Help! My Cat’s a Fussy Eater! What Can I Do?

Following on from our recent blogpost about children who are picky eaters, we look next at another related topic.

If you’re the devoted servant of a cat who turns their nose up at dinner more often than not, you’re not alone. 

Fussy eating is a common trait among our feline friends, and it can be a source of frustration and concern for pet owners. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of practical options and tips available to help coax your picky eater into enjoying mealtimes again.

Why Are Some Cats So Picky?

Cats are creatures of habit and routine, and many are sensitive to changes in food texture, smell, temperature, or flavour. A fussy cat might be reacting to:

Past negative experiences with certain foods

Boredom with the same food every day

Health issues (always worth checking with your vet)

Dislike of particular textures (e.g. chunks in jelly vs. pâté)

Our cat hates the taste of duck. Loves chicken, hates duck.

Tried and Tested Solutions for Fussy Cats

1. Rule Out Health Problems

First and foremost, if your cat suddenly becomes fussy or stops eating, get them checked by your vet. Dental problems, digestive issues, or other illnesses can all affect appetite.

2. Experiment with Different Textures

Some cats prefer mousse-style food, while others like gravy or jelly. Dry kibble might appeal more to some, especially if it’s crunchy and fresh-smelling.

Top tip: Try offering small samples of different food textures to find what your cat enjoys most.

3. Warm It Up

Warming your cat’s wet food slightly (just a few seconds in the microwave) can enhance the aroma and make it more tempting. Just be sure it’s not too hot.

4. Add a Topper

A sprinkle of freeze-dried chicken, tuna flakes, or even a splash of warm low-salt chicken broth can make an ordinary meal far more enticing.

5. Offer Variety (But Not Too Much)

Cats can become bored with the same food every day, so rotating between a few favourite flavours or brands can help. However, too much variety might lead to a cat becoming more fussy, always expecting something new!

6. Stick to a Schedule

Leaving food down all day can lead to grazing and disinterest. Try set mealtimes and remove uneaten food after 20–30 minutes. Your cat will learn to eat when food is offered. Food left out all day during hot weather can spoil, so be aware of that. 

7. Create a Calm Eating Environment

Some cats are sensitive to noise, other pets, or even humans hovering too close during mealtimes. A quiet, stress-free feeding area can encourage more relaxed eating.

8. Try Puzzle Feeders

For dry food lovers, puzzle feeders can make meals more stimulating and rewarding. It mimics hunting behaviour and can encourage interest in food.

When All Else Fails

If your cat is consistently rejecting multiple foods, your vet may suggest:

A prescription appetite stimulant

A prescription diet for cats with food sensitivities or health issues

Blood tests to rule out thyroid issues, kidney problems, or allergies

Living with a fussy feline can be a bit of a challenge, but with patience, observation, and a few clever tricks, you can usually find a feeding routine that works. Every cat is an individual, some may always be a bit particular, but they’re worth the effort (even if you do end up being their personal chef!).

Coping with a Child Who Is a Picky Eater. Tips for Parents

If you're the parent of a picky eater, you're not alone. Many families face the daily challenge of mealtimes filled with sighs, stubborn refusals, or food being pushed around the plate. 

Whether your child turns their nose up at vegetables or refuses to eat anything but beige foods, it can be frustrating, exhausting, and even worrying.

The good news? Picky eating is often a phase, and there are practical, gentle ways to support your child through it without turning meals into battlegrounds.

Understanding Why Kids Are Picky Eaters

Picky eating is a normal part of childhood development. It often peaks between the ages of 2 and 6, when children are learning to assert their independence. 

They might be suspicious of unfamiliar textures, flavours, or colours, and that's okay. From a developmental standpoint, it's a survival instinct rooted in caution.

Other reasons may include:

Sensory sensitivities to textures or smells

Underlying medical or oral motor issues (e.g., reflux, difficulty chewing)

Routine and control – children often crave routine and may use food as one of the few areas they can control

Top Tips for Coping With a Picky Eater

1. Keep Mealtimes Relaxed

Stress and pressure at the table can make things worse. Try to create a calm, positive environment where food is not a battleground. Avoid nagging, bribing, or forcing your child to eat.

2. Serve What They Like — With a Twist

Include at least one safe food at each meal, something you know your child likes. Then add a small amount of a new or less-preferred food alongside it to increase exposure without pressure.

3. Involve Them in Food Choices

Let your child help with meal planning, shopping, and cooking. When children feel involved, they're more likely to be curious and willing to try new things.

4. Make Food Fun

Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or fruit, build “food faces” on a plate, or serve dips for veggies. Making food look appealing and playful can ease the pressure and boost interest.

5. Be a Role Model

Children copy adults. If they see you enjoying a variety of healthy foods, they’re more likely to try them too, eventually!

6. Don’t Offer Alternatives

It’s tempting to whip up a quick replacement when dinner is refused. But this can reinforce picky habits. Offer one meal for the family and let your child decide whether to eat it. Trust that they won’t starve, most children eat enough over the course of a week even if one meal is skipped.

7. Stick to a Routine

Offer meals and snacks at regular times. Avoid letting them graze all day on snacks, as constant nibbling can lead to less hunger at proper mealtimes.

8. Keep Portions Child-Sized

Small portions can feel less intimidating. If they want more, they can always ask for it.

When to Seek Help

If your child is dropping weight, showing signs of malnutrition, or is extremely selective (e.g., eats fewer than 10 foods), it may be time to consult a GP or dietitian. There could be sensory processing issues or feeding disorders that need professional support.

Remember: It’s a Journey

Most children grow out of fussy eating with time. The key is patience, consistency, and offering a wide variety of foods without pressure. Celebrate small victories, even licking a new food or having it on the plate is a step forward.

Mealtimes should be about connection, not conflict. With the right approach, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.