In order to own a healthier cat, you have decided to change your cat’s food diet after much pondering and discussion with your veterinarian. But knowing that you own a finicky and choosy cat, you wonder if there is anything you can do to help your cat like its new diet.
Cats can be notoriously picky eaters, and it can be frustrating as a pet owner to see them turn their nose up at their food. However, there are ways to improve the taste of their food and encourage them to eat. It’s essential to introduce new foods gradually, as sudden changes can cause a cat to reject their food for a day or two. This can lead to the cat becoming starved, which can increase its risk of developing fatty liver disease. Experts recommend a gradual change of food to avoid this risk.
One way to improve the taste of cat food is to mix in some additional flavors. A dash of salt can enhance the flavor, but it’s important to use it sparingly, as too much salt can be harmful to cats. Food with a strong odor, such as odiferous cat food or meat baby food, can also be enticing to cats. It’s important to avoid any baby food that contains onions, as onions can be toxic to cats.
Moistened cat treats can also be added to the food to make it more appealing. Changing the texture of the food can also make it more
Mixing different consistencies, such as wet and dry food, canned pumpkin, minced sardines, tuna, or clam juice, can also make the food more appealing. Adding warm water, homemade beef or chicken broth, and warming the dish in the microwave or by steaming can also enhance the flavor.
It can be helpful to introduce a new flavor or formula gradually to see if the cat likes it. Dabbing a little on their paw can also help them become accustomed to the taste as they clean it off. Cottage cheese can also be added as a topping to make the food more appealing.
In addition to improving the taste of the food, changing the feeding dishes can also make a difference. Some cats prefer eating from a flat dish, while others prefer ceramic dishes over plastic or metal. Some cats may also prefer heavier dishes that stay put on the floor as they eat.
A part from a gradual change of food, here is a list of things you can do to improve the taste of your cat’s new food:
- Add a dash of salt.
- Food with a strong odor is enticing. …
- Add some moistened cat treats.
- Change the texture slightly, if it is ground, add some meat chunks, raw meat, or fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna).
- Mix a teaspoon of old food, or change out old food, food left out loses its preferred odor and texture.
If a cat is refusing to eat their food, there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed. They may be sick, down with a mouth disorder problem that makes eating painful and difficult, or they may have a troubled digestive system. In these cases, it’s important to visit a veterinarian to determine the cause of the issue.
Overall, there is no one “tastiest” thing for a cat, as every cat has their own preferences. However, by gradually introducing new foods, mixing in additional flavors, changing the texture, and feeding dishes, it’s possible to make the food more appealing to a picky eater.
Do you have a finicky cat that doesn’t like to eat? How did you deal with it? Please let everyone know in the comments section below.
