If you’re considering changing your cat’s diet and want to know how to switch cat food, then you’re in the right place.
Many cats become accustomed to a particular diet and it can be tricky to transition them to a new one. It’s important to make sure that the switch is done correctly and safely.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to safely changing your cat’s food so that you can transition your cat to a new diet without any health risks, or having to clean up cat vomit and diarrhea.
Step1: Why are You Changing Cat Food?
Consider first why you are changing cat food and if it is necessary. There are lots of reasons why pet owners decide to change their cat’s food, such as:
- Medically advised: Some cats, for example with kidney issues, are often recommended to eat a different, simpler diet. Changing from regular cat food to chicken breast might sound nicer to us but it might not be so easy for your cat. One of my cats got a urinary infection and we had to change his diet.
- More control: Many owners want to make homemade cat food or feed their cats a raw diet so they know exactly what’s going into their cat’s diet.
- Different brands: Some cats suddenly go off a brand for no reason at all and demand another.
- Age-specific food: You may want to transition your kitten onto adult cat food, or your older cat onto senior food.
It’s best to check with your vet before you change your cat’s diet. They can advise on any health issues and answer any questions you might have. For whatever reason you are changing cat food, you should make sure that your cat’s food will meet their nutritional needs before you make a switch.
You should also consider the type of food you’re switching to.
- Is it wet or dry food, or a combination of both?
- Is it a natural or organic food, or a raw food diet?
- Is it a grain-free food?
- Is it high in protein and nutritionally complete?
All of these factors can have an impact on your cat’s health, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re choosing the right food for your cat. It is also important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should include plenty of animal-based proteins.
The Process of Transitioning Your Cat to a New Food
Now that you’ve done your research and you’ve chosen the right food for your cat, it’s time to start the process of transitioning your cat to the new food.
The most important thing when thinking about how to transition your cat’s food is to take it slow. You don’t want to suddenly feed them something else as this could cause vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.
The process should be done gradually over the course of 10 days to ensure that your cat’s digestive system has time to adjust. Taking ten days to transition to new food, introduces the food in such gradual amounts that your cat will hardly notice.
It’s also important that you keep to their normal feeding schedule and feed them in the same place. You don’t want to change too many things at once as it could unnerve them.
Here is the step by step guide:
Step 2: How to Switch Cat Food Safely (and Avoid Cat Diarrhea)
Day 1 to 3: Try mixing roughly 25% of the new food in with their old. Hopefully, they’ll be intrigued by the new flavor or texture but there’ll be enough of what they’re used to for them not to mind.
Day 4 to 6: Once they’re happy eating 25% of the new mixed-in food, up it to 50%.
Day 7 to 9: Give them 25% of the old food and 75% of the new.
Day 10: 100% new food.
You might notice that your cat is quite happy to gobble up the new food. If this is the case, you can up the percentages of the new cat food a little earlier. If you have a very picky cat, it may take them even longer than 10 days to get used to their change in diet, so be prepared to extend the transition period to 2-3 weeks.
It’s also important to monitor your cat’s reaction to the new food. Watch for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. If you notice any of these signs, you should stop the transition process and consult your veterinarian.
Tips for Making the Transition Easier
There are some simple tips you can follow to make the transition process easier for both you and your cat. First, try to make the transition process as gradual as possible. According to the PSDA, cats need at least 10 days to switch to new cat food, some cats even longer if they are fussy.
Don’t try to switch your cat’s food too quickly. This can cause digestive upset and may cause your cat to become picky about their food.
It’s also important to make sure your cat is getting plenty of water during the transition. This will help keep them stay hydrated and will make it easier for them to digest the new food.
What to Do if Your Cat Refuses to Eat the New Food
If your cat refuses to eat the new food, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to encourage them to eat. First, try adding a small amount of wet food or a high-quality treat to the new food to make it more appealing. You can also try warming the food, as some cats prefer their food at a slightly warmer temperature.
If your cat still refuses to eat the new food, you may want to try switching back to the old food for a few days to give them time to adjust. Then, you can slowly start transitioning them back to the new food.
