Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet

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Can Kittens Eat Raw Meat?

Cats are carnivorous animals who typically depend on meat protein for their regular growth and development. But can kittens eat raw meat? Well, while cats do enjoy feasting on meat from other animals, they should do so only after a certain age. Younger kittens generally do not have the metabolism and capacity to digest raw meat. Hence, pet parents should start a raw diet for kittens only once they turn 3 to 4 weeks old.

Is raw meat good for kittens?

Although cats relish their portion of raw meat, feeding it to kittens is a totally different topic. Since kittens are still at a developing stage, they are more sensitive and need additional care. Yet, feeding raw meat to kittens is not an unheard practice. However, uncooked and unprocessed raw meat often carry harmful microbes which may hamper the kitty’s health. Hence, it is not recommended to feed raw meat to kittens.

Why can’t kittens eat raw meat?

While there is no evidence that raw meat offers more nutrition than other types of cat food (and vice versa), here are two reasons why kittens shouldn’t eat raw meat:

Infectious bacteria

Raw food is not recommended for cats because it contains bacteria like Salmonella and listeria. These bacteria can make both the pet as well as caregivers sick. And it is no news that food-borne diseases can at times be fatal.

Bone pieces

Raw meat often contains small bone pieces and that can be dangerous for the kitten. These pieces can cause intestinal blockage. In fact, they can even cut the insides of your pet’s digestive system. Moreover, bone pieces can also fracture the cat’s teeth. If your cat is an aggressive chewer, feeding raw meat with bones could even break your feline friend’s tooth.

Alternatives to raw meat for cats

Now, as a cat parent, you might assume that home-cooked food is the best choice for your cat. However, it is a daunting and time-consuming process. You will have to understand cat’s feeding needs to ensure that it meets the daily nutrition quota. Along with protein, our feline family member also needs essential micronutrients like iron sodium, chloride, magnesium, etc. Hence, going for wet cat food products and kibbles is a feasible option. It saves you the effort of cooking food every day while also offering complete nutrition to your pet. Let’s explore the benefits of feeding wet cat food and kibbles to your cat:

Wet cat food

It contains 78% moisture; hence, wet cat food keeps dehydration at bay.
Since wet cat food is made using animal protein, it offers essential amino acids like taurine to cats.
Cat food brands like IAMS understand a cat’s nutritional needs. Hence, you do not have to worry about your pet’s diet being high on carbs.
Micronutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. Therefore, wet cat foods are loaded with chloride, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins, etc.

Kibbles

Kibbles work well with dispenser toys; hence, they can be used to provide mental stimulation.
Since this type of cat food is dry and crunchy, it reduces plaque and tartar build up.
Kibbles have a better shelf life and are easy to store as well as serve.
If your cat is malnourished, this high-calorie food will help your pet gain the necessary weight and energy.

Note: Get in touch with your vet to make sure you feed the right quantities of both wet and dry cat food to your pet.

At IAMS, we offer dry cat food and kibbles that are made with premium-quality meat like chicken, tuna, and salmon. Along with being rich in protein, our range of cat food is also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals for cats.

What should you do if your cat eats raw meat?

If your cat accidently eats raw meat, take it to your vet as soon as possible. Cats exhibit the following symptoms every time they eat something their system doesn’t accept:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite
Lethargy

Frequently asked questions

What happens when my kitten eats raw meat?

If a cat eats raw meat, it can lead to food-borne diseases, digestive issues, and tooth fracture.

Is raw food safe for kittens?

No, raw food is not safe for kittens as it often contains infectious bacteria and small bone pieces that can cause fatal health problems.

Can I feed my kitten raw meat if it is fresh?

Since kittens are still at a growing stage, their immune system is not strong enough to fight harmful bacteria present in raw meat. Hence, it is not recommended to feed any kind of raw meat to kittens.

Can kittens eat raw chicken?

No. Kittens shouldn’t eat raw chicken as it can cause severe health problems. Since cats are carnivores, they require animal protein for sustenance. Hence, cat parents should opt for wet and/or dry cat food that are developed to support your pet’s overall health.

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Kitten Constipation And It's Remedy

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You've just got a new, adorable kitten, and its curiosity and playful nature fill your home with joy. However, one fine day, you notice that your little feline friend is a bit off its game. It seems to be in discomfort and eats barely anything. Moreover, you haven't seen anything in its litter box for a while. Could it be kitten constipation?

What is kitten constipation?

Just like in humans, kitten constipation is a condition where your kitten might find it difficult to have a bowel movement. In some cases, this discomfort can be severe and life-threatening, especially if left untreated for more than 48 hours.

Kitten constipation symptoms

While different kittens may present different symptoms, here are some commonly observed kitten constipation symptoms:

Lack of feces production: If your kitten hasn't produced any feces for 24-48 hours, it may be a sign of constipation.
Straining to defecate: Your kitten seems to be struggling in the litter box but produces nothing or very small, hard pieces of feces.
Loss of appetite: Your kitten isn't eating as much as it used to.
Lethargy: The usually playful and curious kitten is spending more time sleeping and seems less interested in activities.
Bloating or vomiting: If your kitten's tummy seems bloated, or it is vomiting, it could be due to constipation.

Common causes of kitten constipation

Kitten constipation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:

Dehydration: Just like in humans, lack of sufficient water intake can lead to constipation in kittens.
Ingestion of indigestible items: Kittens love to play, but if they end up swallowing items like ribbons or hair ties, it could lead to a blockage in their digestive system.
Lack of defecation stimulation: Unweaned kittens require stimulation to defecate. If this isn't done, they might get constipated.
Intestinal parasites: Heavy parasitic infections in the intestines can also cause constipation.
Neurological or other diseases: Certain neurological conditions or diseases affecting the hindquarters can lead to constipation in kittens.
Now that we've covered what kitten constipation is, let's dive into how we can help our little furry pals.

Treating kitten constipation

In a case where your kitten is still active and eating, some home remedies can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if the kitten constipation symptoms persist, or if your kitten becomes less active and stops eating, it's time to seek veterinary assistance.

At the vet, treatments may include fluid injections, enemas, or x-rays to check for blockages. In severe cases, the vet may perform procedures to manually remove the blocked feces or even surgery.

Home remedies for kitten constipation

Your kitten's health and comfort are paramount. If you spot the initial signs of constipation, there are some home remedies you can try before visiting the vet:

Keep your kitten hydrated: Hydration is crucial in preventing constipation. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water. If your kitten is fond of dry food, consider adding some water to it to increase their fluid intake.
Add fiber to your kitten's diet: A little bit of fiber can work wonders for constipation. Consider adding a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to your kitten's food for a kitten constipation remedy. Moreover, you can incorporate IAMS Proactive Health Mother and Kitten food in your pet’s day-to-day meals to ensure sufficient fiber intake. This kitten food also contains FOS natural prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion.
Get your kitten moving: Just like in humans, physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements in kittens. Engage your kitten in fun, physical activities to keep them active.
Continue observing your kitten: Monitor your kitten closely. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, it's time to call the vet.

Recovery and management of kitten constipation

Recovery from kitten constipation is generally swift once the obstruction is removed, but it's crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter, which may include finishing a prescribed medication course and maintaining regular deworming and fecal checks.

Remember, our adorable little kittens rely on us for their well-being. Being proactive in understanding kitten constipation symptoms and causes can help ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the exciting world around them.

Don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you're unsure. With a little love, care, and the right kitten constipation remedy, your kitten will be back to their playful, cuddly self in no time.
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