what to feed an 8 month old cat

You should be feeding kitten food or "all life stages" food, not adult food to an 8 month old. You can continue to feed some dry food but also include more canned food. Canned food is a lot healthier for cats than dry food.

Full Answer

How much should an 8 week old kitten eat?

Five meals per day are ideal, but kittens over 8 weeks may also free feed on dry food. Be careful with free-feeding. While your kitten should be gaining weight at this stage, too much dry food can lead to excess weight gain. Also Read: Best Kitten Food – Top 5 Best Kitten Foods On The Market Today

What should I Feed my kitten?

Kittens need a complete and balanced diet formulated to meet their unique growth and developmental needs. Look for a protein-rich kitten food to support her growing body and high energy. Calcium supports her teeth and bones and DHA helps support healthy brain and vision development. Can Kittens Drink Milk?

How much formula should I Feed my newborn kitten?

In most cases, you’ll feed about 2 tablespoons of liquid kitten formula per 4 ounces of body weight. How Often Should You Feed Your Newborn Kitten? Newborn kittens feed frequently, latching on to nurse once every 1-2 hours.

How much should I Feed my senior cat?

After your cat reaches six months of age, you may feed him 2-3 meals per day. Compared to young and middle-aged adults, senior cats have unique nutritional needs. They often exhibit a reduced ability to metabolize protein and therefore tend to lose muscle mass. They require more digestible protein to support lean muscle mass and stay healthy.

What should you feed an 8 month old kitten?

Kitten Feeding By the time you bring her home, she should be eating solid canned food or kibble - about 4 times a day. a high-quality kitten formulation like BLUE Life Protection Formula® is optimal for proper nourishment during these rapid growth spurts.

How much should I feed my 8 month old kitten?

Often, young kittens may eat ¼ to ½ cup of food at a time. If your kitten is thin, we may need to increase the caloric requirement per day. If your kitten is gaining too much weight too quickly, we may need to cut back. Your veterinarian will use a tool called a body condition score to assess your kitten's weight.

How often should you feed a 8 month old cat?

"From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day." Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.

Should an 8 month old cat eat kitten food?

Most cats are considered kittens until around 12 months of age. Large breeds, like the Maine Coon, can take 18 months to 2 years to reach maturity, though. During this period of growth and development, kittens need a complete and balanced kitten food.

How much wet food should I feed my 8 month old kitten?

For example, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat Food advises that you feed your kitten as much as they'll eat in three or four daily feedings until they're 20 weeks old. After that, ½ can of food per pound of body weight every day is appropriate until 30 weeks.

What should a 9 month old cat eat?

Most 9 month of cats should be eating approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of cat food a day. If you add in a snack of canned food then I would do less dry. Most cats at this age weigh around 7-8 pounds. As full grown adults most average cats weight around 10 pounds.

Is it OK to give cats wet food everyday?

Feeding your cat wet food every day in addition to dry food ensures that your cat receives plenty of fluids. This is because fresh animal-based food naturally contains lots of water, which is also a key part of the jelly that binds the pieces together.

Is wet or dry food better for cats?

Wet food is more expensive and less easy to use but can be beneficial in cats prone to lower urinary tract disease, constipation and that are overweight. Dry food can be a very efficient way to provide calories in thin cats with food volume limitations and allows for the use of food puzzles and food toy dispensers.

What is the healthiest food for cats?

Here are our top picks of the healthiest cat food for pet parents on a budget.Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken Formula. ... Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food (Salmon) ... Merrick Purrfect Bistro Canned Pâté (Chicken) ... Rachael Ray Nutrish Kibble Recipe (Chicken) ... American Journey Dry Cat Food (Salmon) ... Whole Earth Farms Dry Cat Food (Chicken)More items...•

What is a good cat food for indoor cats?

Top 5 Cat Food Choices for Indoor Cats – ReviewsIams ProActive Health – Editor's Choice.Cat Chow Indoor Healthy Dry Food – Runner Up.Fancy Feast Delights – Honorable Mention.Blue Buffalo – Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food – Meaty Choice.Nutro – Wholesome Indoor Dry Cat Food – Informational.

How long do cats need kitten food?

Typically, kittens will be fully grown by age 1 and you should stop feeding kitten food and switch to an adult diet then. It's important to stop feeding kitten-specific food when the time is right and transition to an adult diet so your cat does not become overweight.

