feed-change-cat

Changing a cat's diet is a sensitive process that should be carried out carefully and slowly in order to avoid health problems and ensure acceptance of the new food. Dr Anna Mitura explains what you need to bear in mind in this article.


Cats are often fussy and react sensitively to changes in their diet. It is therefore important to make the transition carefully.

 

  1. Possible problems if you change too quickly
  2. Step 1: Test the new food first
  3. Step 2: A slow transition is essential
  4. Step 3: Follow the feeding recommendation
  5. Do you have further questions about changing your cat's food?

Possible problems if you change too quickly

Changing food too quickly can lead to various health problems in cats. Possible symptoms include gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. These reactions result from the digestive system's inability to adapt quickly to the new ingredients. Stress can also play a role, as cats are creatures of habit and can find changes in their diet disruptive.

Step 1: Test the new food first

Before you make the complete change of food, it is advisable to test the new food with a small amount first. This makes it possible to test the acceptance of the new food and at the same time recognise possible allergic reactions or intolerances at an early stage. Observe your velvet paw closely during the first few days to ensure that it tolerates the new food well.

Step 2: A slow transition is essential

A gradual change of food should take place over several days, ideally over a period of seven to ten days. Start by replacing a small amount of the old food with the new food. Increase the amount of the new food a little each day, while reducing the amount of the old food accordingly. This slow transition will help your cat's digestive system get used to the new ingredients and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems.

Step 3: Follow the feeding recommendation

It is important to follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging of the new food. These recommendations are based on the nutritional requirements and energy content of the food. As the energy and nutrient density can differ between different types of food, the amount of food may also need to be adjusted. It is best to check your cat's weight regularly to ensure that it is neither gaining nor losing weight. You can then adjust the amount of food to suit your cat's individual needs.

To summarise, a slow and well-monitored change of food is crucial to avoid health problems and to ensure that your cat accepts and tolerates the new food well. By following the feeding recommendations and gradually adjusting the amount of food, you can make the transition as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your feline friend.

By following the feeding recommendations and gradually adjusting the amount of food, you can make the transition as pleasant and stress-free as possible for your velvet paw.

Do you have further questions about changing your cat's food?

Feel free to contact our nutrition experts in confidence, they will be happy to help you by e-mail and by telephone via our free hotline.

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About the author

Dr. Anna Mitura 

Animal Nutrition Physiologist & Product Manager

I am a real Northern Lights and come from Schleswig-Holstein, where I grew up in a small village with dogs. The dog of my heart is called Rufus and is a 13-year-old giant schnauzer mix senior. As a product manager, I develop new recipes for dogs and cats, hold training courses and lectures for customers and dealers and advise you on our free service hotline.