Here’s the ideal feeding schedule for your kitten
In order to have a healthy and happy kitten, you need to feed them right. As your pet is a bundle of energy, you need to choose a high-quality feed that is high on calories, fatty acids, protein and vitamins. Your next question might be: what do I feed my kitten? So, here is what you need to feed them.
Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats. So, choose a meal that is specially formulated for a kitten’s growing needs. Next, you need to figure whether you like to give them a wet food or a dry one. Wet food will be tastier and will tantalise your pet’s taste buds. It will also keep them hydrated. Dry food has a longer shelf life and does not spoil easily. It is very affordable.
On the flipside, dry food has higher carbohydrates than certain wet foods. This means your cat has a higher chance of gaining weight eating dry food than a wet one, if they overeat. Sadly, your cat can gain weight easily irrespective of the type of food they eat, and obesity is becoming the most common nutritional disease in cats. So, one of the most important things for you to do as a pet parent is to ensure your pet eats the right quality and quantity, and stay healthy.
Feeding schedule for your kitten
The standard mode of feeding that most people usually follow is to leave a bowl full of dry food for your pet to nibble on the whole day. This is not the right way of feeding your kitten. You must establish a feeding routine for your pet as it allows you to control their diet easily and helps you control the weight.
Your kitten must eat three times a day at a fixed time each morning, afternoon and evening. Once you decide on a particular food, observe the food label and find out the limit of daily portion. Divide the portion of food to stretch three mealtimes. You need to observe your cat as they eat and adjust the amount accordingly. Decrease the amount of food you serve if you notice them gaining extra weight. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of food if you find them not gaining the ideal body weight.
Getting your kitten to exercise is no mean task as they are very active. But as they turn older, getting them to do basic exercise becomes difficult. Some cats can easily turn obese if they do not get enough exercise. So, get them toys. Set aside some time to play with them. Food puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet engaged. You can also try making your cat hunt for their food by placing them in different locations at home.
Wet food that remains uneaten should be removed within 30 minutes. Dry food can be left out for longer time. Portion control is very important. So, pay a lot of attention to the amount of food you serve your pet. If you still have not set a feeding schedule for your pet, it is high time you start one! You can always contact your vet for professional advice.
