Now that you have a new kitten in your family, there are many things you must consider in order to ensure he is happy and healthy. Food is just one of the important decisions you must make. Picking up any old bag of cat food is not the best choice for the health of your kitten. He is growing at a rapid pace and requires essential nutrients to help him be healthy and stay strong.
Kittens receive all of their nutrients from their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. Once they have reached about four weeks of age, the breeder most assuredly, started supplementing his feeding with a moist kitten food or dry food that is moistened with a little water.
When the kitten reaches eight weeks of age, he will be completely weaned from his mother’s milk and be on a full diet of kitten food. A good breeder will give you a sample of the brand they are using or at least tell you the name of the brand. If you wish to change your kitten’s current brand of food, it is very important to incorporate some of the old food with the new. This allows your kitten time to adjust to the change gradually without upsetting his digestive system.
Just as human babies do, young kittens require several meals a day in order to get the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Typically, it is best to provide your kitten with four small meals a day up until he is six months old. At this time, his rate of growth decreases dramatically as well as his amount of energy and activity. This requires a decrease in meals to two or three a day.
Another important consideration to remember is that this time does not mean he is an adult cat and can eat adult cat food; he is still a growing kitten, just not as rapidly. Water is an absolute necessity and should be offered to your kitten in unlimited quantities.
After reaching the adult age of one year old, your kitten can now be gradually converted to adult cat food. Cats for the most part will eat whenever they are hungry; however, leaving a full bowl of food available at all times can lead to over eating and obesity, so a routine of feeding twice a day is usually sufficient along with the unlimited water.
Cats that are fussy and refuse to eat dry cat food can be given moist canned food. Although, it is imperative to remember not to leave open cans sitting out or left over food in a bowl for long periods of time. Once a can is opened it is recommended that it be kept in the refrigerator.
All cats require different needs based on any special ailments he may possess. Today’s pet food market offers a wide variety of food from weight control, urinary tract health, hairball and special diabetic foods as well. Check with your veterinarian for a better understanding as to which food offers the right nutrients for your furry companion.
While soft food may be a preference, dry cat food is also highly effective in the fight against tartar. A yearly trip to your veterinarian can ensure that your cat’s teeth are healthy and free of tartar build up and tooth decay.
Kittens receive all of their nutrients from their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. Once they have reached about four weeks of age, the breeder most assuredly, started supplementing his feeding with a moist kitten food or dry food that is moistened with a little water.
When the kitten reaches eight weeks of age, he will be completely weaned from his mother’s milk and be on a full diet of kitten food. A good breeder will give you a sample of the brand they are using or at least tell you the name of the brand. If you wish to change your kitten’s current brand of food, it is very important to incorporate some of the old food with the new. This allows your kitten time to adjust to the change gradually without upsetting his digestive system.
Just as human babies do, young kittens require several meals a day in order to get the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Typically, it is best to provide your kitten with four small meals a day up until he is six months old. At this time, his rate of growth decreases dramatically as well as his amount of energy and activity. This requires a decrease in meals to two or three a day.
Another important consideration to remember is that this time does not mean he is an adult cat and can eat adult cat food; he is still a growing kitten, just not as rapidly. Water is an absolute necessity and should be offered to your kitten in unlimited quantities.
After reaching the adult age of one year old, your kitten can now be gradually converted to adult cat food. Cats for the most part will eat whenever they are hungry; however, leaving a full bowl of food available at all times can lead to over eating and obesity, so a routine of feeding twice a day is usually sufficient along with the unlimited water.
Cats that are fussy and refuse to eat dry cat food can be given moist canned food. Although, it is imperative to remember not to leave open cans sitting out or left over food in a bowl for long periods of time. Once a can is opened it is recommended that it be kept in the refrigerator.
All cats require different needs based on any special ailments he may possess. Today’s pet food market offers a wide variety of food from weight control, urinary tract health, hairball and special diabetic foods as well. Check with your veterinarian for a better understanding as to which food offers the right nutrients for your furry companion.
While soft food may be a preference, dry cat food is also highly effective in the fight against tartar. A yearly trip to your veterinarian can ensure that your cat’s teeth are healthy and free of tartar build up and tooth decay.
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