Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they rely solely on animal tissues to meet their specific nutritional requirements. They require certain nutrients, which are only naturally found in meat. Cat’s have evolved their taste primarily to detect compounds in meat, preferring the umami flavour which is rich in amino acids and abundant in meat (1). They develop their food preferences early in life, and their curious nature during kittenhood makes it the best time to establish their desired preferences. That being said, adult cats can develop new food preferences, it may just take longer.
Kittens raised on a raw diet will usually have no issues eating a wide range of raw foods, however for adult cats raised on processed food (particularly dry), a transition to a species appropriate raw diet can be a confusing time. In fact, cats will usually become addicted to these processed foods which provide a glucose high, and contain lots of flavour enhancers, which can make it a challenge switching them over to a natural diet.
Cats are naturally cautious of new foods, an evolutionary trait to prevent poisoning from unknown foods sources. In fact, refusal of new food often goes beyond simple fussiness, it’s more likely neophobia, which is when a cat is very reluctant to try new foods. Many cat owners will agree, that their cats are creatures of habit and like their routines just so. Thus, we cannot emphasise enough that patience is key when it comes to feeding our feline friends.
Switching Cats to Raw
Some cats may take to raw food straight away, especially if they’ve been used to a varied wet diet previously, whilst others can take a lot longer to accept their new diet.
One of the first things we suggest, before transitioning foods, is to create a set feeding routine (if you do not already have one), and get your cat used to this on their current food. Feeding ad libitum (free feeding) is not recommended. This can promote obesity, and mask the cat’s natural hunger instincts, which presents further challenges when introducing new foods. Not only this, but it’s not possible on a raw diet due to the lack of stabilisers and preservatives. Leaving a raw food out at room temperature all day would simply cause it to spoil. Thus, getting them on a solid routine will set them up for success. Offer small portions throughout the day at the required times. If they don’t eat within 15 minutes, try again an hour later. The goal is to get the cat to eat food when it’s offered. Cats do well on a routine, and will gradually get used to this.
If your cat currently eats dry food, another step we suggest is getting your cat used to a higher moisture content. A dry food contains around 10% moisture, whereas raw contains 60-70% For cats fed solely on dry food, moisture content in their food can be off-putting. This can be achieved through adding small amounts of water to their food, or bone broth.
So… a few feeding options if your cat doesn’t take to raw straight away:
- Mix their old food and new food together in one bowl. This tends to be easier if they’re already on a wet diet. If on dry food, some cats will take to the mixed food, other cats may require the dry food to be physically broken down and mixed with the raw, gradually altering the proportions of current and new food.
- Another option is using two bowls, one containing current food and one containing new food. Again, gradually altering proportions makes this less overwhelming for the cat.
- Using their favourite treats as toppers or mixing these in over a few days. Start by putting the treats on top of the raw food, then once they’re comfortable taking them from the bowl start mixing with the raw. This can be enough to entice some cats. For this method to be most effective, its best to cut treats out at other times of the day.
If your cat sniffs or licks the food then walks away, don’t be disheartened. This does not necessarily mean they dislike the food, they are just being cautious and exploring gradually. Consistency is key and you need to go at your cat’s pace.
Increasing Palatability During the Transition
Lightly heating the food can entice cats to eat, as it releases aromas (2). In fact, cats have demonstrated a preference for warmer food, with 37°C being the most preferred temperature (3). This is likely as it mimics the typical body temperature of the prey they would naturally consume. You should not cook raw food due to the minced bone inside it, however you can warm it a little by adding some warm water or sealing it in a container and letting it sit in hot water for a couple of minutes before serving. We suggest heating the food in a freezer bag or sealed tub so you don’t lose any of those nutritious juices!
Adding toppers can significantly boost the cat’s perception of a food, although it may take a bit of trial and error to find what your cat prefers. Some common favourites include: a tablespoon of tuna water (tuna in spring water), a dash of nutritional yeast, warm bone broth, or freeze dried meat sprinkles/bites. Remember to feed in moderation.
Finally, you’ve got fat, which is highly palatable, digestible and very enticing. Selecting a protein with a higher fat profile may be more useful during the transition period at encouraging your cat to eat, opposed to leaner proteins which can be introduced once your cat has transitioned to raw.
Won’t They Just Eat When They’re Hungry?
We’ve all heard the advice, “they’ll eat when they’re hungry” when it comes to changing our pet’s diets. Whilst this method of fasting may work with dogs, it should not be used when transitioning cats. Hunger strikes should be avoided, and cats should not be allowed to go more than 24 hours without eating. This is due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis, where during fasting or rapid weight loss, the cat’s body releases large amounts of fat, which travels to the liver and settles preventing normal functioning and can become a veterinary emergency (4). There should be no intentional weight loss when transitioning.
Other Causes Of Inappetence
If your cat has always eaten well, then suddenly stops eating for more than 24 hours, we advise consulting with your vet, to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Sometimes, cats may ask for food then not eat it, this sudden refusal may be linked to a hairball issue, usually this is paired with vomiting bile which contains hair. Psyllium husk or slippery elm are a great fibre source for pushing hairballs through the gut. Alternatively, egg yolk contains lecithin which can also help with removal or hairballs by binding the hair, allowing it to pass through the gut.
Feeding Cats
Once transitioned, cats should be introduced to multiple proteins, after all variety is the spice of life! Here is our blog discussing the nutritional benefits of protein rotation. Rotating also helps prevent the incidence of the ‘monotony effect’, where cats suddenly show an aversion to a usually large part of their diet (5). For example, if you only feed chicken, and suddenly your cat starts showing an aversion to chicken, you have a bit of a challenge! Smaller prey are ideal for cats, such as chicken, turkey and rabbit, however if no allergies are present other proteins can be offered, such as beef, lamb, and game.
The feeding environment can be just as important as the feeding itself when it comes to transitioning, whether that be the type of bowl used or feeding location. See our blog on selecting the appropriate bowl for your cat.
Something as simple as playing with your cat before mealtimes can encourage their appetite, by tuning into their natural hunting instincts. Dynamic toys such as cat wands tend to work best at encouraging play.
Therefore, our main advice is to stay consistent and be persistent – and consider the benefits that a raw diet will provide to your beloved cat!
References
- McGrane, S. J. et al. (2023) ‘Umami taste perception and preferences of the domestic cat (Felis catus), an obligate carnivore,’ Chemical Senses, 48, 1-17. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjad026
- Zoran, D. L. and Buffington, C. A. T. (2011) ‘Effects of nutrition choices and lifestyle changes on the well-being of cats, a carnivore that has moved indoors,’ Timely topics in Nutrition. Available at: Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2006) ‘The Evolutionary Basis for the Feeding Behaviour of Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus), The Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 1927S-1931S. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1927S
- Eyre, R. et al. (2022) ‘Aging cats prefer warm food,’ Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 47, 86-92. Available at: Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2006) ‘The Evolutionary Basis for the Feeding Behaviour of Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus), The Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 1927S-1931S. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1927S
- Curtis, L. (2011) Feline Nutrition: Nutrition for the Optimum Health and Longevity of Your Cat
- Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2006) ‘The Evolutionary Basis for the Feeding Behaviour of Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus), The Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 1927S-1931S. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1927S
Lucy James | BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science
Looking to enhance your cat’s diet? Take a look at Cotswold RAW’s range of raw cat food.