Kitten feeding and nutrition
Kittens need different food from adult cats
As kittens are growing rapidly, and their digestive and immune systems are developing slowly, they have very specific nutritional needs that are different from adult cats. In particular, kittens need a diet with a higher energy and protein content, plus nutrients that support the immune system and the right balance of vitamins and minerals.
Why your kitten's diet is so important
To help your kitten grow and stay healthy, it's vital to provide food suitable for their age, lifestyle and specific nutritional needs. They need the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Only a well balanced diet will provide essential amino acids such as taurine, which cannot be synthesized by the body.
Birth to 4 months
4 to 12 months
Your kitten’s digestive and immune systems are strengthening but still fragile. Their growth rate and energy needs begin to slow, but they still need easily digestible food designed for developing kittens.
Adult cats
Nutrients for healthy growth
The science behind ROYAL CANIN® kitten nutrition
We specialize in health nutrition. For us, feeding your kitten isn’t just about building their body and providing energy – it’s about protecting them too. We provide the optimal balance of nutrients to promote health as well as for energy, cell growth, and maintenance.
Our Kitten Ranges
Your kitten's feeding schedule
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Before bringing your kitten home, check the food they're used to and the quantity they're fed daily. Any sudden dietary changes can upset your kitten's stomach and they'll adapt more easily to their new home if their food's familiar.Keep an eye on your kitten's weight to ensure they're neither losing weight nor becoming overweight – both of which can cause health issues. Follow the recommended feeding quantities on your kitten's food packaging and contact your vet for advice if you're concerned about their weight or growth.
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There are three common feeding methods for kittens and cats.
- Self-service - This is the most natural style as, when cats have free access to food, they usually eat several small meals a day – as many as 16 in 24 hours. It's suitable for kittens who can eat dry food and aren't overweight or likely to overeat.
- Fractioned feeding - This is when you feed your kitten at specific times during the day. It's not as well-suited to their natural grazing tendencies, so it's best to divide their overall daily ration into smaller amounts offered several times a day.
- Combination feeding - For this feeding method, you provide kibbles on a self-service basis and wet food at set times. If you use this approach, it's important to control the amount of food provided overall to prevent your kitten becoming overweight.
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After sterilization (neutering or spaying), a kitten's appetite tends to increase but they also become less active. Without careful management of their diet and exercise, this can lead to them becoming overweight.Ask your vet for advice on adjusting your kitten's diet after sterilization. You may need to switch to a food designed for kittens that have been sterilized, so you can provide the same quantity but fewer calories.
Create the right environment for feeding your kitten
Cats are very sensitive and a variety of factors can create food aversion. They prefer to eat somewhere calm, out of sight, and with an easy escape route, and don't like their food bowl being near their litter box. Keep your kitten's food bowl away from their water bowl, too, to prevent the water becoming contaminated with food. And create their feeding area away from your own dining area so they're not tempted to nibble at your meals.
Events such as strangers arriving, arguments, changes in lighting, and sudden noises may all affect how much your kitten eats, so keep disturbances to a minimum.
How much should my kitten drink?
Cats generally need to drink around 60 ml or 2 oz per kg of body weight – either by drinking or through their food. The temperature, your kitten's exercise levels, and their physical condition affects how much they need to drink, as well as their diet. A kitten fed dry kibbles (which contain around 10% water) will drink more than one fed with wet food (which contains around 80% water).
Why can mixed feeding be good for kittens?
Mixed feeding is when you feed your kitten a combination of wet and dry food – either at the same meal or at separate meals. It can help to provide balanced nutrition and offer a variety of other health benefits, too.
Hydration
Canned wet food can provide a significant portion of your kitten's recommended daily water intake.
Palatability
Our wet formulas are designed to be highly appealing to the fussiest of kittens.
Weight management
Wet food’s high moisture content means you can serve a larger portion for the same number of calories.
Dental hygiene
Dry kibbles can help to keep your kitten’s teeth clean thanks to the brushing effect on their teeth as they chew.
Natural grazing
When should I begin mixed feeding?
How to change your kitten’s food
Any sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upsets and may make your kitten wary of their food. So it’s important to introduce new foods slowly during a week-long transition – whether you’re switching to adult food, changing products, or introducing mixed feeding.
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