Cats can be picky eaters and it often depends on a lot more than their dislike of the food being offered. In fact, there are many things that can cause our cats to lose their appetites. It’s very important to make sure our cats eat regularly, however, because even only a few missed meals can lead to dangerous health problems.
#1 – Placement is Important
Unlike dogs, cats can be very peculiar about where they eat their food. In the wild, cats feel most comfortable when they’re able to view their surroundings while eating because they can see predators coming. That means putting your cat’s food in a corner or closed area with his back to his surroundings might make him feel at risk for danger. Also, it’s important to make sure you don’t put your cat’s food near the litter box. After all, you don’t eat in your bathroom, right?
#2 – Use a Plate
Food bowls are probably the most common dish used to feed our pets, but a cat’s whiskers are very sensitive and when compressed in a food bowl can become painful. Cats are very stoic animals, so we might not notice that they’re in pain while eating, but it’s recommended to feed on a plate where their whiskers don’t feel the pressure of a small bowl.
#3 – Scheduled Meals
While all cat owners should consult their veterinarian about what sort of feeding schedule is right for their cats, it’s typically recommended to feed two meals per day. Free-feeding can lead to obesity and often means that one cat gets all of the food while the other gets none in a multiple-cat household. Scheduled feedings will help you keep track of how much each of your cats is eating. Ideal scheduled feedings should be every 8-12 hours.
#4 – Where’s the Beef?
Regardless of the type or brand of food you wish to feed your cat, it’s important that it includes at least one major meat source. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are required to eat meat in order to survive. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be done, but they are not ideal and many veterinary professionals heavily advise against them.
#5 – Utilize Different Rooms
As stated earlier, some cats will eat anything as quickly as possible and often leave their slower-eating housemates left with no food. If you have multiple cats, it’s advised to feed them in separate rooms so each has an opportunity to eat all of their food – and no one else’s.