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Compared with humans, your favorite feline needs a high-fat, high-protein diet with certain animal nutrients.
Cats usually eat many small meals throughout the day, so they easily adopt a free-choice feeding schedule to maintain their normal body weight. Dry foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, are best suited for free-choice feeding because they stay fresh longer.
Cats need nutrients from animal-based protein sources. Providing the vitamins, minerals, protein, and other components found in a complete and balanced pet food can lead to a long and healthy life for your cat. It is important to avoid supplementing your cat's diet, as doing so may lead to a variety of health problems. When selecting a pet food, look for ones that offer the following nutrients:
Pregnant or Lactating Cats
A cat's energy intake should be increased gradually by up to 50% over her maintenance intake through pregnancy. You can use kitten food to provide nutritional support during the last few weeks of gestation.
After birth, the mother cat's energy needs increase by 50% to 75% over normal in the first week to twice normal the second week and to three times during the third week. The third and fourth weeks are the most demanding because kittens are still consuming milk and have not begun to eat dry or canned food. Once kittens begin weaning, the mother cat should be tapered back to normal food portions to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
Avoiding Obesity
Food and energy requirements may vary for your adult cat. In general, indoor cats have less opportunity or need to exercise than outdoor cats. As a result, indoor cats are more prone to obesity, and regular exercise should be encouraged. You may want to control your cat's portions and choose a cat food made to help maintain weight.
Preventing Hairballs
Cats spend a considerable amount of time grooming. In the process, hair can be swallowed and build up in the stomach. If the hairball doesn’t pass into the intestines, a cat may try to cough it up. A special diet can help decrease the likelihood of hairballs, but you may decrease its effectiveness if you combine it with other foods.
You've just got a new, adorable kitten, and its curiosity and playful nature fill your home with joy. However, one fine day, you notice that your little feline friend is a bit off its game. It seems to be in discomfort and eats barely anything. Moreover, you haven't seen anything in its litter box for a while. Could it be kitten constipation?
Just like in humans, kitten constipation is a condition where your kitten might find it difficult to have a bowel movement. In some cases, this discomfort can be severe and life-threatening, especially if left untreated for more than 48 hours.
While different kittens may present different symptoms, here are some commonly observed kitten constipation symptoms:
Lack of faeces production: If your kitten hasn't produced any faeces for 24-48 hours, it may be a sign of constipation.
Straining to defecate: Your kitten seems to be struggling in the litter box but produces nothing or very small, hard pieces of faeces.
Loss of appetite: Your kitten isn't eating as much as it used to.
Lethargy: The usually playful and curious kitten is spending more time sleeping and seems less interested in activities.
Bloating or vomiting: If your kitten's tummy seems bloated, or it is vomiting, it could be due to constipation.
Kitten constipation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:
Dehydration: Just like in humans, lack of sufficient water intake can lead to constipation in kittens.
Ingestion of indigestible items: Kittens love to play, but if they end up swallowing items like ribbons or hair ties, it could lead to a blockage in their digestive system.
Lack of defecation stimulation: Unweaned kittens require stimulation to defecate. If this isn't done, they might get constipated.
Intestinal parasites: Heavy parasitic infections in the intestines can also cause constipation.
Neurological or other diseases: Certain neurological conditions or diseases affecting the hindquarters can lead to constipation in kittens.
Now that we've covered what kitten constipation is, let's dive into how we can help our little furry pals.
In a case where your kitten is still active and eating, some home remedies can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if the kitten constipation symptoms persist, or if your kitten becomes less active and stops eating, it's time to seek veterinary assistance.
At the vet, treatments may include fluid injections, enemas, or x-rays to check for blockages. In severe cases, the vet may perform procedures to manually remove the blocked faeces or even surgery.
Your kitten's health and comfort are paramount. If you spot the initial signs of constipation, there are some home remedies you can try before visiting the vet:
Keep your kitten hydrated: Hydration is crucial in preventing constipation. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water. If your kitten is fond of dry food, consider adding some water to it to increase their fluid intake.
Add fibre to your kitten's diet: A little bit of fibre can work wonders for constipation. Consider adding a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to your kitten's food for a kitten constipation remedy. Moreover, you can incorporate IAMS Proactive Health Mother and Kitten food in your pet’s day-to-day meals to ensure sufficient fibre intake. This kitten food also contains FOS natural prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion.
Get your kitten moving: Just like in humans, physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements in kittens. Engage your kitten in fun, physical activities to keep them active.
Continue observing your kitten: Monitor your kitten closely. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, it's time to call the vet.
Recovery from kitten constipation is generally swift once the obstruction is removed, but it's crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter, which may include finishing a prescribed medication course and maintaining regular deworming and fecal checks.
Remember, our adorable little kittens rely on us for their well-being. Being proactive in understanding kitten constipation symptoms and causes can help ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the exciting world around them.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you're unsure. With a little love, care, and the right kitten constipation remedy, your kitten will be back to their playful, cuddly self in no time.
