Natural appetite stimulants for your cat
The food bowl remains full. Your cat isn't eating. You're worried.
Sometimes it's due to the weather. When it gets warmer, cats often change their behavior. They sleep more. They eat less. This is often normal – but not always.
This article explains what loss of appetite can mean. And you'll get tips on how to stimulate your cat's appetite with natural appetite stimulants .
🌸 Spring = less hunger? How the season affects appetite
It's not just us who sometimes feel tired in spring – cats can also have a slightly reduced appetite. Why?
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Metabolism slows down because it's getting warmer outside.
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In winter, cats need more energy to stay warm – that's no longer necessary.
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The shedding of fur in spring can also affect well-being.
Such seasonal fluctuations in eating habits are usually harmless. Just make sure your cat otherwise seems healthy and lively.
Liver as a natural appetite stimulant for cats
Chicken or duck liver is not only delicious for many cats – it can also gently stimulate their appetite. Here are the main reasons why liver works – explained briefly, technically, and in an easy-to-understand way:
1. The smell stimulates the feeding center.
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Liver has a strong smell – cats love it.
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The scent activates the olfactory center in the brain.
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This can stimulate the so-called "feeding center" in the hypothalamus.
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Result: The cat becomes more curious about the food.
2. The liver provides important nutrients for metabolism.
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Contains many B vitamins: especially B1, B2, B6 and B12.
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Provides iron, zinc and copper – important for blood formation.
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High taurine content – essential for cats, as they cannot produce it themselves.
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These nutrients support energy balance – which can increase appetite.
📌 Important: A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite.
3. Biologically sound: Liver corresponds to natural prey
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Cats are carnivores (obligate carnivores).
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In nature, they first eat the entrails of their prey – including the liver.
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Liver is rich in high-quality protein that cats can easily digest.
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That's why it's not only delicious, but also instinctively attractive.
Liver: 3 clever uses for cats
Freeze-dried chicken or duck liver is not only delicious but also extremely versatile – especially as a gentle appetite stimulant for cats. Here are a few simple ideas on how you can easily incorporate liver snacks into your daily routine:
1. As a topping on wet or dry food
Crush the liver between your fingers into a fine powder. Sprinkle it over your cat's favorite food. The intense aroma will instantly make the food more appealing – perfect for picky eaters or cats with a poor appetite.
2. In drinking water – for cats that don't drink much in warm weather
When it gets warmer outside, many cats don't drink enough. You can add a little liver powder to their drinking water – just a small pinch is enough. The taste encourages many cats to drink more. This way, your cat stays better hydrated, without any stress.
3. Into food toys or lick mats
Hide small pieces of liver in puzzle toys or sprinkle powder on a lick mat. This makes feeding time exciting again – exercise and reward in one!
Possible causes of loss of appetite in cats
Loss of appetite can have many causes:
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Dental problems such as inflammation or tartar
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Stress (moving, new people, unfamiliar animals)
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Change in weather or heat
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Intolerances or new types of food
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Diseases (e.g. kidney problems, infections)
📌 Important: If your cat does not eat for more than 24–48 hours, or is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems lethargic, please take it to the vet immediately.
Natural appetite stimulants for cats
If there is no serious illness, you can help your cat with gentle appetite stimulants . Here are our favorites:
1. Chicken broth
Unseasoned, homemade chicken broth smells wonderful and encourages many cats to eat. Simply add a few spoonfuls to their food.
👉 Internal link: “Make your own chicken broth for cats ” – insert directly here.
2. Body-temperature food
Cats are gourmets! Gently warm the food (max. 38 °C) to make it smell more intense – this often works wonders.
3. Taurine-rich ingredients
Taurine is essential for cats and can improve appetite. Beef, chicken, and liver are particularly rich in it.
👉 Internal link: “ Taurine for cats: Essential amino acids at a glance ”
4. Catnip or valerian
A touch of this in the feeding area can help, especially with stress-prone cats. Please use only occasionally and in small amounts!
5. Treats or toppings with an appetite-stimulating effect
There are products that stimulate a cat's appetite. They consist of natural ingredients. Often they contain meat broth, fish oil, or fermented substances. This combination makes the food more palatable and interesting.
👉 Internal link: "How do you choose the best cat treats for your cat?"
Appetite stimulant for cats – gentle and naturally effective
If your cat isn't eating, a few simple tricks can help. Slightly warmed food, broth, or a little liver often stimulates their appetite. These natural attractants work through smell and taste – completely without force.
A good appetite stimulant for cats doesn't need any additives. It should be simple, easily digestible, and natural. Pay attention to high-quality ingredients and observe your cat closely. This way, mealtimes will become a pleasure again.
Thank you for reading this far – it really means a lot to us! We hope you found something useful and maybe your cat is already looking forward to a little something extra. See you soon and lots of purrs!
By the way
Many cat owners pay close attention to the ingredients in their cat's main food , but often forget about treats .
Snacks often contain sugar, grains and artificial additives that can be harmful to health in the long run.
Anyone who truly wants to feed their cat a completely healthy diet should also rely on natural ingredients here:
Hypoallergenic treats without additives – naturally from RumbleBox. Perfect as a reward, during training, or simply as a snack.
Over 2,500 cats have already switched to healthy snacks!
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