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Posts Tagged ‘kitten health’

Getting a Kitten? Read these Nutrition Tips!

kitten2Kitten’s nutritional needs differ greatly from an adult cat’s requirements.  After all, that little ball of fluff may double her weight during the first few weeks in her new home.  And your new little kitten, will need extra energy for playtime!!  Also, don’t forget to get your new kitten to the vet as soon as you can for his or her’s first check up!

WHAT KITTENS NEED

All cats, kittens included, have similar needs for fat, most vitamins and some fatty acids.  But when it comes to protein, a growing kitten needs more that an adult cat, along with more minerals, amino acids, and some essential vitamins.  Thirty percent of a kitten’s energy source should come from the protein source in his or her food.  Your vet may have recommendations for a nutritious kitten food.  Also this is a great website for information on nutrition- http://bestcatfoodadvisor.net/.

NOT JUST ONCE A DAY

You know how active kittens are, so you have to make arrangements for your kitten to eat 3 to 4 meals a day.  One meal a day cannot supply a full day’s energy store for a kitten, with all the playing, racing, chasing, pouncing and stalking that takes place!

kitten1WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Don’t forget unlimited access to clean, fresh water 24/7.  The water bowl needs to be checked frequently, as bowls can tip.  Just because there was water in the morning, doesn’t mean there will be water left in the afternoon!

 

Winter Tips for Your Kitty

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With the cold temperatures, we need to make sure your kitties stay warm and safe!

1) If your cat is outdoor/indoor, make sure he or she is acclimated and doesn’t stay out too long, especially when it’s below freezing.

2) Watch for signs of frostbite- ears, tails, footpads and look for pale, glossy or white skin.

3) Cats like to curl up in warm places. Prevent potential burns and fires by protecting your cat from open fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters. Warm engines are also a favorite place for outdoor cats, and feral cats too, so honk the horn or bang on the hood before starting the car.

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4) Antifreeze has a sweet taste cats like but it’s toxic enough to cause serious illness and even death. Make sure your car isn’t leaking any fluids and keep containers safely locked away.

5) Feed your kitty a nutritionally complete food and always have water out for him or her. Nutrition and water are important because a well-nourished pet is better equipped to cope with harsh weather.

6) Give your cat a cozy place to sleep by offering some bedding in a warm place, free from drafts. You can raise your bed off the floor, too, cats love that jungle lair feeling.

7) Contact your vet immediately if you notice changes in your cat’s behavior, such as energy-level or appetite-decrease.