Feeding Your Kitten

Once weaned, your kitten is dependent on you to provide a diet that is complete and balanced for its healthy growth and development.

Kittens grow rapidly and require higher levels of energy and nutrients, up to 3 to 4 times the amount needed by an adult cat. They need extra protein and just the right amount of vitamins and minerals for strong bones and teeth.

Premium growth diets are specifically designed for kittens and are the best way to ensure your kitten receives the right amount of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions for growth. Dry and canned varieties are available and kittens can be fed a mixture according to feeding guidelines on the label.

Kittens can be started on canned food or moistened biscuits from 3 – 4 weeks of age while still on their mother and should be fully weaned by 6 – 8 weeks old. Kittens need be fed at least 3 times day until they are 4 – 5 months old, then gradually reduce to 2 feeds a day by the time they are 8 – 9 months old.

Kittens should be offered as much food as they like at each meal to ensure they have an adequate intake of nutrients – they are unlikely to overeat at this stage in their life.

Kittens vary in their individual requirements and some grow at a faster than others. They will generally eat enough to satisfy their needs within 20 minutes or so – after this remove any uneaten portions and replace with fresh food at the next meal.