The importance of smell in cat food
Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell. If their food doesn’t smell appealing, they won’t eat it. This is especially true for wet food. Once it’s been sitting out for too long, it loses its attractiveness. Only offer small portions of wet food and only when your cat is present to eat it right away. After 30 minutes, remove what’s left. Also, make sure the food bowl is clean and free of old food residue.
The texture of cat food matters
Texture is just as important as smell when it comes to food. Cats care a lot about how food feels in their mouth. If you offer kibble in a new shape or with a different crunchiness — even if the flavour is the same — your cat may reject it. Introduce new food slowly and mix it with the previous food to help them get used to it.
My cat won’t eat their usual food anymore
The food is old or stored incorrectly
Dry food should be kept airtight and in a dark place once opened, like in a pet food container. Only buy as much as your cat can finish in 4–6 weeks.
Wet food should be refrigerated after opening but shouldn’t be served too cold. Cats dislike cold food, and it also smells less inviting.
Your cat might be unwell
There can be medical reasons for a cat refusing to eat. It might have mouth pain, nausea, or general discomfort. In many cases, they won’t even approach the food bowl.
A blocked nose or mild cold can also reduce appetite. If a cat can’t smell its food, it’s unlikely to want to eat. With wet food, warming it briefly in the microwave can help intensify the smell and encourage eating.
If your cat suddenly stops eating, always consult your vet to rule out any medical issues.
Your cat may be stressed
Cats don’t handle changes very well. Even small disruptions — like moving a piece of furniture — can cause stress. Another cat in the area can also lead to stress without you noticing it.
Pay attention to your cat’s behaviour. If you suspect stress, you can try supporting them with supplements. Offer small amounts of fresh food several times a day.
Still concerned? Contact your vet to rule out a medical cause.
My senior cat sniffs food but won’t eat
If an older cat stops eating, it’s especially important to investigate. It could be a sign of dental issues, kidney problems, or other internal conditions making your cat feel unwell.
Changes in appetite in older cats should always be checked by a vet.
Older cats may also develop weaker jaw muscles — this can cause a more angular face and make chewing kibble difficult. In that case, try switching to wet food or soften the kibble with water.
There are also specially formulated senior cat foods that are easier to chew and digest, such as Royal Canin Ageing 12+ – Cat Food.
Special cat food for picky eaters
Some food brands specifically cater to fussy cats:
Royal Canin Exigent offers three variants:
Royal Canin also offers the Sensory wet food range, which focuses on Smell, Taste and Feel, and is available in multipacks.
Royal Canin Instinctive in Gravy or in Jelly is another excellent option for picky cats.
Purina Pro Plan Delicate offers dry and wet food for cats with sensitive digestion and selective appetites — including convenient pouches and mousse.
Stimulating your cat’s appetite
There are several ways to help boost your cat’s appetite. As mentioned earlier, gently warming wet food can release more aroma and encourage them to eat.
If your cat only eats dry food, try opening a fresh bag and offering small amounts throughout the day. Avoid leaving out large bowls. You can also make mealtimes more fun by scattering kibble around the house or placing it in feeding toys or puzzles — this triggers their natural hunting instincts.
You might also consider trying supplements that stimulate appetite, such as:
Every cat is different, so it’s worth experimenting to see what works.
If needed, your vet can prescribe mirtazapine, a medication known to stimulate appetite in cats. A medical cause must be ruled out before using it.
