I have a cat that is a very fussy eater, and she will sometimes just refuse to eat her meal. What can I do?
Because cat foods are so palatable now, it is not as common to find a picky eater, but it can happen. Pet owners can actually help to create a fussy eater by taking advantage of the huge variety among cat foods; different kibble flavors and sizes, different textures and flavors of canned foods, pouches of semi-moist food, and freshly packaged meals in the refrigerator section of the grocery or pet store. It appears that for some cats, providing lots of variety, different flavors, styles, and textures, can overwhelm a cat with choices. For some cats, too much of a good thing (e.g., lots of food variety) is not necessarily a good thing!
A cat who will eat one diet for a while, then lose interest may have a problem digesting the food so be sure to have that ruled out by a veterinarian before considering your cat to be a picky eater. As long as a cat is not ill, either with a chronic illness such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, or with an acute illness such as a respiratory infection, she can actually survive for several days without eating. Most cats will not hold out very long before their survival instinct kicks in and they take your advice to eat what is offered. Unlike dogs, however, we must be very careful about attempting to jump start a cat’s eating by simply holding out to force them to eat what is offered. If a cat has any predisposition at all, just a few days of not eating can cause a potentially fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis.
One approach is to offer food at a morning mealtime, leave it out for 15-30 minutes, then take it away until the next mealtime. At the next mealtime, offer the food again for 15-30 minutes. Whatever is not consumed is removed. This approach works best with dry kibble. If you offer canned food, it is best to discard what is not eaten in order to prevent illness from spoiled food. Unfortunately, this means wasting food. To reduce waste, offer just a small amount of food per meal, gradually increasing to an appropriate meal size as the smaller volumes are eaten consistently. Offer frequent meals initially – at least 4-5 meals a day to avoid too little calorie consumption. As your cat starts eating more at each meal, you can try decreasing meal frequency.
It may be that the cat really does prefer a particular texture or flavor of food. For these cats, once you identify a texture, dry, canned, or semi-moist, that they will eat, stick with that formulation for consistency’s sake. For the semi-moist and canned food eaters, offer very small amounts at any one time. For a cat who is willing to eat dry, but just not all at once, it is reasonable to measure out the entire day’s portion all at once in the morning. Yet another option is to utilize a preferred canned food formulation as a ‘top dressing’ on dry kibble. Some canned cat food has a gravy component that may be used as a way to increase the cat’s interest in meal time.
One important consideration in dealing with a feline picky eater is to resist the temptation to begin feeding human food willy-nilly from the table. Once human food is given like this, it becomes much more difficult to transition back to balanced cat foods. It is actually quite difficult to balance a cat’s long-term nutrition when feeding them homemade food. Over time, taste preferences may emerge that lead to deficiencies of particular nutrients. Also, there are currently no commercially prepared, validated mixtures of macro- and micro-nutrients for adding to homemade cat foods.
While relying only on human food for feline sustenance is not a good idea, there are some human food options that can increase the appeal of a cat’s regular food and encourage consumption of the preferred nutrient profile. Be sure to check with your veterinarian to determine if any of these suggestions are suitable for your cat, and to verify how much you can add in a day without risking weight gain.
- No-salt-added chicken or vegetable broth.
- Fresh or frozen water-based vegetables (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, etc.).
- The occasional dry-scrambled egg.
One last consideration for cats who are ’fussy eaters’; there appears to be a segment of the domestic cat population that simply eats when they feel like it. These cats may simply not want to eat on the schedule we have chosen for them. It may be argued that having such a cat, one who is not a voracious eater but who grazes, is a blessing. Owners of gluttons can barely imagine what it must be like to have a picky eater!
— Update: 10-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How Do I Feed My Picky Cat? from the website go-solutions.com for the keyword what to feed a picky cat.
Felines and fussiness are nearly one in the same. The majority of cat owners have had some dilemma when it comes to their beloved kitty turning their nose up from food at one time or another. Having issues feeding a picky cat seems almost to be a natural occurrence. However, most cat experts will tell you that picky eaters are made, not born. In an attempt to please them, we can accidentally create cats who become little food critics. Here are our top tips on how to feed a picky cat.
