Your vet recommends a new diet, or your usual food is discontinued, or you simply want to try something better. You put down the new food and your cat sniffs it, looks at you, and walks away. Cats are famously fussy about food changes, but with the right pace, most will switch in the end. The key word is patience, and it may take far longer than you expect.
Why cats refuse new food
Smell, taste and texture
AAHA notes that cats can be sensitive to the physical form, smell and taste of food. A cat used to one texture may refuse a food with a different texture altogether.
Temperature
According to AAHA, cats do not accept food served too cold or too warm, and tend to prefer food near body temperature.
Bad associations
AAHA explains that food aversions can last up to 40 days in cats. If your cat felt sick while eating a food, it may refuse it afterwards. That is why AAHA advises not feeding the food you want your cat to eat long term while your cat is nauseous.
The switching plan
- Start at 25%. Mix about one quarter new food with three quarters old food.
- Watch, then move up. When your cat is eating the mix well, increase the new food a little. If your cat eats less, go back a step.
- Be patient. AAHA’s advice is simply to keep going until your cat is eating the new food, even if that takes weeks.
- Keep texture in mind. AAHA says a cat used to one texture may need one to two months to accept another.
- Make sure your cat eats. AAHA stresses that cats must eat enough calories every day. A slow switch is fine; a hungry cat is not.
Tips that help
| Try this | Why (from AAHA) |
|---|---|
| Warm food to near body temperature | Cats prefer food at about body temperature |
| Add a small topper of canned food | A suggested flavour enhancer |
| Add low-salt tuna, clam or chicken broth | A suggested flavour enhancer for cats |
| Ask your vet team about other enhancers | Recommended by AAHA |
If your cat gulps food and brings it back up, see our guide to cats that eat too fast. Puzzle feeders can also make mealtimes more interesting once your cat has switched; see a cat that will not use a puzzle feeder.
When to call the vet
FAQ
How long does it take to switch cat food?
AAHA says cats may need up to 40 days, and one to two months if they are used to a specific texture.
Why won’t my cat eat its new food?
Cats are sensitive to smell, taste, texture and temperature, and they can develop aversions to food linked with feeling sick.
Should I warm my cat’s food?
Food near body temperature is usually preferred. Avoid serving it very cold or very hot.
Can I just stop the old food and wait until my cat is hungry?
No. Cats must eat enough every day. Switch gradually and call your vet if your cat refuses food.
What can I add to make new food tempting?
AAHA suggests a small canned topper or low-salt tuna, clam or chicken broth, and asking your vet team about other options.
Sources
- American Animal Hospital Association. Tips and timelines for transitioning your pet to a new food, 2021. PDF
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
