Maybe you have been struggling to figure out ways to get your cat to eat, and you might be concerned. But don’t worry, often there is an easy way to aid your cat’s eating habits, once you know how to pinpoint the problem.
Ask Your Vet
Just in case you haven’t already, the first thing you should do if your cat shows a lack or sudden change in their eating habits is to call your vet. Sometimes there is another health issue under the surface, such as illness or a dental disease, that is bothering your cat and making them not want to eat. Even if your cat is fine, your vet will also be able to help you figure out a new strategy to get them to start eating.
Try Different Foods
Some cats are very particular about what kinds of food they eat. Your vet will probably recommend a mixture of wet and dry foods for your cat. If you are only on one kind right now, then try introducing another type of food by mixing it in with the first. You might also be surprised to find that your cat only likes a certain brand of food. But just like humans, cats have unique personalities and tastes. As long as you make sure they’re getting the right nutrients, there’s nothing wrong with catering to a picky cat’s specific needs.
Try a New Dish
Another unexpected issue could be that your cat’s food dish makes it difficult for them to eat. If you notice that the food they leave behind is always smashed into the sides of their dish, then that means that they tried to eat it but couldn’t reach. Mixing wet and dry foods will help with that problem, but you could also try serving your cat’s food on a flat plate, just avoid anything breakable like glass or ceramic, to make it easier to eat.
Make it Comfortable
Because of instinct, cats know they are most vulnerable when eating, and they are used to eating little bits of food at a time and place that’s safest for them. The placement of your cat’s food bowl, such as in a high traffic area, may deter them from eating because they feel uncomfortable. Help your cat feel less anxious by putting their food bowl in an out-of-the-way area where they can have privacy. It also helps to introduce a feeding schedule because most cats enjoy the routine of knowing when to expect their meals. Try not to overfeed your cat, but allow them to graze throughout the day.
CONTACT CATONSVILLE CAT CLINIC TODAY!
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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