The joys of kitten ownership come with its own set of first time experiences, expectations and obstacles. Kittens rely solely on mama’s milk up until the age of 4 weeks. When their baby teeth start coming out, they are ready to be gently introduced to some solid foods. Here are some care tips to follow when it comes to feeding a new kitten after bringing them home for the first time.
How often should you feed a kitten?
Because your kitten’s stomach is so small, they can’t eat much food in one go, so they need small meals at regular intervals throughout the day. On average you should feed your kitten 4 to 5 times a day, using nutrient-rich kitten food recommended by your vet. A 6-week-old kitten can be fed both dry food (kibble) and wet food (canned). Their small teeth may still struggle with kibble, so it is a good idea to soak the kibble in lukewarm water at first.
A “complete” kitten food will provide a good balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals to help little cats grow up strong and healthy. Proteins and fat are essential nutrients for stimulating that growth. Do make sure you give them the correct proportion of proteins and fat, we recommend 32% protein and 13% fat. Proteins ensure healthy growth while fat gives the kitten the energy it needs to get enough exercise. Apart from giving them enough protein and fat, it is important to make sure the food does not contain any chemical preservatives and artificial scents, pigments and flavourings.
Access to fresh, clean water at all times
Since water makes up a larger portion of a kitten’s body than that of an adult cat, it is extra important to make sure they drink enough. You can help make sure your kitten gets enough water by feeding it wet food. Almost all cats consider it a real treat and since it contains a lot of moisture, the cat will be ingesting some of the necessary water without knowing it.
Make sure you provide fresh water and food in a clean bowl for each feeding.
How long should a kitten be on the same food?
The nutritional needs of kittens change with age. From 2 to 6 months, your kitten will be in a “rapid growth” phase. At 6 months they will start to need fewer meals but larger portions. By 12 months, they will likely have reached their adult size and be ready for the transition to adult cat food.
Consult your vet about when you should make the switch to adult food, and how to make the transition easy for your young cat.
