How to Manage a Finicky Cat

There are many reasons your cat may not be eating. If she isn’t sick, you must do a little investigating to find the cause.

A cat may actually have trouble eating from a bowl that is too small or too light. If the bowl moves too much, your cat may find it not worth the effort. And some cats don’t like where their food bowl is placed – try simply changing its location. 

If you have other cats or pets, other animals may intimidate your cat. A cat may find it difficult to eat from a bowl placed near a dog’s bed, near a noisy appliance or near a busy area of the house. Some cats will wait until a room is completely empty before eating. Many dogs will instinctively try to eat cat food when it is placed down. 

And consider how long a bowl of cat food has been left out – food left out overnight or in hot weather may be unappetizing to your cat. And cats – even indoor cats - tend to eat less in warm weather. 

Some cats don’t like changing food. If you decide to change your brand of cat food, do so gradually over several days. Mix a little more of the new food into the old food each day until you have completely changed over. 

If your cat’s diet consists of mostly dry cat food, try giving it a treat of canned cat food occasionally, or add a little broth to its food. Some older cats or cats with sore gums or teeth can find dry food difficult to chew. 

With a little investigation, you will be able to figure out just why your cat isn’t eating. An adjustment here or there can turn your finicky cat completely around.