How to Encourage Kittens to Eat Cat Food: Understanding Why They'd Rather Go Hungry

To encourage a kitten to eat cat food, it's recommended to soften the kibble with warm water first. You can also entice the kitten by adding a bit of goat's milk powder to the food. With patience, the kitten will gradually start eating.

Generally, kittens older than two months can start eating cat food. When first introducing kibble, a kitten's teeth are still delicate, and they may have trouble chewing hard, dry food. Therefore, it is best to soak the kibble in warm water until it softens into a mushy consistency before feeding. If your kitten is still not interested, try mixing in some goat's milk powder for added appeal. Try bringing the food bowl close to your kitten's mouth to encourage them to start eating. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to offer small amounts of the moistened food near their mouth. Eventually, with consistency, they will begin to eat the food on their own.

Why Your Kitten Might Refuse Cat Food Even When Hungry

Kittens usually do not have a strong sense of satiety, so if they are otherwise healthy, they typically won't refuse to eat cat food if they're hungry. If your kitten refuses to eat, it may be an early sign of an underlying health issue. For instance, viral gastroenteritis, upper respiratory infections, or fever can cause a loss of appetite. In adult cats, refusing food can also be attributed to illnesses like intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, or the presence of a foreign object in the digestive system. Sometimes, changes in environment or stress can lead to a loss of appetite. Another reason might be that the cat has become a picky eater, preferring wet food or other tastier options over their regular kibble. This can lead to a cat seemingly preferring to go hungry rather than eating their main diet.Follow us for updates:Pet Training