Hungry Cat Becomes Picky Eater After Days Without Food

Dealing with a fussy eater in your cat, do you really have to starve them for a few days? Beware of the risk of fatty liver disease!

Three days without food can lead to fatty liver issues.

When a cat's protein intake is insufficient, the liver cannot transport fats away due to a lack of specific amino acids, leading to fat accumulation in the liver and potentially causing nutritional liver disease.

Fatty liver is more common in pets with picky eating habits, like dogs and cats. Especially for cats, who are obligate carnivores, they need animal proteins for energy. If they don't get enough protein for three days or more, they are at a higher risk of fatty liver. If left untreated, it can threaten their lives!

Why should you switch your cat's food?

Each brand of cat food has different ingredients and formulas, with their own pros and cons. Some may have an excess or deficiency in certain nutrients. Switching your cat's food at the right time can effectively prevent nutritional imbalances and keep their interest in food fresh.

However, cats have delicate stomachs, and switching foods can easily cause discomfort, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it's important to use a scientific approach when switching your cat's food.

How to switch your cat's food scientifically?

Selecting New Food

Protein and fat are two important nutrients in cat food. If the nutrient content of the new food differs too much from the old food, it can be hard for your cat's stomach to adapt. Therefore, choose new food with a similar nutrient content ratio.

Also, pay attention to the flavor. For example, if your cat has always been eating chickenbased food, switch to a new food that is primarily chicken with fish or duck as secondary ingredients, avoiding a sudden switch to a completely different flavor.

The EightDay Switching Method

Day 1: Mix 70% old food with 30% new food.

Day 2: Mix 60% old food with 40% new food.

Day 3: Mix 50% old food with 50% new food.

Day 4: Mix 40% old food with 60% new food.

Day 5: Mix 30% old food with 70% new food.

Day 6: Mix 20% old food with 80% new food.

Day 7: Mix 10% old food with 90% new food.

Day 8: Feed only the new food.

Although it may seem like a hassle, this gradual approach to switching foods is very effective!

Add Probiotics

During the food switching period, you can add probiotics to your cat's diet to aid digestion and prevent discomfort.

Enhance the Aroma of the Cat Food

Cats rely on smell to eat. If the cat food doesn't smell good, they may be less likely to eat it. Try heating the cat food to release the aroma, which can attract your cat to eat.

Choose Cat Food with a Mild Scent

It's recommended to choose ecofriendly cat food with a mild and hypoallergenic scent, which is gentler on the stomach. Some cat foods with strong scents might be produced in small workshops and may not be as gentle on the stomach, so they may not be as appealing to your cat.

Parents' Note:

Even though there are scientific methods, it's not recommended to switch your cat's food frequently, as it can increase the burden on their stomach and easily lead to diarrhea. In addition, during vaccination and deworming periods when their immune resistance is down, switching food can cause adverse reactions, so it's best to avoid switching food during these special times.