In this blog we will look at the top 5 reasons why your cat isn’t eating, and I’ll share how you can support them to tempt a little morsel of food into their tummy’s.
I’m sure as a cat Mum or dad you’ve had those times when your cat won’t eat. They walk up to the plate, bowl or mat with their food ready and waiting, take a sniff and walk away. I don’t know about you but in those moments my heart skips a beat, my stomach sinks and my anxiety alert goes to DEFCON 10!
I am desperate to know what’s going on and find a way to tempt a little food into their hungry tummy – more on this a little later.
Unless you are an established animal communicator it can be really scary, annoying and downright frustrating if our cats don’t eat, especially when we KNOW they want food.
Here’s what could be going on:
I’ve placed many a plate down for Leo (my anxious cat) with the desperate hopes that he will eat, lick, nibble, chew or taste just a little. Desperately hoping, wishing, praying, dreaming that he will allow a morsel of food to pass his lips.
This does NOT feel good – for him (or me). Everything is made of energy and when we put this heavy, dense, worried energy into preparing our cat’s meal the energy goes into the food. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Made/cooked with Love”. What would you want to eat?
Despite our energy, which our cats can sense and feel, our cats can experience their own anxiety. You know when you are feeling scared, stressed or worried, you have that sick feeling in your tummy – because that’s where anxiety manifests – in the solar plexus chakra, the tummy.
When you have an anxious cat or anxious eater, time, patience and grounded energy will make all the difference. Take a look at my YouTube video for more help and support: How to reduce food anxiety in cats
If they sniff the food, lick their lips, drool or swallow a couple of times they could be feeling nauseous. If this behaviour persists ensure you get a vet check done to rule out any physical issues. Hopefully they may eat a little grass, head outside or take a nap and come back to the food another time.
Cats are very sensitive and incredibly sentient so they can tell what their body needs. Imagine if you ate the same thing day in day out, could you really stomach the same meal day after day? It’s crucial that we vary the brands, flavours and proteins that we offer our cats. If they don’t clear this plate, DON’T wait for them to eat – they won’t. Ditch the plate and try another option.
Let’s remember that cats are predator animals so it’s natural for them to want room temperature, perhaps even slightly warmed food. It aids with digestion, helps it to smell (which they gauge the freshness of their food by its scent) and helps to stimulate their appetite. Straight out of the fridge does not a happy cat make!
If your cat is refusing to eat try these top tips to encourage them:
There is no right or wrong way to feed an anxious cat or picky eater. You know your cat best so trust your intuition and take it one step, or one mealtime, at a time. You’ve got this.
If you or your cat have anxiety check out my FREE anxiety download. I hope it helps you both. I know what it’s like to deal with anxiety and you don’t have to give in to its control over you. Check out the guide.
With love,
Julie-Anne
Soul activator for cat guardians, empath, author and cat mum.
Helping anxious humans with anxious cats.
Giving cats a voice and changing the world's perception of cats.
And if you’d like to be part of a warm, spiritual community of cat lovers who cherish deep connections, spiritual support and gentle souls, join my FREE, online community: The Soul Space.
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