Food and Water
Does my kitten need milk?
If weaned, no. If not weaned, or not eating food on her own, your kitten likely needs to be bottle fed with a commercial kitten milk replacer. This is not to be confused with cat milk that is designed as a treat. See below for product recommendations:
- KMR
- GNC Pet Milk
What types of food and water bowls do I need?
Steel or ceramic, but no plastic. Fountains are better than bowls for water.
Should I feed my kitten dry food?
Dry food is less expensive, easier to store, and less messy. Most kittens prefer to nibble at their food around the clock, eating up to 30 small meals per day. You can control kittens calorie intake by feeding a high or low calorie food, while having it available at all times.
Should I feed my kitten canned food?
Canned wet food and soft moist pouches contain a lot of water, which makes it more expensive and also subject to spoiling if the kitten doesn't eat it all in one meal. However, canned food provides more water and helps keep your kitten well hydrated, better for the urinary system. Kittens seem to love it and once you start feeding it, the kitten will demand it every day after that! You must decide which type of food is most convenient for you, but healthy for your kitten.
How do I know what kitten food to buy?
There are so many products on the market that it can be confusing. We recommend foods that are made in the USA with ingredients from the USA, to avoid the risk of contaminated sources overseas. The food should taste good, maintain your kitten's ideal weight, and result in healthy, solid stools. Cats are carnivores, so it is very important to keep the protein level high and the carbohydrate percentage low.
- MANY Products: Orijen, Acana, Fromm, Great Life, Pure Vita,Weruva, Tikicat, Wellness, Natural Balance, Avoderm, Halo, Solid Gold, Merrick, Nutro Ultra, Purina Proplan, Newmans Own, Purina One, Kirkland Brand
- Made in the USA
How much do I feed?
Your vet can tell you how much your kitten weighs, and if she needs to gain or lose. Look at the recommendations on the food bag or can and feed for what your kitten should weigh and not necessarily what she actually weighs to keep her weight ideal. Also, have her regularly weighed by your vet or do it yourself at home. Obesity leads to diabetes, so be careful.
- Petmate Pet Cafe Feeder
- This free feeder will provide food at all times for several days
- Esky Electronic Portion Control Automatic Feeder
- Automatic feeders can be programmed to dispense just the right amount of food for kittens who tend to overeat, and you don't need to be home.
- Wonder Bowl Selective Feeder
- This Selective Feeder keeps other pets out of your kitten's food so it is perfect for kittens on a special diet for medical reasons.
How often do I feed my kitten?
If you’re feeding dry food, it should be in controlled portions at least twice daily. If you’re feeding canned food, it spoils after 15-30 minutes, so it cannot be left down, but should be fed a minimum of twice daily. Younger kittens need to be fed more often.
How much water should my kitten drink?
Fresh, clean water should be available to your kitten at all times. The amount a kitten drinks will depend on what type of food she is eating. Kittens on wet food may drink very little to no extra water compared to a kitten on dry.
- Pet Safe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, or Aspen Pet Products Deluxe Fresh Flow pet fountain
- Fountains will encourage your kitten to drink more water. Use these instead of turning on the faucet for your kitten, which can lead to annoying, demanding behaviors.
What treats are best for my kitten?
Treats should be tailored to your individual kitten's needs, and taste buds!
- Feline Greenies Dental Treats will help keep her mouth fresh
- Pet Naturals Hairball Treats are beneficial for long haired kittens
- NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid plus melatonin soft chews may help anxious kittens
Are human foods safe for my kitten?
Kittens have special dietary requirements for protein and amino acids, so you should avoid feeding them human food exclusively, or diets that are 100% fish. Small amounts of cooked meats, and occasional bites of your food are safe. Dairy products ideally should be lactose free for better digestion. Be sure you know what foods are not safe, like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, garlic, yeast dough, coffee, salt and xylitol.
Where should place the food and water?
Place the food and water bowls away from high traffic areas and the litter box . Food may need to go up high on a shelf, counter or table where only the kitten can reach it if you have dogs.
- Petsafe SlimCat Meal Dispensing Toy
- This unique toy encourages your kitten to exercise while eating, an excellent choice for an overweight kitten.