Helping your cat lose some excess weight may seem as easy as switching over to a different food or giving smaller portions. Think again. Cats are not exactly known for their flexibility when it comes to trying new things. So what is the best way to change a cat’s diet? Let’s dive in.
Why would you change diets?
There are a number of medical conditions that require a specific diet change. Weight loss is one of the more common reasons for a new diet, but there are many others.
A pregnant kitty usually requires an energy-dense meal that contains extra calcium, whereas a senior cat with renal problems may be required to eat wet food as a way of increasing liquid uptake.
Alternatively, sometimes people want to change their cats’ diet for simple budget reasons or because they found healthier food in the store.
Why your cat may resist new food
Whatever the reason, your cat will likely go through a period of transition. Old habits die hard, as they say, and that’s certainly the case whenever cats are involved. Felines really wouldn’t mind eating the same old meal every day for the rest of their lives if you let them.
In fact, their bowels adapt to a diet over time, so any radical change may upset the stomach and possibly cause unwanted side effects like diarrhea. Even changing to a different food within the same brand can be enough to upset your kitty.
To help ayour cat accept a new diet, here are a few steps you can take to ensure everything goes over smoothly:
1. Create a gradual transition
Whenever you plan to introduce a different diet, do so over a period at least one week, preferably longer. Start by mixing a bit of the new food into the old one, about 75% old food and 25% new. Then mix this up well and serve.
Now what you want to do is slightly increase the proportion of new food in the meal every day over a period of 7 to 14 days. Doing so should give your cat’s body time to gradually adjust to the new food. This reduces the chance of gastro-intestinal issues.
If you notice your cat still becoming withdrawn or nauseous, you can slow down for a few days.
2. Work up an appetite
Have you ever noticed how your appetite picks up right after exercise? The same goes for cats. So if you’re smart, you’ll play with your kitty for a good 30 minutes or so, right before you introduce the new meal to her.
Alternatively, you could also just leave the bowl empty longer than usual. After all, everything tastes a bit better when you’re hungry!
3. Some subtle encouragement
Sometimes a bit of gentle encouragement is needed to get the ball rolling. Try giving your cat a good cuddle, then take a bit of the food in your hand and offer it. Or you can also say something in a sweet tone of voice as you reach out. Just make sure no one can hear you talking to your cat, or you might become known as the neighborhood crazy person!
Extra tips
Here are a few more things you can try to entice your cat:
- Sprinkle something extra tasty over the meal, like some tuna meat or the liquid from the can
- All cats love fish! So if you can afford it, why not add an irresistible flavor by mixing some salmon flavored food or treats through the regular food
- Mind your body language. It is best to introduce new food with an encouraging attitude
- If all else fails, the vet should be able to supply you with a medicine that boosts appetite
- Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments!!
