Introduction
Is your feline friend a connoisseur of canned cuisine, but only takes a passing interest, seemingly just lapping up the gravy or jelly and leaving the rest? It’s a common concern among cat owners. Watching your cat delicately, or perhaps not so delicately, only lick canned food and ignore the solid bits can be frustrating and worrisome. Are they getting enough nutrition? Is there something wrong? The answer is complex, as this behavior can stem from a variety of factors, and identifying the root cause is crucial for providing adequate nutrition and care for your beloved companion.
This seemingly picky eating habit of cats who only lick canned food can be a puzzle. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step toward helping your cat get the nutrients they need. This article delves into the common reasons why your cat may exhibit this behavior, how to diagnose the potential underlying causes, and what you can do to encourage your cat to eat a more balanced diet.
Possible Reasons Why a Cat Only Licks Canned Food
One of the first things to consider when your cat only licks canned food is their dental health.
Dental Problems
Imagine trying to enjoy your favorite meal with a throbbing toothache. It’s not a pleasant thought, and the same holds true for cats. Dental pain, whether from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tooth resorption (a common feline dental disease), or a broken tooth, can make chewing incredibly difficult and painful. Cats are masters at hiding pain, so you might not even realize your furry friend is suffering.
When a cat is experiencing dental discomfort, licking becomes a survival strategy. They are essentially trying to extract nourishment from the food without having to put any pressure on their sensitive teeth and gums. The gravy or jelly portion of canned food is soft and easy to consume without requiring much chewing. This is why they may only lick canned food, especially that part, and abandon the more substantial pieces.
Beyond just observing that your cat only licks canned food, look for other signs of dental issues. These can include bad breath (halitosis), excessive drooling, pawing at their face, reluctance to eat dry food, or even a visible redness or swelling of the gums. A thorough veterinary dental examination is essential to identify and address any underlying dental problems.
Texture Preference or Sensory Issues
Cats, like humans, can be incredibly picky eaters. They often develop strong preferences for certain textures, flavors, and even the temperature of their food. Your cat might only lick canned food because they find the texture of the solid pieces unappealing.
Some cats prefer the smooth, soft texture of gravy or jelly over the more substantial chunks, shreds, or pate. It’s simply a matter of personal taste. They may find the process of chewing the solid bits less enjoyable or even slightly aversive. Think of it like preferring mashed potatoes over a baked potato – it’s all about the feel in their mouth.
This can also be linked to neophobia, which is the fear of new things. Cats are creatures of habit, and introducing a new food texture can be met with suspicion and reluctance. They might only lick canned food because they are familiar with the gravy and comfortable with its texture, while the solid portions are unfamiliar and therefore, less appealing. This can especially be true if they were introduced to that texture as kittens.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Just as a cold can affect our sense of taste and smell, an upper respiratory infection (URI) can do the same for cats. These infections, often caused by viruses or bacteria, can significantly impair a cat’s ability to detect the aroma and flavor of food. When they cannot smell or taste their food properly, they are less likely to eat it.
In these cases, a cat might only lick canned food because the gravy or jelly has a slightly stronger scent or flavor than the solid parts, making it the only part of the food they can actually detect. It’s a way for them to try to get some nourishment despite their diminished senses.
Other symptoms of a URI include sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and lethargy. If you suspect your cat has a URI, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly. Treatment typically involves antibiotics (if the infection is bacterial) and supportive care, such as providing a warm, comfortable environment and ensuring they stay hydrated.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort can also lead to a reluctance to eat solid food. If your cat is experiencing digestive problems, they may find the process of chewing and swallowing larger pieces of food more likely to trigger nausea than simply licking up the gravy.
Various underlying conditions can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, food allergies, and even parasites. These conditions can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and reduced appetite.
Beyond the fact that your cat only licks canned food, other symptoms of gastrointestinal issues may include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. A veterinary examination is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Oral Ulcers or Mouth Sores
Similar to dental problems, ulcers or sores in the mouth can make eating incredibly painful. These sores can be caused by various factors, including calicivirus (a common cause of URIs), kidney disease, immune-mediated diseases, or even trauma to the mouth.
When a cat has oral ulcers, any contact with solid food can be excruciating. Licking is a less irritating way to consume food because it minimizes contact with the sensitive areas in the mouth. Therefore, they may only lick canned food as a way to avoid the pain associated with chewing.
Habit or Learned Behavior
Sometimes, the reason a cat only licks canned food is simply a matter of habit or learned behavior. If a cat has consistently been given only the gravy or jelly in the past, either intentionally or unintentionally, they may have developed a preference for that part of the food.
