At some points in your cat's life, it might make sense to change up the food you give them. Changing cat food as your kitty ages or if they develop a medical issue will help to support their health. But it's important to know how to safely transition your pet to a new food.
Here are common reasons to consider changing your cat's meal plan:
Age Transitions
Your cat's nutritional needs shift as they grow from a cuddly little kitten into a wise senior cat. Choosing the best cat food for their life stage helps ensure they're getting the nutrients and calories they need. You should be transitioning your kitten to an adult cat food around year one, and your adult cat to a senior or mature adult food around age seven. To find the right food for your cat's age, look at the labels. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a great resource for deciphering pet food labels and making the best choice for your cat.
Health Issues
When your kitten or adult cat is treated for an illness or injury, your veterinarian may recommend a specific food to help them manage a specific condition or help them recover. Many therapeutic foods are available and your veterinarian can help guide you to the one that fits your cat’s needs. For example, cats with kidney disease benefit from food with high quality protein but lower levels of phosphorus and cats with upset tummies benefit from highly digestible foods.
Picky Eater
Switching cat food might also be in order if you have a picky eater on your hands. Cats know what they like (no secret there). International Cat Care explains that even the texture of food is also important to cats.
If you've recently adopted a cat, they may have developed a preference for a certain type of food, such as wet over dry food. If you're switching cat food to accommodate your discerning kitty, just make sure it provides them the nutrients they need. Your vet, again, is a great resource for information when choosing a new food that will meet your cat's discerning tastes, while still providing adequate nutrition.
Pet Food Trends
New pet foods and pet food fads are popping up all the time, but it's a good idea to check with your veterinarian before serving your cat the hottest new food. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the newest cat food trend may not be appropriate for your kitty, especially if it includes food for humans or dogs, or food that's homemade — all of which could cause nutritional imbalances.
Tasty Tips
How to Safely Transition Your Cat to a New Food
When switching your cat's food, it's important to slowly ease them into their new meal plan. If you change their food too quickly, it may result in new ones, such as vomiting or diarrhea, explains Pet Health Network.
Follow these tips to help your kitty adjust to their new food as smoothly as possible:
- Start by mixing together their current food and the new food
- Gradually decrease the amount of old food you give them while increasing the new food over a seven to 14 day period
- Observe your cat's behavior and watch out for negative reactions, such as tummy trouble
For a more detailed strategy and directions for portion control between the new & old food, see our article about transitioning cat foods.
When to Visit the Vet
It's important to only change your cat's food if there's a strong reason to do so — typically only if your veterinarian recommends it or your cat has reached a new stage in life.
If you notice a change in your kitty's level of hunger, such as decreased or dramatically increased appetite, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University recommends that you don't switch their food or overcompensate with treats. Instead, take your cat to the vet to determine the root of their eating issues.
Cats are hard-wired to prefer certain aromas and textures, so it may take some time to find the right cat food for them. But with some searching and a little patience, you'll discover the healthiest cat food for your furry friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress + Metabolic Weight Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress with Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Related articles
Should I Get My Cat Groomed by a Professional?
Cats often do a lot of grooming themselves, but learn some sticky situations where consulting a professional groomer might be the right call.
10 Fun Ways Cats Wake Up Their Owners
Learn why cats waking up owners is a long-standing tradition between pet and pet parent. Sometimes, it's the funniest part of your relationship.
Choosing a Vet for Your Cat? Consider These Factors
Choosing the right veterinary for your cat is very important to its health. Read through our list of things to consider when looking for a new vet.
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
How to Talk to Cats (and Are They Really Listening?)
Learn tips for talking & communicating with your cat, including suggested gestures like blinking, as well as how to tell if they are actually listening.
Deciphering Your Kitten's Behavior & Body Language
Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.
How to Read a Cat Food Label
Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.
Keeping Your Cat Hydrated if She's Not Drinking Water
Learn why your cat is drinking less water than she used to, how much she should be drinking, and how to recognize and prevent her from getting dehydrated.
Liver Disease in Cats: Background, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about feline liver disease, one of the most common problems affecting a cat's internal organs, including symptoms & treatments for this condition.
Adopting an Adult Cat: What You Need to Know
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Discover whether or not your cat can eat eggs and what the benefits or potential hazards are if she does.
Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Special Care Considerations for Senior Cats
Senior Cats & Their Special Care Needs
What Is the Best Couch & Furniture Material for Cats?
Wondering what couch materials will survive your cat's claws the best? Discover the best furniture material for cats, as well as some fabrics to avoid.
Your Cat Needs Attention? Here's What She'll Do to Get It.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Cats & Ingrown Nails: Spotting Them & What You Should Do
Cats & Ingrown Nails: What You Should Look For
Are Cats Protective of Their Humans?
Dogs are well-known for their loyalty, but are cats protective too? Learn whether cats defend their people and how to deal with an overprotective kitty.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment of FIP in Cats
Learn helpful info about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP in cats, including risk factors, common symptoms, treatment options & how to prevent it.
Why Does My Cat Yowl at Night?
Cats can be quite chatty, especially at night when their yowling can keep even heavy sleepers awake. Learn tips for how to deal with her nighttime noises.
What Is Cat Nuzzling?
Learn the reasons why your cat nuzzles you or other pet siblings, including factors like affection, marking territory and more.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.