Feed: Why is My Cat a Fussy Eater - AggScore: 14.0

Why is My Cat a Fussy Eater

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  Many cat owners will have experienced the frustration of a pet who is a picky eater. Often, cats will be very selective about their foods and may quickly decide that they no longer like something that they previously enjoyed. So, why are cats such fussy eaters and what is the best way to deal with it?   How Cats Became Picky Eaters   Before domestication, wild cats developed over thousands of years eating small fish, mammals and birds. They were opportunistic hunters and would therefore eat a variety of meaty morsels. Additionally, cats were (and in some cases still are) very solitary animals and would therefore hunt and kill to feed themselves. So, unlike other animals that eat in packs, solitary cats can afford to be fussy about what they eat. Because cats only eat meat, they need to acquire all of their nutrition from the small animals they eat. Consequently, wild cats need to eat a variety of animals to get this necessary nutrition. In other words, cats get vitamins and minerals from the food their prey has eaten. This is why a cat can suddenly go off a particular type of food, by nature cats are designed to eat more than one meat in order to fulfil their dietary requirements. Through generations of evolution, the cat has been made fussy and changeable through necessity. Believe it or not, he, or she, is not just trying to annoy you (although that may be part of it).   What to Feed a Fussy Cat?   If you are about to welcome a cat into your home, it is important to find out what food the cat has been used to eating. It is wise to begin by providing this exact brand and flavor, because it will avoid stomach upsets and refusal to eat. Remember, any changes in a cat's diet need to be introduced gradually. That said, given the cat's penchant for a variety of meats, it is a good idea to try to get your cat to eat a small range of foods throughout the week, with at least three or four different types of meat. With some cats, this may not be possible, but it is worth attempting. Typically, it is recommended that you provide your cat with a wet (canned or pouched) food, as a diet exclusively made up of dry food can easily lead to dehydration and urinary infections. Therefore, it is advisable to select a few single cans (this is the cheapest method of finding out whether your cat will eat a particular food) and try to gradually introduce these new flavors into your cat's diet. If your cat eats dry food, try mixing some of the wet food into it. On the other hand, if your cat already eats wet food, try mixing the flavors. If your cat accepts the food mixed in with a flavor he, or she, is familiar with, then you can try to offer the new food on its own.   What Kind of Food is Best?   As mentioned above, wet food is best for a cat. However, you can combine a diet of dry and wet foods if that suits. Most importantly of all, however, is the brand of food you choose. Of course, there are many to choose from, but don't be fooled into thinking they are all the same. Some cheap brands are nutrient deficient and will therefore lead to health problems, including obesity (if the cat is not getting the nutrients it needs, it will eat more). Therefore, it is recommended that you read the first three ingredients in all cat foods before purchase, if a meat is not among those three ingredients, then that food should be avoided. Feeding a fussy cat can be difficult, but try to offer your cat a variety and ensure that any changes in his, or her, diet are not made suddenly. Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer from the UK. She is currently writing articles on behalf of remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products. Visit remmeer.com to see the unique range of unique cat dish styles [1] and cat rugs & clocks [2]. [1] http://www.remmeer.com/cat-bowls-dishes-c-21.html [2] http://www.remmeer.com/home-decor-c-29.html