My cat refuses his new food. He no longer wants to eat his kibble. Should I persist? How can I get him to accept it? It's possible that your cat is just being a picky eater. But generally, with a good dose of patience and a proper transition phase, it's highly likely that your cat will eventually love his new food. Why is my cat refusing his new food? You might have decided to choose a new food for your cat for various reasons: a medical issue, to help him lose weight, or simply because you discovered the benefits of a healthier diet. However, it is not always easy to get your little cat to accept new food. Our cats have several peculiarities in their eating behavior; some cats will have no trouble switching food and may even enjoy the change, these cats are called "neophilic". Others may be a bit more reluctant. Indeed, it’s important to keep in mind that most of our cats are "neophobic", meaning they are wary of change. What the kitten eats during the first few weeks of its life will strongly influence its future eating habits, just as its mother's diet will impact its preferences. It’s also important to know that cats are sensitive to the "physico-chemical" properties of their food. The smell, taste, texture, and temperature all play a role in the food acceptance process. For example, a cat will prefer food at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 35°C. As for taste, cats perceive sour, bitter, and salty flavors but are completely indifferent to sweet tastes! Note: if your cat is turning up its nose at the food, it could also be an issue with food storage. The kibble may have oxidized, or the wet food may have dried out, etc. Find all our tips for properly storing your cat's food. How can I get my cat to accept his new food? Basic rules to follow First, make sure that your cat’s bowl is easily accessible. The location of the bowl is very important: your cat should not feel vulnerable while eating. In fact, he will prefer to eat in a calm place, but not necessarily in the corner of a room where he has to turn his back. This is especially true if you have other pets at home. Each animal should have its own bowl. Its feeding area should be at least 50cm away from its litter box. Don’t forget to regularly clean the bowl to keep it nice and clean. Choose a bowl that doesn’t slip on the floor and is not too deep, so your cat’s whiskers don’t get wet. Cats can perceive the oxidation in their food, so make sure to store it in a proper place. The food transition The food transition is likely the best solution for getting your cat to accept new food. This could involve a change in the type of food (dry, wet, homemade, or mixed) or a change in the ingredients. The idea is to introduce the new food gradually, along with your cat’s current food. By doing a food transition, you will avoid shocking your cat’s digestive system with a sudden change. Do not start a food transition just after an unpleasant or stressful event, such as a visit to the vet, a move, or digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. Steps for a food transition with wet food Step 1: To begin your cat's food transition, start by offering 10g of the new wet food, either alone or mixed with its old food. If your cat doesn’t refuse the new food, you can move directly to the second step. If he doesn’t eat it, try again the next day, and for several days if necessary, so he can get used to the smell of the new food. Step 2: Now you can double the amount of wet food, increasing it to 20g. You can offer this in one meal or divide it into two meals. Step 3: Continue this pace for several days, until the old food is entirely replaced. As you increase the new food, be sure to decrease the old food. For example, for one teaspoon of wet food, decrease the kibble by 2g to 3g. Then, for 50g of wet food, remove 10g to 15g of kibble. Camille and Julia, our awesome Cat Moms, share 5 tips in a video to simplify the food transition. 😽 Feel free to download our complete guide on food transitions. 10 tips to encourage your cat to eat his new kibble and/or wet food 1/ Play with your cat Physical activity stimulates his hunting instincts: “I hunt, then I eat.” It opens up his appetite and releases endorphins, the happiness hormones. Try playing a little hunting game with your cat: ball throws, fishing rod, etc. 2/ Feed him in a calm moment Our whiskered friends are naturally stressed. If you offer him food when there’s a lot of excitement in the house, he won’t eat. He’ll be alert to everything around him, not focusing on his bowl, even if it’s delicious. 3/ Place the bowl in a secure spot Always on the defensive, cats also don’t like to eat with their backs to their surroundings or on the floor! They need to be able to watch out for predators. If they feel unsafe, they may refuse to eat. 4/ Use a clean, shallow bowl Make sure the bowl is clean and shallow, so his whiskers don’t touch the edges. If they get "crushed", it may cause physical discomfort. Opt for a small plate, but avoid plastic or metal containers that may affect the food’s smell. 5/ Serve his wet food at room temperature Cats are gourmets, and their culinary experience mainly relies on smell and texture. So avoid serving cold wet food. You can add a small spoonful of warm water to make it more acceptable. 6/ Divide meals into smaller portions When it’s hot, wet food can dry out, and your little cat may reject it. So offer multiple small meals throughout the day if possible. 7/ Mix the new food with something he likes In the beginning, you can mix Ziggy’s new food with something he likes and is familiar with, like a bit of tuna juice, a drizzle of olive oil, a pitted green olive chopped into small pieces, some plain yogurt (if your cat is not lactose intolerant), a drop of soy sauce, or a few steamed zucchini cubes. 8/ A sachet of probiotics You can also sprinkle a sachet of probiotics on his food; they’re very appetizing and also improve the digestive system of sensitive cats. Probiotics for cats are a great option. 9/ Vary the texture You can also vary the texture by mashing his wet food a bit or adding a tablespoon of warm water to create a little broth if he loves that. 10/ Put some wet food on his paw If your cat refuses to try the wet food, you can put a small amount on his paw. He’ll lick it while grooming himself, slowly getting familiar with the taste and smell.  

