There’s nothing more alarming for a cat parent than a bowl of untouched food—and when a feline friend refuses to eat, it can be both baffling and concerning. But fear not! With the right approach—and a few Birdie & Louie favorites—you can encourage your cat back to a healthy appetite.
1. Check for Medical Causes First
A cat skipping meals can sometimes indicate something’s wrong internally. Common issues include dental pain, kidney disease, gastrointestinal upset, stress, or more serious conditions like hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome). If your cat hasn’t eaten for 24–48 hours , or shows vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, or weight loss, contact your vet immediately.
2. Look for Dental Discomfort
Even mild oral pain—from inflamed gums to a hidden abscess—can shut down appetite . Check for drooling, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the mouth. A vet or veterinary dentist exam is a safe bet. Steering toward wet food rather than dry can also be helpful in this case.
3. Note Any Stress or Change
Cats can often be tough adapters to change. A new routine, move, or new pet can trigger food refusal. Since cats can quickly associate foods with feeling unwell, even minor travel or vet visits may result in long-term aversion.
Tip: Warm food slightly to enhance aroma, present it in familiar bowls, and keep mealtime routines consistent.
4. Treat the Picky Eater
If health issues are ruled out, you’re likely dealing with a picky eater. We've found that having a variety of wet and dry foods are key to keeping a picky eater satisfied.
Offer both wet and dry options. Our wet food variety packs will make sure you always have something to surprise your cat with
Rotate proteins (chicken, beef, fish, lamb)
Warm meals slightly to intensify smell
Tip: From the thousands of reviews we've received, we find that the varieties that super picky eaters can't resist are tuna + papaya and tuna + olives.