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Don't let your cat develop bad eating habits? Prevent your cat from becoming a picky eater.

Don't let your cat develop bad eating habits? Prevent your cat from becoming a picky eater.

2026-03-18 08:21:12 · · #1

Cats' curiosity often leads to trouble. For example, they might try every little thing that interests them. Some things may not have any effect, but others, such as nails or needles, can cause problems if accidentally swallowed. In addition, eating is not a peaceful activity for cats. They can be picky eaters, noisy, and unwilling to finish their food. Bad eating habits can affect a cat's development and health, and we must help cats correct these habits.

Don't let your cat develop bad eating habits? Prevent your cat from becoming a picky eater.

1. Prevent your cat from becoming a picky eater

If your cat is a picky eater, it might be your problem. Most cats will be happy to eat the same food twice a day for the rest of their lives, as long as you treat them well. Choose a healthy and appealing cat food and stick to it—don't constantly change brands or types of cat food, as this will only confuse and annoy your cat. You should only change food when a kitten grows into an adult cat, or if there is really a problem with the cat food. For a picky eater who even refuses to eat more than a bite or two, use the 20-minute feeding method. Take out the food for 20 minutes, let it eat what it wants, then take the food away and don't take it out again before the next feeding time. This will teach it that it shouldn't be so picky.

2. Prevent your cat from eating non-food items.

If your cat enjoys eating plastic bags, paperclips, rubber bands, or other small items, the best thing you can do is keep these things away from it when it's young. Don't use these items as toys, no matter how much your cat likes them. If your cat insists on chewing these non-food items, try to stop the behavior by placing them in front of its food. If your cat eats a potentially dangerous non-food item, such as a paperclip, take it to your veterinarian immediately.

3. Don't let your cat make noise before meals.

Does your cat meow uncontrollably, scratch furniture, or do other annoying things before mealtimes? If so, don't be lenient. Don't give in and feed them early, thinking that will stop them from bothering you. If you ignore them, they will receive the message (no fussing before meals). You can also play with your cat and let them release their excess energy instead of thinking about food. If you give in, it will learn to use this trick whenever it wants to eat.

4. Prevent your cat from trying to "join you" while you eat.

If your cat sits at your table like a honored guest while you're enjoying a meal alone or with your family, you're in trouble. If your cat likes to sit centimeters from your plate and enjoys stealing food from it, you're in even more trouble. Here are some things you can do to keep your cat away from you when you're ready to eat: Schedule your cat's mealtimes to coincide with yours. Your steak and potatoes will seem much less appealing if you put a bowl of food in front of it before you start eating. Give it food a few minutes before you begin eating so it won't get excited about your meal.

Line your table with aluminum foil. Cats hate the feeling of walking on aluminum foil, so you can put a layer of foil on the dining table and see if it stops wanting to join you. This method also works for other surfaces you don't want your cat to walk on, such as a nice sofa.

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