When to Switch from Kitten to Cat Food

Kitten cat

Do you have kitties? Are you in limbo about when you need to transition from kitten to cat food? Well, worry no more. This needn’t be something to make you scratch your head in various ways. You only need to appreciate the fact that the nutritional demands of your kitties will undergo massive changes as they grow to adulthood.

Whether you are a first-time cat owner or an experienced individual, you must be aware that presenting a kitty with the nutrition it needs goes far beyond filling a clean bowl with fresh food. Just like humans, your cat’s body nutritional demands tend to increase as it develops from its kitty days through adolescence to adulthood. If you have less experience and don’t know which food is best for your cat, then please visit catlycat.com. This website will help you to find the best cat foods.

You will ensure that your kitten grows into the energetic and healthy cat you want if you adhere to the recommended feeding regimes.

When should you switch from kitten to cat food?

Well, this question looks very simple. However, it is practically complex and will need in-depth explanation.

You must know the feeding pattern of a cat from its kitty stage through adulthood if you want to gain a proper understanding of the opportune moment to switch from kitten to cat food.

Here’s a brief overview of the types of food your cat will need in each developmental stage.

2-6 Months: Rapid growth phase

The rapid growth phase comes immediately after the kittens are weaned. The rapid growth stage lasts until the kitties are 6 months old. Kittens in this stage need to be fed on a high-quality and balanced diet that will supply the nutrients it requires to sustain its rapid growth demands. Similarly, the food should be highly digestible, nutrients intense and properly mixed to meet the nutritional needs of the kitten.

Note: Kittens in the rapid growth phase will require about twice as much as their adult counterparts will need on a per-pound basis. However, their consumption is limited by ineffective teeth and smaller stomach capacities. You may compensate by giving small, yet often portions of kitten’s food.

6-12 Months: Adolescence phase

This is the growth stage where your kitten is approaching adulthood and will probably change its feeding patterns. Both its activity and growth rates are reduced and will start to consume fewer yet, larger meals daily. Though they’ll look like adults, kitties in this phase are still developing and will require specialized nutrition. Feeding them on high-quality kitten food could be everything you will need in this stage.

Note: Cats never get bored with a consistent high-quality diet. Therefore, you need not be tempted to change the kitty’s food at this time.

12 Months and over: Adult stage

Your kittens will reach their adult age at 12 months. This is the best moment to introduce cat food to your feline friend. In this case, they’ll no longer need the calorie-dense food materials you used to give her when growing as a kitty.

Note: The transition process should be gradual. Here’s the outline to follow

  • Start by mixing kitten food and cat’s food in the ratio 3:1
  • Normalize the ratio to 50:50
  • Alternate to 3:1 (cat’s food: Kitten food)
  • Adopt the 100% formula

It is somewhat complex but not really. By following the suggestions and guidelines provided above, you can ensure to provide your kitten and cat with the right nutrients it needs to stay happy and healthy.

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