All cats, small or large, are true carnivores. This means they must eat a meat based diet in order to survive. Cats cannot be vegetarians. Their bodies are specifically geared for processing a diet rich in animal protein. There are many great healthy benefits in feeding raw diet.
The first step in the transition to raw is to establish a regular mealtime. Introduce a high protein canned food along with a small amount of dry food to get her used to the softer texture. Only leave the food out for 30 minutes, and then take it away. Cats can easily go 8-12 hours between meals. Generally, changing a cat’s feeding habits can trigger a jumpstart in their metabolism, therefore they will be hungry at dinner time and more willing to try a new food. Continue to increase her canned food and slowly reduce the kibble portion of the meal. For extra finicky cats, a “bribe” food topper can be added to the canned food to encourage her to try it such as, grated parmesan cheese, bonito flakes, dehydrated meat treats, or catnip.
Once your cat has been switched to canned food, the transition to a raw diet is just a matter of getting used to a new food. Quality raw diets generally don’t have any odour, so she may not recognize it as food right away. Mix a small amount of her regular canned food with the new raw food to help her get use it the new smell and texture. Gradually increase the ratio of raw vs. canned over several weeks. “Bribe” food toppers can help with this transition as well.
Feeding a proper raw diet is not just about feeding raw meat. A proper raw food diet should include quality meat, bone, organ meats, as well as vegetables and supplements. These elements are needed in proper proportions to ensure that the cat is eating a balanced diet. Quality ingredients are essential in a good raw diet. Whether you buy a premixed raw food or make it yourself, always check to make sure the meat is fit for human consumption. Meat trimming and fat or butcher “pet grade meats” can sometimes consist of only by-products of the raw food industry, and result in an unbalanced diet with a greater risk of health problems after long term use.
When considering making the switch to raw, please take the same precautions as you would when handling any raw meat. It is important to be aware of your cats eating habits regardless of what type of food the cat eats. Make sure your cat eats every day. Being a little hungry may help motivate a cat to try a new food, but never let a cat go 24 hours without eating. Always thaw raw food in the refrigerator. Some cats prefer their raw food warmed-up a bit. Always warm raw food in a plastic Ziploc bag placed in a bowl of warm water or by adding warm water to a serving. Never use a microwave. It’s also important to use any thawed raw food within 2-3 days. Never refreeze previously thawed food.
It is also important to provide a quiet, stress-free place for your cat to eat. If your cat is diabetic, make sure to consult your veterinarian before transitioning. A change in diet can drastically and immediately affect the amount of insulin a diabetic cat requires.