IAMS MY
cat article detail banner
cat article detail banner mobile

adp_description_block186
Raising a Healthy Kitten: A Guide to Feeding and Nutrition

As a new pet parent, one of the most important things you need to understand is how to properly feed your kitten. It is crucial to ensure that your furry friend receives proper nutrition as per the changing needs. In this article, we will provide valuable kitten feeding tips to help new pet parents determine the right amount of food for their kitten, how that amount should change every month, and why it's necessary to continuously evaluate the kitten's feeding needs as they grow. Whether you are a first-time pet parent or simply need a refresher on kitten nutrition, this guide will provide the necessary information to ensure your kitten is well nourished and healthy.

 

A comprehensive feeding chart for your kitten's nutritional needs

As you start to feed your kitten, it's essential to understand how much food they need at each stage of their growth. To help you with this, we have created a feeding chart showing the recommended daily food intake based on a kitty’s age. Here's a quick look at the chart:

Age

Ration

0 to 4 weeks

Breast feeding

1 to 6 months

Feeding with specialized feed for kittens 4-5 times a day

6 to 12 months

A gradual decrease in the frequency of feeding

12 months and further

Full transfer to the feeding plan for an adult cat: wet food in the morning and evening; dry food and water always available in a bowl

As you can see from the chart, the recommended daily feeding for kittens can vary greatly depending on their weight and age. Remember that this is a general guide, and your kitten's needs may differ.

Kitten feeding tips: How often should you feed your new fur baby?

When it comes to feeding kittens, it's essential to understand that their nutritional needs change as they grow. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your kitten:

  1. Kittens should be fed three to four small meals daily rather than one or two large meals. This helps maintain their blood sugar levels and prevents them from getting too hungry between meals.
  2. Kittens should be fed a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Wet food is the best option as it contains more protein and moisture than dry food.
  3. Kittens under six months of age should be fed a diet specifically formulated for growth and development. After six months, you can start transitioning them to an adult diet.
  4. Be mindful of the ingredients you are feeding your kitten as some can cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. For example, avoiding foods containing artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products is ideal for cats.
  5. Always have fresh water available for your kitten.
  6. Do not leave food out for long hours as it can get spoiled, and rotten food can lead to serious infections in kittens.

When it comes to a feeding schedule, here are four kitten-feeding tips to keep in mind:

  1. Start with a consistent schedule. For example, feed your kitten at the same time every morning and evening.
  2. Gradually adjust the feeding schedule as your kitten grows. For example, if you start feeding them three small meals per day when they are kittens, you can provide them two meals per day when they are adult cats.
  3. Be flexible with your feeding schedule. Some kittens may need more food than others, and some kittens may be hungrier at certain times of the day.
  4. Keep an eye on your kitten's weight and adjust their feeding schedule as and when required. If your kitten looks thin or skinny, they likely need to be fed more. On the other hand, if your kitten looks overweight or chubby, they likely need to be fed less.

Properly feeding your kitten is crucial for their overall health and development. Our kitten feeding tips include understanding their nutritional needs and providing a balanced diet tailored to their growth stage. Keep in mind that kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats, so it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice and to ensure your kitten's nutritional needs are met.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What is the best way to feed a kitten?
  2. The best way to feed a kitten is to provide a high-quality, kitten-specific formula that meets its nutritional needs. Kittens should be fed small, frequent meals (about 4-6 times per day) until they are about 6 months old. After 6 months, they can be transitioned to 3 larger meals per day. Always ensure that fresh water is available at all times.

  3. How much should a kitten eat at each feeding?
  4. A kitten should eat about 3-4 tablespoons of wet or dry food per pound of body weight at each feeding. This should be spread out into 2-3 small meals per day. It's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific needs of your kitten.

  5. Should I feed my kitten wet or dry food?
  6. It is recommended to feed your kitten a combination of wet and dry food for balanced nutrition. Wet food provides extra moisture and hydration, while dry food can help with dental health. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations and portion sizes for your kitten.

  7. Do kittens eat in the middle of the night?
  8. Yes, kittens may eat in the middle of the night. It is essential to provide them with access to food and water at all times, especially during their growth stages. However, if you notice excessive or abnormal eating habits, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.

