Fussy Feline? We can help!Updated a year ago

Generally speaking, the transition for our canine friends is easier than that for our feline friends who can be slightly fussier about changing food. 

If you free feed your cat dry food, stop immediately! This does not necessarily mean you need to stop feeding dry with immediate effect, but certainly pick up the bowl so your cat cannot eat it whenever they feel like it. 

Dried kibble differs massively in taste and texture to a raw food diet. It is advisable to switch to tinned food as a very short interim step. This will get your cat accustomed to a meatier consistency to their meals. Try feeding half of their normal dry food with half tinned, then gradually reduce the amount of dried kibble over a few days. 

When you have weaned your cat onto a tinned diet, apply the same principles when transitioning to raw. Feed half and half and gradually reduce the amount of tinned food over the course of a few days. 

Never starve a cat to encourage them to eat. Whilst dogs are fine to skip meals, cats must eat regularly in order to avoid hepatic lipidosis, a severe and sometimes fatal liver impairment. 

Go at your cat’s pace. Do not be afraid to back track a step or two if it means your cat will eat. 

Bribe your cat! We would recommend sprinkling some of our tasty treats on your cat's regular food so that your cat begins to associate the smell of treats with their food.  Then gradually add the raw – it’s all about the smell association! 

Try splashing some warm water over the food before serving as this could help to bring out the flavours. 

Cats tend to ‘imprint’ on their food and recognise their favourites by sight and smell. It is important to shop for variety from the outset so that you can find your cat’s favourite meal. 

Most importantly, exercise a little patience. A change of diet is not something that happens overnight. Persevere, and your cat will thank you in the long run!