Veterinary Teaching Hospital
540-231-4621
Nutrition for the Growing Kitten
Cats are strict carnivores that rely on nutrients in animal tissues to meet their specific and unique
nutritional requirements. In their natural habitat, cats consume prey high in protein with moderate
amounts of fat and small amounts of carbohydrates. Thus, they are metabolically adapted for higher
metabolism of proteins and lower utilization of carbohydrates than dogs or other omnivores. Although
cats can use carbohydrates as a source of metabolic energy, they have limited ability to spare protein
utilization by using carbohydrates instead. Therefore, their diet should be comprised of proteins, fats,
carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water in the correct proportions. A cat food that meets these
requirements is called a Complete or Balanced diet. The amount of food a cat requires depends on
the cats age, breed, gender, activity, temperament, environment and metabolism.
Proteins
Comprised of 23 different amino acids, proteins are often called the building blocks of the tissues. The
kittens body can manufacture 12 of these amino acids. The other 11 amino acids, however, must come
from dietary meat and plant sources and are called the essential amino acids.
The biological value of a protein is a measure of that proteins ability to supply amino acids, particularly
the 11 essential amino acids, and to supply these amino acids in the proper proportions. In general,
animal proteins (meat, by-product meal) have higher biological value than vegetable proteins (soybean
meal, corn gluten meal).
Taurine, an amino acid present only in animal tissues, is one of the essential amino acids for cats
needed to sustain normal cardiovascular, reproductive, and visual performance. Kittens require a
dietary source of taurine because they cannot synthesize enough taurine from dietary precursors.
Arginine is essential in the feline diet to promote detoxification of nitrogenous waste products.
Fats
Fats are used to supply energy, essential fatty acids and promote absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins A,
D, E and K. In addition, fats make a diet more palatable to a kitten and help to maintain a healthy skin
and haircoat. Compared to dogs, kittens require dietary sources of both linoleic acid and arachidonic
acid. The requirement of both fatty acids arises from kittens inability to synthesize arachidonic acid
from linoleic acid.
If the fat becomes rancid, it destroys fat soluble vitamins and also essential fatty acids, leading to
deficiencies. Commercial kitten foods contain special natural or synthetic additives called antioxidants
to prevent the loss of theses essential nutrients.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy and are made up of sugars, starches and cellulose (fiber).
Carbohydrates are supplied in the diet from plant sources such as grains and vegetables. Despite the
kittens adaptation to a low-carbohydrate diet, they are very efficient in starch and simple sugar
VMRCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital Client Information Handout Page 1
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
540-231-4621
utilization. The starch levels found in commercial kitten foods (up to 35% of the food dry matter) are
well-tolerated. Excessive feeding of poorly digestible carbohydrates should be avoided since it may
result in bloating, gas and diarrhea. These signs are often observed in kittens offered large quantities of
cows milk, which contains high levels of the carbohydrate lactose.
Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary for many of the bodys chemical reactions. Fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K
need fat in the diet to be absorbed by the body. Kittens are incapable of converting beta-carotene from
vegetables to Vitamin A. Therefore kittens require preformed Vitamin A, which is found only in animal
tissues. Kittens also need a diet fortified with B vitamins thiamin and niacin. Vitamin C is not needed in
the feline diet because kittens can make it themselves. Complete and Balanced commercial kitten
foods dont need additional vitamin supplementation.
Minerals
Minerals are needed by the body for structural building and chemical reactions. Like vitamins, minerals
are supplied in the correct proportions in Complete and Balanced commercial kitten foods. Damage
can be done by over supplementation. This is particularly true for calcium and phosphorus, because the
proportions of these two minerals must be supplied to the kitten in the proper ratio for nutritional health.
Water
Water is the most important nutrient for all animals. Since cats do not have a strong thirst drive
compared to other mammals, it is critical to provide a source of clean and fresh water in various
locations at all times. Canned kitten food has a water content of at least 75 percent, so it is a good
dietary source of water.
Feeding a Balanced Diet
Kittens require a diet that regularly includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water
for proper nutrition. Of equal importance is the balance of these ingredients in the diet. A commercial
kitten food is the most convenient method of ensuring a kitten receives these ingredients in correct
proportions.
Choosing a Commercial Cat Food
Pet food manufacturers have developed foods that may safely be given as a kittens sole diet without
supplementation. Such foods can be identified by the words complete and balanced nutrition on the
label. These claims are regulated by federal and state agencies. The product may be formulated to
meet the expected nutritional needs of cats in a given stage of life or the product can be chemically
analyzed to be sure all the expected nutrients are present. If these methods are used to justify that
claim of complete and balanced nutrition, the kitten food label should include a statement that the
nutritional adequacy is based on a comparison to known nutritional standards. Look for these words on
such products: Meets the nutritional requirements of kittens established by the American Association
of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
VMRCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital Client Information Handout Page 2
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
540-231-4621
Alternative and preferred method to verify the nutritional adequacy is through actual feeding trials.
While exact wording will vary, pet foods which have been tested in this way should state the following
on the label: Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials. It is best to
look for these words when selecting a kitten food. Feeding a product that does not have a nutritional
claim on the label cannot guarantee a complete and balanced diet for the kitten.
