Mary Allen
Many cats tend to be very picky about their food. It is not uncommon for the cat to simply reject the food. Read here some tips you can use to encourage your cat to eat.
A balanced and regular feeding is very important for cats. While some cats will gobble up anything put in front of their noses, there are others who are very fussy and will consistently refuse food that has to be thrown away. Here are 10 tips on how to make food tastier for your cat.
Tip 1: Warm Up the Feed
Heat the food in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The warmth makes the food smell more intense and lures the cat to the feeding place. Food that is too cold should never be given, as this is not good for the cat’s stomach.
Tip 2: Toppings
You can also enhance your cat’s meal with additives. Beef fat powder has proven very effective here. Most cats totally go for it. Pastes and lean pieces of meat sprinkled over the food also attract cats.
Tip 3: Increase the Number
Cats love and prefer snacks. Ideally, a cat gets several small portions a day. A cat never eats its fill on the first portion.
Tip 4: Only Offer High-Quality Feed
Make sure that you offer your cat a high-quality complete feed. This is the only way to meet the daily energy, vitamin and mineral requirements. A high proportion of high-quality fresh meat with 75% or more, such as in the wet food “Chicken fillet” from Almo Nature (6x70g for €5), is recommended. Therefore, be sure to take a look at the feed label.
Tip 5: Stress-Free Meals
The feeding station should always be in a quiet place. The cat must be able to concentrate on its food in peace. No through traffic, no loud television or other sources of noise may disturb the cat. If the place seems too strenuous to her, e.g. because there is too much through traffic, she will avoid it and therefore not eat any food.
Tip 6: Hand Feeding
If the cat is extremely fussy, you can try offering food out of your hand. If the bond with the owner is good, the cat will be happy to take it. Gradually reduce hand feeding.
Tip 7: Acupressure
In the middle of the tip of the cat’s nose, where the hairless nose meets the hairy surface of the nose, there is an acupressure point that is supposed to bring cats’ appetite back by gently pressing it. If your cat is willing to be touched, you can also try this alternative treatment. Just never force!
Tip 8: Stretch the Sauce
Many ready-made foods contain tasty jelly or a delicious sauce. These are usually licked up first. If your cat is also a sauce lover, you can add tuna juice, for example, to any food.
Tip 9: Massage and Play
When a cat refuses food, there can be a number of reasons behind it. Maybe your digestion isn’t working properly either. A gentle abdominal massage or playing with the cat rod can get the intestines going.
Tip 10: Use Herbs
Catnip is very attractive to many cats. You can sprinkle a little bit of the herb over the feed without hesitation. Cats who love catnip will be so much closer to their bowl and its contents.
Important: If you refuse to eat, always have your cat’s health checked by the vet!