Thinking about changing cat food? Want to try a different cat litter? We show you how to make it easy!

Cats are like people - some like change, some like things exactly as they are. Changing cat food or changing cat litter can be tricky, but if you follow our transition process, it will be just fine!

"Transitioning" just means changing things slowly - even if your cat is one who welcomes new things, it can hurt their digestive system to switch foods too fast. The result can be cat vomiting and cat diarrhea. Cats have very delicate digestive systems. While they may be enjoying the taste of the new food, it can end in discomfort for them - and more clean up for you.

The minimum transition period for changing cat food is seven days:

• Day One: Mix 90% old food and 10% new food in their bowl.


• Day Two: Mix 80% old food and 20% new food.


• Day Three: Mix 75% old food and 25% new food.


• Day Four: Mix 50% old food and 50% new food.


• Day Five: Mix 25% old food and 75% new food.


• Day Six: Mix 20% old food and 80% new food.


• Day Seven: Mix 10% old food and 90% new food.

After Day Seven it should be safe to give your cat 100% new food.

Every cat is different - if you find that your cat vomits or has diarrhea after one of the Days, go back to the Day they were comfortable with. Remain at that mix for another day or two, then try moving on to the next stage.

Cats with more sensitive digestive systems will probably require longer than the seven days.

It is a good idea to discuss changing cat food with your vet before you begin the process. They might have a recommendation about which food is best for your pet, or a prescription diet to address any medical needs.

When changing cat litter use the same day ratios as food. Some litter switches are more difficult if your cat is used to the feel of a certain litter. Switching from clumping (soft) to something like pine litter (larger, harder litter) may take more time - if they go for it at all. Our cats objected so strongly to one type of litter that I gave up on that one and went back to what they were used to.

There is one difference in switching litter rather than food - with litter, I like to leave a litter box of strictly the regular litter and transition the rest of the boxes. When everyone is used to the new litter, I get rid of that box. That way, if our cats do not like the new litter they have a good alternative - rather than just finding an unpleasant alternative...


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