Okay, so I’ve been messing around with different cat foods for my kitty lately, and I wanted to share my experience with this one brand called Orijen. I heard some folks talking about it, saying it’s pretty high-end stuff, so I figured, why not give it a shot? My cat’s a picky eater, so finding something she actually enjoys is always a win.
First off, I did a bit of digging. Seems like Orijen prides itself on using good quality ingredients. They talk a lot about “biologically appropriate” diets, which basically means they try to mimic what cats would eat in the wild. Lots of meat, you know? That sounded pretty good to me. I also noticed that their “Best Before” dates are clearly marked on the back of the bag, and they read it as Day, Month, Year. Also, the canned foods they sell have a shelf life of 2 years! Neat!
When I first got the bag, I made sure to check those dates – wouldn’t want to give my furball anything stale. Then came the transition. Now, my cat can be a bit sensitive to changes in her diet, so I’ve learned to do it gradually. The folks online said it usually takes about three to seven days for a cat to adjust, so I took my time. I started by mixing a little bit of Orijen with her old food. Just a tiny bit at first. I increased it every day.
- Day 1-2: 75% old food, 25% Orijen
- Day 3-4: 50% old food, 50% Orijen
- Day 5-6: 25% old food, 75% Orijen
- Day 7 onwards: 100% Orijen
Luckily, we didn’t have any major issues, which is always a relief. No upset stomach or anything like that. I did hear that some cats might get a little sick during the switch, but it usually passes in a few days. If you’re trying Orijen, or any new food for that matter, keep an eye out for that.
The Reaction
Now, the important part – did she like it? Well, I’ve gotta say, she seemed to really enjoy it! She’s usually not one to get excited about mealtime, but with Orijen, she’s been cleaning her bowl. I even caught her meowing at me when it was getting close to dinner time, which is pretty unusual for her. I guess that high-protein, meat-heavy diet is really doing it for her!
I also talked to a few friends who’ve tried Orijen, and they had similar experiences. One of them mentioned that her cat’s, uh, “output” was a bit… potent at first. But that seemed to be a temporary thing. Another friend said her cat had way more energy after switching to Orijen, which is great since her cat used to be a bit of a couch potato.
I know Orijen can be a bit pricier than some other brands. So, it might not be for everyone. There are other good brands out there, too, like Acana, Purina, or Hill’s Science Diet. Some people mix and match, feeding Orijen for one meal and something else for another. Some folks do 75% Orijen and 25% wet food, like Tiki Cat or Weruva. It’s all about finding what works for your cat and your budget. That “fed is best” saying definitely applies here!
Overall, I’d say my experience with Orijen has been pretty positive. My cat’s happy, healthy, and seems to be thriving on it. If you’re thinking about trying it out, just remember to transition slowly and see how your kitty does. It might just be the purrfect fit!