What toys should I choose for my cat? Many of us wonder how to keep our feline friends entertained to prevent boredom. Cats can be delicate creatures, but when it comes to toys, simplicity often trumps sophistication. Sometimes, a simple cardboard box, a paper ball, or a bottle cap tied to a string make the best toys! Understanding the Importance of Play in Cats In the wild, a cat spends several hours a day hunting, so boredom is rarely an issue! Our indoor panthers need both physical and mental stimulation. When they have access to the outdoors, they encounter a multitude of natural play opportunities and can easily unleash their predator instincts. But in an apartment, it's essential to provide your little companion with enough stimulation to keep them from getting bored. If not stimulated enough, your cat might show signs of boredom such as excessive meowing and overeating. Play keeps your cat entertained and contributes to good health throughout its life. The more they move, the lower the risk of becoming overweight or obese. What Toys for My Cat? A cat tree, which serves as a perch. Your cat can jump, observe, and hide as it pleases. A scratching post, to satisfy their scratching needs (and save your couch!). A cardboard box, you’ve surely noticed, cats love them! Customize a box by adding openings or stacking several together. A paper ball, probably the cheapest toy on the list! A fishing rod or feather wand, simple but always effective. Let the inner hunter out! A plush toy, some come filled with catnip – your cat will go crazy for it! A tunnel, perfect for cats who like sneaking into tight spaces. A laser pointer, to mimic a hunting session while playing together. A lookout spot, such as a small piece of furniture or chair placed near a closed window for outdoor observation. And what about feeding time? A slow feeder bowl, so your cat eats more slowly. Mealtime becomes both fun and stimulating. A puzzle feeder, in the shape of a tunnel, maze, or track – the options are endless! A treat or kibble ball, your cat will roll it around to release the food inside. Depending on your availability, put down your phone or laptop and play with your cat. These shared moments will keep boredom away and strengthen your bond. Be careful not to give your pet toys with detachable parts that could be swallowed. Your Hands Are Not "Toys" When your kitten is still young, it’s important to teach them not to bite or scratch your hands. Hands should never be considered toys. If your cat scratches or bites, stop the game and say “no” firmly. There’s no need to yell or make sudden movements – your cat wouldn’t understand. Once calm, you can resume playing. No matter your cat’s age, spending quality time with your little companion is priceless! It will always make them happy. What toys have you chosen for your cat?

The fur on your favorite jacket is a clear sign: an adorable kitty has moved in with you (for the better, of course). Here’s our Top 10 list of proof that you have at least one cat. via GIPHY 1. The vacuum cleaner is your best friend A little appreciation here—your living room has never been cleaner. via GIPHY 2. You no longer need an alarm clock; your cat’s stomach is your new clock Though, you might miss your old ringtone just a little. 3. Your floor is covered in toys, not your kids' toys, but the cat's But hey, this little angel totally deserves it! via GIPHY 4. You’ve never been so happy to come home, and so sad to leave Our little companions bring so much happiness. 5. You collect cardboard boxes Ever since they snubbed that €80 cat tree. 6. No need to tidy up; your cat does it for you You clearly have different tastes in décor. Oops, there goes another cup! via GIPHY 7. You’re never alone in the bathroom Not even when you’re on the toilet. via GIPHY 8. Your phone storage is full It’s so cute when he sleeps. 9. It feels like Christmas every day From time to time, you’ll find a mouse or a lizard here and there... a little gift! 10. Ultimately, you’re not at home, you live at your cat’s place So don’t be ungrateful—blessed are the cats who tolerate us in their homes. via GIPHY What’s the biggest proof that you have a cat?

