Fed up with a fussy feline?

There may be times when your cat turns their nose up at food they’ve previously loved. With so many possible reasons, it may take some time to get to the bottom of the cause.

One of the most important things to do first is to check out your cat’s health with your vet. Various health-related conditions can cause a decreased appetite; such as gum disease, a gastrointestinal disorder, or an obstruction.

Once health problems can be ruled out, you can start investigating other possible causes; trying out a few different approaches can help you find the solution. 

Cats don’t like change

Some cats become stressed by a change; more people living in your home, a new pet or child, a different home routine, or moving house. While cats respond to these stressors in a variety of ways, one of the more common reactions is a loss of appetite.

Over time, their appetite may improve as they adjust, but consider changing their food type and seeing if that makes a difference.

Improving their food routine

If changing their food doesn’t work, creating a better eating environment might just help you combat the problem. Feed your cat smaller and more frequent meals. Most cats don’t like eating around other animals or loud noises; so moving their food to a quiet area of your home, or at a higher elevation, might encourage better eating habits.

Satisfy their natural instincts

Sometimes, satisfying their natural hunting and feeding behaviour by providing opportunities for physical and mental exertion can make a  difference.

Try changing their feeding places daily. New, exciting parts of your home might be more appealing, and it helps them to explore. Food puzzles can keep them engaged and encourage them to use their hunting skills.

Before you introduce new foods and eating environments, get some expert advice by having a chat with our staff. While there could be a simple explanation, it’s important to rule out any health issues that may require attention.