So, you’ve found a cat food your kitten loves. However, you know that they’re getting older, so this means it’s about time for you to consider getting them a cat food that’s geared towards adult cats. However, on the other hand, you still consider your cat a kitten as they’re still relatively small and playful. So, when truly is the right time to switch from junior to adult cat food?
Consider the following.
Age is One of the Most Important Factors
Perhaps the most important consideration when it comes to switching your cat from junior to adult cat food is their age. By the time their first birthday hits, this is generally time for the transition to begin as at this stage, they’re usually officially considered fully mature.
To transition, it’s recommended to mix 75% of your kitten’s original food with 25% of adult cat food for the first couple of days. For the next few days after that, switch to half and half. Around days 5 to 7, switch to 25% kitten food and 75% adult cat food.
It’s important to follow the latter guidelines when transitioning to adult cat food. This way, your pet will be able to adapt to the new flavor of their new food. More importantly, your pet will be less likely to have an upset stomach and other issues associated with making the switch. Gradual is best.
Better yet, try to stick to the same brand of cat food your pet is already consuming. Brands like Orijen Cat Food have both kitten and adult cat food products, offering an even smoother transition on both the taste buds and the digestive system.
It May Also Depend on Your Cat’s Breed
Did you know that larger cat breeds may not be ready to transition to adult cat food until later? It’s true. Larger breeds tend to mature slower and, thus, may not be ready for adult cat food until they’re a year-and-a-half to two-years-old.
Outside of your cat’s breed, certain cats in general may be slower to mature. This makes it important for them to stick to kitten chow in the meantime to ensure they get all the important, basic nutrients they need to get to a mature state as quickly and as healthily as possible.
Your Cat Must Also Be Ready
Sometimes age and your cat’s breed aren’t enough to determine if it’s time to make the switch to adult cat food. They may be old enough, however, may be resisting or struggling with the switch. It can be anything from simply not having reached maturity yet, or perhaps their teeth are still growing in, making it hard for them to consume a more advanced chow.
In this case, maybe take a step back for a bit before starting the transition over. Or perhaps you need to reduce the amount of adult cat food in your pet’s dish and make the transition more gradual. In other cases, your pet may be picky and not enjoying the taste or smell of their new food.
Conclusion
Getting the opportunity to raise a pet from the time they’re a baby to an adult is one of the greatest privileges in life. However, it also requires a lot of responsibility, including changing their cat food as time goes on depending on their age and health. With the latter guide, switching your cat’s food from junior to adult cat food will be much simpler of a transition.
