 Kittens are sensitive creatures with a fussy side they often like to show off at dinnertime. So if you're wondering why is my kitten not eating, here are the most common explanations. You've got everything set up and ready for the new arrival. The best kitten food sat waiting in the cupboard next to delicious kitten treats, the perfect training rewards. No doubt you can't wait to see your little cat feasting on the glorious meal. Yet sometimes you'll see the new kitten not eating and woefully ignoring the bowl of food in front of them. Type of bowl. Kittens don't like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl every time they dip into eat. Although the syndrome whiskers fatigue is still being studied, there is one thing we know for sure, whiskers are extremely sensitive antennas that help kittens extract useful information from their environment. Activating them several times during their meal could put them off their food. This is why it's recommended to choose food bowls that are wide and shallow, to keep those precious whiskers from touching the dish. Location. Where you put their food bowl can be just as important as what you put in it. If you're seeing your new kitten not eating, consider the location of the bowl. Make sure it's away from the litter box and in an area where the footfall is at a minimum, so they can eat without being disturbed. If there are other pets in the house, remember that the hunting instinct still alive in your kitten makes them prefer a solitary dinner. Place your pet's food bowls well apart and seize if your kitten will consider giving the food another chance. Cleanliness. A kitten not eating their meal might also be related to a dish that has not been adequately washed. Make sure you use detergent and rinse well with water to clean up the kitten's food bowl after every meal. You can also go for ceramic bowls as these don't hold on to the food smell as plastic ones do. Stress. A new home is a big deal for the kitten. It's normal for your cat to feel a bit unsettled while they get used to the new surroundings and this can be reflected in a lack of appetite. A good idea is to ask the shelter or breeder for an object or a blanket they are familiar with. The transition to the new life will be made easier if they have something that reminds them of the old home while adjusting to living in the new one. As always, give your kitten time to settle in and don't hesitate to ask a vet for help if they refuse to eat or eat very little food. A plug-in pheromone diffuser such as Felaway can also be helpful to settle your new kitten into the family home. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife to get 20% off. Toothache. The new kitten not eating can also be down to painful teeth or gums. Kittens can have teething pain just like babies. Sore gums are uncomfortable enough to keep your pet away from the food bowl. Contact the vet for a checkup to rule out this possibility. Illness. Kittens often refuse to eat when they're not feeling well. Unfortunately, there is a long list of possible health conditions that can stop them from dipping into their food bowl as they should. Anything from a clogged nose to intestinal parasites, constipation, or an upset tummy can contribute to your kitten not eating. This is why it's very important to ask for professional help if your kitten is not eating. The vet will be able to distinguish between a nervous eater and a kitten in need of medical attention. Introduce the new food slowly. The food you feed your kitten may not be the same as they are used to having. Always ask the breeder slash shelter what food the kitten is having currently. If you wish to change this food, it should be done slowly and gradually over a period of about 7 to 10 days. Initially place a small amount of the new food into a bowl next to a bowl of the original food. Gradually increase the amount of the new food and decrease the amount of the original food so that your kitten transitions to the new food gradually. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. Also don't forget to subscribe with notifications on, so that you don't miss out on videos like this. Thank you for watching.