Many cat owners assume transitioning their feline friend to canned food is straightforward. However, many cats, especially those accustomed to dry kibble, can be resistant to the change. As a veterinarian, I often recommend wet food for various health reasons, and I’ve learned many tips and tricks to help even the pickiest cats make the switch.
My own cats were dry food devotees when I adopted them. I wanted them to benefit from the increased hydration and protein that wet food offers. It took time and patience, but now they eagerly await their canned breakfast every morning.
This guide will cover:
- Reasons cats initially refuse wet food.
- The benefits of wet food and whether dry food is sufficient.
- When and how to transition to a new diet.
- 15 practical tips to encourage your cat to eat canned food.
- Recommendations for selecting the best wet cat food.
Why Won’t My Cat Eat Wet Food?
Cats accustomed to dry food often develop a preference for its crunchy texture, making them hesitant to try softer, wet food. These cats are sometimes referred to as “dry food addicts.” Introducing various textures, such as kibble, meaty chunks, and pate, from kittenhood can help prevent this.
It’s also essential to rule out any underlying medical issues. A vet check, including a dental examination, is recommended if your cat suddenly refuses wet food. Dental problems, such as resorptive lesions (painful erosions on the tooth surface), can make eating wet food uncomfortable due to its tendency to stick to the teeth.
The Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Wet Food
There are numerous reasons why incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet is beneficial:
- Increased Water Intake: Wet food has a significantly higher water content (around 80%) compared to dry food (around 10%). This is particularly important for cats with medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), or constipation.
- Diabetes Management: Wet food is typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food, making it a suitable option for diabetic cats.
- Weight Management: The high water content in wet food can help cats feel fuller with fewer calories, aiding in weight loss.
- Medication Administration: Wet food makes it easier to hide or mix medications and supplements.
- Preventative Hydration: Even in healthy cats, wet food helps ensure adequate hydration, especially if they don’t drink water frequently.
- Promoting Flexible Eating Habits: Introducing wet food early can help prevent picky eating habits later in life.
Is Dry Food Alone Okay for My Cat?
If your veterinarian has recommended a wet diet for a specific health issue, transitioning your cat is crucial for optimal health outcomes.
Even for healthy cats, incorporating wet food into their diet, either exclusively or in combination with dry food, offers significant benefits. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, likely due to their evolution in desert environments where they obtained most of their water from their prey.
Dry food advantages include lower cost and convenience for grazing cats. It’s also easier to use dry food with puzzle feeders, which provide enrichment. However, be mindful of dental health; choose a dry food specifically formulated for plaque and tartar control, such as Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care.
When Should I Transition My Cat to Wet Food?
If your cat is healthy and happy, you can start the transition to wet food immediately.
However, avoid switching diets when your cat is sick or unstable, as they may already be eating less. Introducing a new food during this time could lead to food aversion.
Stress can also affect your cat. For cats with FLUTD, gradual changes are vital, considering their emotional well-being. Consult your vet for advice on when to switch a sick cat to a new diet.
Can I Suddenly Switch From Dry to Wet Cat Food?
Even if your cat seems eager to try canned food, a gradual transition is essential to prevent digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Over a week, gradually increase the amount of wet food and decrease the amount of dry food.
How to Get a Picky Cat to Start Eating Canned Food: 15 Proven Tips
Never starve your cat to force them to eat wet food. Cats that don’t eat for over 48 hours can develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening liver condition. Ensure your cat eats at least one meal every 12 hours.
Here are 15 effective tips to help your picky eater embrace canned food:
1. Patience is Key
Changing a picky cat’s eating habits takes time. Don’t give up immediately if your cat doesn’t instantly accept wet food.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Food Gradually
Start by mixing a tiny amount of wet food with their dry food. If accepted, gradually increase the wet food and decrease the dry food each day. To avoid waste, refrigerate unused portions of canned food for up to 24-48 hours.
If mixing doesn’t work, place a teaspoon of wet food next to their dry food each day, allowing them to touch. If they start eating the wet food, gradually increase the amount. You can also try putting the wet food in the bowl first, then covering it with a layer of dry food.
3. Implement Meal Feeding
If your cat grazes on dry food throughout the day, switch to offering two meals: one in the morning and one in the evening, with no food available in between. This can make them more willing to try wet food when they’re hungrier.
Offer wet food for 30-60 minutes. If uneaten, remove it and provide their dry food. Remove the dry food after another 30-60 minutes, and don’t offer more food until their next meal.
Once your cat reliably eats wet food, switch to small, frequent meals throughout the day. The Cat Mate Automatic Feeder can help with this, offering up to five meals and keeping wet food fresh with ice packs.
4. Use Ice Packs to Keep Food Fresh
Wet cat food should be discarded after 1-2 hours due to bacterial growth. However, placing the bowl on ice packs can keep it fresher longer, allowing you to leave it out for several hours. This is beneficial for grazers.
5. Incorporate Irresistible Treats
Mix the wet food with a tempting treat, such as canned tuna in spring water or a Churu Lickable Puree Treat. If they won’t eat it mixed, place the treat on top and gradually incorporate it more each day. Freeze-dried chicken treats sprinkled on top can also provide an appealing texture.
6. Offer a Variety of Foods
Experiment with different flavors and textures to find what your cat prefers. Pate, jelly, meat chunks, and shredded meat are all options. If feeding pate or jelly, try breaking it up with a fork. Avoid switching foods too frequently; stick with one your cat shows interest in.
7. Warm the Food Slightly
Warming the food can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing. Aim for a mouse’s body temperature (around 37°C). Microwave it briefly on a low setting or add a small amount of warm water.
8. Offer Chilled Food
Some cats prefer chilled food, so try offering it straight from the fridge.
9. Feed in a Quiet Location
Offer wet food in a quiet place, away from other pets, to minimize distractions.
10. Let Them Observe Other Cats
If you have another cat who enjoys wet food, let the picky cat watch them eat.
11. Encourage Your Cat Gently
Some cats respond well to chin scratches and gentle encouragement, while others prefer to be left alone.
12. Hand-Feed Them
Offering small amounts of food on a spoon or your fingers can encourage them to try it.
13. Playtime Before Feeding
Playing with toys like fishing rod-type toys before mealtime can stimulate their appetite.
14. Use Wet Food as a Reward
If your cat performs tricks for treats, offer a small amount of wet food as a reward.
15. Add an Appealing Garnish
Enhance the dining experience with a garnish like FortiFlora Probiotics, catnip, bonito flakes, or parmesan cheese.
What Is the Best Canned Cat Food?
Every cat has unique preferences, so trial and error is often necessary. Fish and chicken flavors are good starting points. Medium-sized meaty chunks may be more appealing than pate or mousse.
When choosing a cat food, follow the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines. Select a brand that:
- Employs a qualified nutritionist.
- Meets AAFCO or FEDIAF nutrient profile guidelines.
- Has quality control measures for food safety.
- Performs product research and nutritional studies.
- Labels the product as “complete.”
Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s are excellent choices, as they exceed WSAVA guidelines. They employ veterinary nutrition specialists, perform feeding trials, and contribute to animal nutrition research.
Conclusion
Transitioning a cat to canned food can be challenging but is often achievable with patience and the right approach. By understanding why cats resist wet food and employing these 15 tips, you can help your feline friend enjoy the many benefits of a wet food diet. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice, especially if your cat has underlying health conditions. Good luck!
