Introducing Our Trial Boxes For Cats: The Purr-fect Way To Start Fresh

Feline facts and nutritional information by Tom&Sawyer's Registered Vet Tech Nutritionist, Kelly Gredner, RVT, VTS (Nutrition)

We are thrilled to officially announce the launch of our brand-new Trial Boxes for Cats!

If you are a cat parent, you know the struggle. Felines are famously fastidious. In fact, they can be incredibly particular about what goes into their bowls.

They desire foods with enticing aromas. They have specific texture preferences. These quirks can make finding the right nutrition feel like a high-stakes guessing game.

Many of these preferences are solidified in a cat's early years. With so many wonderful adopted cats living (and thriving!) in homes right now, pet parents don't always know what their cat’s early diet looked like or what they truly crave.

It's been four thousand years of domestication, and we are still trying to figure it out!

Why Cats Are Such Picky Eaters

Before we dive into the food, it helps to understand the feline mind.

Cats are not just being stubborn when they turn their nose up at a new bowl of food. It is a biological survival mechanism known as "imprinting."

Kittens learn what is "safe" to eat from their mothers and their early experiences. If a cat was raised exclusively on dry, crunchy kibble, they may not initially recognize soft, moisture-rich fresh food as food at all.

This creates a barrier for the "fresh curious" owner who wants to improve their cat's health but fears wasting money on food their cat will ignore.

That is exactly why we designed our Trial Boxes. They are the perfect, low-risk way to introduce your cat to the world of high-quality, gently-cooked nutrition in a smaller first order.

Why Choose Gently-Cooked Cat Food

You might be wondering what is gently cooked pet food and why it matters for your cat.

The difference lies in the processing. Most commercial kibble is cooked at extremely high temperatures. This harsh heat can degrade vital nutrients and denature proteins, requiring a large amount of vitamins and minerals, and for fats to be sprayed back on later.

In contrast, our gently-cooked meals are prepared at optimal low temperatures. This method achieves two critical goals:

1. It kills pathogens (bacteria) to ensure safety.
2. It retains the structural integrity of the proteins and the natural flavors of the ingredients.

If you are "fresh curious," looking for a non-traditional change in diet, or your Vet is recommending something specific for a health issue, we have the solution.

Most importantly, don't worry—Tom&Sawyer meals are complete and balanced. They are crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats as formulated by our Lead Nutritionist and feline fanatic Dr. Hannah Godfrey, PhD (https://tomandsawyer.com/pages/our-story)!

Which Cat Food Trial Box Is Right For You

Our Trial Boxes contain frozen, animal nutritionist-created recipes that are cooked in an inspected human food facility and conveniently delivered right to your door.

To help you find the perfect match for your kitty's palate and health needs, we have curated TWO specific options for our feline friends.

1. Mixed Cat Meal Trial Box

The Mixed Cat Meal is our "sampler" pack. It is the ideal starting point for the undecided kitty.

This box contains a variety of our three feline-approved gourmet meals, allowing your cat to decide which protein they prefer - or it may be all three of them!

Here is a closer look at the nutritional science inside this box:

Chicken Cacciatore 

This poultry-based dish is a crowd-pleaser for cats who enjoy traditional chicken based foods. We specifically engineered this recipe for adult and senior cats by giving it a lower fat profile, which can help prevent obesity in less active felines. It also includes tomato purée to provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular health and anti-aging.

Bento Box 

A fish-forward recipe featuring Sockeye salmon and turkey, this meal has a strong aroma that is perfect for scent-driven eaters. It is excellent for gut health thanks to the inclusion of ginger root, which is known to soothe sensitive stomachs and aid digestion. The salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are vital for reducing inflammation and keeping your cat's coat soft and dandruff-free.

Wild West Kangaroo 

This unique red meat option offers a completely new taste experience compared to standard pet foods. We included it in the mixed box to introduce variety, but it also acts as a useful test for allergies. If you notice your cat doing better on this recipe than the chicken, it might be a sign to switch to the full kangaroo box. But, of course, speak with your veterinarian first!

