When To Switch From Kitten Food To Cat Food

The kitten grows and develops during the first year of life. After about a year, growth ends, and the kitten turns into a majestic adult cat. Not only the kitten's appearance changes but also the behavior and needs. At 1 year, the cat ceases to need very nutritious food for kittens. It must be transferred to an adult diet with moderate content of fat and protein. An adult cat doesn't need as much calorie intake as a kitten. So when to switch from kitten food to cat food?

Difference Between Kitten Food And Adult Food

Food for kittens is different for adult cats with the amount of protein, fat, and other trace elements.

Kitten food contains more protein and fat than adult cat food. This is necessary to support the growth and development of the young body. Due to the greater amount of fat in the feed, kittens get more calories. A small kitten needs significantly more energy than an adult cat. Kittens are more active and mobile. If a kitten eats food for an adult cat, it doesn't receive the necessary amount of energy. This will not be enough for the most important: for the growth and development of a kitten. The consequences are fatal to the animal. And if you continue to feed the cat food for kittens, it will most likely get obesity. It is important to monitor the calorie intake of an adult cat.

Kittens should receive more vitamins and minerals, so their content in kitten food is greater than in cat food. For good growth, a kitten should receive calcium and phosphorus with food. These minerals provide the growth of teeth and bones. Polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 increase immunity.

When To Switch From Kitten Food To Cat Food

Kittens are cats up to 12 months old.If you adopted a cat older than 5-6 months, it may look quite adult. However, its growth is still ongoing, which means the pet needs enhanced nutrition. Its bones are still strengthening, they continue to gain weight. Therefore, it is strictly necessary to transfer the kitten to adult nutrition after a year of life. At this time, your cat doesn't need to consume as many proteins and fats as before. The amount of protein, fat and calories need to be reduced. This will protect the animal from obesity and digestive problems.

How To Switch To Adult Cat Food

It is necessary to transfer an animal to a new diet gradually, even if it seems to you that your pet likes the new diet. This will reduce the likelihood of indigestion.

Changing the diet can take place in different ways, so a new feed must be introduced gradually, paying attention to health status.

Step 1: Place the old and new food in different bowls in front of the kitten so that it can try each of them.

Step 2: After the kitten tastes the new food, add a little new food to the bowl with the old one.

Step 3: Over 7–10 days, gradually increase the amount of new food and reduce the amount of old until your pet has completely switched to a new diet. In this case, don't rush and remember that in some cases it may take longer!

Step 4: If your pet is reluctant to accept such changes, heat the canned food to body temperature, but no more. Most cats prefer to eat slightly warmed up food. Then its smell and taste are enhanced.

Avoid giving your pet chilled food.

Step 5: Your pet should have a bowl of fresh clean water at all times.

Conclusion

Food of your pet is a sensitive issue. It is important not to make a mistake and do everything correctly so as not to harm the cat’s health. My advice should help you properly change your pet’s diet. After all, a proper, healthy and nutritious diet will allow your cat to live a happy and long life! If, after my advice, you are experiencing serious difficulties in transferring your pet to a new food, contact your veterinarian. He will be able to give additional tips to help you cope with this task. If your cat needs a change in diet due to any disease, you must follow all the advice of your veterinarian exactly.