😾 Why your cat might be walking away from their food

1. The food isn’t smelly enough

Yes, really. Cold food straight from the fridge might seem fine to you, but for your cat, it can smell muted or bland.Try this:

• Warm wet food gently to room temperature or slightly warmer to enhance its aroma.

• Mix in a little warm water or low-sodium broth to release scents.

At Pickles, we often recommend this trick for fussy or senior cats — it works wonders!

Food scent is imPAWtent to your feline

2. The bowl smells... off

Plastic bowls can retain odors, even after washing. Cats are sensitive to detergent residues, food remnants, or just “off” smells from well-used dishes.

Try this:

• Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls — easier to clean and less likely to hold smells.

• Rinse thoroughly to remove any scent from cleaning products.

• Wash daily — even if it “looks” clean.

• Use a pet safe cleaner

3. Competing smells ruin the mood

If your cat eats in a high-traffic kitchen filled with air fresheners, cleaning sprays, or strong human food smells, they may be overwhelmed. Scented litter nearby? That’s a definite appetite killer.

Try this:

• Feed in a calm, low-odor area.

• Avoid cleaning products or sprays near their food.

• Keep litter trays far away from feeding zones.

Just because we love the smell doesn't mean they do!

4. Stress stinks — literally

Cats can detect hormonal changes and scent markers caused by stress (their own or others'). If a new pet, baby, or big life change has just occurred, your cat may associate food time with anxiety.

Try this:

• Stick to a consistent feeding routine.

• Use pheromone diffusers nearby for calming support.

• Try hand-feeding small portions to rebuild positive associations.

  
  

5. They’re craving real food smell

Highly processed foods may lack the natural smell cats are drawn to. That’s why so many cats respond better to foods with high meat content and natural ingredients — like our Only in Olney CATTAC® range!

CATTAC® recipes are:

• Over 60% real meat

• Made with digestible proteins like duck, salmon, white fish & caviar

• Naturally aromatic (to feline noses!)

• Absolutely loved by picky eaters — even the ones that “never liked dry food”

Tasty, rich & full of nutrients!!!

🐾 Final Thought: Smell isn’t just a preference — it’s a survival tool

In the wild, cats use their noses to hunt, assess food safety, and avoid danger. That instinct is still strong in your living room lion — so if they don’t like the smell, they won’t eat, no matter how expensive the kibble is.

Want help choosing a scent-tempting, tummy-friendly meal for your cat? Pop into Pickles Pet Pantry, message us through our app, or browse our carefully chosen range online. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect bowl for your purr machine.