Transitioning to Raw Using Raw Meow Mix
Transitioning your cat to raw meals made with Raw Meow Mix is no different to introducing any new food. The process is guided by three simple rules:
Go slow.
Watch the litter box.
Be patient.
Go slow
Cats are naturally cautious about change, especially when it comes to food. Moving too quickly can cause digestive upset such as diarrhoea or vomiting, which may lead your cat to reject the new food altogether.
Patience and consistency are essential.
To begin the transition, we recommend using wet food as your baseline.
Remove all dry food from the house or store it somewhere completely inaccessible. If your cat can smell it, they may refuse other food and wait it out. Feed their usual wet food and begin introducing raw made with Raw Meow Mix alongside it.
Days 1 to 3
Add one teaspoon of raw made with Raw Meow Mix beside your cat’s usual wet food at each meal, ideally on the same flat plate.
If your cat does not eat it, discard it and offer a fresh portion at the next meal. Continue offering the teaspoon at every meal until they eat it. This may take longer than three days and that is completely normal.
Once your cat is consistently eating the teaspoon, double the amount.
Days 4 to 5
When your cat is happily eating the raw portion and their litter box looks normal, increase the meal to one third raw and two thirds their usual food.
If everything remains normal, move to half raw and half usual food.
From there, continue increasing the raw portion slowly until fully transitioned.
If your cat vomits or develops diarrhoea at any stage, stop the transition. Feed only their usual wet food for a day or two, then restart more slowly than before.
Freeze dried chicken treats or krumble can be used as a transition tool. Crush pieces or sprinkle a small amount over the raw portion only to encourage interest. Use this as needed.
Consistency matters. One day curiosity usually wins and most cats take to raw very quickly once they try it.
If your cat eats only dry food
Cats that are used to eating only dry food may take longer to transition.
Remove free feeding and do not leave kibble available all day and night. At mealtimes, offer canned food with a small amount of kibble mixed into it.
If this does not work, offer the canned food alongside the kibble instead. The goal is gradual change, not a hunger strike.
Ideally dry food is removed altogether, but this must be done carefully.
Never allow your cat to go more than twelve hours without eating. Cats can develop fatty liver disease very quickly. If your cat refuses raw, feed canned food. If they refuse canned food, feed kibble. The priority is that they eat while you continue to gently try again.
Use your judgement and your understanding of your cat’s personality.
Watch the litter box
The litter box tells you how the transition is going.
Soft or foul smelling stools usually mean the change is happening too fast. Slow down or step back a stage if needed.
A small amount of mucus can be normal during dietary change. Blood or excessive mucus is not normal and requires veterinary advice.
Raw fed cats typically poop less often and produce smaller stools. Going once every two to three days is normal. Raw fed cats often urinate more and may drink less, which is also normal.
If diarrhoea or vomiting occurs, stop the transition, wait a couple of days, then restart at a smaller amount.
Be patient
Some cats transition quickly. Others take weeks. Some even take months. All are normal.
Cats already eating wet or raw food usually adjust faster than cats fed only dry food, but every cat is different. Do not expect overnight success.
Be consistent and persistent. Keep offering that small amount of raw. Use the available tools and reach out if you need support. We are always happy to help.
Remember:
Go slow.
Watch the litter box.
Be patient.
Join our Facebook group for advice, support, and shared experiences during your transition.
Our YouTube channel is also a helpful resource, with step-by-step videos and examples of customers using our product.