Do cats need wet food?

If you've only ever fed your cat dry kibble, you may wonder if cats need wet food. In nature, cats derived most of the water their bodies needed from their prey. Because dry food has low moisture content, your cat needs to get water from a dish, fountain or wet food.

How much should a 10 month old kitten eat?

How Often Should You Feed a Kitten? — Kitten Feeding ChartAge of KittenApproximate Weight*Frequency of Feeding8 months8-9 poundsTwo meals9 months9-10 poundsTwo meals10 months10-11 poundsTwo meals11 months11-12 poundsTwo meals15 more rows•Jan 25, 2022

How much should I feed my kitten chart?

Kitten Feeding ChartKitten's Weight. Average Caloric Intake.4 oz (0.1 kg) 31 kcal / day.8 oz (0.2 kg) 52 kcal / day.12 oz (0.3 kg) 88 kcal / day.1 lb (0.4 kg) 104 kcal / day.2 lb (0.9 kg) 162 kcal / day.3 lbs (1.4 kg) 225 kcal / day.4 lbs (1.8 kg) 272 kcal / day.More items...•

How much should I feed my cat chart?

Cat Dry Food Feeding Chart0-5 lbs15-20 lbsKittensless than 1 oz per dayup to 3 oz per dayCat (Adult, Lean)up to 1 oz per dayup to 4 oz per dayCat (Adult, Heavy)up to 1 oz per dayup to 4 oz per dayMay 11, 2021

How much dry food should a kitten eat?

Kitten Feeding ChartAgeWeight (lbs)Dry Food Amount (cups)6 weeks2/3 to 1-1/31/4 to 1/37 weeks to 5 months1-1/2 to 5-3/41/3 to 16 months to 1 year5-3/4 to 122/3 to 1-1/4

Special Considerations For Kittens

Kittens and Feeding – What Do Kittens Eat? How Much and How Often : Kitten Kollege

Feeding A Newborn Kitten

If you adopted a newborn or one of your cats had a litter, you will need to feed your kittens very often until they are weaned.

Is Chocolate Poisonous To Cats

While most human treats should be avoided, chocolate is a complete no-no for cats. Just 2g of chocolate not even as big as a square is enough to do serious damage to your cat due to its levels of theobromine. Theobromine acts as a stimulant, increasing the heart rate and acting as a diuretic to increase the loss of bodily fluids.

Ideal Food Portions For Kittens

Anyone who has ever owned a kitten before knows how rambunctious and curious they are. They need more food than adult cats so they can fuel their thirst for adventure.

My Cat Doesnt Finish Her Meal All At Once I Think She Prefers To Graze What Should I Do

Some cats really can regulate their food intake fairly well. It is still a good idea to create the expectation of mealtimes. This will help make it easier if another pet is added to your family at some point in the future.

Feeding Kittens At Six Months To A Year

Between the ages of 6 months and a year, you should still be feeding your cat roughly 1/2 to 1 cup of kitten food a day, but you can decrease their feeding frequency to twice a day by the time they reach around 8 to 9 months old. You may want to use a measuring scoop to get the quantity just right.

What To Feed Your Cat Wet Food Or Dry Food

Another important factor in answering How much should I feed my cat? is considering what youre feeing your cat. The foundation of a healthy cat diet is flesh-based protein like meat, fish or poultry. Dry food should be high in animal proteins, and low in plant proteins .

How many meals should a 4 week old kitten eat?

While a 4-week-old kitten will need about 5 small meals per day, you can reduce his daily feedings to 2-3 daily meals by the time he’s 6 months old. You can also give your kitten treats throughout the day, but calories from treats shouldn’t exceed 5-10% of total daily caloric intake.

What is supplemental feeding only for cats?

Foods that aren’t nutritionally complete and balanced will usually be labeled “for supplemental feeding only”. These foods don’t contain the appropriate balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and shouldn’t be your cat’s sole source of nutrition.

How many calories should a kitten eat a day?

Kittens in this age group need around 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. For example, an 8-pound kitten should consume about 240 calories per day.

How long does it take for a kitten to start weaning?

4-8 Weeks Old Kitten. Kittens usually begin the weaning process around their 4th week. During this time, they’ll start gradually shifting from milk or formula onto a solid food diet, which delivers the protein, fatty acids, and nutrients that fuel their early development.

