How To Change Your Cat’s Food

There are a lot of reasons why you may feel the need to make a change to your cat’s diet, with some of these being to support digestion in growing kittens or switching to a food that is a little gentler on sensitive stomachs. Whatever the reason for transitioning your cat’s food, it’s important to do so safely and gradually, to avoid upsetting their stomachs and to ensure your cat fully adjusts to the new type of food.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to switch your cat’s food in a safe way, and explain why carefully transitioning matters, especially for sensitive cats and growing kittens.

Why You Might Need To Change Your Cat’s Food

There are many reasons why you may want or even need to switch up your cat's food, from simply switching from a wet cat food to a dry cat food, or maybe your vet has recommended a certain type of diet to support them better. Here are a few reasons why your cat could benefit from a change:

• Age: Kittens, adults, and senior cats all have different nutritional needs. Your kitten needs a food that is high in calories to support their rapid growth and development. Whereas once they’ve reached their adult age, they’ll need to eat a food with fewer calories than before to maintain their current weight. As well as when they get to their senior years, they’ll likely need a diet with high-quality protein to support muscle mass and added nutrients and vitamins to support their joint health.

• Neutered: Cats that have been neutered also require fewer calories, and at Calibra we provide sterilised cat food specifically for this. With a focus on preventing weight gain and supporting your cat’s overall wellness, these formulas are ideal for cats with reduced energy requirements post-sterilisation.

• Sensitivities And Overall Health: It’s not uncommon for cats to experience a variety of different issues, from sensitive stomachs to kidney and heart problems. Luckily, at Calibra, we have tailored veterinary diets to suit all potential issues your cat may be facing.

• Personal Preferences: A lot of cats can simply be pickier than others. Similar to humans, they will have personal preferences for certain flavours and textures.

• Lifestyle: Cats that don’t exercise or move around won’t need as many calories as more active ones. And, cats with mobility issues would likely benefit from weight management food to control a healthy weight and support diabetes.

With any new food, especially health-specific ones, it’s important to always consult your vet and ask whether switching them over is a good idea or not.

How To Transition Your Cat Onto A New Food

So, what’s the best way to switch your cat onto a new diet? Bear in mind that cats can be naturally suspicious of new foods, with different flavours, smells, and textures having the potential to put your cat off eating. It’s also important to note that a sudden change from one food to another can cause an upset stomach, possibly due to their digestive system being made to process a limited range of foods.

Try gradually introducing a new food over the course of 7-10 days, possibly longer if your cat is known to have a sensitive stomach. Here is a rough plan to follow:

All cats are different, so make sure you’re monitoring your cat during this time. Consult your vet and slow down the transition if they show any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting or loose stools.

Common Types Of Cat Food To Switch To

Before switching to a new food, it’s important to make sure you’re changing for the right reasons and decide on a food that is best for your cat. Look at options depending on your cat’s age and health. At Calibra, we offer a variety of Super Premium food made to support different life stages and intolerances.

Dry Cat Food: Dry food is a convenient option for cats, as it supports dental health, is easy to store, and creates more straightforward portion control. At Calibra, we offer a full range of dry food options for a cat's specific dietary needs, such as weight and diabetes, gut health, heart and kidney function, and urinary health.

Wet Cat Food: Wet food is an ideal option for cats as it contains a higher water content, as cats commonly struggle with keeping themselves hydrated. Wet food is also helpful in making new diets more appealing due to the extra flavour and aroma. 

Veterinary and Sensitive Diets: Under the guidance of a vet, cats with underlying issues and sensitivities may benefit from a veterinary-tailored diet. To help with sensitivities, Calibra offers ranges such as Gastrointestinal and Hypoallergenic diets containing high-quality hydrolysed proteins and limited ingredients to support cats' digestion.

A lot of cats will adjust without any major issues within one or two weeks. However, it is also common for cats with sensitivities to take longer to adapt. Keep an eye on their appetite, stool consistency, and energy levels during this period.

When looking at new cat foods, always consider:

• Your cat's age.

• Whether they have any allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances.

• Their preferences and tastes.

How To Wean Your Kitten Onto Solid Food

Kittens also greatly benefit from a gradual approach when moving over from milk to solid food.

Weaning of your kitten’s diet typically starts at about four weeks old, but some can be ready for food as early as three weeks old. Start by mixing softened portions of kitten food with warm water or a milk replacer. When your kitten is around three months old, they can start moving onto just eating kitten food to support their growth and development.

During this time, keep meals small and frequent, always ensure fresh water is accessible, and increase the solid food gradually. Transitioning slowly means you support their healthy digestion and eating habits for the long term.

Transitioning Cat Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Cats with sensitive stomachs and digestion need that extra care when switching over to a new food with slight changes or varied ingredients, leading to a reaction. For cats with known sensitivities, slow the transition even further to avoid upset stomachs.

We offer different recipes for cats with sensitivities, including gastrointestinal and hydrolysed protein diets containing high-quality ingredients to fully support them. Remember that veterinary diets aren’t suitable for all cats, so speak to a veterinarian to get the best guidance on what is best for your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is A Gradual Transition Necessary?
Various reasons, with the main one being not to cause your cat any pain or discomfort as they get used to a new diet. Cats are also suspicious of new flavours, scents, and textures – giving them a new food they’ve never had can cause them to have a negative association that makes them reject new foods entirely.

What If My Cat Refuses To Eat The New Food?
If they’re refusing to eat the food, don’t force it and don’t let them starve. Go back to the previously accepted food and adjust the ratio to proceed more slowly. Try other things like heating it up to enhance the appeal and playing with your cat beforehand to increase their appetite.

How Do I Know If The New Cat Food Is Suitable?
When switching to a more suitable food, you should be able to notice your cat's energy levels improving, with a healthier, shinier coat, and well-formed stools. If your cat shows any signs of discomfort, take them off the new food and consult your vet.

Final Thoughts

The ideal way to support your cat’s digestion and well-being with a new food is by transitioning slowly and ensuring the food is suitable for them. Explore Calibra’s full range of super premium cat food, and for any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team who are happy to help.