  9. Should I leave dry food out for my kitten overnight?
  10. This would depend on your feeding schedule. While most cats can wait until morning for their meals, some cats with small stomachs may prefer eating during the night as well. However, you must also take into consideration that leaving dry food out can lead to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, keeping dry food open can attract pests and create a breeding ground for bacteria. It is best to portion out their meals and provide fresh food at specific times.

Kitten Basics: 4 Kitten-feeding Tips
Kitten Basics: 4 Kitten-feeding Tips
  • Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
    Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean
    adp_description_block493
    Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean

    Listen up, Mom or Dad, because your feline definitely has something to say. Cats use more than 100 different vocal sounds to communicate. Here are nine of the most common sounds you’ll hear and what your cat’s unique language means.

     

    Purr

    While your cat’s purrs are usually a sign that they’re happy, comfortable or content, it’s important to point out that your cat might also purr when they are anxious, agitated or sick — because purring soothes them. The key to figuring out if it’s a “worry purr” is to check if their ears are folded back, if they seem tense or if they just aren’t acting normal. (If that’s the case, call the vet and grab the cat carrier.)

     

    Meow

    Why do cats meow? It’s simple: It’s their way of communicating with us!
     

    Meows are your cat’s most common “word,” and every one means something different. For example, your cat might meow to greet you when you come home, to ask you to open your bedroom door so they can curl up on your pillow, or to say, “I’d like some more tasty kibble.

     

    Chirps and Trills

    Chirps and trills are the loving language of cat mothers. Chirps, or chirrups, are staccato, bird-like sounds mother cats use to say to their kittens, “Follow me.” Trills are higher-pitched chirps your cat uses to say hello or “Pay attention to me.” When your cat directs these sounds at you, chances are they want you to give them some love or follow them somewhere, usually to their food or water bowl. (Shocker, LOL.)
     

    If you have more than one feline fur baby, listen closely. You’ll likely hear your cats talk to each other with these sounds.

     

    Chatter

    When your kitty spies an unsuspecting bird or squirrel frolicking outside the window, they might make a chattering sound at it. This distinctive, repetitive clicking noise is caused by a combination of lip smacking and your cat rapidly vibrating their lower jaw. This odd behavior looks like teeth chattering, and a lot of cats also chirp when they chatter.
     

    This clickety sound is thought to be a mix of predatory excitement and frustration at not being able to get to the elusive feathered or furry prize. Some animal behaviorists even think the sound mimics a fatal bite used to break the bones of their prey. Who knew your li’l feline was so ferocious?!
     

    Regardless of the exact reason cats chatter or chirp at birds and other small animals, most feline parents find it fascinating and amusing to watch.

     

    Hiss

    The unmistakable sound of a cat hissing is like a steak hitting a hot skillet, and it can only mean one thing: Your cat feels threatened and will put up a fight if they have to. Just as important as the hissing sound, however, is the cat body language that comes with it. Your cat will flatten their ears, arch their back, puff their fur, twitch their tail and usually open their mouth to flash their fangs — aka the classic defensive pose.

     

    Snarls and Growls

    In addition to a hiss, if your cat makes a deep, guttural growlsound, they’re saying, “Back off.” Similar to a dog’s growl, this noise means your cat is annoyed, scared or angry. Some cats even make short, higher-pitched snarl sounds before launching into a full-blown growl.
     

    While these sounds usually signify an unhappy cat, it’s important to note that some cats growl because they’re in pain from an injury or a health problem. If you suspect this is the case, a trip to the vet is in order.
     

    If your feline snarls or growls at you for any reason, though, it’s best to leave your feisty friend alone.

     

    Yowl

    A yowl, or howl, is a long, drawn-out meow that almost sounds like moaning; it’s your cat’s way of telling you they’re worried or distressed, or that they need you. They might have gotten locked in a closet, can’t find you anywhere or, heaven forbid, have discovered their food bowl is empty. Your cat might also yowl when they don’t feel well or when a new neighborhood cat trespasses on their turf.
     

    Whatever the reason, make sure you immediately help your cat whenever you hear a yowl. Trust us — you’ll both be glad you did.

     

    Your Cat’s Language: What Meows, Chirps and Yowls Mean