Cat Behaviour Problems: Settling into a new home

Diet & Behaviour:

Question: I have two cats; a 3 year-old female and a 10 year-old male.

In the last four months they have both become very fussy about food, and will not eat what I give them. I have tried all the varieties of cat food, but to no avail. The male will only eat tinned tuna and the female cooked chicken, with both eating a few biscuits. Do you have any suggestions - I am at the end of my tether with them.

Answer: Firstly, it is a good idea to have them checked by a vet to ensure they are both physically healthy and at a normal weight. If so, it is important to choose one brand of food and stick to it.

Cats are very adept as getting their owners to feed them all sorts of food that isn’t not good for them, like only tuna and chicken. They will refuse and look pathetic if a well-balanced food is offered and make their owners give in before they do. So harden your heart and hang out longer than they can.

They won’t starve themselves and will eventually eat what is on offer. If it makes you feel better, you can put a little tuna or chicken on top, but don’t be tempted to add to it if they pick that off and leave the rest.

In the long run, they will feel better and be healthier if you give them a proper balanced diet, so be a bit cruel to be kind!

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