Food for one-month-old kittens
Caring for cats, especially kittens, requires a thorough understanding of their nutritional and health needs. Like other animals, cats have specific dietary requirements to ensure their growth and well-being. In this article, we will discuss how to provide proper nutrition for kittens and offer practical tips for their care.
Cat Nutrition
Cats need food specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and amino acids that can be diminished or lost during production due to heat, pressure, and chemical treatments. For instance, synthetic taurine is added after production to compensate for its loss, as its absence can lead to serious health issues such as retinal degeneration, blindness, and heart failure.
How to Feed Kittens
When using a bottle to feed kittens, consider the following:
- Use a bottle and nipples designed specifically for kittens to facilitate feeding.
- Sterilize feeding tools thoroughly to ensure the kittens' safety.
Preparing Milk for Kittens
The amount of milk kittens need varies by their age, as shown in the table below:
| Age | Number of Feedings |
|---|---|
| 1 – 3 days | 2.5 ml every 2 hours |
| 4 – 7 days | 5 ml 10 times daily |
| 8 – 10 days | 5 – 7.5 ml 10 times daily |
| 11 – 14 days | 10 – 12.5 ml every 3 hours |
| 15 – 21 days | 10 ml 8 times daily |
| Over 21 days | 25 ml 4 times daily, with the introduction of solid food |
If the milk is liquid, fill the bottle with the appropriate amount according to the table above. If it's powdered, carefully follow the instructions for mixing it with water in the correct proportions.
Feeding Kittens at One Month
Kittens at one month old need intensive and varied nutrition to grow healthily. Their primary diet consists of milk and small amounts of regular food. Recommended amounts are:
- 1 to 3 days: 2.5 ml of milk every 2 hours.
- 4 days to 1 week: 5 ml of milk 10 times daily.
- 8 to 10 days: 5-7.5 ml of milk 10 times daily.
- 11 to 14 days: 10-12.5 ml of milk every 3 hours.
- 15 to 21 days: 10 ml of milk 8 times daily.
- Over 21 days: 25 ml of milk 4 times daily, with some solid food.
Feeding Kittens at Two Months
At this age, kittens prefer cooked chicken and fish, along with spinach for essential vitamins and minerals. It's important to provide appropriate food and avoid items that could cause health problems, such as hard bones and fatty foods.
Health Care for Kittens
Monitor kittens' health regularly. Signs of fever include increased ear or nose temperature and a white coating on the tongue. If fever is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately for appropriate treatment.
If kittens have a fever before their vaccinations, they should be taken to a veterinarian for necessary treatment. It's also advisable to give kittens water using a small syringe to keep their mouths hydrated and prevent bacterial growth.
Tips for Caring for Kittens
Food
Kittens start eating at around 45 days :- Before this age, kittens need to nurse from their mother until they reach 3 months.
Introducing food in 45 days :
- Cut cooked chicken into very small pieces and place the dish in front of them.
- If they show interest and start eating, the goal is achieved.
- If they don't eat, try gently opening their mouth and placing a bit of chicken inside.
Providing the Right Environment
Psychological factors are crucial
Additional Tips
- Avoid feeding kittens foods high in fat.
- At two months, kittens can eat finely chopped chicken.
- Avoid feeding kittens canned cat food until they are two months old. Foods to avoid that can cause diarrhea in kittens:
- All types of canned cat food
- All meats except chicken
- Foods high in fat
When can you start feeding them canned cat food, and what type?
- At the beginning of two months, you can offer small amounts of kitten-specific canned food (like Whiskas for kittens), but in very limited quantities, as excessive consumption can cause diarrhea.
Now, regarding health:
- Some kittens may have a fever before vaccination, but a new owner might not notice it, as some feverish cats may still play actively while others may appear lethargic and refuse to eat.
How to know if your cat has a fever?
- Hold its ear with two fingers (but press your thumb further inside). If it has a fever, it will feel unusually warm compared to its size.
- Alternatively, place the back of your finger near its nose to feel the warmth of its breath.
- You can also measure its temperature with a thermometer (usage instructions provided below).
If fever is suspected, open its mouth and check its tongue. If the tongue tips are red or there's a white coating like pus, it means the kitten has had a fever for several days, and you should take it to the vet immediately.
If the kitten has a fever before vaccination, it must see a vet for necessary treatment. Ask the vet for a small syringe to give water after each meal to keep its mouth hydrated, as lack of hydration can lead to bacterial growth on the tongue, causing it to deteriorate.
In conclusion, caring for kittens requires special attention and adherence to proper nutritional and health guidelines to ensure their healthy growth and ongoing happiness. Proper nutrition and health care can ensure a long, healthy life for cats and enhance the enjoyment of having them as beloved pets.