How to train your finicky cat

Finickiness in cats is not an inborn trait but a learned one. Most often it is the pet parents who condition the cat to display such behaviour. Ideally, cats are a creature of habit and would happily eat the same food for a lifetime particularly if the food has all the nutritional components and is tasty enough to eat.

If you indulge your cat’s every whim by opening each and every can of food and asking them to choose from a variety of food, you are asking for trouble! You need to limit the choice of food and set some ground rules for your cat.

Here is what you should do:

• You need to closely examine why your cat is not eating. If you suspect that he is sick, take them to the vet and ask for their professional advice to rule out medical issues. If food is the problem you may need to change it or gradually get them used to it.
• Stop feeding them tidbits from your table and snacking between meals. You need to make them hungry till the mealtime.
• You need to establish a strict feeding schedule by feeding them two meals a day at an appropriate time everyday.
• Make them sweat it out by playing with them before mealtime. Exercise does bring on a hearty appetite!
• Make your cat to work for food by introducing fun games or treat dispenser toys which helps to stimulate appetite if you are trying to introduce them to new food.
• To add more taste to their food you can add tiny pieces of chicken or fish in their food. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese or crush a little amount of kibble to their food.

If you find your cat’s finickiness a problem despite your intervention you can always take your vet’s professional advice on how to handle your cat.

Happy parenting!