NUTRITION FOR KITTENS
Unlike most pets, cats remain true to their "meat-eater" heritage, and have special food requirements.
Cats cannot process vitamins directly from vegetables, so a cat must eat the meat of animals that can convert vegetable vitamins to a digestible form. That's why, in the wild, a cat must eat all of its prey's carcass to derive essential proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Taurine, for example, is an amino acid that is vital to eyesight. Non-meat eaters can make taurine in their body, but cats cannot. Therefore, they must eat foods that contain taurine.
Commercial diets for cats must be balanced and nutritional, specialized, and concentrated in small portions. Therefore feline foods are slightly more expensive than dog foods. We highly recommend premium cat food for all kittens. The best foods will have an AAFCO statement on the bag that states that it has been proven to be balanced through feeding trials. AAFCO statements that claim to be balanced based on nutritional analysis are inferior. It can be fed free-choice. Only put out what the kitten will probably eat in the one day period. We prefer to put fresh food out every day.
Water is extremely important to the cat. Insufficient fluid intake can cause the urine to become too concentrated leading to urinary stone problems.
If your kitten does not eat well within the first 36 hours in your home, it may be that he misses familiar surroundings. It may be necessary to force feed him to stimulate appetite.
The major appetite stimulant for the cat is smell!! Since dry foods do not have as strong a smell as canned foods, some cats are more reluctant to eat dry food.
Make diet changes slowly. Any abrupt change can cause digestive upsets resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Milk is not necessary in the diet.
