat it.

Remember, cats are creatures of habit, so be patient and give them time to adjust to the new diet.  With proper techniques and a supportive environment, your cat will eventually come around to the new food. Always remember to consult with a vet if you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s dietary needs. 

SEEK EXPERT ADVICE

If you are still having trouble transitioning your cat to a new diet, consult with your veterinarian for additional advice. They may recommend a specific food or supplement that can help stimulate your cat’s appetite and make the transition smoother. It is important to follow their guidance and not give up on finding a suitable diet for your furry friend.

Additionally, if you notice any concerning changes in your cat’s health or behaviour during the diet change, seek veterinary attention immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s well-being.

Proper professional support can make all the difference in successfully updating your cat’s diet.  With patience and persistence, you and your cat can glide through the transition to a healthy, balanced diet together.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER TO OUR DEAR CAT OWNERS

Transitioning to a new diet can be challenging, but with patience and the right approach, it is possible to successfully update your cat’s diet. It’s important to introduce new foods gradually, using techniques such as heating up the food or adding toppings to entice your cat. Creating a stress-free environment and maintaining consistency in feeding schedules are also key factors in a successful diet change.

Seeking expert advice and avoiding forcing your cat to eat can also make a significant difference in the process. With time and effort, you and your cat can enjoy the health benefits of a new, balanced diet together.  Remember, take it slow, be patient, and don’t give up! Your cat’s health is worth the effort.  Happy feeding!