Food consumption for kittens in growth

Some requirements of nutrients and energetic contents that kittens need in growth are more than in any other stage and this must be considered while selecting their food.

For example:

• The protein requirement is relatively high in the adult cat, but even higher on kittens in growth. In fact, it is more in almost 10%.
• The levels of calcium and phosphorus must be kept within a narrow range, any excess or deficiency can produce osseous deformity.
• It is important to indicate with relation to calcium, that adding supplements of calcium to a diet that already has been adequately balanced will cause problems like offering a low quality diet.
• The role in reproduction and growth are well established and now food for kittens in growth must be supplemented with amino acid.

Growth and food for male and female cats
Most kittens gain approximately 75% of their total weight around six month of age and this is the basic reason why it is recommended that starting the six months is best to start offering them adult cat food more than giving them food designed for kittens in growth. With this, what we are trying to do is adapt the stomach for their new stage in life, without the change being so radical.

Since male cats are significantly heavier than females, their growth and development will continue considerably more time than the females. For both sexes, eating will take longer to reach adult levels, since they have a slow growth during six to twelve months of age.

The stabilization happens approximately at the end of the first year of life.

Careful with big breeds
In these cases, they develop completely between a year and a half to two years, which will be a factor we have to consider when looking for nutritional and energetic requirements.

Daily foods
The number of meals they receive during the day can be reduced when they are six months old. However, some owners continue offering them several meals throughout the day even when they reach adult life. Giving them several meals adapts very well with cats, small and frequent meals throughout the day and night, more than giving them big amounts and less times during the day.