If your cat is a fussy eater, then don’t worry, because they have a reputation for being extremely finicky. In truth, this behaviour is generally learned and not bred into them.
You may think your cat wants or requires variety in their diet but in actual fact, she will happily eat the same food everyday for all of her life provided it is a nutritious meal.
Slowly, slowly
What may seem like finicky eating may just be your cat taking her time. Many cats are nibblers and prefer to have a mouthful of food now and again. Just because she doesn’t eat the whole bowl right away doesn’t mean she doesn’t like the food.
My cat's not eating enough
Your cat may be avoiding her food because she’s getting extra treats somewhere else. If you treat your cat a lot or feed her scraps from the table, you need to stop. Your cat will complain for a while but eventually she’ll understand that the only food she’s going to get is from her bowl.
Try to make sure no one else is treating the cat – either in your household or in the neighbourhood. It only takes one person to change how your cat expects to get her food.
If you tried giving your kitten several different foods to see which she preferred, you may find that by the time she grows up. you have given her the impression that you’ll always do this. If you’re opening multiple cans of food and trying to coax your cat into eating something every meal, then your cat has got you trained.
Here’s a very effective way to train your cat to eat only what you want her to eat:
- Put out the food you want your cat to eat for half an hour.
- If she doesn’t eat it, take it away.
- Repeat until she eats.
After a day or two of this your cat may start howling for extra treats. Don’t give in. Your cat isn’t starving; she’s just using her charms to get what she wants. You may have to put up with a couple weeks of complaining, but this treatment will soon put a stop to fussy eating.
Tasty Tips
Switching to a new food
If you’re changing your cat’s food you should do it gradually. Start by mixing a little of the new food with her regular food, gradually increasing the amount until only the new food is fed.
When to call the vet
If your cat suddenly becomes very finicky after not previously displaying that kind of behaviour, or appears to be losing weight you should talk to your vet. Sometimes behaviour that appears fussy can be caused by an underlying medical reason like a dental problem, a digestive upset or hairballs.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Tips for Giving Your Cat Pills & Medications
Learn effective tips for giving your cat various medications, including getting her to take pills and best ways to handle injections, eye & ear drops.
Dangerous Plants for Cats: Holiday Edition
Learn which common holiday plants could be poisonous for your cat. Avoiding these plants will keep her happy and healthy this holiday season!
My Cat Won't Eat: What You Can Do to Help
Does your kitty's lack of appetite have you asking, "Why won't my cat eat?" Learn reasons why she may be snubbing her food and tips for getting her to eat.
Setting the Facts Straight: Common Myths About Your Cat
Discover the truths behind some common cat myths you may have heard. With all the misinformation available online about cat, it's time you got the facts.
Cat Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Learn about common causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment of a cat ear infection, as well as tips for how to prevent them from happening.
Why Do Cats Like Cardboard Boxes?
Learn the quirky reasons why cats like cardboard boxes, such as shelter and stress relief, as well as why they often prefer a box over their carrier.
Important Information on FLUTD & Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
If your cat if struggling to use the litter box it might be a symptom of a larger issue - urinary tract disease. Learn the signs and treatment options now.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
Cats and Christmas Trees: How to Keep Both Safe
While it might be nearly impossible to separate your cat from your Christmas tree, learn ways you can combat her curiosity and keep her out of harm's way.
Why Do Cats Hate Water?
Discover the common reasons why cats don't tend to like water or getting wet, and better learn about their curious fascination with running water.
A Guide to Trimming Cat Claws
Learn helpful tips for trimming your cat's claws, including nail clippers you'll need and how short you should trim her claws.
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Removing Foul-Smelling Cat Odors From Your Home
Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the underlying causes, typical symptoms and possible treatments for both type 1 and type 2 of diabetes in cats.
Do's and Don'ts for Disciplining a Cat
Having trouble with your cat's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your cat with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
10 Important Health Tips for Senior Cats
Read our Top 10 Health Tips for your senior or aging cat, specifically tailored for the special health needs of a mature cat.
Are Olives Safe for My Cat?
Learn the science behind why many cats are attracted to olives and love eating them, as well as any health concerns about stuffed olives and olive oil.
Are Cats Good With Kids?
Are cats good with kids? Happily, the answer is yes! Use these tips to find the best cat for your family.
Cat Food Ingredients: What Should Go Into Your Cat's Food?
Unsure which ingredients are important to your cat's diet? Learn which types of cat food ingredients are necessary and how they benefit your cat's health.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Curious why your cat is eating grass? Discover the underlying reason, such as a digestive issue or anxiety, and learn if it's truly a problem.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.