If you have a new kitten, one of the first things to think about is what you are going to feed him! There is a whole array of diets out there to choose from, including many that are specifically designed for kittens. But what is so special about these diets? Why should your kitten eat them vs a standard adult cat diet? We’ll look at this as well as some other frequently asked questions about feeding your furry friend!
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Why do I need to feed a special kitten diet?
Kittens are going through a period of rapid growth and development. So they need a diet that is going to help support that. This means that their requirements for certain nutrients, such as protein and certain amino acids, differs from an adult cat who just needs to maintain their condition. These proteins are the building blocks for muscle and other tissues in the body. Kittens also need an energy dense diet to support all this growth, as well as their high activity levels. So a diet that provides enough calories for small tummies to handle is important.
Kittens also have smaller mouths and teeth than adult cats. So many kitten diets are formulated to account for this, meaning they are easier to chew. These diets are also designed to be easy to digest for immature intestines (guts) to process and absorb nutrients from.
If your kitten accidentally eats some adult cat food (for example, if you have adult cats in the house), it’s unlikely to do them any harm as a one off. But if they were continuing to eat mainly adult cat food in preference to kitten food, then they may not be getting all the nutrients they need. An imbalance like this could lead to problems with growth and joint development.
Should I feed wet or dry food?
There are some advantages to feeding dry food over wet food. It is easier to measure and weigh out your cat’s daily rations when he is on solely dry food. And it tends to be a more cost-effective food. Dry kibbles are also less smelly and messy than wet food. Which can be a particular advantage in the summer months. However, many cats find wet foods more palatable and prefer a moist, meaty texture.
Many people worry if their pets only eat wet food, as they think dry foods are better for their cat’s teeth. However, studies comparing bacterial levels and oral health between the two are inconclusive. It’s important to remember that tooth brushing is the best preventative care you can provide against dental disease.
As long as your cat is on a complete diet from a reputable manufacturer appropriate for his age, then it doesn’t matter if it is wet or dry food. It is much more important to monitor your pet’s weight and make sure you are feeding him the correct amount.
How much food should I feed my kitten?
The exact amount of food your kitten requires depends on their age, and adult size (a Maine Coon may need more than a Sphynx for example). As a rule, following the packet guidelines on your chosen diet will give you a good idea of how much to give. If you still aren’t sure, then speak to your vet who will be able to weigh your kitten and work out if you are feeding correctly. They may also be able to work out your kitten’s calorie requirements a bit more accurately for you if there are issues.
How often should I feed my kitten?
If you follow the packet guidelines of your chosen food, this will give you the amount of food that your kitten needs in 24 hours. It’s then up to you as to how many meals you divide this up into.
Most kittens aged 8-16 weeks of age will do best on 4 meals a day. Whereas kittens aged 16 weeks to 6 months will probably be fine having their daily rations divided into 3 meals. Cats that are 6 months and older should have large enough stomachs to now cope with 2 meals a day; though some cats prefer to graze over the course of the day. Just make sure they are only receiving their recommended daily amount each day though.
When do I move to adult cat food?
Many cats move onto adult food at 12 months of age. Make sure you transition your pet over to his new diet to avoid tummy upsets by mixing in the new food to his old diet gradually. It’s important to make sure you are feeding your adult cat the correct amount to avoid him becoming overweight, so using a calorie calculator can be helpful as well as checking the guidelines on the packet of your chosen food.
Conclusion
Kittens should be fed a diet that is specially formulated for their age, to ensure their nutrient requirements are being met. Also, check that you are feeding the correct amount, and not over or underfeeding. If you aren’t sure, then make sure you speak to your vet for advice.
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