How to raise a cat that doesn't eat cat food

There are many reasons why a cat refuses to eat cat food and only eats canned food, mainly due to picky eating and disease-related causes. Picky eating is common in cats, and it is recommended to stop feeding canned food and only feed cat food. Disease-related causes can cause loss of appetite, and since canned food has better palatability than cat food, the cat may only eat canned food while refusing cat food. If the cat shows abnormal symptoms such as sleepiness and depression, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Why won't a cat eat cat food?

The cat is unused to the new cat food and prefers the old formula. In this case, mixing the old and new cat foods gradually can help the cat adjust.
The cat food has gone bad, and cats have a keen sense of smell. If they detect a strange smell, they won't eat it.
The cat is sick and has a loss of appetite. It's essential to take the cat to a pet hospital for inspection and diagnosis, followed by targeted treatment.

Symptoms of a sick cat

After becoming sick, a cat's initial symptoms are usually mild, such as depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and soft stools. The cat may not have a fever, but as the symptoms worsen, they may experience repeated vomiting, severe depression, weakness, fever, and other symptoms. It is crucial to seek medical attention early instead of self-medicating at home.

What to do if a cat refuses to eat cat food

If your cat refuses to eat cat food, you can try the following measures:

The cat food's taste is poor or has a low protein content. It is recommended to switch to high-quality cat food to avoid malnutrition.
Boil some boneless chicken, beef, or pork for your cat, and serve it with cooked carrots and broccoli.
Feed the cat canned food as a main dish. Offer your cat their favorite canned food to see if they'll accept it.