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My cat won't eat cat food. Can I feed human food to my picky cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 8 lbs

My cat won't eat cat food, wet or dry, no matter what... I've already take him in different vets but there is nothing wrong about him. I've try all vets recommend cat food ang all flavors but he don't like cat food. He more likes human food. He's going to be under weight and it makes me cringe. Do you think it's the best to feed him human food?? And im just going to feed my other cat cat food only but not Wilkie. Is that a good idea? Im going to make sure the human food safe. So is that a good?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

It is ok to feed human food as long as you make sure the diet is balance and safe. You could use a website called balance-it to devise a recipe that is balance for a cat. After the recipe is picked you have to buy a supplement that they make to balance your recipe. https://secure.balanceit.com/index.php

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Human foods can be safe for cats, provided that they are a part of a carefully balanced diet complete with appropriate vitamins and minerals. A commercially available cat food is generally preferable because it has been carefully formulated and balanced, but it doesn't sound as though Wilkie is willing to try anything. If you want to cook for Wilkie, look into www.balanceit.com which is a website from the veterinary nutritionists at the UC-Davis Veterinary school. They can provide recipes that you can follow, but you must also add their vitamin supplement as a part of the recipe to assure that the diet contains all of the vitamins and minerals needed. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Cats that are only fed people food can become deficient in Taurine (an organic compound added to well balanced cat foods) leading to heart disease. You have to supplement for this by following strict guidelines with a reputable homemade recipe website such as balance-it.com or pet diets. I would resource these websites to ensure you are at least feeding Wilkie a well balanced diet that won't subject him to becoming ill and malnourished in the long run. Best of luck feeding Willie and I hope that your other pet does not become spoiled with people food also and sticks with the well balanced cat foods that are available. Take care.

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