How Do I Get My Cat to Eat Wet Food When They Only Want Dry Food?

Cats are known to be picky eaters. If you are a parent to a cat that is comfortable eating only the food they have been eating since forever and is not willing to try anything new, you are not alone. Many pet parents face similar challenges when trying to introduce new food to their furball.

Cats often have a strong preference for crunchy, tasty dry food or kibbles. However, the notion of including canned or wet food into cats’ diet is gaining popularity among veterinary practitioners lately. Besides, opting for mixed feeding (dry food and wet food) may also be beneficial for cats rather than choosing only a dry food diet.

So, how to actually transition your crazy feline friend from dry food to wet food? Let’s find out. This blog includes information about the only dry food diet concerns and tips to encourage dry food-loving cats to eat wet food. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Why should you consider adding wet food to your cat’s diet?

Dry cat food has a crunchy texture, and many of them are coated with appealing animal digest sprays that cats find hard to resist. However, dry foods are generally high in calorie content and low in moisture. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. So, dietary moisture can be an important part of maintaining adequate hydration.

Tips to transition cats from dry food to wet food

Every cat is unique and will adapt to new food in a different manner. One cat may readily accept a new textured food, while another may resist it for a really long time. While you need to be patient with your cat during the change-of-food journey, here are some tips that may help with the transition from dry to wet food:

• Go slow:
  Changing your cat’s food overnight may not be a good option, as this may lead to stomach discomfort. Besides, your furry friend may not readily accept the new food. It is, therefore, a good idea to go with the new food slowly. Try mixing a small amount of canned or wet food with your cat’s regular dry food, and increase the amount of wet food gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days, or longer, depending on how your cat responds.
   
• Add a topper:
  If your cat is a real dry food fan, they may take time and effort in developing a liking for wet food. To encourage your fur baby to transition, try adding their favourite treats or a topper to the wet food. Once they start liking the food, the transition may become easier.
   
• Start with a play before mealtime:
  Try playing with your cat using a wand toy before meals, and when they enjoy catching the toy, slow down the play session and introduce wet food to them. A short play session before mealtime may help increase the chances of acceptance by creating a positive routine.
   
• Use the normal hunger sensation:
  Serve wet food when your furry friend is most hungry; they may accept it comparatively easily when they are really hungry. But do not starve them to force them to accept wet food, as this may result in food aversion and is harmful for your cat’s health as well.
   
• Try different flavours and textures:
  The smell of the food appeals more to cats. So, try different flavours and aromas for developing your cat’s liking for wet food. Fish-based flavours, like tuna, are generally known to be appealing to most cats.
  
  You may try products like Dine Saucy Morsels with Tuna Mornay & Cheese or Royal Canin Sensory Smell Wet Food in Gravy to make the feeding time more pleasant for your cat. If you plan to start with wet cat food, VetSupply’s amazing offers and discounts may help you make some savings on your cat’s wet food purchase.
  
  You can experiment with a variety of textures, such as wet cat foods available as mince, shreds, chunks, morsels, or foods in gravy or jelly formats. Try different textures until you get the one that your cat really accepts and enjoys.
   
• Warm the food a little:
  Some cats may find food more appealing when it is gently warmed, as warming enhances its aroma. So, gently warm canned or wet food before serving it to your cat. Always read and follow the feeding instructions on the specific product label or packaging before serving it.
   
• Provide a comfortable feeding environment:
  Ensure that your cat’s feeding area is calm and has less traffic. A place that has frequent visitors may make mealtime stressful for them. Also, keep the feeding bowls away from cat litter to avoid foul smells around your cat’s food. A calm cat is more likely to accept new food than the one finishing their meal in a busy or noisy environment.

In a nutshell

Cats are generally finicky about food, and readjusting a dry-food-loving cat’s diet to a canned or wet food-exclusive diet or a dry food and wet food mixed diet, as per their health needs, may take a lot of patience. The tips listed in this blog may help you prepare a general transition plan for your feline friend, but it is recommended to consult a veterinary nutritionist to design a plan that suits the specific health needs of your cat. Remember, the goal is not to starve your cat or force them to eat new food. So, be patient and help your furry friend develop healthier food habits with the inclusion of wet food in their diet.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I know whether my cat’s wet food is nutritionally complete?

A. You need to read the product label and packaging for details. Products generally mention that it is a complete and balanced diet for cats. If unsure whether a specific food recipe meets your cat’s nutritional needs, consult your vet.

Q. Why does my cat lick the gravy but leaves the chunks?

A. It may be due to the enticing flavour and consistency of the gravy or a dislike for the texture of chunks. You may try a different flavour, texture, or brand for your cat to check what your cat accepts easily.

Q. What should I do if my cat refuses every type of wet food?

A. Adding a topper (your cat’s favourite treat) or warming the food a little may help. You may even try to change the meal timings, place, or food bowl. However, do not withhold food to force acceptance. If your cat refuses all food or is eating significantly less than usual, contact your veterinarian.

Q. How slowly should I change my cat’s food?

A. It is generally suggested to introduce the new food over a period of 7-10 days. However, each cat is different and may take different time in adapting to new food. Consult your vet for further guidance.

Q. What should I do if my cat stops eating during the food transition?

A. The goal is not to starve the pet. Cats that stop eating can develop serious health problems. Offer the food that your cat normally accepts and take a different approach to reintroduce the new food. If your cat still refuses food, eats less than usual, or develops any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.

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