Many pet parents face the frustrating challenge of cats turning their noses up at wet food. They want to give their beloved feline a healthier, more hydrating diet. But they keep getting met with resistance from the pickiest of eaters. The truth is, that canned or pouched food can provide amazing benefits for cats. It can make them more hydrated, help them digest food better, and support healthier urinary and kidney functions. But convincing your kitty? That’s where the real challenge begins. So, how to get a cat to eat wet food…and really enjoy it?
In this article, we’ll walk you through proven strategies to transform your cat into a wet food enthusiast—no stress, no guilt, just simple steps that work to win over even the most skeptical feline.
Why Should Your Cat Eat Wet Food?
Let’s start with why wet food is worth the effort. If you’re already struggling with a fussy eater, you might wonder: why bother? Isn’t dry food enough? While dry kibble does provide convenience, it’s actually missing many key benefits that the canned varieties offer:
- Hydration: About 70–80% of wet food is water. You should know that cats mostly consume water through food because they naturally have a low thirst drive. So, eating it helps avoid kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and dehydration (particularly for senior cats).
- A natural dietary match: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet in the wild consists mostly of high-protein, moisture-rich prey. Wet food mimics this far better than dry kibble.
- Weight control: Because wet food typically has fewer calories per gram, it can help you keep weight under control while still satiating a cat’s appetite.
- Less risk of chronic illness: Studies suggest cats on wet food are less prone to obesity, diabetes, and bladder issues than those on a solely dry food diet.
Convinced yet? Now let’s get your cat on board.
Why Is My Cat So Picky About Wet Food?
Before looking into solutions, why do cats avoid wet food in the first place? Here are some reasons for their pickiness:
- They don’t like the texture: Cats can be extremely specific about the texture of their food. Chunks, pâté, flakes, or shredded can make a significant difference either way, so a bit of trial and error is needed.
- Sensitive noses: Wet food has a stronger aroma than kibble and this can feel overwhelming for some cats at first.
- They prefer the old routine: Remember, cats love predictability! If they’ve eaten dry food their whole lives, wet food is a major change, and it upsets their routine.
- They don’t like cold food: Wet food straight out of the fridge might not appeal to a kitty who prefers their meals closer to “prey temperature.”
- Rule out any health issues: Sometimes, pickiness can be linked to dental pain or other medical issues. It’s best to rule these concerns out with your vet first.
Proven Strategies to Persuade Your Cat to Love Wet Food
Now for the fun part: the solutions. While we know that no single approach works for every cat, these tried-and-true methods will give you a pretty strong chance of success. Patience and persistence are key here!
1. Start Slow: Introduce Wet Food Gradually
Since cats are naturally cautious about new foods, abruptly switching from dry food to wet food can backfire. So, you want to take things slowly. Here’s how to ease them into it gently:
- Begin by mixing a small amount of wet food with their dry kibble. Use a ratio like 90% dry food and 10% wet food to start.
- Gradually increase the wet food portion over 7-10 days, until they’re eating mostly wet food.
- Add a little warm water to the mix to enhance the aroma (this will make it even more enticing!).
2. Experiment with Textures and Flavors
As we mentioned earlier, cats can be so picky about food texture. If they reject one type of wet food, don’t give up—there are plenty of options to try:
- Pâté: Smooth and creamy, perfect for cats that like soft textures.
- Chunks in Gravy: A favorite for cats that prefer to chew.
- Shredded or Flaked: For those who like more bite-sized pieces.
It might take a bit of trial and error, but you’re bound to discover a combo that your cat loves. Based on my experiences, the Purina Fancy Feast Variety Pack is consistently the most popular choice. The enticing combination of gravy and cheddar cheese with chicken, whitefish, or turkey keeps cats interested so they won’t get bored. For example, here’s the Seafood Collection:

Bonus tip: rotate flavors to keep things interesting. Tuna, chicken, salmon, and beef—each cat has their own likes and dislikes!
3. Warm It Up
Most kitties prefer their food slightly warm—similar to the temperature of fresh prey in the wild. If you feed them wet food straight from the fridge, it may not appeal to them.
- Remove the wet food from the pouch or can and pop it into a microwavable container. Heat for 5-10 seconds in the microwave or let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
- Stir it thoroughly to avoid hot spots (that could burn your cat’s mouth).
4. Make It Smell Irresistible
Because cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to decide whether food is worth eating, you’ll need to get creative here. If the meal doesn’t smell intriguing enough to them, try these tricks:
- Add a small amount of tuna water (not brine!) or low-sodium chicken broth to boost the aroma.
- Sprinkle a pinch of freeze-dried chicken or fish treats on top as a “topping” to lure them in (try Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Single Ingredient Cat Treats in chicken or minnow—absolutely irresistible to cats!)
5. Serve Smaller Portions, More Often
Some cats can become overwhelmed by being served a massive pile of wet food chunks. Try serving smaller portions instead—about a tablespoon at a time. This not only makes the meal more manageable but also keeps it fresh and appealing.
- If they don’t finish their food within 20-30 minutes, discard the leftovers and serve fresh at the next mealtime.
6. Stick to a Feeding Schedule
If you’re free-feeding kibble all day, your cat has no reason to try wet food because they’re simply not hungry enough. Here’s what to do:
- Try switching to scheduled meal times (typically two or three times a day works well).
- Put out the wet food when your cat is most hungry (e.g., first thing in the morning).
- Remove uneaten kibble. That way, they won’t feel tempted to graze between meals.
7. Try “Food Chaining”
What is “food chaining”? This technique involves connecting something your kitty already loves with the new food you want them to eat. For example:
- Dip a small piece of kibble (or one of those tempting freeze-dried treats I mentioned earlier) in wet food and offer it to praise them for being a good cat.
- Gradually transition from kibble-coated wet food to plain wet food.
This technique gradually introduces the new texture and flavor while building on what your cat already enjoys.
8. Stay Positive and Patient
The way you handle this challenge matters! Because cats easily pick up on frustration, you’ll need to keep the process as stress-free and positive as possible. So, offer lots of praise and love when they take even the smallest bite! (Tip: If she refuses wet food one day, don’t worry—just try again tomorrow.)
What If Your Cat Still Refuses Wet Food?
Some cats are incredibly stubborn, no matter what you try. If you’ve followed all the steps above and your cat still refuses wet food, here are a few additional tips:
- Talk to your vet. Rule out any medical issues that could be affecting their appetite.
- Mix in some supplements. If they mostly enjoy dry food only, ask the vet about over-the-counter add-ins that support hydration and nutrition, like Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or nutrient-enriched water.
- Continue to offer wet food: Even if she does not eat it, seeing and smelling it regularly will help to eventually introduce it into her routine.
How Can I Convince My Cat to Eat Wet Food?
To get your cat to eat wet food, gradually mix it with dry food, warm it up, try various textures, serve small portions, and above all: be patient! Although it may seem impossible, the effort is well worth it. Remember the health benefits, which include improved digestion, more hydration, and a decreased chance of chronic illness. In the end, your cat will repay you with purrs, headbutts, and a clean plate, so don’t forget to celebrate the little victories along the way!
Source:
- Zanghi, B. M., Gerheart, L., & Gardner, C. L. (2018). Effects of a nutrient-enriched water on water intake and indices of hydration in healthy domestic cats fed a dry kibble diet. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 79(7), 733–744. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.79.7.733