When to Change Your Cat’s Food: 4 Easy Tips for Switching Cat Food
Cats are known to be finicky eaters, and as tricky as it may be, most cats will benefit from switching to a different food at some point.
If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to switch your cat’s food:
1. Weight Gain or Obesity
A very high percentage of cats are overweight or obese, and if your cat falls into this category, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a new diet and consider new cat food. Look for better quality cat food to ensure your pet receives the necessary nutrients while scaling back on calories, and talk to your vet about your cat's feeding habits and the amount and type of food they are consuming to hear about alternative options.
2. Digestive Issues
If you notice that your cat has a sensitive stomach, you must find cat food that is gentle on your cat's digestive system while still meeting all of its nutritional needs. Low-quality cat food can lead to digestive issues, and you must look for cat food with a probiotic to help reduce digestive upset while promoting better digestive health overall.
3. Dull Or Itchy Coat
If your cat is scratching more than normal or its once-shiny coat has become dull, it may be a result of its diet and a lack of fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important, and if your current cat food does not contain these ingredients, it may be time for a switch. Food allergies can cause itchy skin, and you need to talk to your veterinarian if you think your cat may be allergic to an ingredient in its current food.
4. Your Cat is Lethargic
If a cat does not receive the nutrients they need, it will start to feel sluggish and if you notice your cat has less energy than normal, have them assessed by your vet for underlying health issues. If everything is fine, upgrading to a new cat food may be the answer.
When switching cat food, follow these tips to ensure a smooth process:
- Create a quiet eating area. Cats like to eat in private areas as this will create a comfortable atmosphere with no perceived threats nearby. Get your cat used to eating in a dedicated space that is quiet, and separate this space from the hustle and bustle of your main living area.
- Follow a schedule. Making the switch to new cat food all at once can feel overwhelming, which is why you should follow a gradual transition when starting a new diet. The process can take one to two weeks.
- Add wet food to dry food. If your cat is resisting the new cat food, try adding a small amount of wet food to the new food, as this can make it more enticing to pickier cats, and they will be more likely to try it.
- Warm up cold or refrigerated wet food before feeding. Warm food is a lot more attractive to cats because it’s closer to the body temperature of their prey, which is why you should warm up the food before giving it to your car if you’re feeding them a dish from the fridge.
If you’re looking for high quality cat or dog food, ARMOR THE POOCH has the best products. We have a great selection of pet food, and if you are searching for a pet store near me in Toronto, come and visit us or give us a call at 905-534-5989 to learn more about the types of cat food we carry.