Plants make wonderful decorations for our homes, but some are particularly toxic to our little companions. It is better to opt for a nice pot of cat grass that will delight your cat and allow it to purge itself in peace. My cat has been poisoned, what should I do? The curiosity of our cats leads them to sniff plants and sometimes chew on them, especially indoors... It is important to know how to react if your cat ingests a toxic plant. Time is of the essence, so immediately call your veterinarian, who is the only one able to guide you on what to do. If possible, try to tell them the name of the plant and the amount your cat has consumed. If you don't know the plant's name, gather some leaves or flowers. Do not attempt to make your cat vomit or give them water, as it could worsen the situation. There are two veterinary poison control centers in France, which are available 24/7 for free. What are the signs of poisoning? The toxicity level varies from plant to plant. Symptoms can vary. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain These may be digestive, such as diarrhea in cats. Poisoning may also cause your cat to vomit. For example, your cat may vomit bile. A poisoned cat may also experience abdominal pain. The azalea, a plant from the rhododendron family, causes diarrhea and vomiting in cats. Heart and/or neurological disorders Ingesting certain plants can also trigger heart and/or neurological disorders in cats. This is true for azalea, but also lily of the valley and mistletoe, common festive plants in our homes. Skin irritation, kidney failure, breathing difficulties Poisoning from a plant can also cause dermatitis, kidney failure in cats, or breathing difficulties. 20 Toxic Plants for Cats Indoor and garden plants to absolutely avoid for your cat Aloe Also known as aloe vera, the gel inside its leaves can cause digestive issues if ingested. Amaryllis Amaryllidaceae plants (daffodils, narcissus, and amaryllis) are toxic due to the lycorine they contain. They can cause heart and neurological issues. Arum The sap and leaves of arum are extremely toxic if ingested. Even simple contact can cause irritation. Azalea This beautiful plant is a real poison. The entire plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, and flowers. Symptoms mainly include diarrhea and vomiting. Its ingestion can lead to severe neurological and cardiac problems. Croton The latex in croton leaves is highly irritating and toxic to cats. Cyclamen Belonging to the primrose family, cyclamen is dangerous for cats. If ingested, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and even heart complications. Dieffenbachia Your cat risks poisoning if it chews on the stem or leaves of this ornamental plant. The latex in the plant is highly irritating and toxic. Ficus If ingested, ficus can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney problems. Wisteria Wisteria is toxic and irritating to both humans and cats. Mistletoe This plant, often found in homes during the holiday season, can cause digestive or neurological disorders in your cat. Holly Traditionally present in homes during Christmas, holly can cause adverse health effects if ingested by your cat. Iris Ingestion can cause digestive problems in your cat. Hyacinth It typically causes digestive poisoning. Oleander Highly toxic. Ingesting just a few leaves can cause cardiac arrest. Lily of the valley Entire plant is toxic: stem, sap, leaves, and flowers. Ingesting lily of the valley can cause digestive problems as well as heart issues. Philodendron This trendy ornamental plant is toxic due to its high concentration of oxalates. Japanese Mimosa Can cause digestive and heart issues if ingested. Poinsettia This plant, often given at Christmas, can cause digestive issues if your cat chews on the leaves. Rhododendron From the Ericaceae family (like azalea), rhododendron is toxic if ingested. Tulip From the lily family, the bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant. It can cause digestive poisoning. How to protect your cat from toxic plants? To protect your cat, the ideal is, of course, not to buy these plants. But if someone gives you one, place it in a spot where your furry friend can't reach it: on top of a dresser, in a closed room, etc. Unfortunately, you won't be able to enjoy it, but your curious cat won't be tempted to nibble on it, and you will have peace of mind. Otherwise, you can opt for non-toxic plants for cats! Alternatives to toxic plants: Safe plants for cats What plants can you safely have at home without risking your cat's life? Luckily, there are several safe plants for cats. Here are some examples: Ferns Dwarf Palms Chlorophytum comosum, also called Spider Plant Maranta Pilea, or Chinese Money Plant (with small round leaves) Gerberas Valerian Butterfly Orchid Cat grass Your cat's health is important, especially since it’s the one that truly brightens up your home. 😽Pssst: if your cat tends to nibble on everything in sight, try our delicious cat food. Healthy and balanced treats that will delight your cat and offer them a life full of purring. 💛

