Why has my cat suddenly become a picky eater?
Sudden pickiness usually has a cause worth investigating. Dental pain is one of the most common: a cat with a sore tooth still wants to eat but eating hurts, so she eats around it. Nausea from a hairball or a GI issue dampens appetite. A diminished sense of smell (from a respiratory infection or age) makes food less interesting. Sometimes the change is in the household, like a new pet or a noisy spot near the bowl. If the change is sudden and persistent, rule out a medical cause first. Preference shifts you can work with later.
