[Written by a Veterinarian] Why Are Cats Picky Eaters? A Thorough Explanation of Causes, Solutions, and Food Selection

I imagine most pet owners have experienced their cat suddenly stopping eating a food they previously enjoyed. In this article, we will explain picky eating in cats.

What is picky eating in cats? | Explaining the difference from erratic eating

The difference between picky eating and simple whims

Picky eating refers to having preferred and non-preferred foods and eating only the preferred ones. A cat's sense of taste is fully developed by the time they are three months old. They tend to prefer the foods they ate before reaching this age, and find it difficult to accept new foods introduced afterwards. Past experiences are also important; if a cat has a negative memory (such as forced feeding or tube feeding), they will start to avoid the food they were given at that time.

On the other hand, erratic eating is due to the cat's mood at that moment, not a state where they refuse specific foods.

Which cats are prone to picky eating? The relationship with personality

Because cats prefer foods they ate during kittenhood, they may become picky eaters if their diet was limited during that time. Additionally, cats with timid personalities may become particular about their food or eating environment.

Main causes of picky eating in cats

The influence of food type and feeding methods

A cat's food preferences are generally set by around three months of age. They will enjoy foods they ate during that period, but will find it hard to accept anything else. Therefore, if you raise a kitten on only one specific type of food, they may become a picky eater. Conversely, if you give them too many treats because they seem happy, they may stop eating their regular food. It is also necessary to have them try a variety of foods while they are young.

Stress and changes in the living environment

It is believed that when cats have a negative experience while eating, they associate that experience with the food. For example, imagine food was put into their mouth using a syringe for forced feeding. The memory of having the syringe forcibly inserted into their mouth links with the taste of the food at that time, and the cat will reject that food even after the forced feeding has ended. Also, if they have a frightening experience, such as a loud noise while eating, they will be unable to eat with peace of mind, leading to the perception that the food itself is "scary." Stress and environmental factors also make it easier for picky eating to develop.

Changes in appetite due to illness or aging

When digestive function declines due to illness or aging, appetite itself decreases, but cats become more likely to pick and choose only the food they want to eat. For example, they may have previously been able to eat dry food, but can now only eat wet food. Furthermore, in cases of brain disease, their food preferences themselves can change.

Countermeasures to improve picky eating in cats

Is food rotation effective?

Cats can get bored of eating the same food all the time. Food rotation is effective when they stop eating out of boredom. Food rotation means periodically changing the type or brand of food, but it is not strictly necessary. If done too frequently, food rotation can actually encourage picky eating.

Perform food rotation infrequently, such as once every three months. Do not change it abruptly; instead, take about two weeks to transition by gradually mixing the new food with the old food. Food rotation is effective for cats using prescription diets, as rotating between brands of prescription diets can help them stick to their dietary requirements.

The wrong way to perform food rotation is to change the food as soon as the cat gets bored or to rotate it too frequently. In this case, the cat will learn that rotation happens and become even more demanding. Therefore, unless it is to maintain appetite due to illness, food rotation is not strictly necessary.

Review the eating environment | Bowls and placement are also important

If the environment is not one where they can eat with peace of mind, cats will not enjoy their meals. In particular, there is a risk that they will endure hunger rather than eat in a place where they have had negative memories.

Try to make the cat's feeding area as quiet as possible. In multi-cat households, there is a high possibility that food will be stolen by other cats, so provide a separate space for cats with poor appetites to eat individually. If cats that do not get along eat in close proximity, it can lead to fighting or situations where they are unable to eat. Securing individual spaces for each cat is also important.

The bowl is also important. It is said that many cats prefer ceramic bowls. Conversely, they tend not to like stainless steel. Therefore, it is necessary to be particular about the material of the bowl and to adjust the height using a stand or similar item.

"Step-by-step transition method" to gradually get them used to it

If the type of food changes suddenly, the cat may not even recognize it as food. Therefore, switching food must be done with caution. The "step-by-step transition method" is effective.

Spend about two weeks switching the food. Gradually mix the new food into the original food, and slowly increase the amount. Start with about 10% of the total amount, and if they are able to eat it, increase the amount by 10% at a time. If they leave the new food, reduce the ratio of the new food once. If you switch to another food just because they won't eat, the cat will only learn to demand tastier food.

Caution! Cases where you should visit a veterinary clinic

Days without eating continue

Cats are animals that are vulnerable to fasting. In particular, if an overweight cat continues to fast for two days or more, a liver disease called "hepatic lipidosis" occurs, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, if your cat has not eaten for two days, you should visit a veterinary clinic. Also, if they have symptoms other than a loss of appetite, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or inability to urinate, visit a veterinary clinic immediately.

Sudden weight loss

If a cat is losing weight even though they are eating their food, the first possibility is that the amount of food is insufficient. Other possibilities include an inability to absorb nutrients from the food or a metabolic disorder. If there is no change even after increasing the amount of food, an examination at a veterinary clinic is necessary.

Accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea

If symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea are present, there may be some abnormality in the digestive tract. It is possible that the issue is not just about the food.

What you can do to prevent picky eating in cats

Get them used to diverse tastes and textures from kittenhood

A cat's sense of taste is determined by about three months of age. If you get them used to various tastes and textures during that time, they will be less likely to become picky eaters. Specifically, getting them accustomed to prescription diets can lead to smooth transitions to them in the future. Some kitten classes even provide guidance on having kittens eat small amounts of prescription diets.

Excessive treats and toppings are a NO

If you add treats or toppings just because they won't eat, they will eventually refuse to eat without them. Some cats will even hold out until they get treats. Give treats only as a reward.

Unify the feeding method among the family

If even one person in the family spoils the cat, the cat will only want to receive food from that person. Cats love the people who give them tasty things. Make sure to unify the way meals and treats are given among the family. Especially when using a prescription diet, the way food is given can affect the treatment outcome. Even when they act cute and beg, it is necessary for the owner to be firm and not spoil them.

Summary

Picky eating is caused by eating habits from a young age or by the living environment. Also, if you keep responding to a cat's demands, they will grow up to be increasingly demanding. Deal with a cat's picky eating strictly. Because it may become difficult for them to eat due to illness, it is also necessary to consult with a veterinary clinic.