How to Deal with a Messy Cat

Is your cat a messy eater? Food spattered across the kitchen floor is a problem many cat owners have to deal with. If you are fed up with mopping up after your pet, there are many possible solutions, but you first need to determine why the mess is being made.

One possible reason is that your cat is suffering from dental problems, and this could well be the case if your cat has only recently developed its messy habit. Cats suffer from tartar build up just like humans, and this can lead to very sore gums and teeth, making it difficult for them to eat. Check your cat’s teeth and gums regularly to see if this is a possibility and, if so, discuss the problem with your vet.

Alternatively, your cat may not agree with your choice of pet food. The food might simply not be to your cat’s liking, or it might be moulded in a shape your cat finds difficult to eat and thus, in the chewing process, mess will be made. You could consider trying a different food and, if possible, always opting for a good quality victuals, to see if this makes a difference to your cat’s eating habits.

Finally, if you still fail to see a difference, it could be that your cat is simply a sloppy eater by nature. If so, a wider, shallower bowl or a plate could help to stop more food from ending up on the floor, or alternatively try placing the food bowl on a wipe-clean mat to make it easier to clean up after each meal.