Switching to other catfood, how do you do it?
Sometimes you may want to switch your beloved cat to a different food. Perhaps your pet is not responding well to the food they are currently eating. Fortunately, there are several ways to switch to a different food. The exact approach depends on the food you are currently feeding and the food you want to switch to. We are here to help!
Step-by-step plan for switching to different cat food
Switching from one type of crunchy cat kibble to another
When switching your cat from one type of crunchy kibble to another, it is advisable to do so gradually. Cats can sometimes have difficulty getting used to new food. Taste, smell, and texture are very important to cats. If you switch to a different food abruptly, your little tiger may turn up its nose at the food. In addition, stomach and intestinal problems can occur due to a sudden change in diet. To prevent this, it is advisable to make the switch over a period of about 7 days. This will give your cat the opportunity to slowly get used to the new smell, taste, and texture of the food.
Does your cat have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract? Then you may want to take a little more time. In that case, you can take three days per step instead of two days. Here is a handy step-by-step plan to make the transition to new food go smoothly:
Switching from pressed kibble to crunchy kibble (or vice versa)
If you want to switch your cat from pressed kibble to crunchy kibble (or vice versa), it is best to do this in one go. This is because pressed kibble is digested differently than crunchy kibble. Mixing the two types of kibble can lead to stomach and intestinal problems.
Switching from fresh meat to crunchy kibble (or vice versa)
In this case, you can also switch in one go. Because both types of food are digested differently, it is not necessary to mix the food for a few days first.
Diarrhea after switching to new cat food
A cat's intestines contain good and bad bacteria, which are present in the right proportions. Together, these bacteria form the intestinal flora. A cat's intestinal flora is adapted to the food that the animal is currently eating. When you switch your cat to a different food, the intestinal flora will change and the digestive tract will have to get used to the new food. This can cause your pet to have temporary loose stools or even diarrhea. After about 6 to 8 weeks, the body will be fully accustomed to the new food and symptoms such as loose stools or diarrhea will disappear. At that point, the intestinal flora will be fully adapted to the new food and it can be optimally digested by the body.
It is also important to know what a cat can and cannot eat. We have previously written an article explaining which fruits and vegetables are safe for your four-legged friend. You can read the blog ‘What can and cannot a cat eat’ here.
Many cats already enjoy Riverwood every day. Would you like your cat to enjoy our delicious kibble too, and are you curious about which variety would suit your cat best? Answer a few questions here and order an affordable trial pack right away.
