Have you just brought home a new little kitten? If so, then you know better than anyone just how easy it is to be swayed by their cute little faces into giving them all kinds of snacks and goodies. While you are just trying to spoil them and show them how much you love them, the fact is that many of these items you may be giving to your cat to eat or drink are not good for them at all. With that in mind, we’ve put together a handy guide of what to feed your new cat so that they get all the nutrients they need and are as healthy as can be.
Should You Give a Kitten Milk?
Many people assume that when you bring home a new kitten you should give them milk because that’s what they’d be drinking from their mother. That, and there is the pre-conceived notion that cats love milk and would do anything for it. The problem is that pets tend to have very sensitive stomachs. If you aren’t giving them the right food, then you could end up causing stomach upset and discomfort.
When it comes to milk, it is indeed great for kittens, but only until the age of eight weeks when they are weaned. After that, their bodies no longer produce the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down the lactose found in milk. Giving kittens’ milk who are over the age of eight weeks will, therefore, result in indigestion and discomfort.
You can read more about kittens and how milk affects them at ourpetspot.com.
Get Them Used to Different Types of Food
When it comes to picky eaters, cats really take the cake. They are known to be incredibly picky and tend to develop all their likes and dislikes by the time they are one year of age. It is recommended that you introduce them to all styles of food before they turn one, just so they get used to it all. This means dry, wet, and semi-dry food.
You never know when they will need to switch the type of food they eat due to health or medical concerns, so you want to be sure they won’t turn away from it.
Kittens Need More Frequent Meals
Another tip is to feed your kitten three to four times per day. They go through calories very quickly when they are young and growing. Once they reach adulthood and their full size, you can then cut down to two meals per day.
Look for a Well-Balanced Food
The final tip is to look for well-balanced food that contains the same amount of vitamins that the adult food would have, fat, and a high level of protein. Be sure there is also fresh water available to them at all times.
Setting Your Cat Up for Good Health
Following these tips will help ensure that your cat gets all the nutrients, vitamins, and calories it needs to be healthy and grow strong. If you want to make sure your cat stays happy and healthy at all times, it would be a good idea to invest in the best cat insurance out there!
