Cats are known for their peculiar eating habits. What was considered a favorite dish yesterday is suddenly ignored today. For cat owners, feeding a picky cat can be a real challenge. But don't worry, there are some tips and tricks to get your picky cat to eat his food.
What is causing your cat to refuse food?
Before you try our tips, you should first look at why your tiger is no longer eating properly. Because there could be a medical problem behind it. Maybe your cat has an upset stomach? Or does she have a toothache or a cat cold? Such causes are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy or meowing. However, if your cat refuses any food for more than 24 hours, you should consult a veterinarian and have the whole thing checked out medically. A lack of protein intake can quickly lead to physical problems for your tiger. Extreme urgency is required here.
Lack of appetite can also be related to heat. Our tigers also get too warm and lose their appetite. In the summer months you can adjust the feeding times to the temperatures, i.e. feed early in the morning and late in the evening before it gets too hot.
Being in heat also causes the cat to refuse food.
Stress can also cause your cat to be unable to eat. Stress is often related to changes in cats. Maybe you just have visitors, a new animal or you've moved? Even a new cleaning product that may smell different and more intense can cause internal stress in a cat.
With outdoor cats, they may hunt mice outside and then eat them, or they may even have another feeding place in a neighbor's home that you don't know about.
If all of these reasons are out of the question, your tiger may simply be too picky. In that case, there are various things you can try.
Adjust your cat's feeding place
Cats can be sensitive to the type of food bowl. Try different bowls to see if your cat has a particular preference. Some cats like shallow bowls, others prefer raised bowls. Another argument in favor of a shallow bowl or plate is that some cats don't like it when their whiskers touch the edge of the bowl.
In any case, cats are picky when it comes to hygiene. As soon as the food has been left for a while, they no longer find it fresh and refuse it. This is mainly because cats have an extra sense of taste that tells them when food no longer meets their needs. It is therefore important to keep the bowls clean and to feed several small portions. The bowls should also not be able to slip.
It is also important for your cat to feel safe at the feeding place. This should be quiet and easy for you to see. This also means that the bowl is positioned so that the cat can see into the room. Therefore, if possible, do not place the bowl against the wall. Since cats are very clean, they often don't like it when their food is too close to the litter box.
Warm the cat food slightly
Cats' basic instinct is to eat small animals such as mice in the wild. These are then still warm. If the food comes straight from the fridge, it is too cold and you should therefore let it stand for a while or warm it up. Warming wet food to room temperature can intensify the scent of the food and make it more attractive. However, avoid excessive heating to avoid loss of nutrients.
Play with your cat before feeding
Playing with your cat before feeding can stimulate his appetite. Playing mimics natural hunting and may leave your tiger hungry afterwards.
You can also combine feeding with playing. Cats love to work for their food. This works great with dry food. Throw a few pieces around the room and your cat will chase it like it's their prey.
Bring variety to the food bowl
Have you ever tried other protection devices? If you always give your cat poultry, you could also try beef or fish. Other consistencies can also stimulate your cat's appetite again.
And then there is the issue of “wet food or dry food?”. Some cats prefer dry food, while others prefer wet food. Feeding wet food is usually better because cats are naturally poor drinkers and therefore consume more water in their diet. Therefore, a combination of both types of food might be something for your tiger. For example, you could try getting your cat used to eating wet food in the morning and evening. A bowl with some dry food is always available. In contrast to dogs, cats eat many small portions throughout the day because they have to keep their protein intake constant.
Another thing you could try is serving your tiger the food on a licking mat. This makes eating a little more challenging and can awaken your appetite again.
Use snacks sparingly
Cats love snacks. Therefore, they will always prefer this to wet or dry food. If you get your cat too used to treats, it may turn down the actual food and just wait for it. Therefore, use them sparingly.
You can also add small amounts of the snacks over the wet food, as a topping, so to speak. Your tiger will like the little morsels so much that they will stimulate his appetite again.
Do you know our popular cat snack Mmmh Mmmh chicken ? The small cubes are made from 100% chicken breast fillet and nothing else. They are the perfect size to be used as a topping on wet food and are also suitable for overweight tigers due to the lean fillet meat.
