Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

How to know when it’s time to change your cat’s food

Shannon Cooper
By

Cats are creatures of habit. Unlike us, they are content to eat the same food for every meal day in and day out. However, there are still times when it may be necessary to switch your cat to a new food. Your cat’s nutritional needs can change throughout his lifetime due to aging and medical issues. To ensure he stays energized and healthy, you may need to provide a new type of food. So, is your cat due for a change in his food? Here’s how to know if it’s time to swap out your kitty’s food for something new.

Kittens eating together from a bowl
Michal Bednarek/Shutterstock

Changing life stages

As cats age, their dietary needs change. Cat life stages can be broken down into three periods: kitten (birth–1 year old), adult (1–7), and senior (7+). Since kittens are still growing, they need food that’s high in protein and calories. Adult food is the most common type on the market and suits the nutritional needs of cats ages 1 to about 7.

Recommended Videos

Older cats are less active and should be fed low-calorie food that’s high in fiber. Some senior cat foods contain supplements like glucosamine and fatty acids to provide mobility support. Avoid food that is labeled as being for all life stages. It can overload your cat with fat and nutrients, which could be harmful in the long run.

Related

Weight problems

Pet obesity is regrettably common these days. Because cats are so small, it doesn’t take a lot for your furry little friend to add on a few pounds. If your vet believes your cat needs to lose some weight, they may recommend switching to a different food brand.

You may need to feed your cat a food specially formulated for weight loss. The food should contain the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your cat needs with fewer calories. The vet may also recommend you play with your cat more to help him exercise and become more active. In no time, your cat will get back to a healthy weight and have more energy.

Skin irritation

Feeding your cat the wrong food can lead to skin irritation and a dull coat. Fatty acids are essential to keeping your kitty’s skin healthy and his coat nice and shiny. Try to find a food rich with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

If your cat is itchy, too, he may be allergic to his current food. Switching to a low-allergen diet may limit the number of allergens he is exposed to. Consult your vet first to determine whether your cat has an allergy and whether switching foods will help.

Car eating from a food bowl
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Medical issues

If your cat regularly has digestive problems, his food may be to blame. Food intolerance or low-quality food can cause chronic flatulence, stomach rumbling, and loose stool. Kitty’s upset stomach can be just as distressing for you as for him. Talk to your vet to determine the best remedy for your cat’s digestive issues. They may recommend switching to a higher-quality variety or a sensitive-stomach diet.

Following a surgery, illness, or stressful event, your cat may be understandably lethargic or weak. You can boost his immune system and shorten recovery time by feeding him a diet high in antioxidants. But if your cat seems tired for no discernible reason, schedule an appointment with the vet before changing Kitty’s diet.

Taste

Can cats taste? Yes, though not as well as we can; they have a measly 470 taste buds compared with our 9,000. For cats, smell and texture are much more important. Although cats typically don’t crave variety, they can still be picky about their food.

If your cat seems less than enthused about his current food, you can make it more appetizing by adding wet food as a topper. Or you can switch him to a food with higher protein levels that will smell more enticing to him.

Feeding your cat a healthy diet is one of your main responsibilities as a pet owner. Ensuring he is getting the nutrients he needs is essential for his overall health and happiness. Not all foods on the market will give your cat what he needs, but fortunately, our guide can help you better understand your kitty’s nutritional needs and find a food that fits.

Whether he’s getting older, has a medical condition, or is just bored with his food, it may be time to switch things up. If you suspect your cat requires a dietary change, be sure to talk to your vet first. They can diagnose any underlying health problems and help you find a new food that your kitty will love.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Shannon Cooper
Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
Why doesn’t my cat meow? Here are 5 reasons why your feline friend is silent
Physical and mental reasons why a cat suddenly stops meowing
Bengal cat lying down, looking at the camera

It's not exactly news that cats communicate with humans by meowing, In fact, you may have already learned to recognize what each of your cat's meows means. If your cat stops meowing, though, you might have a problem.
Some causes of this odd change are normal and harmless -- and some will even resolve quickly -- but there are also potential causes that can be much more serious. This is why it's important to get your vet involved early on. If you're wondering "why doesn't my cat meow?" you'll want to get to the bottom of the issue to determine whether your cat needs additional help.

Why doesn't my cat meow? Emotional upset could be the cause
If you think that "my cat doesn't meow," it might be because they're stressed or upset. If your cat is experiencing significant change, like having just moved into a new home, they may be staying quiet out of fear. The same is true if you've recently brought a new pet home. Your cat may be trying to avoid the new pet and any resulting fights that could occur if they meow and make noise. Alternatively, something like the loss of a companion or a recent illness could cause a kitty to feel shut down and quiet.

Read more
Is your cat hissing and growling a lot? These 5 tips will work wonders on your feline friend
Follow these tips if your cat is constantly hissing and growling
Tiger cat outdoors hissing

Understanding pet behavior can be a challenge, and if you see your cat hissing and growling, knowing what to do can help you deal with it and calm them down. Growling and hissing are natural behaviors for your cat. They're communicating to you that something is wrong. It's up to you to determine what's going on so you can take the right steps to address the issue and help your cat feel better. In turn, the behaviors should stop, and both you and your kitty should feel happier. If your cat is hissing and growling, put these tips to use to help fix the problem.

Try to identify the cause of the cat's hissing and growling
It's uncommon to see a cat hissing and growling for no reason. Usually, they are prompted by some sort of issue or change in a cat's environment. If you can identify this issue, then you can take steps to make your cat feel safe and stop the hissing and growling.

Read more
The kind of nutty behavior to expect if you don’t neuter your cat
Will neutering your cat prevent destructive behavior? Here's what you need to know
Tiger cat meowing while walking across a patio

If you've adopted a male cat from a shelter or rescue, chances are your cat is already neutered. But if you've gotten your cat from a private breeder or seller, then you might be struggling with the decision to neuter your cat. When making that decision, it's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of that procedure. Neutering can have a strong effect on your male cat's behavior, so make sure you know what to expect from un-neutered male cat behavior when deciding on the best option for you and your cat.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?
According to VCA Hospitals, un-neutered cats might contribute to the cat population control issue. Millions of cats are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them, and an un-neutered male cat who comes into contact with an unspayed female can contribute to this ongoing issue.
Un-neutered male cat behavior can include several undesirable habits. Many un-neutered cats spray urine as a way of marking their territory, and they might do this within and outside of your home. An un-neutered cat is also more likely to be aggressive toward another un-neutered male. This is caused by competition between males who are trying to protect their territory, and these fights can result in serious injuries.
Cats that have not been fixed are also more likely to roam and travel great distances, particularly during mating season. This sexual interest may drive your cat to leave home and can increase the chances of his getting lost or injured while traveling.

Read more