Having a new four-legged child at home is always a moment of great joy! Although it is normal to feel anxious and excited about the arrival of your furry friend, this can also be a time of concern. Feeding, for example, is a delicate subject that causes insecurity in owners. After all, how do you feed a kitten ?
Are there any special diets? What are the nutritional needs of baby cats? If you have a baby cat at home, don’t worry. Keep reading to learn how to feed kittens !
When to bring the cat home?
Kittens are cute and charming. However, as much as we want to have this little beauty by our side, we need to wait for the right moment. Dr. Cássia Paulon, a veterinarian at Petz, explains that it is recommended to let the cat live with its mother and siblings for at least 2 or 3 months.
This is the time needed for coexistence, bonding and maturation. In addition to being an important part of the pet’s development, it will be easier to care for your friend after this period. So, now you know: hold back your excitement and wait for the right time to bring your new four-legged friend home!
Breast milk: the first food
Cats are so cute that they seem to be from another world. But we cannot forget that these incredible pets are mammals and have needs very similar to ours. Therefore, it is easy to understand how to feed a kitten since the first food should always be breast milk.
Dr. Cássia emphasizes how important this first contact with the family is. In addition to being a nutrient-rich food, the kitten’s relationship with its mother will facilitate the pet’s relationship with other animals and their owners in the future. A cat with a loving and affectionate childhood will probably be a calm cat in the future.
Introducing the feed
Breast milk is very important for the development of a kitten. However, after some time, it is important to learn how to make a kitten eat kibble , a food prepared by researchers especially for pets.
This is what Dr. Cássia explains. “The mother naturally starts to move away from her puppies from the third week of age,” she comments. “This is the time when we should introduce food,” she adds.
Therefore, in this first phase, your pet will probably alternate between milk and food. However, soon, their favorite meal will be a bowl full of tasty and nutritious food!
Is cow’s milk bad for you?
When we think about how to feed a kitten , we immediately think of introducing cow’s milk. After all, films, cartoons and popular imagination have always reinforced that cats love milk!
However, experts say that this food is not recommended for felines. “It is very harmful due to several properties. The composition of fats, proteins and carbohydrates is different, with higher or lower levels than necessary for cats. This can lead to gastrointestinal disorders,” says Dr. Cássia.
The expert emphasizes that cow’s milk should not be used even to soften the food, a common practice among some guardians. The ideal is to buy a product indicated for puppies.
Pet milk
In some cases, owners cannot wait until weaning time. Orphaned or rescued kittens are often not old enough to eat cat food. How do you feed a kitten in these cases?
Dr. Cássia says that the best option is to look for pet milk, which can be easily found in well-stocked stores, such as Petz. This product has the correct nutrients for cats. This way, it keeps your friend strong and healthy without posing any risks.
The specialist also reminds us that milk should be given through a bottle. At Petz you can also find accessories for puppies, with bottles specially designed for cats!
Puppy food
If you’re wondering how to feed a kitten, you should know that kitten food is the best option. Specially developed by researchers, this product has everything your friend needs in just the right amount.
As Dr. Cássia states: “In it, we find a balance of nutrients. A good diet has the ideal amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.”
And if you think the food is boring or feel sorry for your friend eating the same food every day, don’t worry. Remember that pets’ tastes are different from ours. Your four-legged friend will certainly love a good bowl of food!
Don’t forget about hydration
When we think about how to feed a newborn kitten , we often forget about hydration. Dr. Cássia reminds us that this is a delicate subject when we talk about felines. “Cats don’t drink water often,” she says. This habit can have serious consequences for the pet, such as kidney problems.
To avoid complications, it is best to encourage good hydration from the time they are puppies. “They like clean, fresh water, preferably running water,” says the veterinarian.
Nowadays, it is easy to find automatic water dispensers that make water more attractive to cats. By starting from the beginning, your furry friend will have a better chance of drinking regularly.
If you’re welcoming a new four-legged child into your home, it’s best to have everything ready for a comfortable start. For that, count on Ukvibes! Here, you’ll find beds, toys, food and everything you need to make your home perfect for the arrival of a new cat. Find the nearest store and come visit us!