Diet Facts for Picky Cats
When it comes to cats, there are some interesting facts to consider about their diet. Firstly, many cats experience neophobia, which is an aversion to new or unfamiliar foods. Most cats are picky eaters and aren't happy with the sudden change in their environment – especially when it comes to changing their food.
From a nutrient perspective, cats don't necessarily require an ultra-high protein diet, but they do have higher requirements for amino acids from dietary protein than dogs.
Create a Designated Feeding Area
When it comes to the location of where you place your cat's food, it's essential to note that cats need to have their food and water dish away from the litter box. Cats have a strong desire to keep their eating area away from the site where they eliminate. Cats are naturally very clean creatures, and if you place the two near each other, they may nibble on their food but refuse to use the litter box or use their litter box and refuse to eat.
Unlike us, cats aren’t social eaters. They don't enjoy group dining in crowded areas. Place food in a quiet space, away from the busy areas of the house. If you have a multi-cat home, give each cat its own feeding station. In households with small children or dogs, an elevated eating area will be your best bet. Not only does it keep the others out of the cat's food dish, but it also gives your cat a sense of security.
Read more 15 Plants That Repel Fleas and How to Use Them (Safe for Pets)
Say No to Additives
When it comes to hiding medication in your cat's food – it's best to avoid this trick. Their keen sense of smell can detect any foreign substance that does not belong. Some medications are very bitter, and even if it gets past your cat's nose, they will taste it. They might associate their food with a bad taste, even after you stop putting medication in it.
Additionally, adding “treats” (fish, chicken or other meat) to food is another recipe for disaster. Doing this will raise your cat's flavour expectations, and when you try to feed the food on its own, they may refuse it. Just as it is with dogs, it is best to keep food scraps away from your cat.
Mix Up the Variety of Recipes
Cats are sensitive to the shape, size, mouthfeel, and texture of the foods they eat, so it's best to start them early with a wide variety of recipes. There are many reasons why cats can become picky eaters. However, adjusting the way we feed our cats can help prevent most of these issues. If your cat stops eating at any time, a visit to the vet is always a good idea. Cats will stop eating if they are ill, and it does not take long for them to go into fatty liver failure, which can be fatal.
Moreover, many cat owners find food that their cat enjoys and then feed it to them day after day, sometimes for years. If the formula of the food changes, or if the cat needs to go on a special diet, you may find yourself with a cat who refuses to eat. Therefore, vets and cat experts suggest that you vary your cat's diet to avoid this.
Tip: Try adding in something with unique and delicious flavours like the GO! SOLUTIONS CARNIVORE Grain Free Turkey, Chicken + Duck Recipe. Packed with delicious fresh meats and probiotics, this kibble is perfect for picky eaters.
Remember, feeding a picky cat can be a challenge at first. But, with patience, trial and error, and by implementing some of our tips, you will be able to find recipes and solutions that work for both you, and your cat.
— Update: 10-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 13 Tips for Picky Cat Eaters from the website www.stellaandchewys.com for the keyword what to feed a picky cat.

Stella & Chewy’s | June 25, 2020 | 3 minute read
Share this postCats are finicky by nature and this can apply to feeding time as well. It’s important to keep your cat eating and excited for mealtime to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need. We’re sharing 13 ways to help you make mealtime a better experience for your picky cat (and you)!
1. Consult with your vet
If your cat seems to be consistently lacking an appetite or not eating much food, always speak with your veterinarian first to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing.
2. Establish a routine
A diligent feeding schedule can help by getting your cat used to a routine and specific times of day they can expect food will arrive.
3. Decrease treats
It’s easy to give into their adorable face, but giving your cat a lot of treats throughout the day can hinder their appetite and decrease motivation to eat their main meals since they know treats will come. Limit treats to one or two times a day at specific times.
4. Try a topper
Make mealtime new and exciting with a topper! Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust is freeze-dried raw, nutritious, and easy to sprinkle over your cat’s bowl and serve with a convenient, easy pour spout.

5. Try a different recipe
It may be as simple as switching to another recipe or protein. Some cats prefer poultry-based recipes over fish-based ones, or vice versa. Stella & Chewy’s offers a variety of recipe options across our cat product lines that include chicken, duck, turkey, fish, and even rabbit.
