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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
  • Kitten Basics: Do Kittens Get Hairballs?
    Kitten Basics: Do Kittens Get Hairballs?
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    Kitten Basics: Do Kittens Get Hairballs?

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    Kittens can get hairballs, although it’s not as common as in adult cats. Kittens are adept learners, and as they grow up, their grooming habits will mature as well. This could lead to hairballs, especially if your kitten has longer hair.

     

    How Do Hairballs Form?

    Most cats spend a considerable amount of time grooming their coats. As they groom, they can swallow hair, which may build up over time in their stomach. If the hairball doesn’t pass from the stomach, the cat will attempt to eliminate it by coughing or gagging.
     

    Many cats will get a hairball at some point in life, but some kittens, such as long-haired breeds and cats that groom excessively, are especially prone to hairballs.

     

    How Can You Help Reduce Your Kitten’s Hairballs?

    You can help reduce the number of hairballs your kitten or cat experiences in a few ways:

     

    Change the Diet

    The right diet can help provide hairball relief to both kittens and cats. For instance, the beet pulp in IAMS™ dry kitten formulas helps move hair through the digestive tract.
     

    For adult cats, IAMS research has shown that cats fed IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Hairball Care pass 80% more hair in their feces than cats fed a leading premium dry cat food. By helping ingested hair to be passed from the digestive tract, IAMS hairball formulas help reduce the opportunities for hairballs to form. This fiber blend also includes a moderately fermentable component to promote intestinal health.

     

    Ensure Skin and Coat Health

    Maintaining skin and coat health may reduce the risks of excessive shedding, ingestion of hair from grooming, and, consequently, hairball formation as your kitten grows into an adult cat. High-quality, animal-based protein and fat, found in IAMS kitten formulas, provide important nutrients for skin and coat health.

     

    Brush Frequently

    In cats and kittens that are prone to hairballs, frequent brushing can help reduce the amount of hair they ingest, thereby reducing the risk of hairball formation.

    Kitten Basics: Do Kittens Get Hairballs?
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