Caring for a kitten is completely different than caring for an adult cat. One of the most common questions asked by cat owners is: when should I switch from kitten food to adult cat food? While there are no hard and fast rules, the general principle is that kittens under 12 months of age should stick to kitten-specific formulas. These foods are specially formulated to support rapid growth and development in kittens. However, for larger cats, they may not fully mature until 18 months or older, so you may need to extend this time.
Kittens should continue to eat Growing Formula until they reach about 90% of their adult weight. If you’re not sure when you should switch foods, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before making any major dietary changes for your furry friend.
When should kittens transition to cat food?
Most kittens are ready to switch to cat food when they turn one year old or so. This ensures that they are getting balanced nutrition during their adult years. Keep in mind that feeding kitten food to adult cats can lead to unwanted weight gain, even in the most active cats! When buying cat food, check the label. If the label says “for all life stages,” the food is nutritionally suitable for both kittens and adult cats.
Although it is widely believed that cats like milk, they are in fact lactose intolerant. Cow’s milk can upset their stomachs, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. Instead, stick to specially formulated cat food. If you want to give your cat a snack, choose safe, artificial foods such as lean beef, cooked chicken or luncheon meat, but avoid onions and other harmful ingredients.
If you’re curious about other foods that may be harmful or beneficial to your cat, check out our detailed guide on why to use guar gum in cat food. It’s always helpful to know what your pet is eating!
How to feed kittens cat food
Kittens have unique nutritional needs just like human babies, and it’s important to provide them with the right food at every stage of their development. Transitioning them to adult cat food is an essential step, but should be done gradually so as not to irritate a sensitive gut. Pets develop specific gut microbes to digest their daily diet, and a sudden change may cause an imbalance in the gut, triggering vomiting or diarrhea. For a smooth transition, the new food should be mixed slowly with the existing food over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Tips for transitioning from kitten food to adult cat food
Changing your kitten’s food too quickly can cause unnecessary stress for both parties. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Create a quiet dining environment: provide a quiet, private dining space for the kitten, away from loud noises or other pets.
- Hand-feed if necessary: At first, hand-feeding can help kittens adapt to the new food.
- Mix wet and dry food: Mixing moist canned food with dry roughage can make the new food more appealing to your cat.
- Store food correctly: Please store cat food in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and quality.
Remember, transitioning kitten food to adult cat food is an important milestone. With a little patience and following these tips, your furry friend will soon be enjoying a new diet. At Zera, we’re here to help you throughout the process.