6. Try a different food type
With so many food types available, it’s worth testing out a new diet completely. Try frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, wet food, or dry cat food. Always be sure to transition slowly over 7-10 days.
7. Rotate foods
Switching up the types of foods and recipes you feed your cat can help keep mealtime new and exciting. As long as your cat doesn’t have any digestion issues from the change, there is no issue in rotating through different diets and recipes.
8. Add liquid
Sometimes, all it takes is adding a bit of moisture to the food. Not only does this help keep your cat hydrated, but adding warm (never hot) water or pet-safe broth, like Broth Toppers, increases the smell of the food and can help entice picky eaters.
9. Watch your cat eat
Some cats like or need an audience to encourage them to eat their food. Try sitting nearby so your cat knows you’re there and a part of their meal.
10. Give praise for finishing a meal
You love your cat and it never hurts to show excitement when they do something good like eating all of their food! Give compliments and extra attention to reinforce a job well done.

11. Pick up uneaten food
If the food has been sitting out and untouched for more than a few hours, pick it up. This is both for food safety purposes and to encourage your cat to be sure they eat while the food is out.
12. Try different serving dishes
It may be as simple as switching from a plate to a bowl or vice versa. Test out meals in various plates, saucers, bowls of all different (safe) materials, like ceramic, metal or glass.
13. Switch up feeding locations
Place your cat’s food dish in a new area of the home or on a different level (like on a countertop). Make sure the food bowl is never too close to the litter box.
— Update: 14-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Picky Cat Probs? Here′s What to Do for a Finicky Eater from the website www.meowmix.com for the keyword what to feed a picky cat.
If your cat is a picky eater, it can be tempting to assume that he or she just has a bit of a cattitude problem. But it′s also quite possible there′s another reason.
Most of the potential culprits behind a picky cat are no reason to panic, but it′s important to address the issue ASAP — especially if your cat won′t eat at all. More on that below.
Start here to find the right cat food for picky eaters of all kinds.
When to Hurry to the Vet
First things first: If it′s been two days since your cat has eaten, call a vet right away. You should also seek immediate medical attention for your kitty if he or she stops eating and shows any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
These could be signs of a number of diseases, including a very serious one called hepatic lipidosis, a.k.a. fatty liver syndrome.
If your cat has just started showing a loss of appetite and has no other symptoms, you may not need to rush to the vet. But do be proactive and make that appointment, keeping in mind the tips below.
What NOT to Do If Your Cat Won′t Eat
Some ideas that may seem logical at the surface could actually be dangerous to your cat. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.
- Don′t wait. You may think your cat will eat when he or she is hungry enough, but even just a day or two of not eating could actually trigger hepatic lipidosis in your cat. Ironically, the risk is even higher for cats who are overweight.
- Don′t substitute human food. Sure, it looks more appetizing to us, and it may pique your cat′s interest. But human food is not complete and balanced for the feline body, so it won′t provide adequate nutrition for your cat. And some people foods are actually harmful to cats.
- Don′t leave wet food out all day. If you want to keep some food sitting out for your cat to nibble on throughout the day, be sure to either use dry food or replace the wet food often. Wet food will dry out and lose its texture and aroma if opened and unrefrigerated for too long. And after that unpleasant impression, your cat may start refusing that type of food altogether.
- Don′t continue to offer the same food your cat is refusing to eat. It′s important to figure out the reason your cat won′t eat it, and if it′s because he or she doesn′t feel well, providing the same option over and over could lead to a lifelong aversion to that food. Try a new food or flavor to see if a change can inspire your cat′s appetite.
Read more A Heartbreaking Decision: Surrendering a Pet and Alternative Options
So, what can you feed a picky cat to fix the problem fast? The truth is there′s no single, universal best cat food for picky cats. But with some effort, you can find the best food for your picky cat.
First, you′ll need to find the answer to the underlying question …
Why Is My Cat Not Eating Enough?
Oh how many cat parents have asked themselves this question. Below are some possible answers.
A Misperception of What′s ′′Enough′′
Even if your cat doesn′t like to eat much at once, that may be OK, as long as the sum of all his or her nibbles throughout the day add up to the recommended daily amount on the package.
Meals You Don′t See
If your cat is an outdoor cat, it′s possible he or she is supplementing the cat food you provide with some self-caught wild prey.
