Cats are moody creatures. They may refuse to eat food due to various reasons. They may not like it, aren’t hungry, or want you to do something special to make them eat dry food.
Don’t worry! You aren’t the only one. Many cats don’t prefer eating dry food, but come around if you are persistent and deal with your feline friend. Let’s check out the most effective ways to get your cat to eat dry food.
11 Ways to Get Cat to Eat Dry Food
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders stimulate a cat’s instinct to hunt and work for their food, making mealtime both mentally and physically engaging. These feeders often require cats to manipulate them to release dry food, which can pique their interest and make eating dry food more rewarding.
Treasure Hunts
By hiding small portions of dry food around the house, you can create a treasure hunt that entices your cat to use its natural foraging skills. This not only encourages exercise but also adds an element of surprise and entertainment to their feeding routine, making dry food more appealing.
Make Her Hunt
Engage your cat in a playful “hunting game” by moving dry food pieces to trigger their chasing instincts. This mimics the action of catching prey and can help associate the act of hunting with their dry food, making it more likely they’ll eat it.
Clicker Training
Clicker training involves using a clicker device to reinforce good behavior, such as eating dry food. Every time your cat takes a bite of dry food, you click and offer a reward. Over time, your cat will associate the sound of the click with positive experiences and be more inclined to eat dry food.
Try Hand Feeding
Sometimes, the direct interaction of hand feeding can encourage a reluctant cat to try dry food. This method creates a bond and trust between you and your pet, and the cat may accept food from your hand that it would typically ignore in a bowl.
Let them get Hungry
Reducing the availability of other food options can make a cat more inclined to eat dry food. It’s important to do this under veterinary guidance to ensure your cat’s health is not compromised, but a little hunger can make dry food more appealing.
Make the Food Wet
Adding a bit of water or a flavor-enhancing broth to dry food can make it more palatable. The added moisture softens the kibble and can release more of its scent, making it more attractive to cats who prefer wet food.
Change Brands
Cats may simply not like the taste of certain dry foods. Experimenting with different brands and formulas can help you find one that your cat enjoys. Look for brands with high-quality ingredients and a strong scent to entice your cat’s appetite.
Ensure Food is Fresh and Smells Good
Cats have a keen sense of smell, and fresh-smelling food is more likely to be eaten. Make sure the dry food is stored properly to maintain its aroma and freshness, as stale food can be off-putting to a cat.
Mix Dry and Wet Food
Gradually introducing dry food mixed with wet food can help a cat transition to eating dry food. Start with a higher proportion of wet food and slowly increase the amount of dry food. The familiar smell and taste of the wet food can make the dry food more acceptable.
Consult a Vet
If your cat persistently refuses to eat dry food, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing a decrease in appetite and provide professional advice tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
Reasons Cats Don’t Eat Dry Food
Dental Problems
Cats with dental issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis, or dental abscesses may find it painful to chew hard kibble. As a result, they might avoid dry food to minimize discomfort, leading to a preference for softer foods that are easier to eat.
Stress
Cats are highly sensitive to environmental changes and stress, which can lead to a decreased appetite. Stressful situations, such as moving to a new home, changes in the household, or the addition of a new pet, might make a cat reluctant to eat dry food or even skip meals altogether.
Underlying Health Issue
Various health problems, from digestive issues to systemic illnesses like kidney disease or diabetes, can cause a decrease in appetite. If a cat suddenly stops eating dry food, it can be a sign that they’re not feeling well and need veterinary attention.
Kibble Texture and Size
The texture and size of the kibble can be off-putting for some cats. If it’s too large, too hard, or has an unappealing texture, a cat may not eat it. Cats have individual preferences, and some may be more sensitive to the feel of their food.
Fussy Eaters
Like humans, some cats are just picky eaters. They may develop a preference for certain flavors, textures, or types of food, including a strong liking for wet food over dry. Fussy eating habits can make it challenging to introduce or maintain a diet that includes dry kibble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat eat treats but doesn’t eat dry food?
Your cat may eat treats but not dry food because treats are often more flavorful and have a more appealing smell and texture. Treats are designed to be particularly palatable to encourage consumption, while regular dry food might seem bland in comparison, especially if your cat has become accustomed to the high palatability of treats.
How do I tell that my cat doesn’t like a particular food?
A cat might not like a particular food if it consistently sniffs the food but walks away without eating or tries to cover the food like it would in the litter box. You may also notice your cat is eating less than usual, is only eating when extremely hungry, or is showing a preference for other food types when offered.
How do I change my cat’s food?
To change your cat’s food, you should gradually mix the new food with the old, slowly increasing the proportion of the new food over a period of 7-10 days. This gradual transition helps prevent digestive upset and allows your cat to adjust to the taste and texture of the new food without outright rejecting it due to sudden changes.