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.
4. The weather is warming up
When the sun comes out, some cats decide that lounging in a sunbeam is far more important than lunch. Hot weather can make cats less interested in food, particularly during the warmest parts of the day. Eating and digesting food produces heat, so when your cat is already feeling warm, they may naturally eat a little less than usual.
You might notice your cat picking at their food, eating smaller portions, or waiting until the evening when things have cooled down before heading back to their bowl. This can be especially common during a heatwave or if their usual eating spot is particularly warm.
Keep their food somewhere cool and comfortable, make sure they always have access to fresh drinking water, and try offering their meal during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. You can also pop their bowl somewhere shaded and well-ventilated, away from sunny windows or warm appliances. If your cat's appetite doesn't return as the weather cools, or they're showing other signs that they aren't themselves, it's always best to check in with your vet.
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?
You can get in touch with us here. Our phone lines are open Monday–Friday, 10am-5pm (excluding bank holidays), and we're available via email 7 days a week.