Physical Illness
Like humans, cats often lose their appetite when something is physically wrong. So there are a wide range of illnesses and conditions that could disrupt your cat′s eating habits, including minor infections.
For example, a feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is similar to the common cold in humans. A URI or other illness that involves the nasal passages can also affect your cat′s sense of smell, which affects his or her appetite.
More serious possibilities include pancreatitis, bladder infections, kidney disease and even cancer, If you suspect a problem or have already ruled out simpler causes, it′s best to see a vet.
Hairballs
While not exactly an illness, hairballs certainly aren′t pleasant (for you or for your cat). Not surprisingly, they can cause your cat to lose his or her appetite. If hairballs are a problem for your cat, be sure to brush his or her coat often to remove loose fur, and talk to your vet about possible supplements or medications that may help. Also consider trying a specialized hairball control cat food.
Motion Sickness
Yep, cats get motion sickness, too. So your cat may not be interested in food right after you′ve been traveling, even just for a short car ride. Motion sickness is most common in cats who aren′t used to car rides and get anxious when they happen. The good news is, a motion-sick cat′s appetite should come back shortly after his or her sense of equilibrium goes back to normal.
Trouble Chewing
Unfortunately, gum and dental problems are common in cats, and they often get more advanced with age. Especially for an old cat, picky eater probs could stem from tooth or gum pain, which should be treated by a vet. Sometimes teeth even need to be removed, and then the appetite comes roaring back.
In some cases, the best cat food for picky older cats (or any cat with dental disease!) is a soft, wet cat food. In particular, a cat paté may be easiest for some cats to eat.
Recent Vaccination
Vaccinating your cat is not only safe but also important. Still, it can have some side effects, including a temporary loss of appetite. Your cat′s normal appetite should return within a day or two of vaccination.
In the meantime, consider offering a different type of food to help prevent your cat from associating that stressful time with his or her normal food (which could lead to a lasting aversion).
A New Food — Introduced Too Fast
If you′ve recently switched your cat to a new food and he or she isn′t having it, that doesn′t necessarily mean your cat will be a finicky eater forever. The change may have just happened too quickly for him or her to adjust. Every cat is different, but many cats need to transition gradually.
Instead of switching all at once, start by mixing a little bit of the new food into your cat′s usual food. Then increase the proportion a little more every day, over the course of at least seven days.
Mental & Emotional Health
Cats may have a reputation for being aloof, but you already know they have big feelings. And stress, anxiety or depression can affect feline appetites. What might be stressing your cat out, you ask? It could be a number of things, including conflicts with other pets in the house, the loss or addition of a family member (animal or human), or a recent change in his or her routine or surroundings. Even moving the food bowl to a different spot in your home can be stressful for some cats.
Negative Associations
Have you ever eaten something you loved, then gotten sick and decided you never wanted that food again? Or maybe you ate chicken soup while you were sick, and now smelling or tasting it reminds you of how bad you felt the last time you had it.
The same type of thing can happen to cats. They can sometimes develop aversions to certain foods because they associate those foods with unpleasant experiences, such as illness or injury, or unusual events, like a storm or an earthquake.
Simple Preference
OK, OK, there isn′t ALWAYS a mysterious underlying reason that makes a cat a finicky eater. Many cats just have strong preferences. Those preferences tend to form young but can also change over time.
Do cats get tired of the same food day after day? Some cats do! And who could blame them, right?
On the other hand, if your cat has only ever had one type of food, he or she may have formed a preference for that kind and only that kind. So if you′re caring for your cat from a young age, you might want to feed him or her a few different foods and different forms (pȃté, dry kibble, chunks and gravy, etc.) in a rotation to prevent finicky eating habits from forming in the first place.
Either way, once you figure out what your cat likes, it′ll be much easier to please your picky eater while also providing as much variety as he or she craves
What to Do If Your Cat Is a Picky Eater
Now that you′ve identified some possible reasons behind the pickiness, take action accordingly:
- If illness or trouble chewing seems to be to blame, a vet visit is in order.
- If a new food triggered the issue, return to the food your cat is used to and try the transition again, more gradually.
- If stress, a negative association, or a simple preference seems to be the problem, finding the solution may take some trial and error.
