Thinking of switching? How to transition your cat onto new food
Switching to new cat food can be tricky, especially with a fussy kitty. Here's our top tips for a smooth transition.
There are many reasons why you may want to switch your cat over to a new food, but it's not always the simplest transition. Kitties can be fickle, and especially if they enjoy their current food, can make a right meal out of the process. Don't panic, we're here to help your kitty move onto new and yummy experiences with ease, such as our delicious Tilly & Ted Chicken Casserole or Salmon Traybake. Make mealtimes something to look forward to again, by following our tips on swapping stale dishes for flavour sensations.
Firstly, why might you need to switch your cat over to new meals or food?
Why might you switch foods?
There are many reasons why you may want to switch your fabulous felines over to a new type of food. They could have sensitive health, and may need to find a brand of food that is focussed more on keeping tummies happy and including natural ingredients (psst... just like us! Check out our happy tummy ethos here). Your cat may also need a change in nutritional value, such as calorie content, protein, or grain content. Always consult with your vet first to ensure you are making the right changes for your kitties individual health. A food change most cat owners will have to make at some point is an age-related switch. Kittens transitioning to adult food, or adults transitioning to senior food will need to have a smooth and healthy diet change as they grow and their needs change. You may also need to make a diet change if you bring a new cat or kitten into your family, as they may have been previously eating meals that are not beneficial to them anymore, not accessible to you, or that don't suit your lifestyle.
Now you know why you may need to make a switch in your cat's meals, here's how to include them in the decision.
Trying new things
Most of the time, you will need to make a change regardless of your cat's opinion, but how can you switch food for fussy felines? It's all well and good popping a tasty new meal down, but what can you do if your kitty turns their nose up? If you can, try buying a small amount of a few brands first that fit the diet change you need to make, and let your cat try a few. Pop a small amount in different bowls at a mealtime, and let your kitty taste them at their own pace, so you know a full tummy or routine change won't be affecting their preference. If one meal is a standout star, great! That makes this process a lot easier if your feline enjoys their new meal form the get-go. However, if your cat isn't a fan of any of their new choices, don't worry. Sometimes, there may not be a choice at all if your cat has to switch to a very specific diet. That's why gradual change is important, and regardless of your kitties personal taste, time and patience can help them slowly switch to a meal that benefits them.
Gradual feeding is just what it says on the tin, so read on to get the inside scoop on introducing change to your cat's diet.
A gradual transition
Even if your cats love their new food, it is key to make any diet change a gradual transition. Being a fan of their new meal will definitely make the process easier and potentially a little quicker, but remember to be patient at this stage. This is as, a change in diet can be difficult on your pets tummy, even if the new meals should improve health going forwards. Cats can be sensitive to changes like this, and you don't want upset tummies on your hands. We recommend switching your kitties meals over a period of ten to fourteen days, increasing the percentage of new food to old food with each day. On day one, start with 90% of their old food, and 10% of their new food. This may be as simple as using almost a whole portion of their old food and just a teaspoon of new food, or you may need to weigh exact amounts to be sure. Increase/decrease each food by roughly 10% per day, before switching to 100% of their new food around days ten to fourteen. Hopefully, your kitty will have made a smooth transition and be scranning their new meals with gusto, but don't worry if they're still tentative. Take as long as your cat needs with this process, and make the change even more gradual if required. Each cat is different, so follow your felines lead, and consult your vet if they are having a really tough time with it.
After making the mealtime switch, keep an eye on your cat to make sure they are handling the change well, and are just as happy and healthy as always.
Keeping a close eye
Once your kitty has made the switch, make sure to keep monitoring their health and behaviour, as even if they are happily wolfing down their new meals, they may still have some adjusting to do. It is normal for cats to have a bit of a dodgy tummy when switching food, but this should only last a couple of days and no longer. They may also need time to adjust to different nutritional content and portion sizes that may change their appetite, so don't be alarmed if your kitty is seeming hungrier or more full after their meals initially. After a month or so, your cat should be happily eating their new meals, have healthy fur, healthy teeth and gums, firm stools and no regular flatulence, and a happy/normal demeanour. If you notice any problems in any of these areas that do not improve after a few weeks, consult your vet to find the healthiest solution for your cat.
If you are looking to switch your kittycat to a new food, we've got more than a few recommendations for you!
At Tilly & Ted, we believe in making the most delicious food for your pet. No nasties. Just the good stuff for your furry-friend. We make damn irresistible wet and dry pet food that tastes every inch as good as it looks (to your pets, that is!). All packaged up in a way that doesn’t require you to speak to E-language. We firmly believe your pet deserves a seat at the table, so create whisker-licking meals that your cat can enjoy alongside you. For your cool kittens, we've made a truly scrumptious Chicken with Salmon Delight that your fur baby will not only adore, but is packed full of all the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to grow big and strong. For your bigger babies, we have a fantastic range of adult cat food so your kitty can choose their favourite meal, all designed to be kind on tummies whilst positively bursting with superfoods. Our top recommendations would be our Chicken Casserole or Salmon Traybake, as both are absolute classic meals that will have have your pussycat begging for more. For our more sensitive friends, we've got grain-free and chicken-free meals that will help their bodies stay happy without compromising on taste. Our Cranberry Selection is grain-free, whilst our Tuna with Salmon Mousse is both grain and chicken-free, so that every cat can experience a flavour sensation that supports their specific health requirements at the same time.
If you want to find the purr-fect meal to treat your cats to, check out our full range of cat food to find whisker-licking goodness for kitties of every shape and size. From chicken-free recipes, to hearty classics, we guarantee your pussycats will be feeling paw-some and have the happiest tummies around.
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