How to Switch Your Cat to a New Food

Sometimes you need to switch your cat to a different food: because of a food allergy or sensitivity, a diet your vet has recommended, a move to wet food, a new life stage or simply because your cat’s food is no longer available. Cats are creatures of habit, and many are suspicious of new food, so changes need to be made slowly and patiently.

The Basic Method: Switch Gradually

Most cats can be switched to a new food over 7–10 days, mixing the new food into the old one in increasing amounts:

1. Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new food.
2. Days 3–4: 50% old food, 50% new food.
3. Days 5–6: 25% old food, 75% new food.
4. Day 7 onwards: 100% new food.

Sensitive or very fussy cats may need two to three weeks, or even longer. If your cat has vomiting or diarrhea, or starts eating less, go back to the previous step and slow down. If the problems continue, talk to your vet.

How to Switch from Dry to Wet Food

Many vets recommend adding wet food to a cat’s diet, as it helps with hydration and weight control. But cats that have eaten only kibble for years may not recognize wet food as food at first.

• start by offering a teaspoon of wet food next to your cat’s usual dry food, or on top of it;
• try different textures (pâté, chunks, shreds, mousse) and flavors to find what your cat prefers;
• warm the wet food slightly to room or body temperature to bring out the smell;
• try sprinkling a few crushed pieces of the usual kibble on top of the wet food;
• feed at regular mealtimes rather than leaving dry food out all day, so your cat comes to meals hungry (but never let it go without eating);
• remember that wet food contains far fewer calories per ounce than dry food, so check the feeding guide on both packs and adjust the amounts.

How to Switch from Wet to Dry Food

This is usually easier, as most cats find kibble tasty. Mix gradually as above, measure the dry food carefully, as it’s very calorie-dense, and make sure your cat always has fresh water. Read more: is dry food bad for cats?.

What About Homemade Food?

Switching to a homemade diet isn’t recommended unless the recipe has been created for your cat by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Homemade diets are very easily unbalanced, which can lead to serious health problems. Read more: what to feed a cat.

Switching from a Budget Food

Some cats are so used to one strongly flavored food that they refuse anything else. Be patient, use the gradual method, try several textures and flavors of the new food, and don’t give up after one attempt. Read more: is Whiskas bad for cats?.

Switching to a Prescription Diet

If your vet has prescribed a special diet for a medical condition, follow their instructions about how quickly to make the switch. Some prescription diets work only if your cat eats nothing else, so ask your vet before giving treats or other foods. If your cat won’t eat the new diet, tell your vet: there are often other options.

Special Situations

• Kittens: when you bring a kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually. Kittens should eat kitten food until about 12 months old (up to 18–24 months for large breeds such as Maine Coons). Read more about feeding a kitten.
• Senior cats: older cats are often more sensitive to changes, so go slowly. Read more about feeding a senior cat.
• Shelter and rescue cats: ask the shelter what your new cat has been eating and start with that. A move is stressful enough, so wait until your cat has settled before changing its diet. Read more: how to destress a cat.
• Multi-cat homes: if your cats eat different foods, feed them separately.

Tips for a Successful Switch

• feed in a quiet place, away from the litter box and other pets;
• use a clean, wide, shallow bowl;
• keep mealtimes regular;
• don’t offer lots of treats during the switch;
• stay calm: cats pick up on our stress.