Should you have brought your cat up on non-raw food until now, changing diets can be challenging, at first. When we ourselves try and move from a less healthy dietary pattern to a more balanced diet, it takes a lot of convincing and effort.
A cat that has been brought up on commercial cat food, which is enhanced with flavor additives, has a palate that got used to certain strong flavors. Their removal can be a bit of a challenge to deal with and accept. You should spend as much time as needed in helping your cat get used to the idea of moving forward to a healthier option.
If your cat is currently on a kibble diet, start offering small treats of raw food. Slowly increase the amount of raw food, while decreasing the amount of kibble. Make sure to transition gradually, because a new food introduced too quickly may cause diarrhea. This transition can take 7 days or more, for kitties particularly addicted to kibble, or for those with sensitive stomachs or other health issues. Note that it is important not to free feed the kitty, moving it to a feeding schedule (2-3 times per day. For example, feeding in the morning and in the evening).
Alternatively, the transition can be made gradually from kibble to a wet canned diet first. Afterwards, moving the kitty from wet to raw, again maintaining the feeding schedule.
Here are some of the changes you may notice as you transition your cat to a raw food diet:
- Your cat may drink less water. Don’t become alarmed if you see water intake decrease. Since raw food diet has a high moisture content, your cat will be getting more hydration just through raw food. Still, keep a bowl of drinking water available at all times.
- You might find a previously docile cat more active and playful. When your cat is on a raw food diet it is getting a high-protein, low-carb nutrition that gives it an extra spring in its step. Cats will be more energized throughout the day, without the need to graze to keep energy levels high over time.
- Raw food diet tends to help underweight cats lose weight and aids in weight loss for overweight kitties. Working with a holistic vet is very useful for ensuring that this transition is not too swift and thus your cat can maintain better balance of weight.
- Allergies tend to clear up on a raw food diet. Cats can be allergic to various allergens they are exposed to via commercial foods. Our raw cat food is 100% grain-free and gluten-free, rich in protein, which mimics closely a cat’s diet in the wild. Human allergies may also ease because of reduced dander.
- You will notice the litter box odor reduce. Carbohydrate-rich commercial foods tend to ferment, creating a gassy environment. Feline short GI-tract is designed for a protein-rich raw food diet, and in turn you will notice less volume and less odor from the litter box.
With all of this in mind, then, you should hopefully be more prepared and less concerned about your cat’s quality of life post-change. As ever, keep an eye on your cat’s progress and always consult a holistic veterinarian for any health concerns.
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