Why Cats Don’t Get Bored With Their Food

One of the most common questions I hear from new kitten owners (and sometimes from breeders too) is:
“Should I change my cat’s food because it looks bored with what it’s eating?”

I also see people in cat chat groups say “my cat is a fussy eater” or “my kittens are picky.”

Here’s the truth: cats don’t actually get bored with food the way humans do, and they aren’t born fussy eaters. Their behaviour around food can change over time, but there are usually very simple reasons why.

As breeders, this is something we can explain to our kitten families so they feel confident feeding their new kittens and are less tempted to keep swapping brands.

Why Cats Don’t Get Bored With Their Food

Tastebuds

Cats are not driven by taste as much as people think. They have fewer than five hundred tastebuds, while humans have around nine thousand.

We tend to project human thinking onto them. To a cat, the taste of their food matters far less than how the food makes them feel. They don’t need chicken flavour one day and fish flavour the next to be happy.

Cats also can’t taste sweet things. They might lick ice cream, but it’s the fat they are interested in, not the sugar.

Flavour vs Feel

If flavour isn’t their main motivator for eating, what is?

Cats are much more motivated by how the food makes them feel. If a food digests easily, gives them energy, and doesn’t upset their tummy, they will happily eat the same thing day after day.

If you do want to offer variety, brands like Royal Canin have a Sensory range designed to make mealtimes more engaging through smell, texture, and feel.

Feed for Health, Not Variety

As breeders, we often have cats at different life stages:

• Pregnant queens

• Young kittens

• Active stud cats

• Retired pets

• Seniors and cats with health issues

If we choose diets based on flavour alone, we risk neglecting what really matters: health and nutrition.

I like to remind my kitten families that feeding cats is a bit like feeding children. If a child doesn’t want their healthy dinner, we don’t say “okay, have ice cream instead.” We also don’t rush out for fast food just because it tastes better.

Choosing food for health and life stage, rather than variety, is an investment in a cat’s long-term wellbeing. This is an important conversation to have with new owners when you send your kittens home.

Why Smell and Storage Matter

When a cat stops eating a food it has always enjoyed, it may be because it smells “off,” not because the cat is bored.

• Dry food exposed to air goes stale quickly.

• Oils in the food oxidise and turn rancid. Cats smell it before we do.

Good storage matters:

• Always use an airtight container.

• Wash the container regularly.

• Avoid rolling up bags with clips or using containers with loose lids.

This is a simple tip you can pass on to your kitten buyers, especially those who buy larger bags of food.

Resetting a Cat’s Appetite

In the wild, cats hunt, eat, and rest. Pet cats graze all day, which can reduce interest in food.

When my cats are eating less or leaving wet food behind, I sometimes do a “reset”: for one day each week, I give only kibble, no wet food. This rest helps digestion and I find they eat better afterward.

Are You Feeding Too Much?

Another common reason for a cat to seem “bored” with food is overfeeding.

• Are you measuring food correctly?

• Do you leave too much food out all day?

• Are you giving too many treats?

Sometimes cats simply aren’t hungry. When we reduce portions and stop making a big event out of mealtimes, most cats eat just fine.

Other Causes of Appetite Changes

• Hairballs – When cats are shedding, hairballs can reduce appetite. Switching to a hairball formula for a short period can help.

• Illness – Loss of appetite can be an early sign of illness. If a cat stops eating entirely, a vet visit is essential.

• Other cats – In multi-cat homes, a shy cat may be intimidated by another cat and avoid the food bowl. Feed separately if needed.

These are important points breeders can explain to kitten owners so they know when to seek help versus when to simply adjust how they feed.

Support for New Cat Breeders

Feeding isn’t about entertaining cats. It’s about providing a balanced diet that supports health and wellbeing.

As breeders, we have the opportunity to help our kitten buyers understand this too.
When a new owner calls you saying their kitten is bored with food, you can walk them through these points before they switch diets unnecessarily.

If you’re a new breeder wanting more guidance on nutrition and how to help your kitten owners feel confident, come and join my New Cat Breeders Club. It’s a safe, friendly community where we talk about everything from feeding to breeding and beyond.