Cats can be pretty finicky and generally aren’t big enthusiasts for change. The easiest way to get them used to Shine is to start when they’re kittens but, of course, that’s not always possible. Here are a few ideas to get them going:
Change the appearance: For many cats, if the new food doesn't look or feel the same as what they’re used to, they won’t even try it, no matter how delicious it smells. So if your kitty has been on a canned diet, try mashing the new food to a similar consistency, adding water if necessary. Or if you’ve been feeding kibble, form the new meal into balls or pellets.
Work with texture: Sometimes a cat just really misses the crunch it got from the kibble. Many pets do care more about consistency than flavor. So even before you introduce the new food, start weaning him or her from that crunch sensation by moistening the kibble a little. Do this over time until they eat old food, now softer, without hesitation. Then try your transition.
Bring out the dinnerware: Many cats don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl—so instead of a round one, try an oval shape or a plate and see if they’re more comfortable.
Adjust the temperature: Sometimes just making the food a little warmer or with some broth does the trick.
Serve it fresh: Cats are highly sensitive to freshness and often turn up their nose if a package of food has been open for a while. (Oils in dry food can go rancid after a period of time. And when cans sit open, oxygen may begin to break down the chemicals used to denature the food, causing metal and plastics to leach into it pretty quickly.) So make sure the new food is as fresh as it can be. For our local customers, you might try our nuggets as they can be defrosted individually.
Add a little something: Spooning some bone broth over the new food or including a dab of goat yogurt has been known to turn the staunchest protesters into happy converts.