Updated April 30, 2023 by Jess and Jericho

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

Feeding your cat at scheduled mealtimes is important so that your cat learns to eat what you put down. Replacing treats with healthy options is important to help your cat kick the carb addiction. Now it’s time to liven up his meals. This makes the transition to better-quality food much easier.

1. Buy your cat’s new food topper

  • Click the buttons below for my food topper lists.
  • Buy ONE food topper to focus on this month.
Amazon US
CA
UK
Pets Warehouse
Only Natural Pet

You can also use fresh food toppers from your local farm or the grocery store.

2. Plan the transition

  • Open this google sheet.
  • Click “make a copy”.
  • A copy of the food topper transition sheet will open.
  • Check the label of the food topper for daily recommended serving for cats.
  • Enter the amount of the recommended daily serving of your cat’s new food topper in the red cell box D1.
  • The table will automate a transition schedule for the next 20 days to work your way up to one full serving.
  • For example, if the recommended daily amount is 1 teaspoon, you will enter the number 1 in cell D1.
  • The table will automate and show you the amount to add to your cat’s bowl each day. For example, days 1-5 you will gradually work your way up to 1/4 tsp. Days 6-10, you will gradually work your way up to 1/2 tsp. And so on.
  • Print the transition schedule or write it down in your planner. My digital workbook and printable workbook include a food transition page.

3. Liven up your cat’s meal

  • Use your digital scale or measuring spoons to add the food topper to your cat’s bowl.
  • For best results, split the daily serving between meals. But you will start adding the topper to one meal.
  • Follow the transition sheet to gradually add the food topper to your cat’s other meals once the first meal reaches it’s daily split amount.
  • For example, if we follow the transition sheet and 1 tsp serving size, meal 1 will reach 1/3 tsp on day 6. Day 7 you will start adding a little bit to meal 2 (and continue to put 1/3 tsp in meal 1). Meal 2 will reach 1/3 tsp on day 12. Day 13, you will start adding a little bit to meal 3 (and continue to put 1/3 tsp in meals 1 + 2).
  • Write in a journal how your cat reacts.
  • Keep track of your cat’s litter box habits during the transition.
  • Move on to the next step once you’ve reached 100% of the daily serving for the food topper.

Next step? Upgrade your cat’s food.

FAQ

What if the food toppers aren’t available to me?

Buy organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, no extra ingredients added (or the best quality you can find) chicken breasts or boneless turkey thighs at the grocery store or your local farm. Boil the meat plain and shred or dehydrate and grind to a powder to upgrade your cat’s bowl. You may also use eggs as a fresh food topper. Cook them over-easy.

Food toppers should not be more than 10-15% of your cat’s total daily intake for the day. For example, if your cat eats 4 ounces of food daily, the maximum food topper amount would be 0.5 ounces daily. Remove equal parts of your cat’s current food so you do not overfeed. Work up to this amount gradually. More on fresh cat food toppers.

Where else can I buy food toppers?

Buy on Chewy:
Buy on Only Natural Pet:

What if I don’t have a Google account to open the sheet?

Create one. It’s free. Or you can create an excel sheet using formulas on your computer. 20-day transition total. Day 1 = 5% of total recommended serving, day 2 = 10%, day 3 = 15% and so on until you reach 100% of the total recommended serving on day 20.

Why can’t I just upgrade the food now?

You are! We start small because ALL cats are sensitive to and picky about food changes. Starting small will save you time, money, stress, and frustration in the long run.