How to Switch From Dry to Wet Food
If you’re transitioning your cat from dry to wet food, follow the ten day plan above and increase the amount of wet food in their diet gradually. Start by offering a small amount of wet food in addition to their usual dry food. Make sure to monitor your cat’s reaction to the wet food. If they seem to like it, you can gradually increase the amount of wet food you offer.
It’s also important to make sure that your cat is getting enough water. Offer your cat fresh, clean water throughout the day and make sure they have access to it at all times.
How to Switch From Wet to Dry Food
If you’re transitioning your cat from wet to dry food, the same rule applies. Follow the ten day transition guide above, starting with 25% of dry food mixed in with the wet food. Gradually increase the amount of dry food and decrease the amount of wet food until your cat is eating all dry food.
It’s important to make sure that your cat is getting enough water. Cat’s that eat a dry food diet only don’t absorb as much moisture from the kibble as they would from wet food. Offer your cat clean, fresh water throughout the day and make sure they have access to water at all times.
What to Do if Your Cat Has an Adverse Reaction to the New Food
If your cat has an adverse reaction to the new food, you should stop the transition process. Go back to the original food until your cat is settled and well. If you are concerned for the health of your cat, always consult a veterinarian.
It’s important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should include plenty of animal-based proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching Cat Food
How Soon Can You Switch a Kitten to Adult Cat Food?
Kittens can be switched to adult cat food when they are six months of age, or older. You should ensure you transition a kitten to adult cat food slowly. Allow up to 2-3 weeks to safely transition your kitten to a new food.
How Do You Stop Diarrhea in Cats After Switching Food?
Feed your cat smaller and more frequent meals, as this can help minimize diarrhea symptoms. Add a probiotic supplement to their diet, this can also help reduce and prevent diarrhea. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your cat and contact your veterinarian if the symptoms persist.
Can You Switch Cat Food Cold Turkey?
Unless advised by your vet, never change your cats food cold turkey. They will likely experience stomach upsets including diarrhea, and may be less likely to eat the new food.
How Important is it to Switch to Wet Cat Food if Cat Has CKD?
Switching to wet cat food is important for cats who have chronic kidney disease. The high moisture content of wet cat food helps keep cats hydrated while providing necessary nutrients. Wet cat food also helps reduce the buildup of waste products in the kidneys and lowers phosphorus in their diet. Wet cat food is more palatable and easier to digest than dry cat food, making it much easier for cats with kidney disease to eat.
How Long Does it Take for a Cat to Adjust to New Food?
As a general rule, it takes 10 to 14 days for a cat to adjust to new food, when fed gradual amounts over this time. Some fussy cats, and kittens may need longer, other cats will adjust with ease.
Is it Ok to Change Cat Food Brands?
It is ok to change cat food brands, but you should do it slowly over at least 10 days, to reduce stress on your cats digestive system. Consider selecting high quality brands with natural ingredients that provide the necessary amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates for your cat’s size, age, and activity level.
Is it Ok to Mix Cat Foods?
Mixing cat foods is necessary during the transition across to a new food. If you are not changing your cat’s diet permanently, it is important to ensure your cat gets the right nutritional balance from each type of food you are mixing.
How to Choose the Right Food for Your Cat
Choosing the right food for your cat is an important part of the transition process. You should always consult your veterinarian when choosing a new food for your cat. Your veterinarian can help you choose a food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs and can help you with the transition process.
When choosing a food for your indoor cat, look for one that is specifically formulated for their life stage, activity level, and health conditions. You should also look for a food that is made with high-quality ingredients and that contains the essential vitamins and minerals your cat needs.
Conclusion
Changing your cat’s food can be a difficult process for some cats, others transition with ease. What’s important is to make sure you introduce new food it in a safe and healthy way. In this article, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to safely changing your cat’s food so that you can transition your cat to a new diet without any health risks.
Remember to do your research and choose the right food for your cat, and always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions. With the right approach, you can make the transition process easy and stress-free for both you and your cat.
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.
