What to give a kitten to eat?

 What to give a kitten to eat?

Tracy Wilkins

Knowing what your cat can eat is fundamental to keeping our pets in good health, and this care is even more important when it comes to a kitten. Because they are in the early stages of life, kitten food goes through different stages until these animals can finally start a diet more similar to that of adult animals. In short, the catSo, if you have doubts about what to give your kitten to eat, we have prepared a guide with the main indications in the first year of the pet's life. Take a look!

Kitten: breast milk should be the first food for felines

Kittens need to be fed mainly on breastfeeding as soon as they are born. It is in the mother's milk that these animals find an essential nutrient for their growth and development, which is colostrum. It is not for nothing that the recommendation is that the kitten is separated from the mother only after the breastfeeding period.

In some cases, however, the kitten is rescued without its mother. When this happens, there is another option, which is to buy in an artificial milk indicated for felines. The formula is very similar to breast milk, containing the main nutrients needed by the animal. It is important that this type of milk is indicated by the veterinarian to avoid any problems with the kittenAlso, be very careful: never offer cow's milk as a substitute option, as this can be very harmful to the baby.

See_also: Feline Panleukopenia: learn all about the disease known as "distemper in cats"

Before giving kitten food, kittens must be weaned from kibble.

What can you give your kitten after breastfeeding? Contrary to what some people think, it is not recommended that your kitten goes from breastfeeding straight to solid food. Weaning with food is therefore the best solution after your kitten is 1 month old to about 45 days old.

This kitten food, on the other hand, should be made by mixing a little artificial milk with the kitten food grains well mashed, creating the consistency of porridge. You can also beat all the ingredients in a blender if you think it is better.

See_also: Does a dog with kidney failure feel pain?

Kitten food: everything you need to know about it

The long-awaited time has come to start introducing kitten food to your four-legged friend's diet. At this point, some doubts may arise, but we explain what to give kitten food and the best way to do it below.

1) From when kitten food is indicated: ideally, food should be the basis of feline nutrition from 45 days of age, shortly after weaning.

2) Amount of kitten food: in the first year of life, the kitten needs to maintain a balanced diet in reduced quantity. You can follow the recommendation below:

  • 2 to 4 months: 40g to 60g;
  • 4 to 6 months: 60g to 80g;
  • 6 to 12 months: 80g to 100g.

3)Kitten food should be divided throughout the day: it is also important that the food is served in several portions, and not all at once. The tip is to do it as follows:

  • 2 to 4 months: four times a day;
  • 4 to 6 months: three times a day;
  • 6 to 12 months: twice a day.

4) Up to what age to give kitten food: felines are considered kittens until they are one year old, so their diet should follow the same logic. That is, the kitten should consume an exclusive kitten food until it is 12 months old.

In addition to kibble, here are some other options for what your cat can eat

If you want to escape from the diet, pampering your four-legged friend with some snacks is also possible, as long as it is done in a regulated way and only on special occasions. But what can the cat eat, besides the food? The truth is that there are several tasty and healthy options to please your mustachioed! See some types of kitten food (but don't forget to consult with yourveterinarian before, eh!):

  • Fruit for cats: melon, apple, watermelon, banana, pear
  • Vegetables and legumes for cats: carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, pumpkin
  • Other cat food options: egg, cheese, yogurt

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.