Tweaking the smell of cat food can encourage fussy felines to eat

image via New Scientist

April 10, 2026, 8:00 PM

• •Cats may lose interest in food when the smell becomes too familiar.
• •Switching to a new food each time led to about twice as much total consumption compared with always having the same food.
• •Changing the smell of the food alone led to a considerable rebound in consumption.
• •Offering a multitude of smells and flavors can help cats enjoy their meals.
• •Pet owners should wash cat bowls to eliminate odors from previous meals.

Cats can become disenchanted with their food's smell, which may influence their eating habits. A study showed that cats ate more when offered food with a different odor, even if it was inaccessible, highlighting the importance of smell in their appetites. Changing the smell of cat food or providing a variety of flavors can encourage cats to eat, and it also suggests strategies to address finicky eating habits. Pet owners should also wash their cat's bowls to eliminate previous meal odors and consider health issues if the problem persists.

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