Complete and balanced kitten foods come primarily in three forms: dry, soft-moist, and canned. All
contain the essential nutrients the kitten needs the primary difference is the amount of water in the
product. Canned foods are sometimes more palatable, while dry foods are more economical
After selecting a kitten food, the final and most effective evaluation is accomplished by feeding your
kitten the food and judging the results. If your kitten thrives, shows appropriate growth rate, looks
healthy when fed this food exclusively, then this is the best test that can be given in evaluating a kitten
food.
After selecting a kitten food from the dry, semi-moist, or canned varieties that states complete and
balanced nutrition based on AAFCO feeding trials on the label, it is best not to add any vitamin or
mineral supplements or table scraps to the diet. Additional vitamins and minerals may lead to excesses
and result in an unbalanced diet. Only use supplements when they are recommended by your
veterinarian. Feeding a complete balanced diet with fresh water is what most kittens need to stay
nutritionally healthy.
Feeding Management and Monitoring
Foods labeled for growing kittens, all life stages of cats, and growth and reproduction are appropriate
for kittens if the label claim is supported by kitten feeding tests.
The best way to determine how much to feed is to first estimate the kittens energy needs for the given
age and then calculate the amount of kitten food that must be fed to meet that need. Another way to
determine the amount to feed is to use guidelines included on the commercial pet food label. These
guidelines usually provide estimates of the quantity to feed for several different ranges in body size.
Such instructions provide only a rough estimate that can be used as a starting point when first feeding a
particular brand food. Growing kittens have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy
needs do increase as they grow.
Free-choice feeding methods should be used for underweight and slow-growing kittens. Free-choice
feeding is often preferred because it reduces the marked gastric distention that sometimes
accompanies rapid meal feeding in young kittens. However, providing unlimited food for free-choice
intake in inappropriate for overweight and obese kittens. A defined food quantity should be measured
using a measuring cup and then offered as meals or fed free choice until gone. Neutering increases
the risk for obesity; therefore, free-choice feeding to neutered kittens should be done very cautiously.
The feeding frequency should be 3 4 times daily for meal-fed kittens less than 6 months old. By 6
months of age, most kittens tolerate twice daily feeding. In general, transition to an adult diet should be
done in 12 months of age.
VMRCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital Client Information Handout Page 3
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
540-231-4621
Clean drinking water should be continuously available for kittens. Food and water bowls should be
cleaned regularly with warm soapy water and rinsed well. Pans used for moist foods need daily
cleaning, whereas dry food feeders should be cleaned at least weekly. Many kittens prefer shallow
dishes, especially flat-faced breeds such as Persians.
Kittens provided proper nutrition are healthy and alert, have ideal body condition (BCS 5/9), steady
weight gain and have a clean, glossy coat. The body condition and body weight should be evaluated
every two weeks. Results of body condition assessment allow monitoring kitten growth and adjusting
food offerings as needed to maintain ideal body condition (BCS 5/9). Stools should be evaluated
regularly because changes in frequency or character may signify nutritional problems or disease.
Normal stools should be firm, well-formed and medium to dark brown.
Changing diets
Rapid changes in the food or feeding method can cause gastrointestinal upsets or food refusal.
Transition to a new food over four to seven days may be required. To change to a new food, replace
25% of the old food with the new food on Day 1 and continue this incremental change daily until the
change is complete on Day 4.
Food Storage
Unused portions of canned food should be refrigerated, to maintain quality and prevent spoilage until
the next feeding. To prevent possible digestion problems related to temperature differences,
refrigerated food should be brought to room temperature before it is offered to the pet.
Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry location, and used within 6 months of purchase. Lengthy
storage decreases the activity and potency of many vitamins. Storing dry food in an airtight container
will prevent further nutrient deterioration and help maintain palatability.
Homemade Diets
There is no objection to feeding a kitten a homemade diet. However, if a homemade diet is fed, it
should be prepared from recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced by experienced
nutritionist. Feeding single food items or diets consisting of a indiscriminate mixture of human foods
often results in dietary-induced disease.
Precautions of Non-Commercial Foods
Raw meat: Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for the kitten and the
owner.
Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein. However, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin,
which decreases the absorption of biotin (B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw
eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish: Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in
severe cases, death.
VMRCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital Client Information Handout Page 4
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
540-231-4621
Milk: After the weaning, the amount of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk
decreases and is negligible in adulthood. This can result in diarrhea.
Liver: Liver contains high biological value protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. However,
raw liver is a potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria.
Onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee, tea, raisins and grapes are potential toxins in the kitten.
Avoid these common feeding errors
1. Overfeeding can lead to the number-one nutritional disease, obesity. Apparently, overnutrition is
becoming of greater concern than underfeeding in growing kittens!
2. Overdosing with vitamin and mineral supplements has been known to cause severe medical
problems in kittens.
3. Exclusively feeding meat or fish results in an unbalanced diet and causes related nutritional
diseases. Diets containing large quantities of fish can cause yellow-fat disease (steatitis), a result of
vitamin E deficiency. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is usually caused by all-meat
homemade diets that are deficient in calcium, thus creating a mineral imbalance in the calciumphosphorus ratio. The disease most commonly occurs in kittens that are rapidly growing.
VMRCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital Client Information Handout Page 5
