A veterinarian explains in detail how to feed kittens, choose their food, and what to do if they don't eat.

For first-time kitten owners, watching your kitten eat must be a very endearing sight. And perhaps selecting food and dishes is a very enjoyable time for you?

However, feeding your kitten inappropriate food, or the wrong amount or frequency, could lead to life-threatening situations. In this article, we will explain everything about kitten food.

Types of Cat Food

Cat food, not just for kittens, comes in three types: "complete and balanced food," "therapeutic food," and "snacks, supplementary food, etc." These food types have important implications. They are listed in the ingredients section of the food packaging.

Complete and Balanced Food

Complete and balanced food is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients a cat needs in a day, with just that food and water. Typically, what we refer to as "cat food" is complete and balanced.

Therapeutic Food

Therapeutic food is specially formulated for cats suffering from illnesses such as urinary stones, kidney disease, or liver disease. A veterinarian will diagnose the condition and provide guidance and a prescription for therapeutic food.

Snacks, Supplementary Food, etc.

Items labeled as snacks or supplementary food are what we commonly refer to as "treats." These foods alone cannot maintain a cat's health.

Kitten Food, Feeding Frequency, and Quantity

Kittens typically begin weaning around 4 weeks of age and complete it by approximately 2 months. As their deciduous teeth emerge, they gradually become able to eat harder food. However, it takes time for their digestive system to mature, so even if they eat a lot of food, they cannot fully digest and absorb all of it. Also, if the food consistency changes too suddenly, they may not recognize it as food.

The appropriate food for kittens is kitten-specific complete and balanced food. Kittens have weak digestive systems, so this food is designed to provide the necessary nutrients in small meal portions. Feeding adult cat food can lead to indigestion or malnutrition because their digestive system cannot process it efficiently.

For feeding frequency, divide meals into about 3 times a day until they are around six months old. Since they cannot eat a large amount at once and absorb everything, it is preferable to divide the meals into smaller portions. If your kitten is small or prone to diarrhea or vomiting, frequent small meals are a good idea.

For the quantity of kitten food, refer to the feeding guidelines on the food packaging. This is just a guideline, so adjust it while observing your kitten's growth and stool condition. The kitten stage is crucial for their physical development. It is also important to regularly weigh your kitten at the vet to know their ideal weight.

What to do when your kitten doesn't eat

Reconsider the Food

Sometimes kittens suddenly stop eating when they start weaning or when the hardness of their food changes. Since they are transitioning from milk to solid food, they may not recognize it as food. Weaning food is typically given by mashing kibble with milk or hot water, but if the water content is too low, they might not recognize it as food due to the different texture. In such cases, go back to milk or increase the water content, and once they start eating, gradually change the food's consistency.

Furthermore, a kitten's taste preferences are generally set around six months of age, but it's known that they tend to prefer what they ate during their second and third months. When switching food, mix it with their old food for about two weeks to gradually acclimate them to the new food.

Mealtime should be peaceful

Kittens are naturally curious and easily get engrossed in play. If there are toys visible to the kitten during mealtime, play might take precedence. When mealtime approaches, put away the toys and help your kitten focus on their food. Also, when they are sleepy, they won't have an appetite. Make sure mealtime is when your kitten is fully awake and interested in eating.

Visit the Vet

If a kitten loses its appetite, its condition can deteriorate rapidly if you wait for more than a day. If it's energetic and eats treats well, it might just be a picky eater, but if it shows symptoms such as lack of energy, disinterest in food, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should visit the vet immediately. Also, if a kitten has swallowed a string from a toy or something similar, it might lose its appetite. It's important to check if anything is missing around the house.

Things not to do when your kitten doesn't eat

Constantly changing food

If you keep changing your kitten's food just because it won't eat, you might be raising a picky cat. If your kitten is healthy and shows interest in food, you should adjust the moisture content of the food or mix it with the previous food.

Feeding human food

Human food can seem appealing to cats. However, human food can be a heavy burden for cats and some ingredients can even be toxic. Never share your food with your kitten just because it won't eat its own.

Waiting to see what happens

If a kitten doesn't eat, it won't necessarily start eating eventually. In fact, it's more likely to become increasingly unable to eat. If treatment is needed, delaying it can make it too late. Instead of waiting to see what happens, visit the vet as soon as possible.

Summary

This article explained kitten food. It can be worrying if your kitten isn't eating, but please don't panic and consult your veterinarian.

For advice on the appropriate amount and type of food, you can get professional guidance from experts like veterinarians. Don't hesitate to visit your vet.