Sensitive cat has soft stool & lost weight after food switch. Vet?

Question

I had my cat on grain free food and switched her to normal after learning we shouldn’t feed her that unless she has an allergy to grains. She is eating fine, but she’s lost some weight and her stool seems very soft, not diarrhea but not firm stool. I’m not sure if maybe I should put her back on grain free food or what. But it seemed to start happening after I put her on regular food. She has a sensitive stomach. She can’t eat only dry food or she’ll get constipated. Should I take her to the vet? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs

Debi Matlack · Accepted Answer

Cats, unlike dogs can eat only meat and be fine, as they are obligate carnivores. Dogs can actually be fed a vegetarian diet but cats cannot. If she was doing well on the previous food then transition her back if you want, or you can give her a little more time to get used to the new diet. You could even transition her to a completely canned diet. If you changed her abruptly from one to the other, that could be what started her problems, especially if she has a sensitive stomach. Since she's eating fine I don't think you need to rush her to the vet just yet, as long as she seems well otherwise. Decide what food you want to feed her long-term and transition her slowly from her current diet by offering her some of each dry food in two separate bowls for a few days. Then put 75% old food/25% new food in the bowl together for a few days. Then go to 50%/50%, then 25%/75%, taking a few days each time. Gradually reduce the amount of old food until she is completely fed the new dry food. If she gets an upset stomach, you can back up a step and hold there until she feels better. If she loses her appetite, starts vomiting, becomes lethargic, then do get her in to see your vet as soon as you can.

Sensitive cat has soft stool & lost weight after food switch. Vet?

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