Try these tips when experimenting to find the best food for your picky kitty:
- Experiment with different flavors, textures and shapes — especially wet food. Wet cat food more closely resembles meat and is more aromatic, so it stimulates cats′ appetites.
- Make sure dry cat food packages haven′t been open for more than a month. Sitting open too long could cause the food to become stale or rancid.
- If serving wet food, put out just a little bit at a time, four or five times a day. This allows your cat to eat at his or her own pace without as much risk of uneaten food sitting out long enough to go bad.
- Praise and pet your cat when serving food. If your cat loves attention and making you happy, it only makes sense that showing a little extra TLC at mealtime will help encourage eating.
Find the Best Cat Food for Your Picky Cat
Meow Mix® cat food varieties include a wide range of delicious tastes and textures, and they all provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats at the life stage(s) listed on the packaging. So you can find a food that helps keep your cat both happy AND healthy.
Check out these popular options that even picky cats tend to love:
— Update: 14-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article My Cat Is Not Eating: An Owner’s Guide to Fussy Eating Cats from the website www.purina.co.uk for the keyword what to feed a picky cat.
Too many treats
If you think your cat is a fussy eater and notice that they’re being very picky, be patient. If you try to tempt a cat not eating much with your own tit bits or cat treats, they’ll soon learn that they can get a tasty reward for refusing their own food.
Fussy about flavours
Some fussy felines have a preference for certain flavours. If your cat prefers fish to fowl, Felix Pick ‘n’ Mix cat food bundles have the answer. Now you can choose 6 of your cat’s favourite flavours and build your box of 120 tasty pouches and get them all delivered right to your door. Browse our huge range of flavours with delicious recipes for adults and seniors and build your pawfect Felix bundle.
Other factors that create a fussy eating cat
Sometimes fussiness can be caused by factors other than food – so it could be that your cat just prefers to have their meal served a certain way, rather than dislikes their dinner! Try some of the following tips to tempt a picky pet into eating:
Cat not eating due to factors in their environment
Sometimes fussiness can be caused by factors other than food – so it could be that your cat just prefers to have their meal served a certain way, rather than dislikes their dinner. Try some of the following tips to tempt a picky pet into eating:
- Some cats don’t enjoy an audience when they eat, so give your pet some peace and quiet at dinner time. Other cats love company and may only eat when being gently stroked or hand fed.
- We wouldn’t serve our dinner on a dirty plate, and some cats won’t eat out of a dirty bowl either. Make sure your cat’s bowl is cleaned after each use to encourage them to eat, and prevent growth of bacteria on the dish.
- If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become a fussy eater, you may need to replace your supply. As dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather), your stocks may have turned stale.
- If your cat has started to turn their nose up at their usual wet food, it could be because it’s too cold. Wet food can lose its tasty aroma when kept in the fridge, and your cat won’t eat what they can’t smell. Try warming chilled wet food in the microwave for a few seconds so that it reaches room temperature, and it should hopefully tempt your cat to tuck in.
- If your cat is an outdoor pet, remember that there are plenty of opportunities for an unscheduled snack the other side of the cat flap – if they’re quick enough to catch something. Some cat-loving neighbours may also enjoy feeding your cat. By the time dinner time arrives, your pet just might not be hungry.
- Like us, a cat’s loss of appetite can be related to hot weather. Where we may choose to opt for a light salad on a summer day, your pet may also not fancy a heavy meal when it’s hot outside.
Read more How to Get Your Cat Certified as a Therapy Cat
— Update: 19-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How to Get a Picky Cat to Eat (5 Effective Tips) from the website consciouscat.net for the keyword what to feed a picky cat.
If you’ve read The Conscious Cat for any length of time, you know that cats should be eating a species-appropriate diet of raw, grain-free canned, or properly balanced home-prepared food. Cats should never eat dry food, and the money you invest in high-quality, premium food will result in better health and lower vet bills for your feline family members. I’m always delighted when I hear from readers who have switched their cats from a low-quality and/or dry diet to a healthier diet because of something they’ve read here on my site.
Sometimes, switching a kitty off the human equivalent of junk food can be challenging. Understanding why cats are finicky, and knowing how to safely make the switch to a healthier diet, or encouraging fussy cats to eat, is an important step toward better health for your cats.
