The first year of your kitten’s life is very important for their development and the loving care you give will play a vital part in this. Your playful kitten will grow quickly and learn new things every day. There are 3 main factors influencing your kittens’ health: genetics, environment and nutrition. Of these, nutrition is the only factor that you can fully control. Choosing a high quality kitten food to provide your pet with a complete source of nutrition is of great importance and will give them the best start in life.
What are some of the key nutritional needs of kittens?
Protein: The quantity and quality of protein in a kitten diet is crucial for building lean muscles. Kittens actually require more protein than adult cats due to their rapid growth. All cats require animal-based protein sources in their diet to supply the essential amino acids needed for building the body’s proteins.
Energy Density and Digestibility: Kittens require energy levels up to three times that of an adult cat! This is why food digestibility is crucial, so they can meet their energy needs without overloading their small stomachs! Highly digestible food ensures your kitten gets all the necessary nutrients from less food, as the nutrients are more easily absorbed. This results in less waste, less stool and reduces the dreaded litter box cleanup!
Calcium: Kittens need calcium for the healthy development of strong bones and teeth.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid from fish oils. It is critical for the development of vision and the central nervous system in the first year of a kitten’s life, when brain and eye development are most rapid.
Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, among other antioxidants, support a healthy immune system for your kitten and help protect cells from damage.
Gut Microbiome: A balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion and immune health, supporting overall well-being.
How do I know my Kitten is getting all the right nutrients?
Feeding your kitten a high-quality, complete and balanced, commercially available kitten diet sets them up for a healthy and happy life. Hill’s science-led nutrition is developed using the combined expertise of over 200 vets, scientists and pet nutritionists. Hill’s Science Diet Kitten is complete and balanced, meaning it contains all of the nutrients that a growing kitten requires in the right amounts. Hill’s Science Diet Kitten comes in a dry formulation as well as different flavoured pouch and canned varieties to satisfy the fussiest of eaters. There is also an Indoor Kitten option which has been specifically formulated to fuel the energy needs of kittens with an indoor lifestyle. The dry food also contains a breakthrough blend of prebiotic fibres to support the gut microbiome and digestive system.
Feeding Guidelines
Frequency: Kittens under six months should be fed three to four times daily. Post six months, transitioning to two meals per day is adequate. To avoid obesity, especially post-neutering, be cautious of overfeeding your kitten. Kittens and cats love routine, so if possible feed them at the same time each day.
Portion Size: It’s necessary to monitor your kitten’s weight and adjust their food intake to maintain a healthy body condition. Your veterinarian can help you with how to assess this. Measuring or weighing out food as per the packet directions is best, rather than leaving food out all the time. Kittens should gain approximately 100 grams per week until 4 months of age.
Transition to Adult Cat Food: Kittens can transition to adult cat food by 12 months of age when they are fully grown. To transition to an adult food, offer both the new and old foods in separate bowls, or alternatively you can mix the foods together. Then gradually reduce the amount of the old food and increase the amount of the new food, over at least 7 days, until the transition is complete. This gradual transition can help avoid tummy upsets and help your cat enjoy their new food.
What about giving kittens milk?
As kittens grow, they lose the ability to digest lactose in cow’s milk. It can therefore cause diarrhoea and abdominal upset in kittens and doesn’t contain the necessary nutrients needed for development.
Feeding a complete and balanced good quality kitten diet is one of the best things you can do for your new furry friend to give them the best start in life. Your veterinarian is a great resource for further nutritional advice and any nutritional questions specific to your kitten. Enjoy this special time bonding and playing with your new furry friend!
Written By Dr Sarah Robson BVSc(Hons) MANZCVS(Pharm) MVS MVSc GCCT Professional Consulting Veterinarian, Hill’s Pet Nutrition