How to Get Your Cat to Eat Canned Food (Even If They’re a Picky Eater!)

ByJennifer Lucks

How to Get My Cat to Eat Canned Food?

Your cat is a finicky eater. She turns her nose up at the dry food you’ve been feeding her for years, and she’s not interested in the fancy new kibble you just bought. But you know that canned food is better for her health, so you’re determined to get her to eat it.

Here are a few tips to help you transition your cat to canned food:

  • Start slowly. Don’t try to replace all of your cat’s dry food with canned food at once. Start by mixing a small amount of canned food with her dry food, and gradually increase the amount of canned food over time.
  • Choose a high-quality canned food. Look for a food that is made with real meat and vegetables, and that doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial ingredients.
  • Make the food more appealing. Heat up the canned food slightly before serving it, and add a little bit of water or broth to make it more moist. You can also try adding a little bit of shredded chicken or tuna to entice your cat.
  • Be patient. It may take a few weeks for your cat to get used to eating canned food. Don’t get discouraged if she doesn’t take to it right away. Just keep offering her the canned food, and eventually she’ll come around.

    How To Get My Cat To Eat Canned Food? Step Explanation
    Make sure the canned food is fresh Cats have a keen sense of smell, and they will not eat food that smells off.
    Warm the canned food slightly Cats prefer their food to be warm, so warming it slightly will make it more appealing.
    Add a little bit of water to the canned food This will help to make the food more moist and palatable.
    Try different flavors and brands of canned food Not all cats like the same flavor of canned food. Experiment with different flavors and brands until you find one that your cat enjoys.
    Feed your cat canned food in a separate bowl This will help to prevent your cat from associating the canned food with their regular food, which they may not like as much.
    Be patient It may take some time for your cat to get used to eating canned food. Just keep offering it to them, and eventually they will come around.

    Why is my cat not eating canned food?

    There are a few reasons why your cat might not be eating canned food. Here are some of the most common:

    • Your cat is not used to eating canned food. If your cat has always been fed dry food, they may not be used to the taste or texture of canned food. It can take some time for them to adjust, so be patient.
    • Your cat is not getting enough wet food. Canned food is a good source of moisture for cats, and they need to drink plenty of water to stay healthy. If your cat is not getting enough wet food, they may become dehydrated and start to lose weight.
    • Your cat is not feeling well. If your cat is sick, they may not have an appetite for food. This is especially true if they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
    • Your cat is stressed. Cats can become stressed for a variety of reasons, such as a change in their environment, a new pet in the house, or a move. Stress can lead to a loss of appetite.

    If you think your cat is not eating canned food because of one of these reasons, there are a few things you can do to help them.

    • Start by slowly introducing canned food to your cat. Mix a small amount of canned food with their dry food and gradually increase the amount of canned food over time.
    • Make sure your cat is getting enough wet food. Cats need to eat wet food in order to stay hydrated. Aim for your cat to eat at least one can of wet food per day.
    • Take your cat to the vet if they are not eating for more than 24 hours. A loss of appetite can be a sign of a medical problem, so it’s important to rule out any underlying health issues.
    • Reduce stress in your cat’s life. If you think your cat is stressed, try to identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible. You can also try to create a more calming environment for your cat by providing them with a safe space to relax and by spending some quality time with them.

    What can I do to get my cat to eat canned food?

    If your cat is not eating canned food, there are a few things you can do to encourage them to eat.

    • Make sure the canned food is fresh and appealing to your cat. Cats are very particular about their food, so it’s important to find a canned food that they like. You can try different flavors and brands until you find one that your cat enjoys.
    • Serve the canned food at room temperature. Cats prefer their food to be warm, so it’s best to serve the canned food at room temperature. You can also warm the food up slightly in the microwave before serving it.
    • Make the canned food more appealing by adding a little bit of water or broth. This will help to moisten the food and make it more palatable for your cat.
    • Try feeding your cat canned food in a different location. If your cat is used to eating their food in a certain spot, try feeding them in a different location. This could help to break their routine and make them more interested in the food.
    • Sprinkle a little bit of catnip on the canned food. Catnip is a natural stimulant that can help to increase your cat’s appetite.
    • Play with your cat before or after mealtime. This will help to stimulate your cat’s appetite and make them more likely to eat.
    • Take your cat to the vet if they are not eating for more than 24 hours. A loss of appetite can be a sign of a medical problem, so it’s important to rule out any underlying health issues.

    If you’ve tried all of these tips and your cat is still not eating canned food, it’s best to take them to the vet. Your vet can help to determine the cause of your cat’s lack of appetite and recommend the best course of treatment.

    Canned food is a healthy and nutritious option for cats, but it’s important to make sure your cat is actually eating it. If your cat is not eating canned food, there are a few things you can do to encourage them to eat. By following these tips, you can help your cat to enjoy a healthy and happy life.

    What foods can I try if my cat still won’t eat canned food?

    If your cat still refuses to eat canned food, there are a few other things you can try.