How old is a kitten when he starts eating?

4-6 Months Old Kitten. During this stage, your kitten will start to settle into his dietary routine. That’s why it’s vital to make sure you’re establishing good habits for adulthood. Feeding a varied diet can keep your kitten from becoming finicky and keep him mentally stimulated.

How to keep a cat healthy?

Regular exercise and a well-controlled diet will help to prevent obesity and keep your cat in good shape. Whether you feed your cat homemade cat food or the best commercial cat foods, it’s critical to feed him the right amount per day. But there’s no single amount of food that every cat should eat each day.

Why is it important to feed a cat clean water?

Proper hydration helps to prevent constipation and reduces the risk of urinary system diseases like urinary tract infection and blockage.

Is cat food healthy?

Healthy cat food is one that is high in animal protein, low in carbs, and high in moisture. Wet foods are much healthier than dry, and if you are going to feed dry I would advise a grain free premium brand. Science diet is very low quality. I would pick some healthier brands of food and definitely incorporate some wet.

Do kittens need fat?

Kittens need the protein and fat. Just monitor the weight and reduce the amount of food once her energy slows down and she stops growing (many cats grow until they are 2 years old- some more). She is beautiful by the way. Feb 25, 2018. #3.

Can kittens eat in one sitting?

Grocery stores and Walmart don’t tend to carry the best brands. Kittens need a lot of food but can’t eat a lot in one sitting. If feeding wet it’s best to do in multiple feedings. If you’re also feeding dry a lot of people leave dry food out to graze on and do wet feedings 2 or 3 times a day.

What is the best cat food for kittens?

Wet and dry cat food are commonly available in kitten formulations, and there are pros and cons to feeding each. To decide which option best suits your kitten’s needs, talk with your veterinarian and get their recommendation. Here are some pros and cons of each: 1 Wet cat food is higher in moisture, so it can be beneficial in keeping kittens hydrated, flushing out the urinary tract, and helping kidneys stay healthy. However, wet food tends to stick to the teeth more, which can be associated with dental disease and painful cavity-type problems for cats. 2 Dry cat food is easier to feed in mutli-cat homes and can help scrape tartar from the teeth. However, some cats can overeat with dry food and gain excessive weight, which can be associated with arthritis, heart problems, blood pressure problems, respiratory problems, or diabetes mellitus—just to name a few.

How to track a cat's eating habits?

One way to deal with this is by using a microchip-activated feeder that only opens when it scans your kitten’s microchip. Just make sure another cat is not guarding this feeder and keeping the kitten from eating.

How long does it take for a kitten to grow?

Kittens do most of their growing (both height and weight) within the first year and then stabilize from there. Many of the growth plates of the bones in the kitten skeleton close by about one year old. At this time, after much of the growth is finished, your vet will typically switch your kitten to an adult diet.

How does a cat food bowl work?

There are some cat food bowls that work on timers to automatically release a measured amount of dry food at specified times. Kittens can also learn to use their instinctual hunting behavior to work for part of their daily food. This helps keep your kitten healthy mentally and physically.

How much weight do kittens gain?

A general rule of thumb in kittens is that they typically gain about 1 pound per month. Often, a kitten’s weight is about 1 pound at 1 month (4 weeks), 2 pounds at 2 months (8 weeks), and so on until about 4-5 months. Kittens do most of their growing (both height and weight) within the first year and then stabilize from there.

Why is my kitten not eating?

Reasons Your Kitten May Not Be Eating. If your new kitten is not eating well or has diarrhea, call your vet and schedule another checkup. Sometimes intestinal parasites can cause gastrointestinal upset in kittens. It is common for kittens to come home already infected with parasites.

Is wet cat food good for cats?

Wet cat food is higher in moisture, so it can be beneficial in keeping kittens hydrated, flushing out the urinary tract, and helping kidneys stay healthy. However, wet food tends to stick to the teeth more, which can be associated with dental disease and painful cavity-type problems for cats. Dry cat food is easier to feed in mutli-cat homes ...

How long do cats need kitten food?

They may need to continue eating kitten food until between 18 months and 2 years of age.

How to get kittens to eat wet food?