"What are the benefits of giving wet food to my cat? Why should I give my cat wet food?". Many of you have asked us about the benefits of wet food, and we feel this requires a complete answer. It's a divisive but important topic. Should I give my cat dry food or wet food? Wet Food versus Dry Food Don’t be fooled by their charming ways; beneath their cute facade, our cats are true predators. Born to hunt rodents, birds, and even some reptiles. Although their lifestyle has evolved over the years, our little fluffy friends still have the same nutritional needs. Accustomed to the creature comforts of our modern homes, our couch tigers now depend entirely on us. So it now falls on us to provide them with a diet that satisfies their nutritional needs. With a massive range of options out there, you'd be forgiven for feeling lost. Not least because the labels on the back of the packets are often indecipherable. We no longer know how to feed our furry friends! Our cats’ nutritional needs are very specific. They are strict carnivores, meaning they cannot live without meat in their diet. They need it in significant and sufficient quantities to meet their amino acid needs.  "Grain-free" does not mean "carb-free" Let’s look into "grain-free" dry food. Carbs, and more precisely starch, found in all dry food and many wet foods, are anything but essential to our cats’ diet. "Grain-free" is a big food trend for cats, which many brands have well understood. And yet, "grain-free" does not mean "carb-free". Starch is essential for the manufacturing process of dry food, so manufacturers have started using other sources of starch such as potatoes, tapioca, or even lentils which are grain-free but not carb-free. Good hydration is a must Finally, it's important to understand that in the wild, cats drink very little, as they are originally desert animals! The water that their bodies absorb comes mainly from their prey. But proper hydration remains extremely important for their health and the proper functioning of their organs. A cat that eats wet food will “drink” twice as much water as a cat that eats solely or primarily dry food. That's a big advantage, wet food wins this round. Is giving wet food to my cat an alternative to home-cooked meals? Home-cooked meals are one of the healthiest options in terms of quality and freshness of ingredients. But it’s not easy for everyone to provide a 100% homemade diet to their cat. Not least for practical reasons, as meat must be kept in the fridge and used relatively quickly. This also means making the time to cook, developing recipes and finding space to store portions. Avoid nutritional deficiencies AT ALL COSTS Finally, it's not always a good idea to don an apron if you’re not familiar with your cat’s exact nutritional needs. Our cats have unique nutrient requirements: arginine, taurine, niacin, tyrosine, cysteine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, pyridoxine, vitamins A and D. To avoid deficiencies you should seek advice from a vet/nutritionist. There's a science to looking after your fluffy friend’s health, and it starts by providing them with all the right nutrients in their diet. This is why we have created wholesome wet foods that meet a cat’s energy needs while coming as close as possible to what they would find in nature. A range of wet foods formulated with love by Veterinarian Dr. Géraldine Blanchard Many veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists, both in France and around the world, agree that wet food is the best diet for our cats' health. Among them is Veterinarian Dr. Géraldine Blanchard. Our recipes have been developed by feline nutrition expert Veterinarian Géraldine Blanchard. We prefer to rely on her knowledge and expertise rather than chasing marketing slogans. You’ll understand, you can't go wrong with our recipes. To sum up the benefits of wet food for cats The benefits of wet food for cats are numerous and its good reputation is well-earned. However, some are MISTAKENLY convinced that wet food is too rich and is just for treats. Quite the opposite, feeding your cat primarily wet food has many pros. Although not all wet foods are created equal, it's important to remember that by weight, wet food is less calorific than dry food. Wet food helps our cats feel full after eating. Feeding your cat primarily with wet food reduces the risks of him becoming overweight, obese or developing diabetes. Thanks to wet food, their urine is less concentrated and more diluted, limiting the likelihood of urinary problems. It's worth mentioning that the nutrients present in wet food also help maintain a healthy, beautiful coat. Finally, by choosing quality wet food, you are investing in your cat’s health and saving on vet bills. Wet food yes, but it must be quality wet food As you'll have gathered from this article, we're not pushing you to jump on cheap, low-quality wet foods, like some found in supermarkets. Complete Wet Food vs Complementary Wet