Early exposure to a type of food will play a large effect in the development of a kitten’s later food choices. Determining what kind of food a kitten was fed before you take them home is vital because they will adjust to the new surroundings more easily when they are eating the same food they were used to. Visit the site if you are planning to bring a new kitten home.
Some cats can be apprehensive of a new kind of food. Such an aversion to new things is known as “neophobia.” These behaviors are regarded by many to be a form of protection against harmful or contaminated food. To avoid aversion to new foods, it is best to introduce new types of food in phases and to reduce any potential stress causes. The following guidelines should assist you in effectively changing your cat’s diet and transitioning to a new food:
Introduce the new food slowly
This is the most effective method for acclimating your cat to the new diet. Begin by combining 25% new food with 75% existing food. Over the next three days or so, gradually modify the proportions by slowly increasing the quantity of new food and reducing the amount of current food. You should be feeding 100 percent of the new food at the end of this weaning procedure. You may run into problems.
Pay attention to your body language
Your cat may go on a hunger strike if you bring new food into your home, put it in the dish, and tell it to eat it. Using a nice tone of voice is the best way to introduce a new food to your feline friend! The cat should be gently encouraged to sample the new food.
Transition slowly
Depending on your cat, this process may take longer than a week. If you introduce new food too quickly (i.e., more new food and less old food), your cat may reject the new mixture. Use the same blend of foods for several occasions before increasing the amount of the new item, if necessary.
New cat food feeding tips:
- Provide seclusion and a peaceful eating spot away from loud noises and other cats. Feed your cat by hand, at least at first. There must be a healthy rapport between you and your cat before you provide it any food!
- Combine dry cat food with moist or canned food. Keep all of your cat food in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality and freshness.
- If you’ve refrigerated moist or canned cat food, reheat it up to body temperature before feeding it to your cat. When using a microwave oven, be sure to stir thoroughly to avoid “hot spots.” There is no point in feeding a cat that is too hot to touch.
- Medicinal cat meals have their own particular properties and nutritional requirements. You should let your veterinarian know if you prefer to feed a specific type of cat food (moist/canned, dry, or both).
