Come training time, this will be crucial.
Nutritional science for cats has made remarkable progress in recent times, with commercial foods now providing perfectly balanced diets based on the cat's age and lifestyle, including specialty diets for those with particular diseases. This can be overwhelming, but your veterinarian and clinic staff can provide guidance on your kitten's nutritional requirements for a long, healthy, and happy life.
The essential info:
Their diet needs to be made-up of:
- Proteins*
- Carbohydrates*
- Lipids (fats)*
- Vitamins and minerals.
Unlike dogs, cats have a unique nutritional requirement for taurine, which is essential for their survival. Taurine is typically found in the muscles and organs of prey animals, which is why cats in the wild get it from hunting and eating birds or rodents.
*Kittens require more protein and fat in their diet than adult cats do. This is because they need extra energy to support their growth and development.
Meal-time tips
Kittens aged 8-12 weeks require four meals per day, and as they grow, the frequency of meals can be reduced to three a day for 3-6 month olds and finally, two meals per day for cats over 6 months.
Cats rely on their sense of smell while eating and are very particular about their feeding preferences. Some cats prefer to eat from bowls that allow their whiskers to touch the sides, while others prefer flat plates to avoid touching their whiskers to anything.
Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh drinking water and avoid placing their food and water dishes near their litter box or sleeping area.
It's not advisable to give your kitten cow's milk as it can cause digestive issues. If you want to give your kitten milk, use a special formula made for cats. If your kitten experiences stomach issues for more than a day, seek veterinary care.
Hunting for fun
Cats are natural hunters and increasing their food intake won't stop this behavior. In the wild, cats hunt alone and are always ready to catch prey, so they don't wait until they are hungry to hunt. If you are worried about your cat's hunting behavior, you can try limiting their environment or providing them with more toys for play and distraction.