How to Prevent Your Cat from Being Picky

It’s not an issue if a cat prefers tasty treats (who wouldn’t?). However, it often happens that a cat becomes so attached to one brand, or even a single flavor, that they refuse to accept anything else. If for some reason a change is necessary, the owner might find themselves in a difficult situation. The switch could become necessary due to health issues or the discontinuation of a specific food. Therefore, it’s wise to approach this matter consciously from the beginning and get your pet used to a varied menu. Here is how to handle a picky cat.

Dry vs. Wet Food

One common issue is that the cat is willing to eat only dry or wet food. The latter is more common, as cats tend to prefer soft, jelly-like, or creamy canned foods and pouches. However, sometimes dry food is better, for instance, when the owner is away for a longer period (like at work) and wants to leave some food out for their pet.

To prevent your cat from rejecting crunchy bites, we recommend alternating between the two types. Serve wet food for breakfast and dry food for the next meal, and so on. You could also mix them, giving less wet food supplemented with dry food.

If the Cat Doesn’t Eat

If you’ve switched to a new food and your pet refuses to eat it, try going back to the previous food and gradually introducing the new one. Initially, mix a small amount with the old food or offer it alongside, and slowly replace it with the new type.

However, if your cat suddenly refuses their usual beloved food and shows other worrying signs (like lethargy, lack of interest, hiding, avoiding you, etc.), it might not be picky but rather unwell. Cats are excellent at hiding their illnesses, so any small change can be a cause for concern.

As mentioned earlier, health issues often necessitate changing your pet’s food.