Feeding kittens: Proper nutrition right from the start

Two kittens sitting in front of two bowls and one is eating from a bowl

Young kittens have different dietary needs to adult cats, mainly because they are in a phase of rapid growth and the digestive and immune systems are also still developing. So the little ones need increased protein and energy after switching from breast milk to solid food.

Begin with the best

As soon as your cat starts to lose interest in suckling, it's time to help it along with cat food. Up to the age of 4 months, kittens need food rich in antioxidants to strengthen their natural defences from the inside out. This "new food" should be soft and easy to digest so that it can be easily consumed and quickly absorbed.

Kittens often arrive at their new homes at around the 13-week mark - full of new experiences. To avoid overtaxing kittens, we advise all new cat owners to stick with the food that the breeder has been feeding with at first, and only make slow and gradual changes. Kittens’ stomachs are still very small at this stage, so we recommend only feeding your new pet 4 to 5 meals per day along with enough water. Proteins are also important ingredients because they help build muscles and bones, which prevents premature bone and joint problems.

A cat sits on the floor and looks up at the camera, surrounded by CAT'S LOVE Junior Pouches

At 12 months old, the kitten's immune system still isn't fully developed yet, but growth slows down considerably - energy requirement decreases and they should be fed easily digestible, high-quality food with fewer fats and carbohydrates.

The CAT'S LOVE Kitten Food offers a particularly high meat content and is free from cereals, sugar, artificial colours and additives, preservatives and lactose.

Vital ingredients

Kitten food contains important ingredients, all of which are prerequisites for a long and healthy cat life:

Carbohydrates supply important energy, especially at the highest growth stage. Dietary fibres, which are found in root vegetables or fruit, for example, ensure healthy digestion and help prevent constipation. Fats are also important sources of energy and at the same time affect the texture and flavour of the food, making it irresistible to young cats. Protein consists of many long-chain amino acids and is essential for the formation and renewal of tissue. It is particularly important that amino acids are present in their diets, because kittens cannot produce sufficient amounts of them themselves. One particular form of amino acid that is an essential part of cats’ diets is taurine, which regulates digestion and the elimination of toxins.

The kitten's permanent teeth begin to form from 12 months old. Once this happens, you may switch your cat to adult food. Nutritional needs are based on size, breed and activity, i.e. whether the cat is an indoor or outdoor cat. Even when neutered, it is important to limit calorie consumption, otherwise there is a risk of obesity. And no cat needs that - whether young or old. It is best to ask your vet for advice on when the switch can be made and what the optimal amount for your pet is. Together you can best assess what is good for your cat and what it needs for a healthy life by your side.