It is a truth universally acknowledged that a cat in possession of a full bowl can, at some point, decide they want absolutely nothing to do with it.
If your cat has suddenly staged a hunger strike, try not to panic. While a consistent loss of appetite should always be discussed with your vet, cats are famously fastidious (and occasionally a little fickle).
Here are a few reasons why your cat might be turning up their nose, and how to get them back to their bowl
1. The environment isn’t ‘just so’
Cats are sensitive souls. Household disruption, loud noises, or even an unwashed bowl can put them off their dinner. If there’s been a change in routine: a new house, a new pet, or a particularly boisterous new family member, your cat may not be in the fine dining mood.
2. Food neophobia (The fear of the new)
Cats thrive on familiarity. If you’ve recently switched to Marro, your cat might be exhibiting ‘food neophobia’. A fancy way of saying they are suspicious of anything new. We recommend a gradual transition, mixing a little more Marro into their old food each day until they realise that Fresh is, in fact, the best thing to happen to them since the discovery of the radiator.
3. High standards
A cat’s sense of smell is far superior to ours. If a bowl isn't pristine, or if their food has been sitting out a little too long, they’ll know. Ensure every meal is served in a Fresh, clean bowl to satisfy their fastidious nature.
How to get them back to the bowl
If your cat is still playing hard to get, here are some Marro-approved tricks:
The Warm-Up: Fresh food smells much more enticing when it’s warm. Try popping their Marro meal in the microwave for a few seconds to unlock those aromas.
The Topper: Sometimes a little ‘bribe’ goes a long way. Adding a favourite treat on top or adding a splash of tuna water can be the bridge they need to dive into their Fresh pouch.
If your cat consistently isn't eating or if you notice changes in their toileting behaviour or general energy levels, please check in with your vet. We want them back to their self-possessed, judgmental selves as soon as possible.
Need a hand or have questions?
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