Getting a Kitten? Read these Nutrition Tips!

Kitten’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!

WATER, 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!

Is Your Cat Afraid of Visitors?

One of my cats runs at the sound of a pin drop, and the other thinks he is a dog!  So my mission has been to get my shy kitty, to become more gregarious of course.  When I have visitors come over, I want to show off my pets because they are like children to me.  If you have this problem as well, here are some tips!

Begin by having someone come over and sit on the floor without making eye contact with your cat.  The visitor should engage in quiet conversation with you, and not directed at the cat. Never hold your cat or encourage or make him to go up to the visitor.  Cats always feel less threatened when they have some degree of  control (this is why your cat always goes up to your visitors that are afraid of them and ignore them at first!).  Engage the cat in their favorite activity like an interactive play session with a fishing pole toy or offer treats while in the presence of the visitor. If things go well you can have the visitor begin gently tossing treats to the cat while keeping their distance.  If your kitty isn’t ready for this step then work up to that in later sessions. The point of this is to have the cat associate something positive with the presence of the visitor.

Good luck!