Is your cat staging a hunger strike against their new, nutritional diet?
Are you tired of creating a food tasting panel for your cat’s ever-evolving palate?
We don’t believe cats are “fussy eaters”; they simply have good tastes. They’re epipurrreans, if you will...
Cats are natural predators that have evolved mechanisms in their eating habits to prevent illness from eating or drinking contaminated foods or water. Because of this they can be rather particular about what, how, and where they eat or drink.
Things that may cause eating habits to change:
Phobia - some cats can be “neophobic” which means they can be scared of new things, including new foods.
Stress - cats are naturally sensitive and any slight changes in their environment can cause them stress and anxiety, which will have an impact on their appetite; feeding them in an area of the home that they feel safe and relaxed can help.
Food texture change - when it comes to food, texture, flavour and smell are really important to cats, and they have evolved into culinary connoisseurs. Depending on what they’re used to, our freshly prepared, gently cooked ingredients may seem strange to them at first, but with a little help they should soon see what all the fuss is about.
Health - if your cat's restrictive dining habits persist, it might be more than a case of refined tastes. A quick check up with your vet could rule out any potential underlying sickness that may be causing their disinterest at meal time.
"Did you know - cats can even detect the exact ratio of protein to fat in their food. Pretty impurrressive, if you ask me."
As Marro's trusted maître d's, we have just the tips to improve your cat’s eating habits.
Information and tips surrounding feline eating habits:
Mix and match - transitioning your cat’s food gradually is a great way to avoid any, how shall we put it, digestive drama and to help your cat adapt to their new diet without causing a cat-astrophic uproar.
Mouse-size portions - if your cat still happens to be turning their nose up at their new food, maybe it's time for a bit of portion control? As your unsuspecting toes may already know, cats thrive on the thrill of the hunt and often target smaller prey. Maybe consider indulging their instincts with 3-4 smaller, mouse-sized meals each day. With their cravings satisfied you may find them pouncing on their bowls, rather than your feet and smaller meals may be easier on your cats stomach too.
Take the chill off - as you might have noticed from the surprise gifts your cat brings to your doorstep, the prey they bring is often warm, so your cat knows it's fresh and safe to eat. So, your cat might prefer their food warmed to room temperature, as it replicates the natural warmth of their prey.
Playtime palate cleanser - if you want to get your cat excited for mealtime, try tapping into their inner hunter. Spend roughly 15 minutes playing with your cat before mealtime. It’s like treating them to an apurritif before serving them the main course, making their dining experience extra satisfying. It’s a two-course delight that'll have them purring with pleasure!
Meal stimulation - if hunting in the wild was as easy as food falling from the sky the world would be run by cats (If it isn't already). Try exploring puzzle feeders like lick mats or forage feeders to give them some mental stimulation and mimic the thrill of the chase. You could even set up a scavenger hunt around the house by hiding small saucers of food for them to find. Cats are known as contrafreeloaders; they prefer to earn their food through fun activities rather than receiving it for free. At least we let them think they’ve earned it…
So Fresh, so clean - picture this, you’ve scored a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant, only to find yourself seated right next to the restroom. No matter how gourmet the meal, the whole experience feels... rather soiled. Similarly, cats are meticulous about cleanliness, especially when it comes to their dining area.
When it comes to cleaning their food bowls, stick with non-scented dish soap. Strong citrusy smells? No thanks!
Serve fresh water in a separate bowl, ideally refreshed daily, to encourage hydration. Keep both food and water bowls clean and place them away from vulnerable, busy areas and far from the litter tray. Cats prefer their dining spots to be hygienic and serene, just like you'd expect at a fine-dining restaurant.
Protein rota - rotate their menu like a seasoned chef and stash some delicacies in the freezer for a surprise later. If your cat turns their nose up at a dish, fear not! Simply propose a new flavour, keeping their palate intrigued with a rotating lineup of protein. Remember, patience is key—hold onto those rejected meals; your cat might just circle back for a second helping. After all, even the most refined critics have their moments of indecision!
Moving to Marro
When first offering your cat their Marro meals we suggest initially feeding a small portion of Marro alongside your cat’s current food (in a separate bowl or dish is best), so they can try their new fresh food at their own pace. Over the next few days slowly decrease the portion of the old food in favour of Marro, until they are enjoying their full plan. During this process it is completely fine (and recommended) to go at your cat’s pace, they’ll thank you for it later. Our other tips include:
Warming - warm their food on a microwavable plate or dish for 10 seconds, stirring and heating for a further 5 seconds if needed, can help to release the aromas of the tasty fresh ingredients.
Smaller portions - offer 3 or 4 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 2 larger meals: cats naturally hunt and eat many small meals a day, and sometimes prefer to eat this way.
Keep it clean - keep feeding bowls clean and fresh and avoid using citrus scented detergents (cats really don't like citrus)
Sleep, hunt, eat - feed after a period of activity, playing etc, Especially if it encourages hunting behaviour like stalking and pouncing cats find feeding after this type of playtime a rewarding conclusion.
Still Struggling?
If your cat continues to refuse food it’s always a good idea to speak to your vet to rule out any underlying health issues (cats are really good at hiding when they’re unwell).