Food: what’s the difference? Choose healthy, balanced, and grain-free wet food. And, of course, make sure to check the label for the term "complete" (and not "complementary"). Complete wet food must cover all of a cat’s nutritional needs. Complete food is ideally suitable as a sole diet. In contrast to complete wet food, complementary wet food cannot be given as a sole diet as it does not cover all nutritional needs of a cat. Do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer to find out the recommended daily portion size as part of a balanced diet. Grain-free wet food with quality proteins: that's the GOAL. At Ziggy, we don't compromise on our core values: transparency and honesty. Every ingredient in our wet food is selected for its specific nutritional purpose, from the premium organ meats to the vegetables which provide the fibres required for good digestion. You won’t find any grains in our wet food (rice, wheat, corn...), nor tubers (tapioca, potatoes...), nor legumes (lentils, peas...). You'll not find MSM (mechanically separated meat) or animal meal (bone, blood or feather meal...) which can be found in many cat foods. We consider cats to be part of our family, and we feed them accordingly, with the best healthy food tailored to their needs. To learn more about wet food, feel free to check out our article: what is the best wet food for my cat.   Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz !

How can I successfully change my cat’s diet? These days, we’re not just aware of the importance of a healthy diet for ourselves, but also for our precious fluffy friends. To get your cat eating healthy, nutritious food, you may need to change their diet. Cats don’t always like change (to put it mildly), but follow these rules and they’ll be purring with pleasure at their new food in no time.

My cat is peeing everywhere – help! This behavior can be incredibly frustrating, but it's important to identify the root cause in order to solve the issue properly. On your couch, on furniture, in your bed or even in your plants – your cat may spare no corner of your home. Don’t worry – it’s a common problem that can often be resolved with a few simple tips. Why is my cat peeing all over the house – except in the litter box? Cats are known for being very clean animals. Still, sometimes your furry friend might start urinating all over your home. Before looking for a solution, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions: 1: “My cat is doing it out of revenge” Revenge is a human concept – cats don’t act this way out of spite. If your cat is peeing outside the litter box, it’s not your fault. 2: “Repellents help with cat pee” Cats have a very strong sense of smell and like environments that smell familiar. Spraying essential oils, bleach, vinegar or other repellents will likely cause your cat to pee there again – trying to restore their scent. 3: “The litter box must always be super clean” Cats are picky – and each cat is different. A dirty litter box can certainly discourage use. Scoop out urine and feces regularly. A full cleaning once a week is usually enough. You can find more advice on choosing the right litter box in our full guide. 4: “My cat needs privacy” We often anthropomorphize our pets – but cats don’t have a concept of “privacy.” Their litter box doesn’t need to be hidden, just easily accessible. Before assuming it’s a behavioral issue, consult your vet to rule out any medical problems. Urinary tract infections or other illnesses could explain a sudden loss of bladder control. If the problem isn’t medical, it’s likely behavioral. Litter box issues vs. urine marking Litter box issues Your cat urinates on horizontal surfaces like the floor, bed, or couch. Check the litter box – is it clean enough? Clean and remove all traces of urine from the affected areas. Cats may return to spots that smell like their own scent. Avoid cleaning with bleach – the smell actually attracts cats! Use white vinegar instead. You can clean the litter box itself with bleach – it can help encourage use. In multi-cat households, each cat should have their own litter box. The scent of another cat may be a deterrent. If your cat continues peeing outside the box despite being neutered, stress might be the cause. Ask yourself: Has anything changed recently? A new baby? A new pet? A move? New furniture? Identifying the source of stress will help you resolve the issue. Urine marking Litter issues and urine marking are two distinct behaviors. If your cat is not spayed or neutered, and is peeing on vertical surfaces like walls, table legs, or chairs, it’s most likely marking behavior. In that case, spaying or neutering is often the best solution. Finally, don’t punish your cat for urine marking. For them, it’s completely natural and has nothing to do with defiance or revenge. The sooner you understand the root cause, the easier it’ll be to resolve – and bring harmony back to your home.   Did you enjoy this article? Then check out our post: 10 signs that you have a cat at home.