FEEDING your kitten

The weaning process begins between the ages of three and four weeks; weaning is usually completed at around eight weeks of age.Their first meals are usually wet food, but could also be moistened dry kibble.

Before bringing your new kitten home, find out what food he has been fed and buy a supply of the same. A sudden change of diet, combined with the stress of travel, leaving his mum and siblings, and adjusting to a new home, is likely to cause stomach upset. If you want to change your kitten’s diet, allow him time to settle, then do it very gradually, mixing the new food with your kitten’s usual food.

WHICH FOOD?

A good-quality commercial kitten food will provide your little one with the right balance of nutrients he needs; it will be formulated to cater to his specific nutritional requirements. If the food label says ‘complete’ this means it contains everything your kitten needs to stay healthy. If it is marked ‘complementary’, then it should be fed with other foods.

WEIGH IT OUT

Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and weigh food before you put it into his bowl.

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of using a measuring scoop, that way everyone in your household will feed him exactly the same amount and, as he grows older, he won’t get any bigger than he should!

HEALTHY HABITS

Resist the temptation to feed your kitten titbits from your plate. Give in, and he might become a finicky eater who prefers your food to his own.Table scraps tend to be high in calories, resulting in unwanted weight gain.They may also contain ingredients that will make him ill, such as onion.

TASTES & PREFERENCES

A kitten’s taste in food is influenced by what his mother ate and enjoyed. However, cats’ tastes in food are as individual as they are — some kittens will grow up to enjoy a variety of foods, others will prefer either dry or wet food, while some will be keen to try human foods. Dry food has benefits for your cat’s dental health. Wet food provides your cat with vital liquid intake and can be useful for mixing in (hiding!) some medications if he’s a reluctant pill-taker. Fresh foods, such as cooked chicken, can be good for boosting a lacking appetite and are easy on the tummy in times of illness when your vet may suggest it is mixed with boiled white rice.

TREATS

You may want to give your kitten treats between mealtimes, this can provide a great moment to bond with your new pet. Interactive treats like Webbox Lick-e-Lix are great to promote closeness and positive associations between you and your kitten.

MILK WARNING

Never give your kitten cow’s milk as it is likely to cause diarrhoea as cats are unable to digest lactose. If you wish to feed milk, buy one specially formulated for cats in the pet food aisle of a supermarket.

Kittens should happily drink water. Offer a couple of bowls in different places in the house, and wash and refresh each bowl daily. If your kitten does have a bad reaction to something he’s eaten, be aware that diarrhoea which persists for more than 24 hours requires veterinary attention.

WHERE TO FEED

Place your kitten’s food and water dishes (separately) where he won’t be disturbed by people and other animals passing. Don’t change the location unless it is absolutely necessary.A plastic mat under the dish will make it easier to clean up if he’s a messy eater.

ADULT FOOD

At around nine to 12 months old, your kitten can transition onto an adult diet. If you are unsure about the timing, or exactly what to feed, ask your vet. Change your kitten’s diet gradually, mixing the new food with the food he’s been used to, over seven days.This will allow your kitten’s tummy to adjust to a different nutritional blend. Accurate portion control (as mentioned before) is advisable. Your vet will weigh your kitten and advise on his optimum weight.

HOW MUCH TO FEED

Kittens have small stomachs and should be fed little and often.

● Between eight and 12 weeks

— four meals a day.

● Three to six months — three

meals.

● Kittens over six months old

— two meals.

You may want to provide dry food that your kitten can help himself to throughout the day — an option which may be suitable if you’re at work.