For example, a well-meaning owner might notice their cat struggling to eat the solid pieces and start separating the gravy to make it easier. Over time, the cat learns that they only need to lick the gravy, and the solid food becomes less appealing. The owner may unknowingly be reinforcing the behavior.
Breed Predisposition
While less common, certain breeds may be more prone to dental problems or food sensitivities, which could indirectly contribute to the behavior of only licking canned food. For instance, breeds prone to dental issues might develop the habit of licking early on due to discomfort. Recognizing any breed-specific predispositions can help you be more proactive about preventative care.
Diagnosis: How to Determine the Cause
The first step in addressing this behavior is to identify the underlying cause. This often requires a combination of veterinary examination and careful observation.
Veterinary Examination
A visit to the veterinarian is crucial for a proper diagnosis. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam, including a detailed examination of your cat’s mouth and teeth. They will look for signs of dental disease, ulcers, or any other abnormalities that could be causing discomfort.
The vet may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, that could be contributing to the problem. Radiographs (X-rays) may be necessary to assess the health of the teeth and jawbone.
Observing Your Cat’s Behavior
In addition to the veterinary examination, pay close attention to your cat’s behavior at home. Note when the licking behavior started and whether it’s getting better or worse. Are there any other symptoms, such as drooling, pawing at the face, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea?
Keeping a food diary can also be helpful. Track what types of canned food you are offering, how much your cat eats (or doesn’t eat), and any other relevant information. This can provide valuable clues to help your veterinarian determine the cause of the problem.
Food Trials
Under the strict guidance of your veterinarian, a food trial might be recommended. This involves feeding your cat a specific, limited-ingredient diet for a period of time (typically several weeks) to see if it resolves any underlying food sensitivities or allergies. If the food trial shows improvement, it can help pinpoint a dietary cause for the behavior.
Solutions and Management Strategies
Once you have determined the cause of your cat’s behavior of only licking canned food, you can start implementing appropriate management strategies.
Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions
If dental problems are the culprit, the veterinarian may recommend professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, extractions of severely damaged teeth, or other dental procedures.
For URIs, treatment typically involves antibiotics (if the infection is bacterial) and supportive care to help your cat recover. Gastrointestinal issues may require dietary changes, medications to reduce inflammation, or other therapies. Oral ulcers can be treated with medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Adjusting Food Texture
If your cat simply prefers the texture of the gravy or jelly, try experimenting with different types of canned food. There are pate varieties, shredded options, and foods with larger chunks. You can also try mashing up the food to create a smoother consistency or adding a little water or broth to make it easier to lick. Warming the food slightly can also enhance its aroma and make it more appealing.
Transitioning to a Different Diet
In some cases, a change in diet may be necessary. Your veterinarian may recommend a hypoallergenic diet if they suspect a food allergy. Raw food diets can also be an option, but it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes.
It is very important to transition your cat to a new food slowly to avoid digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food and gradually increase the proportion of new food over time.
Encouraging Eating
Creating a calm and stress-free environment can help encourage your cat to eat. Offer food in a quiet place where they won’t be disturbed. You can also try using different bowls or feeding methods. Raised bowls can be helpful for cats with arthritis, and puzzle feeders can provide mental stimulation and make eating more engaging.
Hand-feeding can sometimes stimulate a cat’s appetite. If your cat is reluctant to eat, try offering them a small amount of food from your hand. Appetite stimulants, prescribed by a veterinarian, can also be helpful in some cases.
Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for preventing future dental problems. Regular brushing is ideal, but if your cat won’t tolerate it, consider using dental treats and chews. However, be sure to supervise your cat when they are chewing on these items to prevent choking.
Breaking the Habit
If the behavior of only licking canned food is simply a habit, you can gradually try to break it. Start by mixing more of the solid food into the gravy or jelly over time. Gradually reduce the amount of gravy or jelly you offer until your cat is eating more of the solid food.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
It’s important to seek immediate veterinary care if your cat stops eating entirely, shows signs of significant pain, is lethargic, or has any other concerning symptoms. Anorexia (lack of appetite) in cats can lead to serious complications, such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which can be fatal.
Conclusion
The behavior of a cat that only licks canned food can be a sign of various underlying problems, ranging from dental issues and texture preferences to underlying medical conditions. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With proper diagnosis and management, most cats can return to eating a more balanced diet and maintaining their health. If you notice your cat is only lapping the gravy and leaving the rest, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help you figure out why your feline friend is being so picky and how to get them back on the road to a healthy, balanced diet.
