How do I get my kitten to eat cat food when he prefers human food?
Question
My five-month-old, neutered, male kitten refuses to eat anything besides shredded turkey. I have tried everything to get him to eat normal cat food, including leaving him with no food at all for a long period of time. If he continues to refuse normal cat food, will this diet harm him over the course of his lifetime?
Answer
An exclusive diet of turkey over a long period of time will be harmful to your cat’s bones and general health. If you are having trouble converting him to cat food, you may try mixing cooked turkey with either canned or dry cat food for several weeks. Slowly reduce the amount of turkey until he is eating mostly cat food.
Cats are slow to convert to a new diet, but generally should adjust within one to two months. It is critical to slowly convert your cat to the new food. If you cat refuses to eat, complete withdrawal from food may induce liver disease in cats.
This question was answered by Dr. Merry Crimi, hospital director of Gladstone Veterinary Clinic in Portland, Oregon.
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