Dante Carrillo
A kitten's diet should consist of a nutritionally complete and balanced food that is appropriate for their life stage and health status. It should be high in protein and fat to support their growth and development, and contain omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA for brain and eye development. Good kitten foods also contain vitamins E and C for immune health and calcium for strong teeth and bones. Kittens can be fed either wet or dry food, or a mix of both, depending on their preferences and health benefits. Wet food can help to increase water intake and is useful for mixing supplements, while dry food can support dental health and be used as treats for training. It's important to check the label to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for kittens, and to be cautious with homemade diets or raw meat, which can cause nutritional deficiencies.
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Wet vs. dry food
A kitten's diet should be nutritionally complete and balanced, with the right amount of nutrients to support their growth and development. It should include appropriate protein and fat levels, omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA for brain and eye development, and vitamins E and C for immune health.
When it comes to choosing between wet and dry food for your kitten, there are several factors to consider. Both have their own advantages and can be used in combination to provide a balanced diet.
Wet food has a high moisture content, which can help ensure your kitten stays well-hydrated. It is also useful for mixing with supplements and can be warmed up in the microwave to increase its aroma, which may be beneficial if your kitten has nasal congestion or a decreased appetite. However, wet food is generally more expensive and can be less economical than dry food.
Dry food, on the other hand, is beneficial for dental health as the hard kibble helps remove plaque and tartar buildup when chewed. It can also be used as treats for training or placed in puzzle toys for mental enrichment. Additionally, dry food is more cost-efficient than wet food.
When introducing solid food to your kitten, it is recommended to start with wet food and gradually introduce dry food as they grow. This is because very young kittens may have smaller teeth and may struggle to chew dry food well, which can impact their nutrition.
It is important to ensure that the food you choose meets the nutritional requirements for kittens and is specifically formulated for their life stage. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for kittens.
The amount of food you feed your kitten will depend on their age, weight, and individual needs. It is important to monitor their body condition and adjust their portions accordingly, in consultation with your veterinarian.
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How much to feed
The amount of food a kitten needs depends on its age, weight, breed, and body frame size. For example, an 8-week-old kitten weighing 2 pounds should be taking in around 162 kilocalories per day.
Newborn kittens feed very frequently, approximately every two hours during the first week of life, and then gradually decreasing to four to six times per day. They should gain approximately half to three-quarters of an ounce (15-20 grams) each day. Kittens can start weaning at around 3 to 4 weeks of age, transitioning to solid food. By 5 to 6 weeks of age, they no longer need gruel as their baby teeth are coming in and they can better chew their food. By 7 to 8 weeks of age, kittens are typically ready for an all-solid food diet.
Until they are 4 months old, kittens should be fed three to four servings of dry kibble per day. After they reach 6 months of age, kittens can be fed once a day to three times or more. If you are feeding your kitten both dry and canned foods, twice-a-day canned feedings are sufficient. If they are only eating canned food, they should be fed four times a day. If your kitten is eating wet and dry food, make sure the total amount of food does not exceed the recommended daily serving.
Kittens should be switched to adult cat food at around 10 months of age, although this can vary depending on the breed and individual needs. For example, naturally very petite cats or those prone to weight gain may benefit from making the switch earlier, while larger breeds like Maine Coons should stay on kitten food for longer.
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How often to feed
The frequency of feeding a kitten depends on its age and weight. Newborn kittens feed very frequently, approximately every two hours during the first week of life, and then gradually decrease to four to six times per day. Kittens should gain around half to three-quarters of an ounce (15-20 grams) each day.
Kittens can start weaning or transitioning to solid food at around three to four weeks of age. They can begin eating solid food at five to eight weeks of age. During this time, you can give them access to wet cat food or a gruel made from warm water mixed with canned kitten food. By eight weeks of age, they should be drinking water and eating solid food on their own.
From eight weeks of age, kittens can be fed dry food, but it is recommended to soak it in a few tablespoons of warm water to ease the transition. Most 8-week-old kittens weigh around 2 pounds, which means they should be taking in, on average, around 162 kilocalories per day.
From four months of age, kittens can be fed two to three times per day. After 6 months of age, kittens can be fed once a day to three times or more, depending on your schedule and your kitten's habits. It is important to ensure that you do not give your kitten more than its total daily calorie needs.
