New Kitten Not Eating

[krf1]

Hi, i know there are a lot of animal lovers on here and I'd like some advice please.
A week ago I acquired a 4-month old kitten and the previous owner told me (among other things) that he loves chicken. So, to help him settle in, we started feeding him this and also left him normal cat food but it soon became apparent that he wasn't touching the cat food and would wait until chicken was available. The vet has since told us he needs the nutrients that cat food provides and to resist giving him chicken. He hasn't eaten for two days now (still refusing to eat freshly opened Whiskas, Felix and even Gourmet food). He seems ok and is still quite lively considering. How do we get him to eat???
P.S. He isn't getting food elsewhere as he is being kept in until he's had his second jab
TYIA

[lcg]

he's sulking in the hope of getting chicken. he will give in!!! just make sure he has food available - if kitten food, all the better x

[horseshoes]

Ha ha - oh they're so quick to learn! Little devils in fur coats - that's what they are. Love 'em. x

[Purple_Popple]

Be strong keep giving normal cat food, please try not to worry he is being a little imp - been spoilt - hunger will take over and he will realise nothing else in on offer and eat the cat food. :)

[woofgang]

I'd be mixing catfood and chicken together, starting off mostly chicken and gradually moving to mostly catfood then all catfood....but I am a softy

[krf1]

Icg and Purple... Thank you so much for your advice. At least i now know it's the way forward with the little bugger.

Horse... you're spot on.

Thankyou for your replies!!! X

[krf1]

Thanks woof - we tried that but he picked out the chicken that hadn't been 'contaminated' by the jelly or gravy and left the chicken that was!!!

[Baldric]

We've a cat as well as the two Dobies, he gets a weekly treat of an expensive sachet of food, he won't eat the day after in the hopes of getting more, at least not until he's really hungry.

[bushbaby_de]

krf I would try what woof said but with kitten biscuits instead of wet food - because its a completely different consistency you might have better luck. Kittens are fussy so you might have to try a few brands!

[Prudie]

I'd also try one of the dry kitten foods. I have the same problem with my kitten (7mth) she won't touch any wet food but goes mad for Whiskas Treats, Dreamies and anything from our dinner plate. She'll eat dry food when she's desperate, it's my fault for spoiling her. Don't worry, yours won't let herself starve.

[Eve]

Cats are highly skilled in the art of conniving :) As others have said, she will eat if she is hungry. I use words in repetition with mine so they get used to things - routine as well. It lets them know when it's bedtime or when they are getting a special treat (i.e it's a one off then back to normal food etc...).

Regardless of anything though they can be fussy, stubborn little creatures. I always tend to have a selection of food available and if they are being fussy, give food in smaller quantities so that it's not wasted if they do turn their noses up. Also reduces any cat food in the bin (the most horrendous smell when it goes off).

Gotta love them though :)

[krf1]

Have tried everything form wet to dry food and Dreamies to Katzinis... not interested in the slightest unless it's chicken.
As you say Prudie, she won't starve herself. I shall persevere but it's driving me mad!!!

Thankyou all!!!!!!!!!! XXX

[ladybirder]

krf1 I had exactly the same problem with my Maggie when she was a kitten so I phoned the vet. He said to take some cat food on my fingers and smear it around her mouth and her instinct will make her lick it off to clean herself and hence she will get the taste for it. Please try it. It worked immediately for me and I hope it does for you. Said cat is 20 now. Good Luck.

[murraymints]

Kitty is attempting to train YOU ! Lol. She'll eat when hungry enough...

[CatGirl4]

Cats! they like to twist you round their little paws,i know i have 3.

[SpikeyBush]

Some can be fussy little so-and-so's. I once won a kitty hamper full of the sort of goodies I'd never normally buy. One item in it was a tin of gourmet salmon & carrot. The little swine of a moggy that I had at the time ate all the salmon and left all the bits of carrot.

I have had cats in the past that would only eat Safeway own label rabbit catfood. They would rather go hungry than eat anything else apart from birds.

I count myself lucky that the cat currently owning me will eat virtually anything I put down in front of him.

[krf1]

Thankyou for your comments :-)

[bushbaby_de]

So is kitty eating yet?!