Cats are creatures of habit. A slow, ten-day switch keeps their stomach settled and their trust intact.
Cats do not love surprises, least of all in their bowl. A sudden change of food is one of the most common reasons for vomiting, loose stools and hunger strikes. The fix is simple: go slowly.
The ten-day plan
Days 1 to 3: mix 25% new food with 75% of the old food.
Days 4 to 6: move to half and half.
Days 7 to 9: 75% new food, 25% old.
Day 10 onwards: 100% new food.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, stretch each stage by a day or two. There is no prize for finishing early.
What is normal, and what is not
Slightly softer stools for a day or two are normal while the gut adjusts. Repeated vomiting, diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours or a cat that refuses to eat for a full day are not. Go back a stage, and call your vet if things do not settle.
Tips for fussy cats
Serve food at room temperature, since cold food smells of very little. Keep meals on a schedule rather than leaving food out all day. A teaspoon of broth or a pinch of bonito flakes on top can help a suspicious cat take the first bite.
A note on never starving a cat into it
A cat that does not eat for more than a day or two is at risk of a serious liver condition. If your cat flatly refuses the new food, go back to the old one and try a different recipe.
