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Q: My cat is very finicky about what he eats. Do I need to worry about his diet and how do I get him to eat what the vet recommends? Any help?

A. Cats are notorious for being finicky _ and that can include their dietary preferences. If your cat gives you a look of disgust when you attempt to change her over to a new brand of cat food, here are some suggestions:

If you have to change your cat's food because of health-related issues or on the advice from your vet, do so gradually. Begin by adding a little of the new food in with the old brand. Gradually increase the percentage of the new food in the mix over a period of days.

Make sure your cat's food is fresh. Some cats are especially fussy about stale or spoiled foods.

Make sure your cat's food is at least at room temperature. Cats often refuse food that's straight from the refrigerator.

Never serve cat food that's more 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

A good way to curb finicky appetites is to start kittens out on a varied diet. Alternate among two or three brands of canned and dry food.

Make sure that any food that you feed your cat is nutritionally complete and meets any special requirements that your vet may have identified.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.