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Raising a Healthy Kitten: A Guide to Feeding and Nutrition

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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
  • The Importance of Taurine in Kitten Foods
    The Importance of Taurine in Kitten Foods-mob
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    The Importance of Taurine in Kitten Foods

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    Taurine is an important component found in all IAMS™ kitten foods. This essential amino acid is critical for normal heart muscle function, vision and reproduction in kittens. It is also needed to form the bile salts that aid in digestion. Unlike other amino acids, taurine is found as a free amino acid in body tissues, such as the heart and eyes, and is not incorporated into proteins.

    Most mammals manufacture taurine from other amino acids. However, kittens cannot manufacture a sufficient amount and therefore must acquire enough additional taurine through diet to meet their needs. In pet food, taurine is naturally found in animal-based protein ingredients and also can be added separately.

     

    Why Does IAMS Add Taurine to Kitten Diets?

    IAMS kitten foods are formulated with high-quality animal-based proteins as their primary ingredient. In addition, they are supplemented with extra taurine.

    We supplement taurine in IAMS dry and canned cat foods to ensure we provide optimal levels of this essential nutrient. IAMS wet kitten foods, such as IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté with Chicken, are supplemented with taurine because they must contain as much as twice the amount of taurine found in dry food for cats to maintain adequate blood taurine levels. The canning process may affect the complex taurine balance in your cat or kitten. Our wet cat foods are supplemented with taurine to meet these higher needs.

    IAMS dry kitten foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Healthy Kitten, also include taurine as an ingredient to supplement the primary source of this amino acid, which is animal-based protein from sources such as chicken, egg, lamb and fish. However, these sources can vary in their taurine content, and adding more taurine is a sound approach to ensure optimal taurine levels.

     

    Effects of Taurine Deficiency

    Kittens that eat a diet deficient in taurine can develop several serious health conditions.

     

    Blindness

    Taurine is essential to the proper development and function of cells in the retina of the eye. If insufficient taurine is present, the retinal cells don’t function properly and may die, eventually causing impaired vision and even blindness. This process is referred to as feline central retinal degeneration.

     

    Heart Disease

    Taurine is also necessary for normal function of the heart muscle cells. Taurine deficiency leads to a weakening of the heart muscle, which, in turn, can lead to heart failure. This condition is known as dilated cardiomyopathy and can be fatal.

    To help protect your kitten’s health, both now and when she is fully grown, make sure to feed a diet with sufficient taurine. Learn more about the nutritional needs of kittens.

     

    Reference

    Case L, et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition. 3rd ed. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2011.

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