Kittens and Food
Kitten Feeding Guidelines:
Kittens weigh about 100 grams at birth and gain between 50 and 100 grams each week until they reach five to six months of age. Weaning kittens from their mother´s milk before six weeks of age may slow their growth and result in overly cautious or aggressive behavior when they reach adulthood. Usually, the mother cat will wean the kittens when they are between seven and 10 weeks of age. During the weaning, they should be fed a dry commercial cat food that is specifically formulated for growing kittens. Cat and kitten foods are available in canned, dry, or semi-moist forms. Most veterinarians recommend feeding a dry kitten product because this type of food is less expensive than canned or semi-moist foods, and the crunchy kibble helps to minimize tartar build-up. Canned and semi-moist products, however, are more palatable than dry food and can be provided as periodic treats. Once the container has been opened, both canned and soft-moist products must be covered and stored in the refrigerator. Cat foods made specifically for kittens should be nutritious and should support growth; look for the words "complete and balanced" on the label. Complete and balanced products contain all the necessary nutrients, in the appropriate amounts, for young, growing cats. Although not required by law, most name-brand commercial manufacturers test their growth products by feeding them to mother cats and kittens. Owners should check the label for the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ claim confirming that the product has been tested in animal feeding trials. Because cats are natural nibblers, averaging 12 to 20 small meals every 24 hours, they should have access to food at all times. In addition, clean, fresh water should always be available. In considering where to feed the kitten, owners should take into consideration how they plan to manage training and housebreaking, and whether there are additional pets or children in the household. Some common feeding places include a quiet corner of the basement, the kitchen, a bathroom, the garage, a bedroom, or even beside the owner´s chair in the living room.
It is suggested your veterinarian be contacted for amount and frequency to be fed to kittens being bottle fed.
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