Weaning off dry food for cats

[Mary K]

Hurray!!! As of this week, my stubborn cat Sharkey, who refused to eat my home-made recipe, has been successfully weaned off all dry food. She was being transitioned from outdoors to indoors and so insisted on junk food during her transition (at least, that's what SHE said!) It took about 3 1/2 months altogether. My other two cats love my homemade recipe more than anything-except a bowl of dry food- so I had to keep her dry food in the bathroom and let her in and out of the bath to eat. I started by offering her baby food (turkey or chicken stage 2) in the AM, mixed with water. She would eat this while the others got their homemade. Then she would beg for the dry the rest of the day. Next, I started adding water to her dry food and giving it only in small amounts to prevent spoilage.  Gradually I reduced the number of times per day she was allowed to eat this "wet-dry food". Finally, I found a canned food she really liked, after trying many, many brands. That happens to be Merrick's Surf N Turf. At last, I stopped the wet-dry mix and just offered canned. She is now getting canned food three times a day, and I hope to eventually cut back to twice a day. Then everyone will be on the same eating schedule, at least! Who knows, she may even learn to like my cooking! Hey, if I can do this, anyone can! Her whining was tough, and I was sorely tempted to start drinking and smoking, but we all survived!

[Davis]

Her whining was tough, and I was sorely tempted to start drinking and smoking, but we all survived!

  That's pretty funny Mary.  Yes, I know what you mean.  I've been there.  The level of frustration can drive one to consider alternative measures of relief.    Fortunately we did not cave in.  It's great that you've succeeded.  I never thought I would either, and it's such a victory when it finally happens.  Sharky will eventually accept your homemade food, I'm sure.  The most difficult part is over.  Your story provides some great pointers on how to make the transition.

[Mary K]

Well, I was also motivated because the other two cats soon figured out what was going on in the bathroom!!! I felt guilty "treating" one and not the others! They would all still prefer dry. Just like kids and candy. There must be some special ingredient that is put in dry to make cats addicted-besides the sprayed on blood!