Instructions
Switch your cat to a new food if she refuses to eat what you currently feed her. A cat may become tired of the same food and wish to try something new. Add a small amount of the new food into your cat's old food to prevent gastrointestinal distress from the change in diet. Over a period of a week, add more and more of the new food into your cat's food until you have completely switched over to the new food.
Feed your cat in a quiet space, away from dogs, children, other cats or noisy household machinery such as dishwashers or washing machines. A cat fed in a noisy spot of your home may become frightened or feel intimidated by other pets and will refuse to eat. Feed multiple cats in different spots and give each a different bowl to prevent aggression and bullying between the cats during mealtimes.
Heat your cat's food for a few seconds in the microwave or mix a small amount of hot water into the food to warm it to a temperature comfortable to the touch. Warming your cat's food makes it softer, more palatable and increases its aroma, which is especially important for older cats whose sense of smell has decreased with age. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends heating food to slightly above room temperature.
Change your cat's food bowl to a sturdy one with low sides. Cats dislike having their whiskers touched by the sides of a bowl when eating and may avoid food because of this, according to PetPlace.com. A wide, shallow dish will prevent this from occurring. Keep the dish clean by washing it after each meal, as cats will not eat from dirty bowls. Dirty bowls also attract insects and other pests.
Feed your cat on a schedule every day so she becomes accustomed to being fed at certain times. Provide food three to four times per day in small amounts. Leave the food out for no more than 15 minutes at a time and refrigerate leftover canned food to keep it fresh.
Add a sprinkling of your cat's favorite cat treats to the top of the cat food or add a small amount of chicken broth to entice your picky cat to eat the food. Gradually decrease the amount of treats or broth over a period of a week until you return to your cat's normal food. This prevents your cat from expecting treat-flavored food for an indefinite period of time.
How to Feed Picky Eating Cats
If your cat stops eating her food or becomes very selective of the types of food she eats, you may have a picky eater. Visit a veterinarian to rule out a medical cause for this behavior, since some diseases can cause a decrease in appetite. If your cat continues her finicky eating habits after a check-up with a veterinarian, make changes to the way you feed your cat to make sure she eats and gets the proper nutrition she needs.