How to Feed Your Finicky Feline?

Kritika Manchanda
Like parents in general, pet parents also have super power. From knowing what’s best for their babies to eat, to deciphering their mood for a treat or a car ride, pet parents have done it all. But there are some difficult times when you as a pet parent need help. If your cat is a picky eater and is too finicky in choosing what you give her to eat, then you certainly need to take notes.
If you are having trouble feeding your pet, check the following.
I like what I like: Research says that cats are more open to experimenting with new food as compared to dogs. But there are some cats who would rather starve themselves than eating what you’ve given them. So if they don’t like it, they really don’t like it.
 
Watch out for sudden change: If your cat has suddenly become too choosy, then there is something wrong. It may be an indication of your pet being unwell – fever, infection, etc. Keep an eye on allergies. Itching, sneezing, or vomiting can be allergic reactions to a particular ingredient. Allergic reactions or intolerance to a specific ingredient may
also lead to loss of appetite, which would make them choosy eaters.
 
Is there any change? As a pet parent you know the importance of routines in your pet’s life. They rely on their schedules and even a slight deviation or alternation may become a matter of stress. This would in turn lead to your cat not eating properly. Cats are generally very sensitive. Change in environment; addition of a new family member; new pet; change of location; unavailability of favourite food bowl, etc can be some other causes of stress. Whatever the cause be, ultimately your pet would not eat properly.
 
In case your kitty is not eating, following tips would be   helpful:

• Feed them what they like.
• Do not change their feeding habit and feeding schedule.
• Let them indulge in treats and dry kibble.
• Cats are generally carnivoures, so you must include their favourite meat in the daily diet.
• Make sure that your cat drinks enough water and is not dehydrated at any time.
• Know your pet’s ideal weight and feed them accordingly. You can talk to your vet about it and get the correct diet plan.
• Avoid switching pet food brands.
• Talk to your vet. Your kitty might be unwell – intestinal infection, upset stomach, fever, allergy, etc.
• Always serve food in clean bowls. Cats are very particular about their food bowls and don’t like them dirty.
• Make sure you are using the right food bowl. Cats don’t like deep narrow bowls in which their whiskers brush against the sides. Plastic bowls often give off strange unpleasant odours which your pet will not like.
• Sprinkle crushed kibble as seasoning. There is special food seasoning also available.
• Add small pieces of home cooked meat to encourage them to lick clean the bowl.
• Cats are solitary eaters. You need to give them alone time while they eat.
• Keep feeding time stress free and enjoyable.
• Don’t forget to add lots and lots of love and affection as the final garnishing for each meal.