Switching your pet to Royal Canin? Do it gradually over 7 days, mix with the old food, and keep fresh water available. In Malaysia's heat, watch for loose stools and reduced appetite. This guide covers formats, portions, and when to see a vet.
Royal Canin Formats Available in Malaysia
Royal Canin offers a wide range of cat foods in Malaysia, with 63 products across dry and wet formats. The dry food comes in 2kg and 4kg bags for many recipes, while wet food is available in 400g pouches and cans. For small animals, Royal Canin also distributes bird food under the GOLDEN CUP line and fish products under MYDILAB.
The cat dry food range includes specialised formulas such as Urinary Care, Sterilised, Sensible33, Persian Kitten, Persian Adult, Maine Coon Kitten, Maine Coon, Kitten36, Indoor 27, Hairball, Hair&Skin, Fit32, Exigent42 Protein, Exigent33 Aromatic, Digestive Care, British Short Hair, and Babycat. These come in 4kg bags, with some also available in 2kg. Smaller 400g packs are available for Urinary Care, Sterilised, Sensible33, and Persian Kitten, which are handy for trying a new food or for short-term feeding.
Wet food options include the CAT WET line with 4 products: Sterilised Pouch, Kitten Pouch, Intense Beauty Pouch, and others. These are ideal for adding moisture to your cat's diet, especially in hot weather. Always check the label for the specific format and feeding guidelines.
7-Day Transition Schedule
When switching to Royal Canin, introduce the new food gradually over 7 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% old food for the first two days. Then increase to 50% new for days 3 and 4, 75% new for days 5 and 6, and finally 100% new on day 7. This slow transition helps your pet's gut adjust.
If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you can stretch the transition to 10 days. Always mix thoroughly so your pet doesn't pick out the old food. For wet food, you can mix the new wet food with the old wet food in the same proportions. If you're switching from dry to wet or vice versa, do it even more gradually, as the texture and moisture content differ significantly.
Portion and Water Guidance
Feeding amounts depend on your pet's weight, age, and activity level. Always refer to the feeding guide on the Royal Canin packaging for the specific formula. As a general rule, an adult cat weighing 3-4kg might need around 40-55g of dry food per day, split into two meals. For wet food, a 400g pouch typically lasts 2-3 days for a single cat when fed as a supplement to dry food. However, these are estimates—use the label as your primary guide.
In Malaysia's hot and humid climate, fresh water is critical. Cats are prone to dehydration, especially if they eat mainly dry food. Provide multiple water bowls around the house, and change the water at least twice daily to prevent bacterial growth. You can also add a little water to the dry food or offer wet food to increase moisture intake. For small animals like birds and fish, follow the specific feeding instructions on the GOLDEN CUP and MYDILAB products.
Hot and Humid Weather: What to Watch
Malaysia's heat and humidity can affect your pet's appetite and food safety. Dry food should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place—not in direct sunlight or near the stove. Once opened, a 4kg bag should ideally be used within 6-8 weeks. Wet food must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24-48 hours. Never leave wet food out for more than 30 minutes in hot weather.
Watch for signs of heat stress: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or reduced appetite. Cats may eat less in hot weather, which is normal, but a complete refusal to eat for more than 24 hours warrants a vet visit. Also monitor for loose stools during the transition—if diarrhoea persists beyond 2 days, slow down the transition or consult your vet.
Choosing the Right Royal Canin Formula
Royal Canin offers breed-specific, age-specific, and lifestyle-specific formulas. For example, Persian and Maine Coon cats have unique needs, and the breed-specific kibble shapes encourage chewing. Indoor cats may benefit from Indoor 27, while cats prone to hairballs might do well on Hairball. Sterilised cats often need a lower-calorie formula like Sterilised. If your cat has urinary concerns, Urinary Care is available in both dry and wet formats.
For kittens, start with Kitten36 or Babycat, and for pregnant or nursing queens, Babycat is suitable. Senior cats may need a senior formula, though Royal Canin's range in Malaysia focuses on adult and kitten. Always transition to a new formula using the 7-day schedule. If you're unsure which formula suits your pet, consult your veterinarian.
When to See a Vet
Consult a veterinarian if your pet shows any of these signs: persistent vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, refusal to eat for over 24 hours, sudden weight loss, difficulty urinating, or signs of pain. In hot weather, heatstroke is an emergency—seek immediate vet care if your pet is panting heavily, has a high body temperature, or collapses.
Also see a vet if you notice blood in the stool, frequent scratching or hair loss (possible allergies), or if your pet has a pre-existing medical condition before switching foods. Regular check-ups are important, especially for cats on urinary or weight-management formulas.
| Format | Example Products | Best For | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4kg Dry | Urinary Care, Sterilised, Sensible33, Persian Kitten, Persian Adult, Maine Coon Kitten, Maine Coon, Kitten36, Indoor 27, Hairball, Hair&Skin, Fit32, Exigent42 Protein, Exigent33 Aromatic, Digestive Care, British Short Hair, Babycat | Adult cats, kittens, breed-specific needs | Airtight container, cool dry place, use within 6-8 weeks of opening |
| 2kg Dry | Selected formulas (check packaging) | Small households, trying a new food | Same as 4kg |
| 400g Dry | Urinary Care, Sterilised, Sensible33, Persian Kitten | Trial sizes, short-term feeding | Resealable bag, use within 2-3 weeks |
| 400g Wet Pouch | CAT WET Sterilised, Kitten, Intense Beauty | Adding moisture, picky eaters | Refrigerate after opening, use within 24-48 hours |
| Small Animal | GOLDEN CUP (birds), MYDILAB (fish) | Birds and fish | Follow label instructions |
How to choose
- Choose a formula based on age, breed, and lifestyle (e.g., Indoor, Sterilised, Urinary Care).
- Start with a 400g pack if available to test acceptance before buying a 4kg bag.
- Follow the 7-day transition schedule: 25% new for days 1-2, 50% for days 3-4, 75% for days 5-6, 100% on day 7.
- Provide fresh water in multiple bowls, changed at least twice daily.
- Store dry food in an airtight container away from heat and humidity.
- Refrigerate wet food after opening and use within 48 hours.
- Monitor for loose stools, vomiting, or appetite changes during transition.
- Consult a vet if symptoms persist beyond 24-48 hours.
FAQ
How long does it take to switch my cat to Royal Canin?
A gradual transition over 7 days is recommended. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% old food, then increase every two days until 100% new on day 7. For sensitive cats, extend to 10 days.
Can I mix wet and dry Royal Canin food?
Yes, you can feed both. Many owners use wet food to increase moisture intake. Just ensure the total daily amount matches the feeding guidelines and reduce dry food accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
How should I store Royal Canin dry food in Malaysia's humidity?
Keep dry food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use within 6-8 weeks after opening a 4kg bag. Avoid storing in the fridge, as condensation can cause mould.
My cat is eating less during hot weather. Is that normal?
It can be normal for cats to eat slightly less in hot weather. However, if your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours or shows other signs like lethargy, consult a vet.
What should I do if my cat has diarrhoea during the transition?
Slow down the transition by staying at the current ratio for a few more days. If diarrhoea persists beyond 2 days or is severe, stop the new food and consult your vet.
Are Royal Canin products suitable for kittens and adult cats?
Yes, Royal Canin offers kitten-specific formulas like Kitten36 and Babycat, as well as adult formulas. Always choose the formula that matches your cat's life stage.