Cymric kitten refusing food after recipe change

A recipe reformulation turning a previously happy eater into a food refuser is genuinely frustrating — and at five months old, during a critical growth window, it's not something you want to let drag on. Kittens have very different nutritional needs from adult cats: higher protein, more calories, and specific nutrients supporting bone, muscle, and organ development. Before I point you in the right direction, a couple of quick questions: is your Cymric eating absolutely nothing right now, or picking at things half-heartedly? And when you say the brand changed its recipe — do you know roughly how long ago the switch happened and whether you still have any of the old formula left?

Three weeks of poor intake at five months old is a real concern — Cymrics are a medium-to-large breed and they need consistent calories right now for proper musculoskeletal development. The good news is that a strong food refusal like this, triggered by a recipe change, usually means her palate preferences are actually quite intact — she knew what she liked and she's holding out. That's workable. Can you tell me whether she was on wet food, dry food, or a mix? And has she lost any noticeable weight, or is she still bright and active between meals?

The fact that she's rejected supermarket pouches as well tells me this isn't purely about the one brand — she may have developed a preference for a particular texture or protein profile from the original formula, and generic wet foods aren't hitting that mark. Given she's a Cymric kitten — a breed that matures slowly and needs sustained high-quality protein — I'd move her onto Royal Canin Kitten wet food in the individual pouches. It's consistently formulated, uses a fine-textured pâté that tends to appeal to cats who've been eating good-quality wet food, and it's nutritionally complete with the protein and calorie density a five-month-old genuinely needs. It's widely available on Amazon UK and often sold in bulk packs of 85g pouches. The key is to offer it at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge — warmed slightly to release the aroma. Try one pouch, small amount, and see if she engages.

If she's still playful and alert, she almost certainly will catch up once she's eating consistently — kittens are remarkably good at compensating when the food is right. Just feed to appetite for the first week or two rather than strict portions, and let her eat as much as she wants of the Royal Canin Kitten. If after 48 hours she's still not engaging with the new food at all, or if you notice any lethargy, vomiting, or she goes more than two days without a proper meal, that warrants a vet check to rule out anything else going on. But based on what you've described, I'd be fairly confident this is straightforwardly about the food itself.

Perfect — and do try warming them just slightly, even 10 seconds in a bowl of warm water makes a difference with reluctant eaters. Once she's back on track and eating well, you can settle into a regular routine. Cymrics are wonderful cats and this growth phase really does set the foundation for everything ahead, so you're right to take it seriously. Good luck — I hope she tucks in tonight.