Why won't my cat eat kibble from his bowl but eats it off the floor?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years and 11 months old | 15.87 lbs
Hi. Why does my cat no longer want to eat from his bowl? Suddenly, my cat no longer wants to eat from his bowl, which is clean. (I even rewashed it.) He'll eat the kibble if I put it directly on the floor. He was sneezing a little several days ago (he no longer is), and his appetite shrank. He's eating more now, but I don't understand the bowl quirk. This never happened before. Thank you.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 12th, 2019
This is one of those things we may never be able to answer. I suggest you just get a different type of bowl and see if he likes that. I would recommend a low, flat, shallow bowl (kind of like a tray). Some cats develop an aversion to their whiskers touching the sides of a deeper "normal" bowl.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 9th, 2017
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can't think of a medical reason for that and I don't think you should be worried about it. Maybe he doesn't like the feel of the bowl on his mouth/face. As long as he is eating well and acting normal it's just a habit of his!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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