Feeding your kitten well means he or she will be physically healthy and be a more happy and contented family member.
Important nutritional needs of your kitten
Kittens are strict carnivores and need the nutrients found in animal protein sources for their energy and tissue growth. They are only small and can’t eat much, so it is important that they eat a good quality food formulated for kittens. Homemade foods, dog foods, adult cat foods and human foods are lacking in vital nutrients that kittens require for healthy growth.
Read the kitten food label for these important details:
- The food should be 'complete and balanced for growth'.
- It should be AAFCO tested (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
- Check the ingredient panel. Some type of animal protein should be the main (and so first) ingredient on the ingredient list: egg, chicken, chicken by-product meal, fish, lamb, poultry, poultry by-product, beef and meat meal are all good protein sources.
- Poorly digestible proteins are cereal, soy, wheat and corn – these are often main ingredients in poor quality dry foods and should be avoided.
Dry food is beneficial for healthy teeth (but avoid poor quality cereal-based food as above – read that label!). A dry premium quality kitten food has quality ingredients and high digestibility so is good value for money.
Wet foods (sachets/canned) add variety so that kittens learn to enjoy different food textures.
Your vet can recommend good foods for your kitten.
When you first get your kitten...
- Always have fresh water available for your kitten.
- Kitten milk can be given as a supplement, as this has had the lactose altered so it will not cause tummy upsets.
- Kittens have small appetites and prefer to eat small frequent meals. For young kittens, it is recommended to put fresh dry food down daily, and then offer two wet meals (canned or sachet) in the morning and evening.
When to switch to adult cat food
Your kitten enters adolescence at around six months, but is still growing and needs kitten food. At around 12 months of age, gradually switch to adult food, again by slowly mixing in increasing amounts of the new food over a two-week period.
Your vet can help if you have questions about feeding your kitten.