My Cat Won’t Eat the Raw Food
As many cat owners know, cats can be incredibly picky, sometimes proving to be the most discerning food critics around. For most pawrents looking to switch their cats from kibble or canned foods to a raw diet, a common concern arises: “Will my cat eat this?”
Even though raw food is one of the healthiest and most natural ways to feed our obligate carnivore cats, it can sometimes be challenging to make the switch. With cats, patience and understanding are key. Expect that your cat may not eat the new food right away. The adjustment can take time.
Cats are Imprint Eaters
Often, it’s not pickiness alone that prevents a cat from accepting a new food; it’s that they don’t recognize it as food. Cats are imprint eaters, meaning they remember the smell, texture, taste, and even temperature of the foods they’re accustomed to. When offered something new, they may simply not recognize it as edible.
Other factors can also contribute to a finicky appetite. Cats who have been fed the same food for long periods may become “stuck” on that specific type. Most kittens introduced to raw early, with a variety of animal proteins and cuts, rarely become picky eaters as adults. However, many cats who are switched to raw later in life, after being fed only kibble or canned food, are more resistant to new flavors and textures. Despite common belief, feeding only one type of food is not ideal and doesn’t protect against upset stomachs. A varied diet is healthier and more interesting for cats in the long run.
Knowing this, we can use a few strategies to ease the transition to a raw diet.
Making the Switch to Raw
If your cat is especially picky, here are some steps to help make the change easier. Moving from commercial cat food to raw is a significant shift, especially since raw food has little odor compared to commercial foods
- Start Small: Place a small amount of raw food beside your cat’s regular food. This lets them get used to the look and presence of the new food. Even if they initially eat around it, don’t be discouraged—this is a step in the right direction
- Increase Gradually: If your cat starts nibbling at the raw food, that’s a positive sign! Gradually increase the amount of raw food and reduce the old food over time.
Tips and Tricks to Encourage Eating Raw
If the transition isn’t going as smoothly as hoped, here are some tried-and-true tips to encourage your cat to give raw food a chance:
- Warm the Food: Cats prefer food at “prey temperature,” which is roughly room temperature. Thawed raw food from the fridge can be too cold. Warm it up by running the packaging under warm water or adding a bit of warm water to the meat. Avoid microwaving, as it can damage essential nutrients. Setting the food out for about half an hour before serving can help bring it to room temperature.
- Play Before Feeding: Engage your cat in some playtime before meals. This simulates a “hunt,” making them more likely to eat after a good chase.
- Change the Bowl: Some cats dislike the sensation of their whiskers touching the sides of a bowl (whisker stress). Try using a flat plate to make eating more comfortable.
- Hide the Old Food: If you’re switching cold-turkey from kibble, your cat may still be able to smell it and hold out for their “old favourite.” Place the kibble or canned food out of reach, even out of the house, if possible.
- Use a Topper: Try sprinkling a topper over the raw food to entice your cat. Freeze-dried treats, grated parmesan, nutritional yeast flakes, bonito flakes, or tuna water are popular choices.
- Change Feeding Locations: Cats need to feel safe while they eat. In multi-cat households, feeding each cat in a separate room or space can help reduce stress. Feeding in a new location may also encourage your cat to try the raw food.
- Be Consistent: Stick to your usual routine when feeding raw, avoiding hovering or showing extra excitement around the bowl. Cats can pick up on unusual behaviors and become wary. If your cat doesn’t eat the raw food one day, try again the next, consistently and calmly.
- Avoid Hunger Strikes: Never let your cat go more than 24 hours without food, as this can lead to serious health issues like hepatic lipidosis. If they’re not eating the raw food, add a little more of the old food and try again. Gradual changes work best.
Keep Calm and Feed Raw
Transitioning your cat to a raw diet can feel challenging, especially when your cat resists the change. Cats are creatures of habit and often resist anything that disrupts their routine. But with patience and persistence, most cats will eventually come around.
Some of our FB group members have spent months transitioning their cats to raw, while others have had success within days. Each cat is unique, and your journey may take time, but the health benefits are worth the effort. Once your cat accepts the raw diet, you’ll see and feel the difference in their health and vitality.
If you have questions or need support, reach out to us! We’re passionate about raw feeding and are always happy to help through Facebook or email.