Kitten’s growth: What to do when you bring your kitten home

During the period when the queen is nursing her kittens, she has very high calorie, protein and mineral requirements, which is also the case for kittens as they are entering a very intense phase of growth.

A nursing cat food is therefore well suited to the start of weaning the kittens; the mother and her kittens can eat the same food.

The ad libitum feeding method (free access to a bowl with kibbles) is well adapted to this period of huge requirements for both queen and kittens. 

In his new home, the kitten should continue to eat the same food he was eating before he arrived. Added to the stress of leaving the queen and other kittens, a brutal nutritional change might impact absorption of nutrients and stool consistency. 

If you want to change the diet, do so later, when the period of adjustment to the new home is over. Make the transition as soft as possible, by mixing both foods at the beginning.

Place his food and water bowls in a quiet corner away from the litter box; don't disturb him while he is eating so he feels safe.

Cats being nibblers, it is advised to divide your kitten’s daily ration into several small meals spread over the day. The total quantity per day is calculated for each diet depending on your kitten’s age and Body Weight. 

Breaking up his food distribution also promotes physical activity in your kitten and will help him maintain his ideal weight.

The younger a kitten is, the more adaptable he is. Take advantage of this period to get him used to eating different kinds of food: in addition to kibbles, give him a portion of "wet" food once or twice a day: pâté, terrines, bites in sauce or jelly... These foods are rich in protein but above all they are rich in water, which helps prevent urinary disorders. A mixed diet is suitable for cats throughout their lives. 

Don't confuse a request for attention from your kitten with a request for food. When he rubs against your legs and meows, your kitten probably wants to play or be petted. Give him a few minutes! But if he understands that this type of behavior is prompting you to feed him, he will quickly take advantage of the situation and keep asking for food! Furthermore, feeding on demand encourages cats to become overweight