Mindful Monday – Feeding Cats

In our household, feeding cats used to be a slam dunk. I’d sprinkle kibbles into a bowl—job done.

Then Lily came to live with us. I couldn’t bear to serve this tiny tabby dry kibbles, so I found a store that carried cans of kitten food and started her on that. As she grew, she discovered the kibbles bowl and was pleased to help herself. But I continued feeding her canned food, as well.

When she was diagnosed with kidney disease at a young age, the veterinarian recommended a new diet of prescription kibbles and also canned food. And we had an awful time making the switch. After calling in other veterinarians, including a holistic vet in Connecticut, and trying a lot of techniques, appetite enhancers, and other formulas, Lily began eating the prescribed food. For the most part, she’s an enthusiastic eater. But she eats better if I’m with her. Sometimes it’s okay if I’m just sitting in the room. Other times, she won’t eat unless I’m actually down on the floor with her.

I’ve never had a cat do that before. Have you? In fact, Sophie won’t eat her meals unless everyone is sitting still, preferably somewhere else in the house where she can’t see or hear us. But Lily will frequently stop eating, until I accompany her to her dish, get down on my hands and knees and coax her to take a bite. As long as I sit there with her, she’ll eat. Is she spoiled or what?

What are some of your cats’ unusual eating styles?