It’s Not Ok to Call Cats Picky

Many cats are labeled as picky.  It is basically considered common “knowledge” that cats are picky.  But I am going to challenge this idea.  We need to stop blaming cats for being cats.

We generally don’t consider the adjective “picky” as one that is positive.  It suggests blame and difficulty.  I think this reflects our frustration, not what is true for the cat.  

I am going to invite you to shift your thinking from “my cat is picky” to “my cat is cautious.”  Even just reading those words can elicit a shift in how you feel toward your cat.  Your cat isn’t being difficult, and certainly not on purpose.  Your cat is being cautious and may need specific supports to accept new foods.  

With this mindset of our cats being cautious, we can set aside our frustration and start to experience more patience and compassion.  We can start to think about what our cats need from us and how we can provide it.  We can start to work with them, not against them and their cautious nature.  Because after all, we are trying to offer something healthy and good for them. We want the process to be successful.

Cats’ Cautious Nature

There is a very good reason for cats’ cautious nature.  Survival.  Between their exquisite sense of smell and cautious nature, cats keep themselves safe from eating things that could make them sick or kill them.  As both predator and prey, a sick or weakened cat is in danger. This is a very powerful motivator to stay cautious.  So, we are not going to put down some new food, even if it is healthier for them, and them just eat it!  

Cats are also imprint eaters.  They learn what is food when they are kittens.  If they are fed kibble, then that is what they have learned is food.  If they are fed mice, then that is what they know as food.  Kittens are generally more adaptable to new foods because they are in a phase of learning what food is.  Once that developmental window is closed, then they will be more cautious about foods they have not been exposed to during that time.  This doesn’t mean that adult cats can’t be transitioned to eating new foods, it just means that they will need more time to do so.

individual temperament

There is also the individual temperament of the cat to take into consideration.  Some cats are more bold in their personalities. Hazel is a bold kitty.  Not much scares her, she is very curious and in her curiosity, moves toward and approaches most new things.  My daughter’s male cat has a slow to warm up temperament.  He is cautious about anything new in his environment.  He needs lots of time and repeated positive exposure to accept new foods (it took over a year for him to accept whole prey).  My daughter’s other cat is more shy and timid in general.  When it comes to food, if you give her some reassuring pets and nutritional yeast, she will try most foods after she receives those things. 

It’s about knowing and respecting your cat. Pay attention to their individual temperament, and keep in mind cats’ generally cautious nature about food.  

What Does Your Cat Need?

You may be so excited to provide some new raw food for your cat, but….your cat will probably not join you in your excitement.  You will want to take a deep breath, and think about what your cat might need to accept this new food.  Something familiar almost always helps: using toppers of crushed up freeze dried treats, water from a tin of sardines, nutritional yeast.  These will provide a familiar sense of smell.

Consider the texture of the new food, the temperature, anything that is different from their usual food. Think about how you can provide some familiarity to reassure them that this new food is safe.  

And then of course, there’s time. Many cats need time and repeated exposure to new foods to eventually accept them.  Exposure and positive paired association with their usual food go a long way in helping cats learn that the new food is safe to eat. This is where we need to be patient with our cautious cats.  We need patience in order to give them the time they need.  Check out this post about how to transition cats to new foods for more tips.  

And remember, there are no picky cats, just cautious ones. Join me in taking “picky” out of the conversation about cats. This understanding will go a long way in helping your relationship with your cat as you introduce new foods.