Does it feel like your cat turns their nose up at every new wet food you put in their bowl? If so, you’re not alone. Many cats seem to be picky eaters, especially when it comes to wet food. But why are they so particular? Let’s dive into what makes cats choosy about their food, what you can do about it, and how to ensure your feline friend gets the nutrition they need—even if they're picky.
Why are cats picky eaters?
Cats are notorious for their independent and sometimes finicky nature, and this extends to their eating habits, too. If your cat seems especially picky about their food, they aren’t going out of their way to be difficult—as much as we might want to say otherwise!
Changes in routine
For starters, cats are creatures of habit. They prefer routines and familiarity, and their eating patterns can often show this. If they’re used to a certain type of food, flavor, or texture, they may be reluctant to switch to something new. Even subtle changes about their food’s smell or temperature can make them hesitate.
Learn more about why it’s critical to slowly transition your cat to a new food.
Specific preferences
Similarly, a lot of cats simply have preferences for the food they eat. If they don’t like the smell, taste, or texture of the wet food you give them, many kitties will only pick at it or turn their nose up at it completely.
Health issues
This pickiness can also stem from your cat feeling sick from a certain food or protein in the wet food. Food allergies aren’t as common in cats as dogs, but they’re still possible. If you notice any other symptoms in your cat relating to their wet food, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by their vet to make sure there isn’t something else at play.
Dietary requirements for cats
Carnivorous diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet that’s low in carbohydrates and high in animal-based protein. Their bodies are built to digest meat, and they rely on it for essential nutrients like taurine. If a cat food doesn’t fit their nutritional needs or tastes too "off" for their preferences, they might refuse to eat it altogether.
Do cats need wet food?
While cats don’t actually need to eat wet food to be healthy, wet food often has more moisture and animal protein than dry kibble, which can make it a great option for meeting your cat’s nutrient needs. That being said, heavily processed flavors can throw a cat off, so it’s important to choose wet food that’s high-quality while meeting your kitty’s particular preferences. Always ensure that they are getting the right nutrients and enough water.
Why your cat is picky about wet food specifically
If your cat is picky about wet food in particular, there could be a couple reasons why.
- Texture: The texture of wet food might be unfamiliar or unappealing to your cat, especially if they’re more used to eating dry kibble. Cats love consistency, so sudden changes in texture, smell, or flavor can catch them off guard. If you have just switched them to wet food from dry cat food, try brands that have more chunks.
- Freshness: Wet food also tends to spoil faster than dry food and some cats are extra sensitive to freshness. If the wet food has been left out for a while or isn’t as fresh as a newly opened can, they might refuse to eat it all together. Don't leave wet cat food out for more than 2 hours to keep it from spoiling.
Cat food for picky cats
When it comes to feeding a picky cat, finding the right food can feel like a game of trial and error. The key is offering high-quality options that meet their nutritional needs while catering to their preferences. Here are some of the best wet and dry food options to consider if your cat is picky.
Best wet cat food for picky cats
- Royal Canin Feline Appetite Control: Specifically formulated for cats who may be picky or have inconsistent appetites, Royal Canin’s wet food is designed to stimulate your cat’s appetite while providing complete and balanced nutrition.
- Hill’s Science Diet: This brand has a huge pet nutrition center where they keep cats and dogs whose purpose is testing their foods to ensure that the foods they create are made with ingredients that provide the appropriate nutrient composition for pets in all their life stages. They have a large formulary of wet cat foods to meet the needs of many picky eaters
- Purina Pro Plan: Purina has been in business over 90 years and has used those decades of years to research and formulate unique cat foods (both wet and dry) to address the needs of picky cats as well as cats and cats with medical issues that require specific diets.
Best dry food for picky cats
- Hill’s Science Diet: A trusted brand recommended by many vets, Hill’s Science Diet offers dry food options specifically formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies, which can sometimes be the root of pickiness.
- Purina Pro Plan: For cats that prefer dry kibble, Purina Pro Plan’s Savor line offers a blend of crunchy kibble and tender pieces that provide a different texture and flavor experience. This is a great option if your cat tends to get bored of standard kibble.
- Royal Canin: This brand is highly recommended and trusted by lots of veterinarians to provide premium cat food for picky eaters. Royal Canin offers specially formulated diets that are packed with essential nutrients and high-quality ingredients to entice even the most particular cats.
What to do when your cat won't eat wet food
So your cat is turning their nose up at wet food—what now? While wet food is a great source of hydration and nutrients for cats, not all felines take to it right away. Here are some things you can try:
- Experiment with brands, flavors, and textures: Some cats are picky about flavor and texture. Test out different wet food options to see what your cat prefers—broth vs. pate, chicken vs. tuna, etc.
- Mix with dry food: Gradually introduce wet food by mixing it with their usual kibble.
- Keep it fresh: Wet food spoils quickly, so feed your cat smaller portions to avoid waste and ensure it’s fresh.
- Warm it up: Some cats may be more enticed to try wet food if it’s been slightly heated, intensifying the aroma of the food.
- Focus on hydration: If they refuse wet food, make sure they’re getting enough water through other means like extra bowls or a water fountain.
- Consult a vet: If pickiness persists or you’re worried about their nutrition, talk to your vet for personalized advice.
It may seem like a treat to feed your cat some extra wet food along with their regular kibble. However, if your kitty is insistent on not eating it, it shouldn’t cause any issues.
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