Tips for Cat Owners
Cat Behavior Problems
Feeding Problems
 If your kitty suddenly stops eating for apparently no reason (you haven't changed the food or the location of the dish, for example), have him checked out by your veterinarian to rule out illness or injury.
If the vet says the cat is healthy, try changing the food dish. Sometimes cats become allergic to plastic bowls, which shows up as tiny sores on the cat's lips. If the weather has been dry and cold, static electricity from a metal food bowl might have given your cat a shock. Try using a glass or ceramic bowl instead.
Here are some other things to consider if your cat is healthy but is not eating well:
If your cat goes outside, he may be eating small animals. You could also check to see if a neighbor might be feeding him/her.
If your cat has been given only one kind of food for some time and you suddenly change brands, he may go on a hunger strike. Be sure to choose a good quality food, then present it at mealtime. If your healthy cat fails to eat it, present it at the next mealtime, and the next. Eventually, you'll win. The cat will eventually become hungry enough to eat.
If your kitty has been fed a variety of foods, he may become finicky because he's has learned to crave variety. Again, the cat may go on a hunger strike. Try the method described above to get his to begin eating again.
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 If your cat has taken to eating non-food items such as rubber bands, socks, string, paper and other things, he's probably playing or experiencing anxiety or frustration. But this behavior can be life threatening - sometimes the item must be surgically removed to avoid damaging or blocking the intestines. Because it can be so serious, consult with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for help with identifying the source of the anxiety or frustration and to help you change the cat's behavior.
You can also try these tips:
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Use cayenne pepper or Bitter Apple (a product available at most pet stores) to make the item taste unpleasant.
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Prevent access to the item, and offer your kitty the appropriate toys to keep him entertained.
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Switch to a low-calorie or high-fiber diet to allow the cat to eat more food (check with your veterinarian first).
Click on the appropriate category below:
Visit the links below for more tips on cat behavior
www.aspca.org
www.about.com/pets/cats
www.metrokc.gov/lars/animal/
www.ddfl.org/behavior/pica.htm
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