We recommend the Mixed Box for:

• Cats that need frequent dietary changes to stay interested (the "variety seekers").
• Picky eaters who demand flavor-packed meals with strong aromas.
• Cats transitioning from kibble to a fresh, modern option for the first time.

2. Novel Protein Kangaroo Cat Meal Trial Box

The Novel Protein Kangaroo Cat Meal trial box contains 100% of our Wild West Kangaroo recipe.

This is a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID). It is designed for maximum digestibility and minimal reactivity.

Why Kangaroo? Kangaroo is considered a "novel" protein in North America. This means most cats have never eaten it before, so their immune systems have not developed a reaction to it.

Key Functional Ingredients:

• Pumpkin: High in soluble fiber to help regulate digestion and firm up stools.
• Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats for energy and coat health without using dairy.
• Cranberries: Known to support urinary tract health by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. It’s also a powerful antioxidant!

We recommend this box for:

• Cats with known or suspected food allergies (itching, hair loss).
• Cats suffering from food intolerances.
• Cats with chronic gastrointestinal issues like IBD, vomiting, or diarrhea.*

How To Transition A Picky Cat To a Whole Food Diet

Switching a cat's diet requires patience. Do not expect an overnight success story!

Because cats imprint on textures (like crunchy kibble) at a young age, they may not recognize fresh food as "food" immediately. They rely heavily on smell to stimulate their appetite.

Here are a few tips to ensure success with your new Trial Box:

• The Temperature Trick: Cold food has no smell. Gently warming the food to body temperature releases the irresistible aromas of the meat. This mimics the temperature of "fresh prey" and signals to the cat's brain that this is safe to eat.
  
  
• The "Topper" Strategy: Do not swap their bowl instantly. Start by using the fresh food as a tasty topper mixed into their dry food. This gets them used to the flavor profile while keeping the familiar texture of the kibble.
  
  
• The Slow Roll:
  • Days 1-3: 25% Tom&Sawyer / 75% old food.
  • Days 4-6: 50% Tom&Sawyer / 50% old food.
  • Days 7-10: 75% Tom&Sawyer / 25% old food.
  • Day 10+: 100% fresh.

The Health Benefits Of Fresh Food For Cats

Why go through the effort of transitioning? Because the long-term health results are worth it.

Cats are desert animals by ancestry. They have a low thirst drive and are designed to get their hydration from their food, but also are experts in maintaining their own water or hydration balance. It’s high risk going to the local watering hole! By switching to Tom&Sawyer gently cooked meals (which are ~75% moisture), you are actively supporting:

• Kidney Health: Important for senior cats who may have reduced kidney function, increasing their overall hydration status.
• Urinary Tract Health: Diluting the urine to help prevent crystals,stones, and inflammation.
• Weight Management: High protein and moisture keep cats satiated for longer periods of time.

Need Guidance For Your Cat's Diet?

We know that navigating feline nutrition can be tricky. Every cat is an individual with their own quirks and medical history.

If you are still unsure of what to choose or what might be the most suitable for your beloved cat, please reach out us in the chat bubble and ask your question of our veyr own registered veterinary technician who is a specialist in Nutrition!

You can also set up a FREE 15-minute consultation with our Registered Veterinary Technician & pet nutrition team. We can help you calculate portions, troubleshoot picky eating, and select the right recipe for your cat's specific needs.

*Please always discuss therapeutic food options with your Veterinary team.

The Tom&Sawyer Difference

At Tom&Sawyer, we believe your cat deserves the same quality of food that you do. That’s why we operate in a human-grade facility, adhering to strict safety standards that go far beyond typical pet food regulations.

Whether you are trying to solve a chronic health issue like allergies or simply want to see your cat excited for mealtime again, our new Trial Boxes are the perfect first step. Join the fresh food revolution and see the difference real food can make in your cat’s energy, coat, and happiness.