Converting Finicky Cats To A Raw Diet

Posted on 6 August 2018
By Dr. Jill Tack
Posted in cat, feeding schedule, finicky cat, mix raw with canned food, raw diet, transitioning to a raw diet
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Transitioning cats is never easy. Cats can be finicky eaters for a variety of reasons, whether they have an issue with different textures or have become addicted to the carbs in their kibble. With super picky cats, it helps if you offer food to them in several different ways and allow them to choose what they like best.

Below are some strategies that can be helpful in making the switch to a raw diet:

Ask Nicely

It’s true that you can tell dogs what to do, but you have to ask cats nicely. Even though our feline friends don’t talk back, they certainly hear our voices and messages loud and clear. So keep a calm demeanor and be patient. Trust me, it works!

Mix the Raw with Canned Food

It is always easier to start a transition with something your cat especially enjoys, like canned food. Once you have made this transition, you can begin to add small amounts of a raw food to the canned food to upgrade. Some cats will never eat more than half canned and half raw food. There isn’t anything wrong with this way of feeding. Some raw food is always better than none.

Feed at Room Temperature

Another trick for transitioning picky cats to a raw diet is allowing the food to warm up to room temperature before feeding. Some cats don’t care for cold food.

Rotate Proteins

You may also want to try different proteins. Don’t forget about the red meat options! My own cats prefer beef, pork, lamb, and venison over turkey or pheasant any day of the week. Don’t be so close-minded that you don’t allow your feline friend to make a transition to a premium raw diet. After all, cats’ digestive tracts are biologically set up for meat, not overly-processed kibble.

Get on a Feeding Schedule

Getting your cat on a regular feeding schedule can also work in your favor. Free feeding isn’t the best way to feed your cat. Cats in the wild hunt all day long, which means they eat several small meals throughout the day instead of gorging on two large meals. If you have multiple felines, they should all have their own place setting and eating space away from the other cats.

Work Up an Appetite

If you can play with your cat 20-30 minutes before mealtime, this will also make their meal offering much more satisfying. The play before eating releases hormones that mimic what would happen in the wild if they were on a hunt for their food.

When it comes to improving our felines’ health, making the transition from kibble to raw food is definitely worth the effort. And if you need help choosing the right food or diet for your cat, be sure to take a look at our Alternative Pet Food Assessments and Nutrition Consults! For more information, or to schedule a session, give us a call at (248) 548-3448.