for your information and peace of mind...

Cats can be notoriously finicky. 

There is a 1 Billion dollar industry centered around chemical plants that are  added to food to get cats to eat them when they would ordinarily not. Think  MSG added to human foods, but at least that must be declared on the label by law. These additives are usually designated as a natural flavoring on the label. Natural flavorings means derived from an animal or plant. I find this frustrating as I like to know what is in food in the case of possible food allergies. And the different pet food manufacturers have proprietary blends they use in all their flavors so that cats will be more likely to eat all of them.  So what can you do, when you have a finicky feline and are ready to make the switch to the Holistic Vet Blend premix?

Here are 9 tips on helping your feline transition:

1. Be patient! It may take several times before a cat will accept something  new. Put a few teaspoons of the homemade next to the old food. It can take numerous exposures to something new for a cat to try it. Oftentimes they  will walk away and come back later. 

2. Go slow especially if your cat is making a transition from kibble. Put a small teaspoon on the regular food and gradually increase the amount or put the new food underneath a sprinkle of the old (wet food on the bottom with  a sprinkle of kibble).

3. Avoid adding medications to food as much as possible. This is a quick way to cause food aversion. 

4. Try different temperatures: room temperature, slightly warmed

5. Use odor to your advantage. Drizzle a little tuna or sardine juice in water over the food to entice. Try a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or some bonito flakes to entice. Warming slightly can also cause the odor to be     stronger. 

6. Consider a wider bowl or plate when you feed. Cats do not like their whiskers to touch their whiskers to the bowl when eating. 

7. Try giving them some privacy. Put them in a quiet area with the new, scary food. Close the door and leave them be for a while. 

8. Put a dab on your finger and entice when hungry. 

9. Garnish with a little catnip!

It’s important to note that a cat cannot go for more than a day without eating. 

Complete refusal for even a short time can cause a serious condition known as hepatic lipidosis. And of course, with a poor appetite and weight loss, a vet visit is warranted.  

We are here to help and answer any questions you might have about your cat's specific personality. Please email us with questions.

Ready  to make the switch?