Updated April 30, 2023 by Jess and Jericho

Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through affiliate links below.

Feed your cat naturally, no nutrition education required. This step is crucial for helping your cat get used to better eating schedules.

What you get out of this

  • A clear map to feed your cat better
  • Save time, money, stress, and frustration
  • The best cat products I have found after years of research
  • Relief that your cat is eating better and enjoying the food
  • Better litter box habits after the transition

How much will this cost?

This guide is free. You will only pay for cat products and veterinary services. I also sell an optional digital workbook and printable workbook to help you stay organized.

How long will this take?

You will plan AT LEAST 4 months. However, some cats may need longer to adjust to new feeding schedules and new food. You will focus on ONE new food change per month.

Do you have a video guide?

Yes! Check out my video how to feed your picky cat better food.

Plan before you start

Grab a calendar, planner, or notebook. Or digital workbook or printable workbook that I created (optional, but helpful).

Write out the following in your planner of choice:

  • Month 1: Scheduled mealtimes
  • Month 2: Food toppers
  • Month 3: Replace treats
  • Month 4: Upgrade food

Within each month, write out the following:

  • Week 1: Plan, buy products, write out/print transition schedule (transition sheets are included in each step), weigh cat
  • Week 2: Start the transition, weigh cat
  • Week 3: Continue the routine, weigh cat
  • Week 4: Continue routine, weigh cat

Daily to-do list:

  • Talk to your cat
  • Litter box habits
  • Likes and dislikes
  • Activity level
  • Journal

Now that you’ve got a clear plan, let’s get started!

1. Have a conversation with your cat

  • Prepare yourself and your cat for this transition.
  • Talk to your cat gently and happily.
  • Tell him you are going to be changing his food and taking him to the vet.
  • Explain to your cat why you are doing this and why this is important.
  • Get excited and let your cat feel that hopeful, inspiring, and happy energy.

Say something like, “Jericho, the next few months we’re going to make some changes. It’s important that I take you to the vet for a checkup first. They will take some blood and tell me that everything is normal and you are healthy. However, the food that you’re currently eating isn’t the best long-term. So the next few months we’re going to change the way you eat. And you’re going to taste some new yummy things. These changes and new foods are going to help you stay happy and fulfilled”.

2. Take your cat to the vet

  • Call your cat’s doctor and schedule an appointment.
  • Tell the doctor you would like to do a urinalysis, fecal, bloodwork, and weigh your cat.
  • Ask the doctor what an ideal weight is for your cat. Write it down.
  • If your cat is overweight or obese, ask the doctor what a safe weight loss goal is. Write it down. NOTE: You will not be decreasing calories yet. Your first goal is to upgrade the food.

3. How much to feed

  • Choose one day a week when you will weigh your cat. Write it down in your planner (you should have already done this).
  • Print a picture of your cat. Put it in your planner as a “before” picture.
  • Buy a digital scale to weigh your cat and food.
  • To weigh your cat: put a box on the digital scale and TARE out. Put your cat in the box. Write down the weight.
  • Check a body condition score card to see where your cat is at. Write down the body condition score and whether your cat is underweight, ideal, or overweight.
  • Weigh out the amount of food that your cat currently eats in a day. Write it down.
  • Check your cat’s current food label to see if you’re feeding the correct amount based on your cat’s weight. NOTE: Kittens should eat the recommended amount of food for their adult projected weight.
  • Do not adjust the amount fed yet. We will address weight loss on page 4 of this plan.

4. Scheduled mealtimes

  • Plan 3 mealtimes for your cat throughout the day. Choose mealtimes based on when you are home for at least 1 hour.
  • Mealtimes should not be longer than 12 hours apart. For reference, Jericho eats his main meals at 8:30 AM, 7:30 PM, and 9 PM.
  • Write down the mealtimes in your planner. You MUST feed at the same times daily with ~15 minute leeway.
  • Take your cat’s current daily food amount and divide by 3.
  • Put each portion in its own container for the day.
  • Tell your cat that starting today, he will eat portioned meals at scheduled mealtimes.
  • Explain the day, “Jericho, starting today you will eat breakfast after we wake up. You will eat your second meal when I come home from work. And your third meal will be right before bed. You’re not going to have a buffet anymore”.
  • Put down your cat’s meal for 1 hour.
  • After 1 hour, remove the food.
  • Put any remaining food in the refrigerator and save for 1 day. After that, toss uneaten food. Wash your cat’s plate after each meal.
  • Week 2-4 you will gradually decrease the amount of time the food is left down.
  • Work your way down to 30 minutes.
  • After week 4, if your cat is finishing his portioned meals at scheduled mealtimes, you can move on to the next step.

BONUS: Make scheduled mealtimes fun

Next step? Congrats on better feeding routines! Now it’s time to replace your cat’s treats.

FAQ

Can’t I just start switching my cat’s food now?

Is your cat eating portioned meals at scheduled mealtimes? If yes, then move on to the next step. If no, then no. Scheduled mealtimes are a crucial first step. Most people that skip this step complain that their cat will not touch the new food. This causes a lot of frustration for you and your cat. Scheduled mealtimes teach your cat that what you put down is what he eats. This first step will save you a lot of time, frustration, and headache in the long run.

What if my cat needs to lose weight?

Overweight and obese cats are at a higher risk for developing fatty liver disease if they lose too much weight too quickly. First, you will focus on improving how you feed and what you feed. Most cats may naturally lose some weight once they are eating better quality food. We will address weight loss again once your cat is adjusted to his new food (in step 4).

Can I feed less kibble to make my cat lose weight?

No. Most dry kibble is far too low in meat-based protein. AKA nutrition that your cat needs. So if you feed less of it, you will further rob your cat of necessary nutrients. First, you will upgrade the food according to this plan. We will address weight loss again once your cat is adjusted to his new food (in step 4).

My cat won’t eat within the 1 hour window.

Adjust the window to your cat’s needs. Week 1: start with a 2-hour window instead. Week 2: gradually decrease the window to 1.5 hours. Week 3: gradually decrease the window to 1 hour. Week 4: gradually decrease the window to 30 minutes. Work up an appetite and play with your cat before mealtime. Check the bonus section above.

How long can cats go without food?

Cats should not go longer than 24 hours without food. Mealtimes should not be longer than 12 hours apart.

What if I work long hours?

Buy a timed automatic feeder. The feeder has 2 food trays, a 48-hour timer for each tray, and an ice pack that goes under the trays to keep food fresher longer. You will set the feeder to open X amount of hours later. For example, you set up the feeder at 8 AM and would like it to open at 5 PM. Set the timer for 9 hours.

What if I have multiple cats?

Buy an automatic chip feeder for each cat (on Amazon and Chewy). The feeder registers to your cat’s microchip. It will only open for the cat whose microchip is registered. The feeder closes when the cat walks away. And it will not open for the other cats whose microchips are not registered. You can buy a stainless steel plate for the feeder on Amazon (recommended).