Some cats are arch manipulators and use every trick in the book to persuade you to give them only the type of food they enjoy. If your cat is hungry enough, chances are he will eat his least favourite food! However, in normal circumstances, there are some issues you can look at.
Fussy Cat checklist
- Is the food the right temperature? Cold food just doesn’t smell right. Room temperature or slightly warmer is better.
- You can’t reprimand a cat for refusing canned food that’s been down for a few hours. If the surface of the food looks dried throw it away, scour the bowl, rinse thoroughly and try again.
- If your cat licks just the jelly, but leaves the chunks, try mashing the whole lot together.
- Offer just a small portion. Some cats are put off by a big bowl full.
- It might be a good idea to try and raise the bowl off the floor, as some cats, such as older ones, with creaky joints, can’t crouch in comfort.
Top fussy eater tips
- Mix the favourite food in with other food.
- Be sparing with treats such as fish and liver – otherwise you will have a spoilt cat who demands them all the time!
- Introduce a kitten to a wide range of flavours and tastes.
- Buy a mixure of flavours and swap them around so that your cat doesn’t have a chance to get fixated on just one!
( article taken from the Feb issue of “Your Cat Magazine” with their kind permission http://www.yourcat.co.uk/ )