It’s estimated that there are between 74-90 million pet cats in the United States. One common issue that many cat owners have is that their pet is finicky or picky when it comes to food, almost to the point that they would rather not eat at all. The good news is there are some things people can do to help get their furry feline to overcome being a finicky eater.
“Cats are kind of like kids when it comes time to eat,” explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. “There are things they will eat and things they won’t, and they are not shy about letting you know either way. Many people find it difficult to find a food their cat will actually eat on a regular basis, but it doesn’t have to be like that.”
There are reasons why some pets may be more finicky than others, but a lot of it has to do with what they are being offered, and how it’s being offered to them. Here are some tips for helping a finicky cat start loving their food:
· Check for health issues. Some cats may have health issues that are leading to them not wanting to eat. If your cat usually eats just fine and is now not wanting to, a check-up with the doctor is in order. This will detect any health or allergy issues that may be presenting a problem.
· Bowls matter. The bowl design and how clean it is will make a difference when it comes to feeding a cat. They prefer bowls where their whiskers are not brushing up against the sides, and they will turn their nose up to an eating area that isn’t clean. Keep dishes clean so they don’t detect odd smells that may build up.
· Placement counts. If a cat’s eating area is in a high traffic zone, they will also not want to eat. Their dishes should be put in an area where they will be away from foot traffic and can relax as they eat.
· Find the right food. The type of food being offered is crucial when it comes to how finicky a cat may be. Start by getting a good quality cat food that is made from meat, since cats are carnivores. Even when you find a food they like you may at times need to add something to it, such as some cooked meat. Many commercial pet foods contain chemicals that the cats are sensitive to smelling, and once they do, the may turn their nose up to the dish. Also, opt for a food that does not include fluoridated water in it.
· Make a choice. When it comes down to it, consumers need to decide if they are going to let the cat make all the decisions regarding food choice, or if the pet owner will opt for food that will be beneficial to their longevity. A cat may be finicky, yet it has no clue what’s beneficial for their health.
“Opting for a good quality cat food is the single best thing a consumer can do to help their finicky pet,” adds Post. “And by quality I mean one that is made from all meat, doesn’t include ingredients they shouldn’t be eating, and has been held to a high standard when producing it. Most commercial cat foods have taste chemicals that have been added, to get the cat to eat it. In my opinion it’s those chemicals that are causing major health issues along.”
Many commercial pet foods today include products that Post says cats should not be consuming, and some that may be leading to health problems. Ingredients to watch for and avoid include generic livers, carrageenan, chemicals, unidentifiable additives, and preservatives. Also, avoid cat foods that contain meats imported from Asia, because the source of the meat is unknown and there are safety concerns.
Hound & Gatos Pet Foods are 100 percent meat, with all their ingredients originating from the USA. They also do not ever allow fluoridated water to be used in their products. They have been awarded a “Most Trusted Pet Foods” award for two years in a row.
Hound & Gatos Pet Foods strives to help owners obtain the best quality products for their pets, and they deliver with 100 percent animal protein with no fillers. Visit www.HoundGatos.com and discover the difference of premium quality hypoallergenic pet food. The products are distributed through Animal Supply, Pet Food Experts and Canada’s Global Pet Foods.