Kitten Diet

The weaning process commences around 4 weeks of age. You should start off by slowly mixing baby food (make sure it does not contain onions as they have are rather toxic for cats), canned or dry cat food in with some kitten formula. Not all kittens will take to food immediately, so you may need to be rather patient. Introduce a small amount initially. You can even consider introducing solids by placing a small amount of food on your finger or in a cat bowl. Kittens should remain fully weaned up to 8 weeks of age.

Kitten food is designed specifically for the high energy requirements of kittens. Their nutritional requirements are greater than those of older cats due to the rapid growth and development they are undertaking.

Kitten food in the supermarket is available in two forms. Wet (or canned) and dry. One or both of these varieties is usually quite fine for your cat.

In regards to feeding advice, you may use any feeding rates provided on the product packaging, if not, your veterinarian is the best person to speak to as they can recommend the best product for your kitten.

Introducing either chunks of raw meat, chicken necks or bones two to three times a week is also ideal for dental health.

It is best to keep your kitten fed on kitten food until 12 months of age, at which time you can switch to a balanced adult food.

When purchasing a new kitten, you should do some homework and find out what food the cat has been eating. If changing the type or brand of food, you should do this gradually by mixing in increasing amounts of the new food with the old food. A sudden change in diet can cause stomach upsets in kittens & cats.

How often should you be feeding your cat? It is found that most people tend to make available, small amounts of wet food 4 times a day or otherwise leave some dry food out so that your cat can eat when it wants.

Always make sure you provide plenty of fresh water for kittens. All water sources must be readily available for your cat at all times. Water should be changed on a daily basis.