My cat is a picky eater – or, feeding a very demanding pet!

You love your cat and try to spoil it as much as you can?That's exactly why you regularly give him all sorts of treats?Or maybe you're at the stage where you're trying to get your pet to switch to a different food, but he seems to only accept top-of-the-line (and top-of-the-price-range) food?Find out how to feed a cat with a very refined palate!

A cat can be happy eating the same food every day!

This is one of the basic rules every cat owner should know—preferably before bringing a cat home.Many people assume that after a while, their pet gets bored with a particular food and needs a change.You do that too?After a few weeks, you introduce your cat to some brand-new treats, like salmon or maybe duck?Some people even go a step further and feed their cat several different types of food at the same time to see which one it likes best.That's a mistake!Why?

First and foremost, cats are very capricious—though, as a rule, this is not an innate trait but an acquired one.If your cat is very spoiled, it's probably thanks to you.By feeding your cat different kinds of food, you’re teaching it that it has every right to be picky.So if you don’t want to spend a large portion of your budget on cat treats, stick with one specific brand of food from the start.Cats are happy eating the same thing every day—as long as it’s high-quality cat food that meets all their needs and provides them with the necessary nutrients.

Don't worry—your cat probably isn't eating too little

In terms of food intake, cats differ greatly from dogs.Dogs can eat almost anything, and even when their stomachs are full, they stare at you with sad eyes the whole time you're eating—because, after all, they're very, very hungry.You know how it is, right??Definitely—especially if you or someone close to you has a dog.

It's completely different with cats.Cats don't just gobble down their food.They like to eat slowly, savoring every bite.Cats also often stop eating once they feel full.That's exactly why your cat often doesn't finish the whole pouch you gave him for dinner.There's no need to worry.After all, cats are very agile—partly because they stay in shape and don’t overeat!

Of course, if you’ve noticed that your cat has suddenly lost its appetite and isn’t eating much, and has also developed digestive problems, don’t delay in taking it to the vet.Perhaps the fact that the cat won't eat isn't because it's being fussy, but a sign of illness.

A veterinarian is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cat nutrition

Speaking of the veterinarian—during your first visits with your cat, they will certainly advise you on how to feed your cat and what food to choose.For young cats, this will of course be junior cat food, and if the cat is older, senior cat food.There is also special food for neutered cats , which is worth considering if you decide to have your cat spayed or neutered.

In addition, your veterinarian will also advise you on exactly how much your cat should eat, what it shouldn’t eat (such as sweets or spices, since it has a very sensitive digestive system), what to give your cat to drink, and so on.Interestingly, cats don't drink milk at all—on the contrary, it's much better to give them plain water.And if your cat isn’t a big fan of water, choose wet food for them, such as a cat food pouch – this way, their body will get some fluids along with their meal.

How to encourage your cat to eat new food?- Tips for dealing with a picky cat

A sudden change in diet will certainly not make your cat happy.On the contrary, it can be a source of stress.So if you've decided to switch to a different type of food, introduce it gradually.Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into the food your cat is used to, and gradually adjust the proportions over time.This way, after a few weeks, your cat will get used to the new food and it won't come as a surprise to him.

Nevertheless, high-quality cat food is the foundation of a cat's diet.Choose one that contains high-quality meat and animal-based ingredients and is nutritionally balanced.However, avoid foods that contain grains, as well as artificial colors and preservatives.

Feeding a Fussy Cat – A Summary

If your cat won't eat what you're giving it, try to figure out why.Perhaps the reason isn't that the cat is picky?Make sure you always feed your cat high-quality food.And if you think dry food is too monotonous, you should also feed your cat wet food.This way, you'll take care of him in every way.