Starting with wet kitten food or moistened dry kibble will help through the transition. Start by combining one part of warm water and three parts of dry or wet kitten food (it should look like oatmeal). Over the next two weeks, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food. By six to eight weeks, kittens can eat wet ...

How long does it take for a kitten to eat wet food?

Over the next two weeks, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food. By six to eight weeks, kittens can eat wet or dry cat food at will. With wet food and/or dry food, you can provide a greater variety of flavors and textures, which will help support her adventurous nature. You can also feed a combination of wet and dry ...

How do kittens get nutrition?

Newborn kittens get their nutrition from their mother through nursing. If separated from their mother, a kitten milk replacer may be used. The weaning process may begin around three to four weeks of age, at which time more solid foods can be introduced.

Why is it important to feed kittens?

Choosing the right food for your kitten is an important decision. Nutrition supports her growth, development and can even affect her behavior. Giving her high-quality kitten food now will help support many long, healthy years as an adult cat. If you’re a first-time cat owner, choosing the right food and knowing how much to feed ...

Do you need a feeding chart for kitten food?

Feeding charts are required on all kitten food packaging, but they don’t all look the same. Pay close attention to the chart on your kitten’s food label to ensure you’re feeding her the right amount based on her age and weight.

Do kittens need milk?

Once a kitten has been completely weaned from her mother’s milk, she does not need milk in other forms. Although cow’s milk is often appealing to kittens and adult cats, it doesn’t contain the nutrients they need and cannot replace a complete and balanced diet.

How much should a 2 week old kitten eat?

A 2 to 3-week old kitten will still need to be fed every 2-3 hours and it should consume at least 1/2 tablespoon of formula or milk during each meal. If a kitten is nursing from its mother, you'll have to depend on how much the kitten weighs to know whether or not it is consuming enough food. Between days 8 through 18, its weight should increase ...

How much should a kitten weigh at the end of week 8?

The mother cat may need to be separated from kittens that are relentlessly trying to nurse more than they should, but by the end of week eight, a kitten should weigh about two pounds from the combination of limited nursing and eating regular kitten food. Illustration: The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy.

How long should a kitten nurse?

A kitten will nurse for about 45 minutes at a time every 2 to 3 hours for the first week of life. The rest of the time will be spent sleeping. Kittens that are bottle-fed should consume about a tablespoon, or 15 ml, of special kitten formula at each feeding. This is very time consuming for someone who is bottle-feeding a newborn kitten, ...

How much does a kitten weigh at birth?

Week One Feeding Schedule. A kitten typically weighs about 3 to 3.7 oz. at birth but will gain weight rapidly from nursing. For the first several weeks of life, a newborn kitten will depend entirely on its mother to provide it with food. Its eyes and ears are sealed shut when it's born, so it will rely on the pheromones its mother gives ...

Do kittens grow in the first year?

Pisit Koolplukpon / Getty Images. Just like human babies, kittens do a lot of growing in the first year of their lives. The kind of food and how much a kitten consumes directly affects their growth rate and development.

Do kittens need to be bottle fed?

Most kittens do just fine without human intervention, but if a kitten needs to be bottle-fed, either because the mother cat is absent, ill, or rejects the kitten, you'll want to weigh the kitten regularly to make sure its weight reflects a healthy and normal growth rate of a kitten.

How to help a kitten grow up?

Socializing kittens becomes more important as they get older, so they have the skills to thrive in their homes when they are adopted. Grooming: Make sure you incorporate grooming into your interactions with the kittens—especially if you have a single kitten or are raising a litter without the mother cat.

How to help kittens socialize?

Playing: Playing is an important part of kitten socialization because it helps them bond with each other and build confidence around people. Play with kittens for at least two hours a day (all together or broken up).

How much should a kitten weigh before being neutered?

It’s time to spay or neuter kittens, as long as they weigh two pounds. You can start looking for their adoptive homes but don’t actually separate them from their siblings for another couple of weeks to support their continued development and growth. Feeding: The kittens should be eating exclusively solid food.

How many baby teeth does a kitten have?

26 baby teeth. Eyes: Any color. Ears: Fully upright. Behavior. Eight weeks is a milestone age for kittens. They should weigh about two pounds, which means they’re ready to be spayed and neutered! They’re also fully weaned (you’re done with bottle feeding) and look more like adult cats.