    • Try a different brand or flavor of canned food. Some cats are picky eaters and may only like certain brands or flavors of food. If your cat doesn’t like the canned food you’re currently feeding them, try a different brand or flavor.
    • Try warming up the food. Some cats prefer their food to be warm. If your cat isn’t eating their canned food cold, try warming it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
    • Add a little bit of water to the food. This can help to make the food more palatable for your cat.
    • Try mixing the canned food with their dry food. This can help to transition your cat to eating canned food. Start by mixing a small amount of canned food with their dry food and gradually increase the amount of canned food over time.
    • Try offering your cat wet food in a different bowl. Some cats may be more likely to eat wet food if it’s offered in a different bowl. Try using a bowl that’s made of a different material or that’s a different shape.
    • Try feeding your cat wet food in a different location. Some cats may be more likely to eat wet food if it’s offered in a different location. Try feeding your cat in a quiet room or in a different part of the house.
    • Make sure your cat is eating enough food. Even if your cat isn’t eating canned food, it’s important to make sure they’re still getting enough food. You can try feeding your cat a little bit of dry food throughout the day or you can give them a small amount of canned food mixed with water.

    If your cat is still refusing to eat, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.

    How can I make sure my cat is getting the nutrients they need?

    If your cat is only eating dry food, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need. You can do this by feeding them a high-quality dry food that’s specifically formulated for cats. You can also add a little bit of wet food to their diet to help them get the moisture they need.

    Here are some tips for making sure your cat is getting the nutrients they need:

    • Feed your cat a high-quality dry food that’s specifically formulated for cats.
    • Add a little bit of wet food to your cat’s diet to help them get the moisture they need.
    • Give your cat fresh water to drink every day.
    • Feed your cat at regular times each day.
    • Make sure your cat has access to food and water at all times.
    • Take your cat to the vet for regular checkups.

    By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

    If your cat is refusing to eat canned food, there are a few things you can try to encourage them to eat. You can try a different brand or flavor of canned food, warm up the food, add a little bit of water to the food, or mix the canned food with their dry food. You can also try feeding your cat wet food in a different bowl or in a different location. If your cat is still refusing to eat, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.

    By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

    Q: How do I get my cat to eat canned food?

    A: There are a few things you can do to get your cat to eat canned food. First, try offering them a variety of different flavors and textures of canned food. Some cats prefer wet food that is chunky, while others prefer it to be smooth. You can also try warming the food up slightly before serving it. If your cat is still not interested in eating canned food, you can try adding a little bit of water or broth to it to make it more appealing. Finally, you can try mixing a small amount of canned food with their dry food. This can help them to transition to eating canned food more easily.

    Q: My cat only eats canned food, and I’m worried that they’re not getting enough nutrients. What should I do?

    A: If your cat is only eating canned food, you can supplement their diet with dry food or treats that are fortified with vitamins and minerals. You can also talk to your veterinarian about adding a nutritional supplement to your cat’s diet.

    Q: My cat is picky about the canned food they eat. What can I do to get them to eat more?

    A: There are a few things you can do to get your picky cat to eat more canned food. First, try offering them a variety of different flavors and textures of canned food. Some cats prefer wet food that is chunky, while others prefer it to be smooth. You can also try warming the food up slightly before serving it. If your cat is still not interested in eating canned food, you can try adding a little bit of water or broth to it to make it more appealing. Finally, you can try mixing a small amount of canned food with their dry food. This can help them to transition to eating canned food more easily.

    Q: My cat is refusing to eat canned food. What should I do?

    A: If your cat is refusing to eat canned food, there are a few things you can do. First, try offering them a variety of different flavors and textures of canned food. Some cats prefer wet food that is chunky, while others prefer it to be smooth. You can also try warming the food up slightly before serving it. If your cat is still not interested in eating canned food, you can try adding a little bit of water or broth to it to make it more appealing. Finally, you can try mixing a small amount of canned food with their dry food. This can help them to transition to eating canned food more easily.

    Q: My cat is eating canned food, but they’re not pooping. What should I do?

    A: If your cat is eating canned food but they’re not pooping, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that your cat is getting enough water. Canned food is typically higher in moisture than dry food, so it’s important to make sure that your cat is drinking enough water to stay hydrated. You can also try adding a little bit of water to your cat’s canned food to make it more palatable. If your cat is still not pooping after a few days, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.

    there are a few things you can do to get your cat to eat canned food. First, try offering them a variety of different flavors and textures. Second, make sure the food is fresh and appealing. Third, provide a clean bowl and water near the food. Finally, be patient and persistent. With a little time and effort, you can get your cat to enjoy canned food.

    Here are some key takeaways:

    • Canned food is a healthy and nutritious option for cats.
    • Cats are picky eaters, so it’s important to offer them a variety of flavors and textures.
    • Make sure the food is fresh and appealing.
    • Provide a clean bowl and water near the food.
    • Be patient and persistent. With a little time and effort, you can get your cat to enjoy canned food.

    Author Profile

    Jennifer Lucks
    Jennifer Lucks
    With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
    Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
    In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
    Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.