Proper nutrition is key to ensuring your kitten grows healthy and strong. From when to start feeding to how much to provide, this guide covers essential feeding tips for kittens.
When Do You Start Feeding Kittens?
One of the most common questions new pet owners ask is, “When do you start feeding kittens?”
Kittens will typically start weaning off their mother’s milk at about 3-4 weeks and are often fully weaned onto a complete food by around 8 to 12 weeks.
When Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Kittens are full of energy and they need a complete food to keep them fueled.
These tiny felines have small stomachs and in the first few months you will want to feed them little and often. As a general rule of thumb, 8-12 weeks = 4x small meals, 3-6 months = 3x meals and at 6 month this may be reduced to 2x meals.
Be sure to follow the feeding guides outlined on the packaging to ensure you’re not over-feeding your kitten. It is important to continue to monitor your kitten’s weight and body condition to ensure your kitten is maintaining a healthy weight and growing into a healthy adult.
What to Feed Kittens at Different Growth Stages
When choosing a diet for your kitten It is essential that you provide a ‘complete’ and balanced food. A complete food provides adequate amounts of all the required nutrients your kitten needs to survive.
ORIJEN Kitten is packed with 90% animal ingredients1, including succulent WholePrey organs to support muscle development. This recipe also helps support your kitten’s digestive health through fibre, plus a blend of pre and probiotics, and brain development, thanks to naturally occurring DHA and EPA from fish oils.
ORIJEN Kitten is a complete food formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the FEDIAF Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth of Kittens. At 12 months of age your kitten is considered fully grown and can be gradually transitioned on to a complete adult maintenance cat food, such as ORIJEN Original Cat.
How Much Should You Feed a Kitten?
Knowing how much to feed your kitten is essential for their growth. Kittens require multiple meals a day to sustain their high energy needs. Always refer to the feeding guide from the manufacturer, which can be found on the kitten food bag.
Weighing your kitten’s daily feeding allowance allows you to monitor their intake. You may need to adjust portions as you learn your kitten’s ideal daily ‘maintenance’ amount, based on your kitten’s body condition. These amounts may also change over time as your kitten ages.
Useful Tips for Feeding Kittens
Feeding kittens might appear simple at first but providing them with the right nutrition involves more than just filling their bowl. Here are some useful tips to consider when feeding your kitten:
1. Feed food designed for Kittens
Choose a food specifically designed for kittens. Kittens need food which provides them with a good source of energy, while helping their muscles to grow at a rate that doesn’t put too much strain on their young bones. Avoid adult cat food or human food, which lack the necessary nutrients for growth and always check the label says ‘complete’ food.
2. Provide enough Food for your Kitten
Kittens have high energy levels and should have a healthy appetite too! Underfeeding or overfeeding your kitten can lead to health complications and impair growth.
Always refer to the manufacturers feeding guide and weigh your kitten regularly to ensure they get enough food for their age and weight.
It’s important to remember every kitten is unique as is their requirement for energy. If you have any concerns about your kitten’s weight/growth we recommend consulting with your trusted veterinarian.
3. Maintain a Consistent Feeding Schedule for your Kitten
Kittens need frequent meals, especially when they are young. We recommend feeding times are spread out evenly throughout the day. It is also a good idea to keep to a consistent schedule. This allows you to monitor your kitten’s food intake as well as distributing the calories evenly to keep up with their fast metabolisms!
Meal times also offer a great opportunity for you to interact and build a bond with your new kitten.
4. Switch Foods gradually
When you first bring your new kitten home it is a good idea to stick with the food that is provided by the breeder or rescue centre while they settle into their new home.
If you decide to switch to a different dry food, it’s important to introduce new food gradually. Going slowly will give your kitten time to adjust to their new food and will also reduce the chances of digestive upset. Start by mixing 25 percent new food with 75 percent old food. Slowly increase the new food proportionately over the next 10-14 days until you are feeding 100 percent new food. See full details on how to transition your kitten.
5. Provide Fresh Water
Cats by nature have a low thirst drive. However, water is vital for overall health and it is important to always ensure your kitten has access to clean, fresh drinking water.
Dehydration can lead to health complications so if your kitten isn’t keen on drinking from their usual bowl you may consider alternative methods to ensure they stay hydrated e.g. water fountains. And always keep food and water bowls away from noisy environments and litter trays.
If you are worried about your cat’s water intake – speak to your vet.
Feeding your kitten properly is essential to support their growth and wellbeing. By following the right feeding schedule and offering appropriate food you can ensure that your kitten grows into a healthy, happy cat.
1 Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients