Healthy cat won't eat his own food?

Question

My cat is four years old and in good health, except that he is prone to bladder crystals. I have to keep him on a special type of dry food for this and so that he can lose weight.
However, ever since my roommate brought home a kitten, my cat won't eat his own food. He'll eat the kitten's food, which isn't good for him. I've even switched brands of cat food and by the second serving, he's turning his nose up. He's more than willing to eat table scraps and come begging when I eat, so I know he has an appetite. Why won't he eat his own food? I know it's not stress because he and the kitten get along fine and even nap together. Thanks!

Answer 1

have your roomate place the kitten food elsewhere where your cat will not be able to eat it....

Answer 2

He doesn't eat his own food because 1) it doesn't taste as good and 2) he can get away with it because you allow him to eat the kitten food and table scraps so he's not hungry enough to eat the other food. However because it is a special diet for medical reasons, you need to ensure he is eating his own food. First, feed the kitten in a different place where your older cat can't access the food. When the kitten is finished eating, pick up the food so the older cat cannot get to it. Second, stop feeding table scraps. Make sure your cat does not have access to any other food source, and then leave out the food he is supposed to eat. When he gets hungry (and realizes it's that or nothing), he will eat it. If he doesn't eat for a few days, don't be concerned. If he needs to lose weight anyway it won't hurt him not to eat for awhile and he will certainly not starve himself to death.

Answer 3

Most cats will do this. For some reason they prefer kitten food. The only thing I can recommend is to have your roommate feed the kitten in a different room where your cat cannot get to his food. Once the kitten is old enough for cat food, then switch him onto the special diet your cat is on. It will not hurt him, and will be a good prevention for bladder and kidney problems. Once your cat has no other options, he will go back to eating his food.
You can give your cat a treat of canned food every once in a while too.... Special Diet comes in cans also.
Good luck.

Answer 4

The special food probably doesn't taste good. The only solution is to make him wait until he's hungry enough to eat the special food.

Keep the kitten food out of his reach. Feed them in seperate rooms if needed. No more table scraps or treats for him either.

Answer 5

when you have one cat you should always get a cat of similar age so feeding isnt a problem
kitten food generally has more meat and more protien and fat in it so its yummier
I wish you had of named brands because some brands are worse than others
Science Diet for example is a crappy food - over priced becuase they PAY for vets to promote and reccommend the food.. (if you are in Canada switch to NUTRAM - its less costly, more nutrition and has lower magnesium content so better for preventing crystals)

You must find a way of feeding the kitten seperately and then basically let this guy wait till he gets hungry enough he will eat...
you can put cats food in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring out the oils and make it smell yummier

Answer 6

because table scraps and kitten food smell better. You need to feed the kitten separately and away from your older cat.

I have 4 dogs - 3 types of dog food, one is a prescription diet for a dog with liver disease. The sick dog wants everyone else's food, and the other dogs line up to eat his food. it's just because it smells different, they want to try it... I have to stand over the 4 of them and watch them eat it, to make sure they all stick to their own bowls.

Talk to your vet about the option of adding anything to the food to encourage your cat to eat it, like softening it with water, or putting in a few cat treats or something.

Answer 7

http://www.homevet.com/petcare/feedingyourcat.html
http://www.catchannel.com/default.aspx