what to feed my 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 to care for a 8 week old kitten?

• Schedule an appointment early. No matter what, schedule your kitten’s first vet appointment within a week of getting her. ...
• Ask about intestinal parasites, fleas and heartworm. ...
• Ask which vaccinations your kitten needs and how often: Preventive care for kittens may include vaccines for feline leukemia, rabies and distemper. ...

How long should a kitten stay with its mother?

The absolute minimum is 8 weeks but ideally a kitten should stay with its mom until he's at least 12 weeks. Kittens need much more from their moms than just milk, contrary to popular belief, so the longer the kitten stays with mom the better. At least 10-12 weeks, can be longer depending on the individual kittens development.

What to feed an adlut cat?

• Always measure the food you feed your cat. ...
• Create a cat feeding schedule. ...
• Consider free-feeding for fit and trim pets. ...
• Ban table scraps and limit treats. ...
• Introduce new food gradually. ...
• Keep fresh water in a clean bowl available at all times. ...

How often should mom be away from Newborn kittens?

• To wean your kitten from milk, place a small amount of food in her dish. ...
• Most kittens can handle a diet of solids by seven weeks of age.
• A kitten aged between six to 10 weeks old needs to be fed six to eight meals a day, while a kitten aged 10 weeks to six or seven months ...

What should I feed my 8 month old cat?

High Quality. Kittens should be fed kitten food — both wet and dry — until they are at least eight months old, and then they can move to adult food. Always have plenty of fresh water, changing it at least once a day.

How much should 8 month kitten eat?

Cat Feeding ChartAgeApproximate WeightAmount to Feed10 months7.5 – 8.5 pounds60-65 calories per pound of bodyweight per day11 months8 – 9 pounds60-65 calories per pound of bodyweight per day12 months – adulthood8 – 9.5 pounds20-33 calories per pound of bodyweight per day20 more rows•Jul 19, 2022

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 often should a 8 month old cat eat?

"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.

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

Many wet foods come in three-ounce cans and recommend feeding approximately one can a day for every three to three and a half pounds of body weight.

Can kittens eat tuna?

Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

What human food can kittens eat?

Whole grains such as oats, corn, brown rice and even couscous all contain lots of protein and are all human foods your cat can eat.

Should I feed my cat wet or dry food?

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 food is best for kittens?

A Quick Glance at the Winners of 2022RatingProductBest OverallSmalls Human-Grade Fresh Ground Bird Cat FoodClick To Save 33% Use code: Hepper 2022Best ValuePurina ONE Dry Kitten FoodCheck PriceInstinct Original Dry Kitten FoodCheck PriceHill's Science Diet Canned Kitten FoodCheck Price1 more row•Jul 19, 2022

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 can cats not eat?

Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to CatsOnions and Garlic. ... Raw Eggs, Raw Meat & Bones. ... Chocolate and Caffeinated Drinks. ... Alcohol and Raw Dough. ... Milk and Dairy Products. ... Grapes and Raisins. ... Dog Food. ... Preventing Cats from Eating Dangerous Foods.

Should I leave dry food out for my kitten overnight?

If you let your cat eat when they choose to, a bowl of dry food left out overnight provides a snack if your cat feels peckish. However, most cats are happy to spend the night without food and wait until their breakfast the following morning.

How much should I feed my kitten chart?

How Often Should You Feed a Kitten? — Kitten Feeding ChartAge of KittenApproximate Weight*Amount per Day2-3 weeks14 ounces-1 pound110-125 ml kitten formula3-4 weeks1-1.3 pounds11 grams dry or 40 grams wet4-5 weeks1.3-1.8 pounds11 grams dry or 40 grams wet5-8 weeks1.8-2.6 pounds18 grams dry or 65 grams wet15 more rows

How much should a kitten eat a day?

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

How much should a kitten eat per feeding?

Kittens should eat 2 tablespoons or 30 ccs of formula per 4 ounces of body weight within a 24 hour period. Feed kittens less than 2 weeks of age at least every 2 hours. Kittens 2 to 4 weeks of age should eat every 3-4 hours. If they are sleeping for longer periods during the night, do not wake them to feed.

How much should a 10 month old kitten eat?

Cats naturally eat multiple small meals throughout the day. At a minimum, offer food to 4-6-month-old kittens three times daily. By 10 months of age, two meals per day is the minimum. However, up to six small meals is even better!

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 .

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.

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.

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.

What to do if your cat hasn't eaten in 48 hours?

Ensuring your cat gets the right amount of food will help her maintain her ideal body condition. Consider a healthy weight cat food to help her achieve and maintain this ideal body condition.

How do cats have different needs?

Different cats have different nutritional needs based on their size, life stage and more. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how much food your cat should eat. Age & Life Stage: Kittens have different nutritional needs than adults or senior cats. Pregnant or nursing cats also have different needs. ...

What does the label on a cat's food packaging mean?

The label on the food packaging can give you a general idea of how much food your cat needs. The recommendations may include ranges, so you’ll need to figure out where your cat fits within those ranges. You can always adjust to meet your cat’s needs. If you have questions about how much of a particular food to feed your cat, ...

Do indoor cats need more food than outdoor cats?

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoor cats may not get as much exercise as an outdoor cat would, so they need fewer calories. Outdoor (or indoor/outdoor) cats living in regions with cold winters may need more food in the cold months. The best way to determine how much food your cat needs is to talk with your veterinarian.

How old should a kitten be to eat cat food?

You can refer to the cat food manufacturers recommendations which will be on the can or pouch for more ideas on the amount to feed your kitten at 8 weeks old. Keep an eye on your kittens weight. They should be gaining weight in as they grow, however any weight loss when they are this young can be a concern.

When should I feed my kitten wet food?

I believe that for a kitten, wet food is the best option. At 8 weeks old a kittens stomach is still relatively small and they may struggle to digest dry food properly. You also have to remember that a kittens teeth are still developing and will not have full adult teeth until they are around 7 months.

How long do kittens sleep?

They do spend a lot of time sleeping( on average 20 hours) however when they are awake for those other 4 hours, they use up huge amounts of energy.

When should kittens start using milk?

Kittens at 8 weeks might have recently have been weened of their mothers milk. So they are still used to their mothers milk only. If mum is still in the home, then this is without doubt the best milk for any kitten at this age,if they are still feeding on milk( by 8 weeks this should be more or less finished)

Do kittens need milk at 8 weeks?

I bought this for our 8 week old kitten and it worked a treat) At 8 weeks most kittens do not require milk but if they do use a good formulated product like the KMR mentioned above.

Can cats eat wet food?

Wet Cat food will easier to digest for your kitten and easier for your kitten to chew. Wet food will also provide your kitten with the majority of its water intake. You should still provide water for your kitten as normal, but as I say most cats get water from wet food.

Can cats be fed human food?

Finally don’t feed them human foods, as this does not contain the correct protein and nutrition your kitten needs.