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How to Tempt Feed Your Picky Feline Friend
Simple tips to tempt your finicky feline to eat
In this guide, we’ll share some easy and practical tips to help encourage your cat to eat, whether you’re at home or in a hospital setting.
Cats can be picky eaters, and losing their appetite can lead to health complications.
Ensuring they get enough food is vital for maintaining their overall well-being.
Tips and tricks
Experiment with different textures and flavours
Just like people, cats can be particular about the texture and flavour of their food. If your cat is turning up their nose at their usual meal, try offering a variety of food types such as soft pâtés, chunky bits, or even food with gravy can make a difference. You might find that they prefer seafood over chicken or beef over lamb.
And don’t stress if your cat is drawn to what we might call “junk food” like Fancy Feast or even dry kibble. At this point, any calorie intake is better than none, so choosing something less nutritious in the short term is okay.
Adjust the food temperature
Cats often prefer food served at body temperature (around 38°C). If your cat isn’t interested in cold food straight from the fridge, try gently warming wet food. It can make the smell stronger and more appealing. Avoid overheating, as very hot food can burn their mouth.
Offer food in small, timed portions
Instead of leaving food out all day, try offering small portions at specific times. If your cat doesn’t seem interested, remove the food after 15-20 minutes and try again later. This prevents food from becoming stale and reduces the chance of your cat developing an aversion to their meals.
Try different feeding locations
Sometimes, the environment can affect a cat’s willingness to eat. If they seem uninterested, try offering food in a quiet, calm spot away from distractions or stress. Cats are sensitive creatures, and even small changes in their surroundings can affect their appetite.
What if my cat still wont eat?
If your cat refuses food, it’s important to take action.
A prolonged lack of appetite can lead to serious health issues like hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Your vet may recommend using appetite stimulants.
These can come in different forms:
- Ear gels: Applied to the ear for absorption.
- Tablets or capsules: Given orally.
- Liquids: Easier to administer in some cases.
“Small meals offered more often may improve appetite.”
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tempt feeding and when should I try it with my cat?
Tempt feeding is a gentle way of encouraging your cat to eat on their own by offering small amounts of appealing food. As cat specialists, we often recommend trying this when your cat has a reduced appetite but is still willing to show some interest in food. It’s especially useful during recovery, alongside other nutritional support if needed.
How can I encourage my cat to eat when they’re not interested in food?
We recommend offering highly palatable foods, warming meals slightly to enhance smell, and providing food in a quiet, low-stress environment. We often find that small, frequent offerings and patience can make a big difference in helping your cat regain interest in eating.
Should I tempt feed my cat before using a feeding tube?
Yes, in many cases we encourage offering food first before administering tube feeds, as appetite can fluctuate throughout the day. This helps us monitor whether your cat is starting to eat independently again, which is an important part of recovery.
What types of food work best for tempt feeding a cat?
Soft, strong-smelling, and easy-to-eat foods tend to work best. We often recommend using your cat’s favourite foods or specially formulated recovery diets to increase the chances of them eating voluntarily.
What if my cat still refuses to eat despite tempt feeding?
If your cat continues to refuse food, it’s important not to delay further support. We may recommend assisted feeding methods, such as a feeding tube, to ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition while we continue working on improving their appetite. Early nutritional support is essential for recovery and overall health.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Tempt feeding is used when cats have a reduced appetite but are still able to eat.
Offering food in different ways can encourage a cat to try eating again.
Small portions offered frequently may be easier for cats to manage.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
on 
Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed