How Do Cats Adjust to New Diets?
Helping a cat adapt to his new eating plan requires patience. A cat accustomed to free feeding all day long may be confused or unhappy about structured mealtimes, especially when dinner is a small ration, or a strange food with an unexpected taste or texture. He may initially reject the new menu, stalking away from his dish in visible displeasure. If the cat leaves his food untouched or unfinished, remove it after 30 minutes, and try again at the next scheduled mealtime. An aromatic spoonful of beef or chicken broth poured over the new food will pique his appetite. Hunger will eventually prevail, prompting the cat to consume his diet meals.
To stay healthy, cats should shed pounds gradually, losing no more than 0.5 to 2 percent of his total weight per week. For instance, a 20-pound (9-kilogram) cat should drop no more than about a pound (453 grams) in a month. Losing too quickly can create problems: The cat could develop serious liver disease, or the lost weight could reappear. If the cat is dropping weight too quickly, consult your vet, who may adjust the meal size or calorie count, or recommend vitamin supplements.
Excess weight isn't the only reason cats need to be on diets. Your vet may prescribe a formula food that targets the animal's medical conditions, from hairballs to dental disease to bladder or urinary tract infections. Cats with food allergies react adversely to the protein in most cat foods, and require nutrition especially formulated to their sensitive systems.
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