Sometimes circumstances arise that force you to change your cat’s food from wet to dry or vice versa. You may need to make the change due to a medical condition or simply because your cat’s tastes have changed. Also, as cats age, it’s crucial to reevaluate their nutritional needs to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Switching your cat’s food is certainly not a bad thing, and can be a seamless process. We’ve laid out steps for you to help make this transition painless.

Tips on transitioning your cat’s food

This transition is a significant change for your kitty, so take your time and don’t rush things. An abrupt change to your cat’s diet can cause gastrointestinal issues that can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite. As you start making the shift, do so in small portions and work your way up.

Set aside at least a week to work through the initial transition. Mix a little bit of the new dry food in with their usual wet food (or vice versa), so they get familiar with it. If you’re shifting your cat from a diet of wet food to dry food, it helps to sprinkle water in with the dry food to give it a moist texture.

Throughout the week, add more of the new food each day. By the end of the week, your cat’s culinary transition will be well underway. The textures and tastes of the new food may be a surprise for your feline, so don’t worry if they don’t take to it immediately.

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Pay attention to your cat’s reaction

As the transition progresses, pay close attention to your cat’s response. Make sure they’re still eating regularly, even if all the hovering feels like you’re being an overprotective pet parent. If a cat completely stops eating, they could develop hepatic lipidosis, which can become life-threatening.

If your cat is protesting their food, take a step back, and work on getting them on a feeding schedule. Serving your cat freely can sometimes cause them to reject what’s in their bowl. However, if you place them on a schedule, they will quickly learn that the only time to eat is now, so eat up!

Remember to be patient with your little furball. Cats are often stubborn, but the results are worth it. Mixing a hearty helping of patience with your cat’s food will surely go a long way.