What should you feed a cat that won't eat?

If your cat leaves its food untouched, first offer it a small, fresh portion of its usual food – ideally at room temperature and in a quiet place. A different consistency or warming the food slightly can also make it more appealing. However, if it suddenly refuses its food, you should not only look for a tastier alternative but also have possible health causes checked.

1. How long can a cat refuse food?

A cat should not go without food for a long time. Even after about 24 hours without food, an adult cat's health can be seriously affected. For very young kittens, even much shorter periods can be dangerous.

If your cat suddenly stops eating, contact a veterinary practice early – do not wait until a whole day has passed. Food refusal can be associated with pain or illness, among other things, and should not be hastily dismissed as pickiness.

2. Why is my cat so picky about wet food?

Smell, temperature and consistency play an important role for cats. Wet food straight from the refrigerator, dried-out leftovers or an unfamiliar smell can cause your cat to reject its food. Small, fresh portions and a clean bowl help make the food more appealing.cats+1

It is also worth looking at the own smell of food supplements. If your cat only rejects its usual food after a supplement has been mixed in, the changed smell or taste could be a factor. This does not mean that strongly smelling ingredients are generally unpopular: some cats even prefer more intense aromas.

For your homemade rations, an all-in-one supplement that is as smell- and taste-neutral as possible can be an easy way to combine the intended nutrient supplements. Use it exactly according to the accompanying recipe and dosing instructions. Ingredients such as algae or yeast are not generally "unnatural" or unsuitable – the deciding factor is whether your cat accepts the finished ration. There is no guaranteed acceptance even with a smell-neutral supplement.

3. Why does my cat eat dry food but not wet food?

Some cats simply prefer a certain type of food. If your cat eats dry food but leaves wet food untouched, consistency, smell or its previous eating habits may play a role. You should still have any sudden change in preference checked by a veterinarian.

You can offer wet food in small portions, bring it to room temperature or try a different consistency – for example, finely crushed food instead of larger pieces. Introduce new food types gradually. If your cat rejects them, continue to offer its familiar food instead of forcing it to switch by withholding food.cats+1

4. How do I feed a cat that won't eat at all?

First, try offering your cat food without pressure: in a quiet place, in small portions and carefully from your hand if necessary. Slightly warmed wet food can encourage eating through its more intense smell. Make sure it is not hot.

However, do not force food into your cat's mouth and do not start syringe feeding on your own. Forced feeding can increase the aversion to the food. If your cat does not eat independently, a veterinary practice must assess the cause and a suitable form of nutritional support. A supplement does not replace this assessment.