THE KIT NEEDS FOOD ADAPTED TO HIS AGE
Kittens grow fast, and by the age of 4 months they have reached 40% of the weight of an adult cat. From the age of 4 months, the kitten goes through a period of slower growth, which allows the body to strengthen. The bones become stronger, the muscles develop and permanent dentition gradually appears (between 4 and 7 months). The digestive system and the immune system are also gradually maturing, but the kitten still needs food adapted to its age.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD AFTER 4 MONTHS AGE
With permanent dentition, the kitten needs hooks large enough to stimulate mastication, and the calorie requirement is lower. Its energy requirement is still high until the 4th or 5th month of life, when it reaches its maximum point, after which it gradually decreases. Therefore, food should always be suitable for these age-specific requirements in order to prevent uncontrolled weight gain. Overweight kittens do not develop properly and at risk of becoming obese in adulthood, which increases the risk of diabetes and other medical conditions. A well-established routine of daily feeding, along with the nutritional formula ROYAL CANIN® KITTEN which corresponds to its nutritional needs, protects the kitten from overweight and obesity. Learn more about the benefits of dry food ROYAL CANIN® KITTEN here.
If the kitten tends to eat the whole portion at once, do not leave the food at his disposal, but dose the daily portion in smaller amounts. To do this in an interactive way, a toy that distributes food during the game may be useful. It satisfies his natural hunting instincts and creative feeding habits. Show him how it works every day, until he gets to use it himself (on average, 12 days). Thus, the meal time will become more fun and interesting. Also give her a complementary moist food, in the form of pate, or pieces of meat in sauce or aspic, which will contribute to its proper hydration, accustom it to a variety of textures and protect it against overweight. Learn more about the benefits of moist food ROYAL CANIN® KITTEN here. Don’t forget to adjust the portion of the croquettes according to the instructions on the envelope when you also provide them with moist food and continue to provide them with fresh water, regularly changed, in ceramic, metal or glass bowls, away from the food or litter bowl. .
HEALTHY NUTRITION AFTER STERILIZATION
If you decide to sterilize your kitten with the onset of sexual maturity, around the age of 6/7 months in females and 6-12 months in males * (* Determine with your veterinarian what is the best time to neuter your kitten.), then you will have to consider the change of the food offered until then, in order to adapt to its new nutritional requirements.
Following sterilization, there is a change in hormonal secretions, and only 48 hours after sterilization the kittens increase their food intake (+ 26% in males, + 18% in females). At the same time, energy requirements are reduced by about 30%. If the food is not kept under control and is not adapted after the operation, it could happen quickly excessive weight gain. The risk is even higher if the kitten lives in a small space without physical activity. Giving him the nutritional formula ROYAL CANIN® KITTEN STERILISED, you will be able to guarantee them continuously essential nutrients it needs to develop properly and you will avoid weight problems. Learn more about the benefits of dry food ROYAL CANIN® KITTEN STERILISED aici.
In order to reduce the stress felt by the kitten during this period, you can choose to introduce the new food before the operation, so that the kitten is not exposed to the double stress represented by the visit to the veterinarian and the change of food at the same time. Don’t forget to make the switch to the new food gradual, during 7 days, by progressively combining the old food with the new one, increasing daily the amount added from the new food, so that on the seventh day to give it 100% new food. Also after sterilization it is important to follow the advice of your veterinarian and make sure the kitten stays active after the post-operative recovery period, and portions of food and any rewards are closely monitored, along with body weight.
Around the age of one, the digestive system reaches maturity, and the kitten can receive a nutritional formula for adult cats, adapted to its breed, specific sensitivities or lifestyle.