Most kittens can be switched to adult cat food at around 10 months of age. However, some kittens may benefit from making the switch earlier or staying on kitten food for longer, depending on their breed and body frame size. Consult your veterinarian to determine the proper food portions and the right time to transition to adult cat food.
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Treats
When choosing treats, look for those that are high in protein and contain essential amino acids and fatty acids. Treats such as boiled or steamed chicken, tinned sardines, tuna, or salmon in springwater can be offered occasionally. It is important to ensure that any fish treats are free of bones, as these can pose a choking hazard. Raw chicken necks and wings are also suitable treats for kittens, but they should be introduced gradually and only given under supervision. Raw bones must be large enough so that the kitten cannot fit the entire bone in its mouth to avoid choking.
Some human foods can be offered as treats, but caution should be exercised as some can be harmful or toxic to kittens. For example, cooked meat is generally safe, but it should not include cooked bones, onions, onion sauces, or other toxic ingredients like garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, and nuts. It is also important to note that raw meat, liver, and eggs may contain harmful bacteria or parasites and should be avoided until the kitten is 20 weeks old.
While treats are an important part of a kitten's diet, it is crucial that they do not replace their regular meals. Kittens have specific nutritional requirements, and their primary diet should consist of high-quality, complete, and balanced kitten food. This ensures they receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development. Always check with your veterinarian if you are unsure about what treats to give your kitten or if you have concerns about their diet.
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Food to avoid
It is important to be cautious about what you feed your kitten, as their nutritional requirements are different from those of adult cats. Kittens have a higher requirement for protein, amino acids, and minerals, as well as some vitamins.
Raw Meat, Liver, and Fish
Raw meat may contain parasites and harmful bacteria. It can also lead to nutritional deficiencies during growth. Raw liver may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be avoided. Raw fish may lead to a B vitamin deficiency, causing loss of appetite, seizures, and even death.
Milk
Milk may cause diarrhea in weaned kittens and cats because they lose the enzyme needed to break it down.
Eggs
Raw eggs may contain Salmonella and may decrease the absorption of B vitamins, leading to skin and hair coat problems.
Onions, Garlic, and Onion Powder
Onions and garlic are harmful to kittens and should be avoided. Onion powder should also not be fed to kittens.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine Products
Chocolate, coffee, and other caffeine products are not suitable for kittens and should be avoided.
Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
Grapes, raisins, and sultanas are toxic to kittens and can cause kidney failure.
Avocado
Avocado is toxic to kittens and should be avoided.
Nuts
Nuts, including macadamia nuts, can be harmful to kittens and should be avoided.
Fatty Foods
High-fat foods can cause digestive issues and should be fed sparingly.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can splinter, causing potentially fatal internal damage or intestinal obstruction.
Raw Bones
Raw bones should be introduced gradually and only under supervision. Ensure the bone is too large to fit in the kitten's mouth or swallow, as small raw bones can cause choking.
Other Foods to Avoid
Other foods that are harmful to kittens include mouldy or spoiled foods, bread dough, yeast dough, fruit stones or pits, fruit seeds, corncobs, tomatoes, mushrooms, salt, and roughly cut vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
The basis of your kitten's diet should be a high-quality, complete and balanced commercial kitten food that is appropriate for their life stage and health status. You can feed them dry kibble, wet food, or a mix of both. Make sure their food contains enough protein, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Kittens under four months old should be fed three times a day. After they turn four months old, you can reduce their feedings to twice a day. After six months, kittens can be fed once a day to three times or more, depending on their habits and preferences.
The amount of food your kitten needs depends on their age, weight, and body condition. For example, an 8-week-old kitten weighing around 2 pounds should be taking in around 162 kilocalories per day. Consult a veterinarian to determine the proper food portions for your kitten.
Yes, it's okay to feed your kitten treats, as long as they make up less than 10% of their total calorie intake. Treats can include cooked meat, such as boiled or steamed chicken, and fish like tinned sardines, tuna, or salmon in springwater. Always be cautious with human food, as some substances are harmful to kittens, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and coffee.
Most kittens can be switched to adult cat food at around 10 months to 1 year of age. However, this varies depending on the breed and body frame size of your kitten. Consult a veterinarian to determine the best time to switch.
