Kittens have unique nutritional needs as true carnivores. Providing the right diet during their early months is crucial for developing strong bones, teeth, and muscles. This guide will help you understand how to feed your kitten properly from weaning to 12 months of age.
Kittens thrive on frequent, small meals to support their growth and maintain digestive health. Aim to feed your kitten at least four times a day. Always ensure fresh water is available.
Striking the right balance in feeding amounts is essential to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Overfeeding is unusual due to kittens having high energy requirements in terms of calorie intake. Regular weight checks and creating a growth chart can help you monitor your kitten's progress. Knowing the parents' weights can provide insight into your kitten's potential adult size.
You can feed your kitten wet food, dry food, or a combination of both. A good tip to keeping a kitten/cat healthy and minimizing future health issues is a minimum of 50/50 for daily caloric intake via wet/dry. Even better yet, a primarily wet food diet. This is because cats are obligate carnivores, originally desert creatures, and are largely meant to obtain their water intake through their food (ie. through ingestion of little corpses, because body composition is ~80 percent water). Opt for complete kitten foods specifically formulated for their nutritional needs. Remember to change the food regularly to keep it fresh throughout the day.
While treats can be a great way to bond with your kitten, remember they contribute to daily calorie intake. Introduce new treats gradually and in moderation. Occasional treats like sardines, tuna, prawns, or salmon (preferably in spring water to reduce salt) are fine. Avoid giving milk to kittens, as it can cause digestive issues.
Metal or ceramic bowls are recommended as they're easier to keep clean. Wash feeding equipment daily to maintain hygiene.
Continue feeding kitten-specific food until your cat reaches 12 months of age. At this point, you can transition to an adult cat diet.
As obligate carnivores, cats require specific proteins in their diet, such as taurine. Attempting to feed a vegan diet to cats can lead to severe health issues due to the absence of these essential nutrients.