Feeding kittens: a step-by-step approach from birth to 12 months
Having a kitten in the house is not only a joy, but also a great responsibility. It is especially important to properly organize the baby's nutrition, because his health, growth, development and immunity depend on it. Kittens grow very fast, and they have their own needs at every stage of life. The first months are the most important: it is during this period that the digestive system is formed, the foundation for strong bones, muscles and the body's defenses is laid. Nutritional errors can lead to developmental delays, weak immune systems, digestive problems, and even chronic illnesses in the future. Therefore, it is important to know what, when and how to feed a kitten from birth to a year. In this article, we will explain in detail how to properly organize feeding at every stage — from a newborn to a teenager. You will learn which foods are suitable, how often to feed, what should be excluded, and when to switch to adult nutrition. Because caring starts with a plate.
Feeding kittens from birth to 1 month
In the first weeks of life, the main source of nutrition for a kitten is mother's milk. It is perfectly balanced in composition: it contains all the necessary proteins, fats, vitamins and antibodies. Kittens suck on their mother every 2-3 hours, including at night. If for some reason the mother is absent or unable to feed, a special formula for kittens comes to the rescue. It differs from cow's milk both in composition and digestibility. It is necessary to feed from a bottle every 2-3 hours, including at night, strictly monitoring the temperature of the mixture. By 3-4 weeks, you can gradually introduce complementary foods in the form of soft puree or soaked food. The main thing is to take your time and monitor the body's reaction. The kitten is just learning to swallow solid food during this period, and an abrupt change in diet can cause a disorder. It is important to keep dishes clean and to observe the regularity of feedings. Read also: https://masterzoo.ua/ru/blog/kak-kupat-kota / .
Feeding from 1 to 3 months: the first complementary food
At the age of 4 weeks, a kitten can begin to be accustomed to solid food. It can be specialized wet food for kittens or soaked dry food. At the same time, it is important that the food is easily digestible, rich in protein and vitamins. You need to feed 5-6 times a day in small portions, gradually increasing the volume. Water should be freely available from the very beginning of complementary feeding. Milk should not be given, as it causes diarrhea in many kittens after 1 month. It is better to use specially adapted products for kittens. Make sure that the composition states: "for kittens from 1 month old" or "starter". It is important to monitor the baby's appetite, activity, and stool. If signs appear