Keys to feeding a kitten

A cat's diet is essential for good health and well-being, especially for kittens. It should be provided according to their developmental cycles , so that their bodies are ready to digest the food we offer them. In this article, we'll discuss the most recommended food for kittens based on their different stages. Do you have a kitten and don't know what food to give them? We'll explain what kittens eat based on their age. Read on for more information!

Puppy cat food: the first weeks until weaning

A kitten should spend the first few weeks with its mother, specifically the first 8 or 10 weeks approximately, until weaning is complete—since the mother will be responsible for providing the kitten with breast milk, just as with humans. This food contains all the nutrients the kitten needs during this stage for proper growth and development. Keep in mind that from week 4 to week 6, approximately, the kitten's teeth will begin to emerge, which is why they can combine breast milk with other liquid and solid foods until they reach 10 weeks—highly recommended so that the kitten becomes accustomed to it.

In any case, you should know that complete weaning should never occur before 21 days , as this can cause serious problems for your pet. If for some reason the puppy is unable to breastfeed, then the mother's milk will need to be replaced with formula and fed through a bottle.

Puppy cat food: from weaning to 4 months

A cat's diet will gradually change from weaning to 4 months. As we explained, during the first few weeks, the cat's diet will be based solely on mother's milk. However, little by little, the feline will require other foods. When asking what kittens eat, keep the following timeframes in mind:

1. From the fourth week onwards : From approximately the fourth week onwards, kittens' teeth begin to grow. Therefore, you can try wet food—such as pâtés, mousse, jellies, and pieces in sauce. They may struggle to eat at first, so help them by putting the food in their mouth, but don't force it. As time goes on, they will stop demanding as much of their mother's milk and will become more curious about other types of food.
2. From the sixth week onwards : By the sixth week, cats will have most of their teeth out and will have become accustomed to wet food. This is when you can start trying dry or semi-dry food. You may need to moisten it with warm water or milk to soften it slightly.

In any case, it's important to keep in mind that kittens tend to eat many times a day, even if it's in small portions. Therefore, it's best to offer food when it's due . You should prevent your pet from having access to it at all times, as this could cause overeating and discomfort. Of course, once the kitten is weaned and starts eating solid food, you should always have a bowl of cold water available for it. Keep in mind that over time , it will lose the enzymes it used to digest milk , so it's not a good idea to continue offering it, as this could cause diarrhea.

Puppy cat food: from 4 months to one year

Cats, like dogs, remain kittens until their first year of life . This means that adult food should not be given at this stage, as their digestive system is not yet fully developed. It is best to choose kitten food specifically for this age. These include different nutrients and foods such as tuna, turkey, or chicken mixed with some vegetables and grains.

Puppy cat food: after the first year

At this point, kitten food will become adult cat food. However, we face a new challenge: choosing the best cat food. Our recommendation is that you always opt for natural, preservative-free foods. These foods are much healthier and contain the nutrients your pet needs, as is the case with our Arquivet cat food . Adult cat foods are generally made with soft fish and tuna, turkey, chicken, salmon, and grains.

Things to consider about food for kittens and large cats

Keep in mind that cats are carnivores , so their nutritional needs must be adapted to this with a special cat diet. Furthermore, in the case of adult cats—just as we explained when talking about what kittens eat —they need to eat protein-rich foods , which they can obtain from meat-based foods like chicken. In any case, you should always ensure that you offer a diet appropriate to their needs and age. Another thing you should keep in mind about your feline's diet is their habits . That is, whether they are an active cat or a calmer one, or if they have a tendency to gain weight, for example—this is something that depends greatly on the cat's activity and exercise. Based on this, we will choose one food or another.

It's also important to be very careful with leftovers . You should know exactly what you can and can't give your pet so that it doesn't affect their health. For example, you can choose to give them small pieces of low-salt and low-fat sausage, as well as some specific vegetables (keep in mind that cats don't usually like vegetables, as they usually use them to purge themselves). Some of the foods your pet can eat are: carrots, chard, beets, zucchini, peaches, watermelon, pears, melon, cooked boneless fish (such as tuna and trout), cooked ham, turkey breast, and natural yogurt (the latter, occasionally and without sugar or sweeteners).