What Makes Cats Picky When it Comes to Food?
Rule out medical issues. Loss of appetite, especially when it comes on suddenly, can be an indicator of a serious medical problem. When a previously healthy cat stops eating for more than 24-48 hours, this is cause for concern and requires a veterinary visit. Cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Finicky eaters are made, not born. Kittens who are fed a variety of foods after being weaned from their mother develop varied tastes. Those fed the same food all the time often refuse unfamiliar foods later in life. In addition to ensuring optimal nutrition and decreasing the risk of developing food allergies, feeding a rotation diet will expose cats to different proteins, textures, and flavors, which makes them less likely to become finicky and stop eating. Additionally, if your cat eats one brand exclusively, and that brand changes its formula, or is recalled, you’ll find yourself without a ready alternative you know your cat will eat.
Do you have the right food bowls? Cats don’t like narrow or deep bowls. They don’t like it when their sensitive whiskers touch the side of the bowls. Plastic food bowls can give off smells that are offensive to sensitive feline noses, and they can also cause chin rashes in sensitive cats.
Cleanliness. Make sure your food bowls are kept scrupulously clean but don’t use detergents with a strong scent to wash bowls and the area around the bowls.
Don’t mix medication into a full meal. While giving medications with food can work well, don’t mix it in with the cat’s regular food. Most medications alter the flavor of food, and even though your cat may eat the food with the medication mixed in the first few times, you may be inadvertently creating a food aversion. If you must use food to give medication, use a small amount of a different food, and then feed the cat’s regular meal.
Hard-core dry food addicts. One reason why it can be so challenging to get a cat to accept healthier food is in part due to what pet food manufacturers do to make these dry food so enticing to cats. As part of the production process, the baked or extruded kibble is sprayed with animal digest (and yes, it’s pretty much as disgusting as it sounds: digest is material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue.) Cats love the taste of these digests; for some cats, it’s like kitty crack and actually causes them to be addicted. Some cats also love the texture of dry food and may resist the drastic change in texture from dry to grain-free canned or raw food.
The 5 Tips How to Get a Picky Cat to Eat:
1. Go slow and be patient.
The key to transitioning these hard-core dry food addicts is to go slow and be patient. And you may need a few tricks up your sleeve. For some cats, it may take several months. I’ve heard of one cat whose human would put down a small amount of canned food next to his dry food every day for several weeks. He refused to touch it, so she wound up throwing it out each time. Then one day, several weeks into the transition, he gobbled up the raw food and never touched his dry food again!
2. Stop free choice feeding.
If your cat is eating only dry food, and you leave food out at all times, stop this practice immediately. This step is critical. Feed twice a day, at set meal times, and take up what the cat doesn’t eat within about half an hour. She gets no other food until the next meal time. Your cat will not try anything new if you keep his bowl filled with the old, familiar food 24/7.
Be prepared that your cat will make you feel like you’re letting him starve. This phase of the process can be much harder on the human than it is on the cat. Persistence is key. A little hunger at meal times can be a powerful motivator to get a cat to accept the new food.
3. Gradually increase the amount of the new food
Decrease the amount of the old food, until you’re only feeding the new food.
4. Add some incentives to tempt finicky eaters.
- Sprinkle freeze-dried chicken or salmon on top.
- Drizzle a little bit of tuna or clam juice drizzled over the food
- Add small pieces of cooked meat
- Spread a spoonful of meat-based baby food (make sure it doesn’t contain onion powder) on top of the meal
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the food (yes, the stuff in the green can)
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the food
- As a last resort, crush a small amount of kibble over the food
5. Minimize intestinal upset.
Most people recommend transitioning to a new food gradually, by reducing the amount of the old food and increasing the amount of the new food over a number of days to avoid upset stomachs and soft stools. I’ve found that when transitioning to grain-free food, this is usually not an issue, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
I do recommend adding a good probiotic every day. I actually recommend this not just during the transition period, but as a lifelong immune system booster. Probiotics come in unflavored powders and can be mixed in with the food. I use Dr. Goodpet’s Feline Digestive Enzymes, a mix of enzymes and probiotics.
Dealing with a finicky cat can be frustrating, and it can take time and patience, but these tips should go a long way toward getting your kitty to eat healthier food.