How To Switch Cat Food
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Switching cat food seems simple enough, but there’s a right way to do it. You should always consult your veterinarian before making any changes.
Here’s how to transition your cat’s food gradually over several days to give their digestive system time to adjust.
Key Takeaways
- Always consult your veterinarian before switching your cat’s food, as the right diet depends on their age, health, and weight.
- Transition gradually over seven to 10 days, increasing the new food while decreasing the old food each day.
- When switching between wet and dry food, adjust portion sizes for calorie differences—dry food is more calorie-dense and wet food contains more water.
- Monitor for signs of digestive upset—such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite—and contact your veterinarian if symptoms develop.
How To Switch Cat Food
Your situation will be unique to your cat, so always follow your veterinarian’s instructions when determining how to transition cat food.
Usually, a slow, gradual change is best to avoid digestive upset. However, your veterinarian may sometimes recommend switching cat foods more quickly to manage a medical condition.
When changing cat food, follow these steps:
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Speak to your cat’s veterinarian about your cat’s current diet and what diet you should switch to.
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Choose a quiet feeding area in your home that your cat can easily access and that will stay the same for the duration of the transition.
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Refer to the new diet’s feeding instructions on the back of the package to determine the amount of food that should be fed each day (or follow your vet’s instructions, if they differ).
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Use the chart below to make a gradual transition each day, starting with 75% of the old diet and slowly decreasing over time until you are fully feeding the new cat food.
| Days | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 3–4 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 5–6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7+ | 0% | 100% |
How To Switch From Dry To Wet Cat Food
Switching from dry food to wet food requires a gradual transition following the chart above.
However, wet food is mostly water, so you will need a larger volume of it to maintain the same amount of calories that your cat was receiving with dry food. Confirm this with your vet and ask for guidance about the specific amount to feed now.
How To Switch From Wet To Dry Cat Food
Switching from wet to dry cat food also requires a gradual transition using the chart above.
However, dry food is more calorie-dense, so your cat will likely need to be fed less food to avoid gaining weight. Confirm this with your vet and ask for guidance about the specific amount to feed now.
If your cat doesn’t like the texture of dry cat food as you transition, you can mix the two so the wet food coats the dry kibble. A bone broth is usually a good idea, if your vet agrees.
How To Switch a Kitten To Adult Food
Once your kitten is about a year old, they’re heading into adulthood and ready to transition to an adult food.
When switching from kitten to adult cat food:
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Speak to your cat’s veterinarian about the best time to transition from a kitten food to an adult food.
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Choose a high-quality adult cat food, such as Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food.
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Use this feeding chart to slowly transition your kitten to the new diet.
| Days | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 3–4 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 5–6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7+ | 0% | 100% |
Common Reasons To Change Your Cat’s Food
There are many reasons your veterinarian might suggest a change to your cat’s food.
Age
Kittens, adults, and senior cats all benefit from different types of foods.
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Kittens require a nutrient-dense diet to support growth and development.
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Adult cats should eat a complete and balanced adult formula to maintain a healthy weight.
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Senior cats may benefit from a senior diet formulated to support muscle mass, healthy weight, and joint health.
Underlying Illness
Veterinary diets may be recommended for cats diagnosed with a health condition. For example:
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Cats with chronic kidney disease may be switched to kidney-support diets—such as Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food—formulated with controlled protein and phosphorus levels.
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Cats with periodontal disease might need a veterinary dental diet, like Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Dental Care Dry Cat Food, to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Food Allergy
Cats with food allergies are typically sensitive to a particular protein in their diet, such as chicken or beef. If a food allergy is suspected, a cat can be switched to a veterinary diet that does not have that protein as an ingredient.
Vets often suggest a switch to a formula like Royal Canin Adult Hydrolyzed Protein Food for eight to 12 weeks to see if symptoms, such as itchy skin, improve.
Weight Loss
Overweight or obese cats may need to switch to a diet formulated for weight loss, such as Purina Pro Plan Overweight Management. These diets are low in fat and calories and have higher fiber content to keep cats full longer.
What To Do If Switching Cat Food Causes Digestive Upset
Sometimes a change in food can lead to digestive upset in cats.
Look out for the following signs:
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Bloating or gas
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Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
These symptoms may suggest that the transition isn’t working, and you’ll need to figure out next steps as soon as possible.
Your veterinarian will likely advise you to feed your cat a bland diet for a few days, such as boiled chicken and rice, before re-introducing the new food more slowly.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe an anti-nausea medication, like Cerenia, to temporarily help with your cat’s digestive issues.
Cat-friendly pumpkin products can be good for a cat’s GI system, so your veterinarian may also suggest adding a spoonful to their food. Make sure they approve the product before giving this to your cat.
When To Call the Vet
Call your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms. Generally, if your cat is still eating, drinking, and behaving normally, you can wait to see if symptoms improve as your cat gets used to the new diet. However, if they are persistently vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, haven’t eaten in 24 hours, or seem unusually lethargic, call your veterinarian right away.
Do not add in any supplements or change to a different diet on your own, as this can worsen symptoms.
How To Switch Cat Food FAQs
How long does it take to switch cat food?
It generally takes seven to 10 days to switch cat food. Some cats may require a longer transition period if they show signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
What happens if you switch cat food too fast?
If you switch cat food abruptly, your cat will likely experience digestive upset. Pet parents may notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and refusal to eat.
Is it OK to regularly switch cat food brands?
Not usually. Unless your veterinarian has advised the switch, it’s generally best to keep your cat on the same diet long-term.
How much should a 1-year-old cat eat?
It depends. The amount of food depends on your cat’s weight, body condition, and the calorie content of the food. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the package and your veterinarian’s advice.
