Cat Not Eating as Much as Before

by Tish
(Discovery Bay, California, USA)

1 Year Old Eating Less As Time Goes On

Hello,
I have a 14 month old male Maine coon who is 15.2 lbs, however he is not eating as much as he used to.

This has been ongoing for about 6 months and I've tried changing from wet, freeze dried (wet and dry), kibble, broth etc.

Also tried changing the protein source from beef, to chicken to lamb - not interested.

He is more interested in dog food. I don't feed him dog food, but he will eat scraps that fall out of the bowl and try to steal our boxer's food when she eats. I feed him high quality food: Ziwi & Open Farm.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am at a loss and am wasting a lot of money trying new foods since it's impossible to buy a couple cans of food online. They make you buy a whole pallet.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

Tish

Reply:
Hi Tish,

I completely understand how frustrating this situation must be! When a cat’s appetite changes, it can feel like a guessing game - especially when you’ve tried so many different foods with no luck.





Can you buy just a couple of cans in your local stores in order to try new flavors and brands? You’re definitely not alone in this; many Coonie owners go through the same struggle at some point.

The good news is that a Maine Coon eating less doesn’t always mean something is wrong.

Cats can be notoriously picky, and their preferences (or curiosity about what’s in the dog’s bowl!) can shift over time.

With that said, there are a few key factors to consider: possible health concerns, food preferences, and behavioral influences.

Let’s dive into some reasons why this might be happening - and what you can do to encourage him to eat.

Why Do Some Cats Lose Interest in Food?

There are a few reasons why a cat might start eating less. Some are completely normal, while others may need attention.

Growth and Metabolism Changes

Young cats go through phases of rapid growth, followed by slower periods where they need less food. At 14 months, your cat is still developing, but his metabolism may be stabilizing.

If he had a big appetite during a growth spurt, it’s normal for him to eat less now.

Behavioral Factors

Cats are creatures of habit, but they can also be unpredictable when it comes to food. A few common reasons they lose interest include:

• Boredom with food: If he’s had the same flavors and textures for a long time, he may be looking for variety.
• Competition with other pets: Seeing the dog eat might make his food seem less exciting. Some cats get curious about what others are eating.
• Stress or environmental changes: Even small changes at home, like a new routine or different feeding area, can impact eating habits.

Health Concerns

If a cat suddenly eats much less, it’s important to rule out medical issues. Possible causes include:

• Dental pain: If chewing is uncomfortable, he may avoid food, especially kibble or tougher textures.
• Digestive issues: Sensitivities to certain proteins or ingredients could make him hesitant to eat.
• Underlying illness: Some conditions, like kidney disease or infections, can cause appetite loss.

Since this has been going on for six months, it’s a good idea to have a vet checkup to rule out any health concerns. If he’s otherwise active, playful, and maintaining weight, the cause is likely behavioral or food-related.

The Dog Food Fascination - Why Some Cats Love It

It’s not uncommon for a cat to show interest in dog food. While it may seem strange, there are a few reasons behind it.

Strong Smell and Taste

Dog food often has a stronger scent than cat food, especially if it’s high in fat or contains meaty flavors. Cats have an excellent sense of smell, and some find the stronger aroma more appealing than their usual meals.

The Appeal of Something New

Cats are naturally curious. If they see another pet eating something different, they may want to try it. This novelty factor can make dog food seem more exciting than their usual kibble or wet food.

Why Dog Food Isn’t a Good Substitute

Even if your cat seems to prefer it, dog food isn’t formulated for feline nutrition. Some key concerns include:

• Lack of essential nutrients: Cats need taurine, an amino acid not found in high enough levels in dog food.
• Lower protein content: Most dog food has less protein than cats require.
• Potential digestive upset: Ingredients in dog food may not sit well with a cat’s stomach.
  

It's good that you're not letting him eat the dog's food! If he’s more interested in dog food than his own, it might be time to explore new textures or flavors to bring back his excitement for eating.

Strategies For Picky Eaters

If your boy isn’t excited about mealtime, a few small changes can help bring back his appetite.

Find the Right Texture & Temperature

Some cats have strong preferences when it comes to texture and temperature. Try:

• Switching up textures: Some prefer pâté, others like chunks in gravy.
• Warming food slightly: A little warmth can bring out the aroma and make it more appealing.

Rotate Foods Without Wasting Money

Buying large amounts of food only to have your cat reject it can get expensive. Instead:

• Look for trial packs or small cans before committing.
• Check for single-can options at local pet stores to test flavors.
• Use a food swap group in local pet communities to trade unused food.

Try Meal Toppers & Enticements

A little extra flavor boost can make food more exciting. Some safe options include:

• Bone broth (low sodium, cat-safe)
• Crushed freeze-dried raw pieces
• Nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
• Bonito flakes (light, fishy shavings)

Use Scheduled Feeding Instead of Free-Feeding

A set feeding schedule can help increase interest in meals. Here are some strategy ideas:

• Serving meals at the same time each day to create anticipation.
• Limiting mealtime to 20–30 minutes so food isn’t always available.
• Avoiding too many treats between meals to keep hunger levels steady.

Minimize Distractions & Competition

Some cats get distracted or feel nervous about eating near other pets.

• Feed in a quiet, low-traffic area to reduce stress.
• Use separate feeding stations if other pets try to steal food.
• Try a raised bowl or slow feeder for a more comfortable eating position.
  

When To See a Vet

If a cat is eating less, it's important to rule out health issues. Watch for:

• Weight loss: Sudden or noticeable changes.
• Lethargy: Low energy or hiding more than usual.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: Especially if ongoing.
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth: Could signal dental pain.

Routine vet checkups help catch small issues before they become serious. If appetite changes last more than a few days, a checkup is a good idea.

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Changes in appetite can be frustrating, but small adjustments often help. Testing different textures, warming food, and adding enticing toppers can make meals more appealing.

A structured feeding routine and a stress-free environment can also encourage eating.

Have you dealt with a picky eater? What worked for you? Share your experiences - I look forward to what others have to say!

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