If your cat has only been licking the jelly part of its wet food, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat only lick the jelly? Likely reasons why your cat has only been licking the jelly are that your cat does not like the food, your cat is not hungry, or that your cat has a mouth injury.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat has been doing it and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat only lick the jelly?
Below are likely reasons why your cat has just been eating the gravy part and what would make the more likely.
Your cat does not like the food
The cause could be that your cat just does not like the food. This would be more likely if your cat has started doing it since you started feeding it a different flavour or brand and if your cat does eat dry food. In this case, it would help to try feeding it a different brand and to ensure that it can eat dry food during the day. Many cat owners have also found that adding some hot water and mashing it up has helped.
Your cat is not hungry
Another possible cause is that your cat is not hungry. This would be more likely if your cat does eat all of the food when it has not been able to eat for a while such as in the morning but it does not eat it when it has access to other food.
Your cat has a mouth injury
Another possible cause is that your cat has a mouth injury such as tooth decay. This would be more likely if your cat has stopped eating the food suddenly. In this case, it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup.
What to do about my cat only licking its food?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Try feeding your cat a different flavor and brand
One option would be to try feeding your cat food from a different brand and a different flavour. It could also help to try a brand that does not have too much of the jelly part.
Try mashing the food up with a fork
Another option would be mash the food up with a fork so that the jelly part is more mixed with the meat. This will make it harder for your cat to just eat the jelly part and more likely to eat all of it.
Try feeding your cat wet food first
If you are not already, you could also give your cat wet food first thing in the morning when it has not been able to eat other food for a while and is likely to be more hungry.
Take your cat for a checkup
If your cat does not eat dry food as well or it seems like the behavior could be due to a mouth injury, it would help to take your cat for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat and to rule out medical causes.
Try feeding your cat more dry food
If you cannot get your cat to eat the wet food, it would also help to ensure that your cat does still have access to dry food.
Try adding some hot water
Many cat owners have had success by adding some hot water to the food and mashing it up with a fork, and could be worth it for you to try. The reason why it works is likely to be that it brings the smell out of the food.
Why does my cat only eat the jelly?
Likely reasons why your cat only eats the jelly are that your cat does not like the taste of the food, your cat is not hungry or that your cat has a mouth injury. Many owners have had success by adding hot water and mashing the food up.
Why does my cat only lick wet food?
If your cat only licks the wet food, it would be likely that your cat is either thirsty, it does not like the taste of the food or that it has a mouth injury. It would help to ensure that your cat has access to water, and that it does not have a mouth injury. It would also help to try adding hot water and mashing the food up.
Why won’t my cat eat their wet food?
Likely reasons why your cat won’t eat the wet food are that it does not like the taste, it is not hungry or that your cat has a mouth injury. It would help to try feeding it a different brand and flavour and to mash the food up a bit for it.