How to successfully switch your cat’s food
You’ve found the perfect food for your kitty, you’d love to tear open the new bag right away and serve her the tasty meal in her bowl? Hold on! Cats are creatures of habit and don’t eagerly dive into new food. Here, we’ll explain the tricks you can use to easily convince your feline friend to try the new diet.
It all starts with a skeptical cat
A quick sniff at the bowl, a scrutinizing look, a wrinkled nose, and your kitty turns on her heel. The new food is left rejected in the bowl – even though you spent extra time researching a better, healthier food for her.
Don’t worry: If your cat isn’t thrilled about the idea of new food, it’s because cats naturally avoid eating anything unfamiliar. In the wild, it’s safer to stick to food they know. This way, cats protect themselves from eating poisonous substances and plants. Your kitty simply can’t tell whether the new food might be tastier or better than the old one. For her, her usual food means one thing above all: safety.
With plenty of patience to new food
To help your cat slowly get used to the new food and learn that eating it is completely safe and tasty, you can start by mixing small portions into her usual food. Be sure to reduce the amount of her previous food accordingly. The feeding recommendation on the packaging makes it easy to find out how much food your kitty needs per day. We recommend transitioning over about 10 days. Here’s an example plan:
Days 1–3: add 25% to the previous food
Days 4–7: add 50% to the previous food
Days 8–9: add 75% to the previous food
from day 10: feed 100% of the new food
The familiar feeding spot
Any change causes stress for your kitty. So if she’s confronted with a new food, it’s best to keep the familiar feeding environment unchanged. Serve her the new food in the same place she always eats. A set feeding time, which creates routine, can also have a positive effect on the transition.
Use snacks consciously
Do you like to spoil your kitty with a snack now and then? We totally get it! During the food transition, however, it’s a good idea to cut back on snacks a little. The bigger the appetite, the more likely she’ll accept a new food—even if she’s a bit skeptical at first.
Important: Snacks are not a substitute for a balanced main meal—they should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. That way, her diet stays balanced.
Still, treats can have their place even during the transition—as long as they’re used mindfully. Whether as a small reward or a special extra to motivate eating: the right combination of snacks can even help increase acceptance of new varieties—without blowing the calorie budget.
Increasing acceptance
Well-chosen snacks can not only reward, but also help with the transition to new food. Especially if your kitty is skeptical at first, it’s worth adding targeted toppings. Many cats love creamy or liquid extras—even unfamiliar food suddenly becomes interesting. A small portion of our →"Snack Crèmes", →"Snack Pastes" or →"Soups" as a topping can make all the difference.
You’ll find the perfect combo in our →Acceptance Box: a balanced mix of crèmes and soups, perfectly matched to gently and enjoyably introduce your cat to new food.
Switching food made easy
Especially if dogs or cats have previously been fed low-quality food, which often contains flavor enhancers, artificial aromas, or sugar, switching to natural food can be difficult—but not impossible. With patience, consistency, and our tips, transitioning is easy.
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Your cat isn't eating? No reason to worry!
Still have questions?
We’re always here for you and happy to support you with the food transition by phone or email.
If you have questions about Pets Deli, our products, or healthy feeding for your kitty, feel free to contact us Monday to Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.
