How to Transition Your Cat to New Food

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

DisableScript
viglink
ADVERTISEMENT

Cats are known as being picky eaters. If you want to switch your feline to a new food, we’ve got some tricks to get picky cats to convert.

Upgrading your kitty’s diet is a great way to ensure she’s getting all of the nutrition she needs to both look and feel great. And as more pet parents become informed about the ingredients found in commercial pet foods, they want higher quality wet and dry meals for their beloved furry companions.

If you’re ready to transition your cat to a new diet, just beware that doing so could lead to digestive upset, so taking things slowly is the key. In this way, your kitty’s body can adjust to the new food without symptoms like diarrhea getting in the way.

Here’s what you need to know to make the switch:

Transition over the Course of 7-10 Days

A good tip to follow is to transition your kitty from her old diet to her new diet gradually over the course of about 7 to 10 days. Mixing the two foods gradually will give your cat a taste of the new food without shocking her system.

Begin with a mix of 25% of your cat’s new food and 75% of her old diet. Feed this for about two to three days. Slowly, increase the amount of new food so that you have a 50/50 mix for your cat to enjoy. After two to three days of half and half, you can move on to a mix of 75% of the new food and 25% of the old diet. Keep that up for another 2 or 3 days before you switch over to 100% of the new food.

Digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or gas could occur at any point during this transition. If that happens, just slow down on the time between mixes to give your kitty more time to adjust to the new food – instead of two to three days per mixes, stretch it out to four to six days. Remember, every pet is different. But if problems persist, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

Trick a Picky Kitty

Cats are creatures of habit, so dealing with a picky kitty is common. They like what they like and they aren’t big fans of change, especially when it comes to their diet. But there are things that you can do to entice your pet to eat a new food:

    New and Improved Wellness Options

    Are you ready to feed your pet a higher quality canned or dry food? Wellness is renovating and re-launching their existing dry and wet food lines for felines, making them better than ever.

    Here’s what your cat is in for:

    • carrageenan-free, and free of meat byproducts, fillers, and artificial flavors

    With Wellness’s new, healthier cat food, you’ll likely find her begging for more. The key is to get her there gradually, and maybe even being a little clever when it comes to convincing her that a new food will be better than her old one. And once she gets a taste of Wellness’s new and improved line, she’ll definitely become a feline foodie!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Labrala

    The Labrala melds the gentle nature of the Labrador Retriever with the active disposition of the Vizsla to produce a wonderful family pet.

    Because All Dogs Deserve A Rap Song On Their Birthday [Video]

    Looks like the rest of us pet parents have a lot to live up to! Rapper KAY-9 is pretty stoked that it’s his dog’s birthday and he’s not afr…

    Dog Daycare or Dog Walker: Which One Should You Choose?

    Does it make more sense to hire a dog walker or put your pup in doggy day? Ask yourself a few questions to figure out which option suits you best.

    Basenji

    A small breed boasting a regal look, the Basenji is known as the barkless dog. It belongs in the hound group, but exhibits many terrier-like behaviors.

    Eels

    Eels are one of the more fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are characterized by their long bodies and snake-like heads.

    Let It Rain: Gold Paw Series Has Your Pup Covered

    The warmth of fleece is paired with a waterproof back panel for the Portland Pullover. This hybrid pullover keeps your dog dry and looking sharp in the wette…

    UNC Students Allowed To Bring Their Pets Back To School With Them

    Colorado college tests out pilot program allowing pets in campus dorms It’s the most wonderful time of the year (back-to-school, that is) and a few luc…

    Arabian Horse

    It is thought that the Arabian Horse is the oldest horse breed on the planet. These horses enjoy speed and athletic activity, and they will learn quickly.

    Cat Reunited With Family After Being Mistakenly Shipped 1,200 Kilomete

    Baloo decided to take a nap in a box- only to be shipped half way across the country. But luckily, this improptu delivery story has a happy end.

    Abyssinian

    Although the Abyssinian is not a lap cat, it is affectionate and intelligent, requiring lots of interaction. The Aby is one of the oldest breeds.

    Adoptable Dog of the Week-Nutella

    Sweet and gooey! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nutella, a 5-year old chocolate brown Chihuahua mix from Phoenix, Arizona.

    Best Holiday Gifts For Pets

    Holiday shopping is a rush, but don''t forget your pet! If you need a little inspiration, feel free to steal a few ideas from our holiday pet gifts list.

    Outdoor And Indoor Plants: Poisonous Plants For Dogs

    How does your garden grow? Does it contain poisonous plants for dogs? Some of the most commonly kept houseplants are incredibly toxic to dogs.

    Hang 10 With Your Pup At Surf City Surf Dog Competition

    Hot dogs will want to head to California for the 6th annual Unleashed by Petco Surf City Surf Dog Competition What could possibly be more fun than to watch d…

    Congrats To Our #BegForZukes Twitter Contest Winners

    When it comes to begging for treats, you showed us that you’re dogs will do anything to get their paws on those delectable nom noms! And that’s w…