Cat Food

Petiopet offers the best ingredients available in an easily digestible format that your cat will love. It's not just about what a pet eats, but how they eat! We have a really tasty cat foods that is made with the best ingredients. You will be able to see the difference in your cat's energy levels and their coat will look amazing. We all know that cats need food to survive. But what kind of food should you be giving your cat? Our cat food, of course!

When Can Kittens Eat Cat Food?

Kittens have earned their name in the pet industry. And why wouldn't they? Adorability dripping from every fur, they trigger the cuteness alarm effortlessly. Moreover, they know just the ways to show love to their owners and make their presence known. And we're here for it. Even a step ahead of adult cats, kittens can be precious creatures, requiring adequate care and attention.

Every step needs proper care, especially when it comes to food. In the first few weeks, a kitten gets its nutrition from the mother’s milk. After the needed time, you can switch it to mild kitten food. But the hectic part comes when your sweet little kitten is stepping into adulthood, and you are wondering, ‘’When can kittens eat cat food?’’

You will find yourself rocking back and forth, deciding whether or not to change the diet. In this read, we will ensure that this uncertainty doesn't leave you bamboozled! Let us fill you in on the details of when to switch from kitten to cat food.

What Does a Kitten Require Nutritionally?

Kittens in their early years are in their growth stage, which means a mandatory amount of nutrition is required for the body to develop. At the same time, a kitten is more likely to engage in high activities than before its weaning period. Therefore, it burns more calories as well.

Both factors combined double the amount of nutrition, including fats, vitamins, protein, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. A constituent of the primary focus in a kitten’s diet is proteins. It plays an enormous role in the development of the kitty.

Protein is one of the significant ingredients of its diet, and you will need to make sure that you provide it enough.

This period is where grain-free cat food steps in the game. It relies heavily on proteins and is perfect for keeping your kitten nice and healthy.

Kitten Food and Cat Food: What's the Difference?

When a kitten shifts to senior cat food, there can be a necessary drop in its needed amount of nutrients. It does not require all those calories and fats that were once an integral component of its diet.

Adult cats are not as energetic as kittens since their growth period is almost over. In such a case, feeding your kitten with the same amount of nutrition can lead to excessive weight gain. And that is why you should start giving your kitten adult wet cat food or dry cat food. This switch in diet will ensure the proper growth of your kitten.

When to switch from kitten to cat food

There is no complex science behind the right time to transition from kitten to cat food. In most circumstances, the timing should be tailored to suit your furry friend.

Upon a year from its birth, a kitten is ready to give up its young days for an adult transformation. When it becomes an adult cat, cat food becomes a necessity. However, this period can fluctuate. It can either come earlier or might get late.

But two factors that play a vital role in this regard are:

The cat’s breed: Depending on whether your cat is a small or large breed, the transition time can differ. For small breed cats, you are welcome to give their first adult cat food bowl on their first birthday. However, for large breeds, the shifting time can extend to 18 months and sometimes even two years.

The cat’s health: Adult food may not be the best option if your kitten is physically weak and needs a high nutritional diet. It is better to have your kitten examined by a vet before switching their food.

How to switch from kitten to cat food

Whether you go for dry or wet cat food, you should keep the transitioning process slow to let the kitten digest it fully. If you feel the kitten isn't doing well with the food and notice digestion errors, you should halt the diet.

It is better to wait and be patient in this situation rather than force a diet on your kitty. Consider the following food transitioning guide when introducing new food to your kitten.

The first day: Fill 75% of the bowl with your kitten’s regular food and rest with the cat food.

The fourth day: Fill 50% of the bowl with regular kitten food and rest with the cat food.

The ninth day: Fill 75% with cat food and rest with kitten food.

Twelfth day: Fill the bowl only with the cat food.

Final thoughts Switching from kitten to cat food takes a while. However, it is also essential to check your kitten’s response to new food. If you notice any resistance or disinterest, you can always decrease the adult food ratio.

You don't need to hurry but let the process unfold naturally. It will automatically determine when your kitten can eat cat food.