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Feeding your Kitten

To understand the nutritional needs of a kitten, it is important to understand the major food steps that it will undergo during its normal development.

Nutritional needs from birth to weaning. Kittens begin with breastfeeding; this period normally lasts 5 to 7 weeks. During the first days the kittens drink "first milk" i.e. colostrum, rich in antibodies that are essential for early immune defense against infectious diseases. The kitten’s growth is extremely fast. At birth, it weighs approximately 100 grams, gaining 10 to 15 grams per day, doubling their birth weight in just 10 days. It may be useful to weigh kittens daily at a fixed time of day: any stagnation or weight fall shall justify food supplementation.There exist alternatives to natural mother’s milk for kittens which is perfectly adapted to their needs. Cow's milk is NOT suitable for kittens. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Weaning. Weaning must take place gradually. The kittens’ digestive capacity evolves during its first weeks. Indeed, kittens digest less and less easily lactose, but they are able to assimilate gradually starch and cereals. As this capability installs only gradually, to avoid weaning ‘diarrhea’, it is recommended that you give a food containing less than 30 % of starch (be especially careful with dry foods).Dehydration and the fall of growth associated with diarrhea can sometimes dramatic and fatal consequences because at this age kittens are very fragile and have little reserves. A specific kitten food can be given as soon as the kittens have reached the age of 3 weeks. At this age, consumption of this kind of food should be minimal, and can be increased gradually, which will, in effect relieve the mother. In the beginning, it is possible to mix with specialist powdered kitten milk. When the kittens reach the age 5 weeks, the mother will start to encourage the kittens to find food elsewhere. If the kitten has had access to kitten food early, this transition will be easier.The food bowl must be big enough so that all kittens can eat at the same time. They need feeding 3-5 meals a day mixed with liquid. The quantity of liquid mixed with the kitten food should be gradually decreased over six weeks. On the other hand, a bowl of fresh water should always be available for kittens and will subsequently be the only liquid they need in their diet.

From the weaned kitten to the adult cat. To make sure that your kitten becomes a happy and healthy adult cat it is important to know its specific needs. Poor diet may increase the risk of obesity, bad muscles and bones, as well as the risk of poor immunity.
If your kitten is given a food specially formulated, you are contributing to its future and growth from day one. It is not necessary to give ‘extra’s’ to your cat, as a suitable diet will fill all of its needs.

How much to give a kitten and how often. Nutritional guides that appear on the box or bag of the food constitute a good starting point. It is crucial to the health of your kitten that its physical condition is monitored regularly and the amount of food is adjusted to the needs. Every time you visit your vet for vaccinations etc, the physical state your kitten should be evaluated. Take the opportunity to ask all questions for nutritional advice. In the case of some kittens, your vet may suggest more frequent assessments.

The transition to adulthood also sees the need to change your cat’s nutrition but that is another step.

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