Feeding advices for cats

Switching cats to natural TOP DOG Bistro food

Cat eating habits

We all know that cats can be incredibly picky... But do you know why? To find out the answer to this question, it is important for us to understand how the cat brain works. Cats do something called food imprinting. From a young age, they pay attention to specific smells, shapes and textures to determine what is and is not food. The imprinted diet is of great value to wild cats, distinguishing between edible and dangerous objects (a truly huge evolutionary advantage!). Unfortunately, this can lead to eating behavior problems in domestic cats.
Another thing worth noting about cat psychology is their tendency to become addicted. Cats very quickly become addicted to the taste, smell, texture or shape of their food, and even your actions!

You need to understand and analyze your actions so far:
• Did you shake the bag before pouring the kibble into the bowl?
• What do you say to the cat when it comes running?
• Maybe your kitty rarely gets out of bed except to snack on the biscuits that have been in the bowl 24 hours a day?
• Maybe a fluffy cat wraps itself around your legs, signaling the need to open the fridge and, with a click of the lid, serve up a can of fortified canned food?
Most feeding rituals are different, but timing, taste, texture, action, sound and smell ALL play a role. Chances are your cat has become accustomed to these stimulants, and you have probably become accustomed to the methods that work best for you. Essentially, you have been feeding an addiction.

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why transitioning your cat from dry to fresh food can be a real challenge. When feeding your pets, you need to keep in mind that they have developed preferences for certain smells, shapes and textures of food. Remember, your cat isn't "picky," it's just the way her brain works.

Transition

Switching from dry to fresh natural RAW food can be a challenge, so we recommend a slow transition. The main reason would be to avoid digestive upset, but most importantly, because it is likely that your cat will reject the new food for a long time. Give your cat the time and space they need to “figure out” their new diet. Hungry cats are always more likely to sniff, lick and eventually taste new food products. So, reduce the daily amount of commercial canned or dry food.
Warning: However, you should not leave your cat without food for more than 24 hours. Cats need to eat frequently, as the feeling of hunger is not natural to them and can lead to feline hepatic lipidosis. If your cat is significantly overweight, suffers from dental or other medical problems, then you will probably want to consult your veterinarian first.

The first step would be to stop 24-hour access to food. I.e. you will need to create a feeding schedule. This will create “hunger moments” that will eventually encourage your cat to try the new food.
Introduce a routine of feeding twice a day, say at 8 am and 6 pm. Feed like this for a week or even two until you get used to portion control. Your cat’s biological clock will synchronize, and your anatomy, physiology and behavior will align with each other at the same time in the kitchen.
Step two. Once the new routine has taken root, you can start introducing natural food.
Once your cat is used to two meals a day, reduce the portion of its regular food and mix in 10% raw meat in one of the meals (e.g. at 6 pm). This process will need to be repeated, increasing the meat and decreasing the proportions of the old food, until your cat starts eating meat normally and you can offer both meals a day in TOP DOG Bistro.

Patience will pay off, and ten days is usually enough to transition a reluctant cat to a new RAW diet. However, keep in mind that for some cats, this transition can take up to several weeks. Young kittens and some adult cats instinctively recognize the healthy and natural RAW food, even when offered for the first time. Unfortunately, the vast majority of adult cats tend to be less enthusiastic and require a little convincing to try new things in their lives. Every cat will react differently to this change, with some cats wanting to mix the new food with the old, while others will prefer to have their new and old food nearby so they can better understand the new one.

Few advises 

Feeding Place - Cats generally eat better when they feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. Cats were solitary hunters in the past, so they tend to be more cautious, observe their surroundings and eat slowly. It is important that the feeding time you choose is as stress-free as possible. If your cat is fed with another pet, such as a dog, it may be better to feed your cat somewhere where the dog cannot get to it and disturb it, such as in another room.

Feeding Bowl - The shape and height of the bowl can be another reason why your cat is cautious when eating. Cats tend to prefer shallow bowls or even saucers because they have very sensitive whiskers. Cats also tend to eat from a clean bowl, so rinse the bowl with hot water after each feeding. This will not only please your cat, but it will also kill any remaining bacteria in the bowl.

Temperature and aroma - After thawing TOP DOG Bistro Cat Food in the refrigerator, it will still be cold. Since cats are hunters, they like their food to be at room temperature or even body temperature (like their prey). To safely reheat, place the sealed package of food in a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes to bring it to room temperature. Reheating the food will not only change the temperature, but also the aroma - delicious! Do not heat the food in a hot pot to avoid accidentally boiling it, as it contains bones, and cooked bones can be dangerous. It is recommended to store the thawed product in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use it within 2-3 days. Throw away any thawed product that no longer looks or smells fresh.

Texture - If your cat is picky about texture, you may need to try to imitate their old food. You may need to divide the kibble into small pieces and shape them into balls by mixing in regular canned food or rolling them in ground dry food flour, depending on what your cat is used to eating. You can also add a few of your cat’s favorite treats to help them get used to the new diet.

Patience – Switching your cat to a fresh food diet can be a real challenge, and you may want to give up. But remember – it’s all about how their brain is wired! If you can overcome the challenges, we know it will be worth it. We believe that nature designed the ancient diet right and the long-term health benefits will definitely pay off.

If you have any questions about nutrition, are interested in switching to a fresh food diet or have any other questions, please contact us parduotuve@topdogbistro.lt, and we will answer them as soon as we can.