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    Tips for Feeding Your Adult Cat

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    Tips for Feeding Your Adult Cat

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    At about 12 months, your cat no longer requires the high levels of minerals, protein, and energy needed while he was a quickly growing kitten. So switch him to a high-quality food, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, which is specifically balanced for the nutritional needs of adult cats. When choosing food, follow these steps.
     

    • Read the nutritional claims on food packages. Check the label to make sure the food is appropriate for the stage of your cat's life (kitten, adult, or senior). Also, look for a statement saying that the food meets the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If your cat's food doesn't have the AAFCO’s nutritional claim on its label, there is no guarantee that your cat will get a complete and balanced diet.
    • Choose premium food. Premium cat foods, which generally use higher-quality, more easily digestible ingredients, are more nutrient-dense than the less expensive brands. So, your cat will get the calories he needs by eating less food. As a result, the difference in actual cost of feeding him premium food instead of generic may be only a couple of cents a day.
    • Consult your veterinarian. Because your cat's nutritional needs change as he grows older and certain medical conditions require a special diet, always talk with your vet about cat feeding specifics, including what–and how much–to feed your cat.

     

    Once you've selected a food, establish healthy feeding habits.

    • Always measure the food you feed your cat. Start with the portion recommended on the package, even though the serving size may not be ideal to keep your cat healthy. If he doesn't eat all of the food or starts to gain too much weight, cut back the portions; if he begins to look thin, increase the amount until he's maintaining a healthy weight.
    • Create a cat feeding schedule. Nutritionally, one meal a day is OK for adult cats. If your cat seems hungry more often, try multiple smaller meals at established times. Remember, more mealtimes shouldn't mean more food. Split up the recommended serving size to create several meals.
    • Consider free-feeding for fit and trim pets. Leaving dry food available all day so your cat can nibble whenever he likes will work if he's at a healthy weight. If he's overweight or overeats, or you can't gauge how much he's eating because other pets share his food, it's best not to leave food out.
    • Ban table scraps and limit treats. Not only are they high in fat and calories, but they also can interfere with the correct—and complete—nutrition your cat is getting from his food.
    • Introduce new food gradually. Whenever you want to begin your cat on a new food, mix it in with the old. Start with a small amount of new food and increase the percentage over several days. Cats are more likely to accept change if it happens slowly, and their digestive systems are less likely to be upset.
    • Keep fresh water in a clean bowl available at all times. Cats need water to help regulate their body temperature, digest their food, and eliminate waste, among other things. Providing plenty of fresh water is especially important if your cat eats only dry food or is prone to urinary tract blockages.

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    • Kitten Basics Do Kittens Get Hairballs
      Kitten Basics Do Kittens Get Hairballs
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      How To Take Care Of A Newborn Kitten?

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      Kittens are super adorable, and it is wonderful to have one as a pet. While it’s fun to have a kitten at home, it’s important to understand your kitten’s various needs during the different stages of its life and take care of it in the right way. ‘How to take care of kittens’ is a question that most first-time kitten owners ask. But taking care of newborn kittens can be quite a hassle-free process if you follow a routine and understand a few do’s and don’ts about kitten care. We, at IAMS, are here to help you with this newborn kitten care routine in every way we can.

      Why Kitten Care Is Important?

      Kitty care is extremely important to make sure your kitten grows up to be a healthy cat. While in the kitten stage, it is still trying to get used to the new surroundings. Therefore, we recommend that you be by its side and help the little kitten acclimatize to its new house.

      What Does It Mean To Raise A Kitten?

      A kitten becomes a part of your family right from day one. But raising a kitten might sound like a strenuous job if you’re a new pet parent, but it isn’t. The whole process can be quite fun and will help you bond with your kitten.

      What Are The Important Aspects Of A Kitten That One Has To Look After?

      So, you want to know how to take care of a newborn kitten but are confused as to which aspects to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important aspects of looking after a kitten are:

      • Hygiene –

        This is one of the most important criteria of kitten care. Maintaining good hygiene is always important. You must clean your kitten’s den regularly.

      • Feeding Nutrition-Rich Food –

        Your kitten needs a nutritious, balanced diet for healthy growth and development. It is advisable that you buy IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten food. Chicken is the basic ingredient of this recipe. This premium kitten food promotes brain development and helps build a healthy immune system.

      • Regular Health Check-Ups –

        Take your kitten to the vet regularly to understand its progress in terms of behavior and health.

      • Grooming –

        It is advisable to start grooming your cat at an early age, especially if it has a furry coat or long hair.

      Understanding Kitten Development Stages

      It is very crucial to know how to take care of a newborn kitten as a first-time kitten owner. You might not be aware of the growth stages your little feline friend will go through, but it’s very important to understand them. So, here’s a table that can help you with the same:

      Growth stage0-2 weeks (Neonatal)2-7 weeks (Socialization)7-14 weeks (Most Active Period)3-6 months (Ranking Period)6-18 months (Adolescence)
      Character traitsLearns to incline towards soundsLearns to socializeThis is the most active play period of your kittenIn this stage, the kitten gets most influenced by other kittens in their litter or even other animals.Asserts maximum dominance in this stage.
       Eyes start to open by this timeSenses of smell and hearing are fully developed by the 4th weekStarts expressing affection through hugging and lickingStarts understanding and asserting ranks on people it lives with.Exhibits sexual behavior if not spayed.
       If the kitten is separated from its mother or siblings, it may tend to get aggressive towards people and other cats.Sight is fully developed by the 5th week, and they can run and pounce without colliding with obstaclesCan paw, mouth, and hold objects as well  
        Starts grooming itselfAlso starts chasing its tail and starts pouncing and leaping around  
        Starts developing sleep patterns, motor abilities and interactions   

      Preparing For A Kitten

      • How Kitten Care Differs With Growing Age?

        Kitten care differs with each growing age. However, the major difference that occurs in taking care of kittens when they grow up is switching their food. Cats need more nutrition and vital elements that keep its body strong and healthy. It is advisable to switch to premium cat food while transitioning your kitten to adult cat food.

      • Impact On The Kitten If Care Is Not Taken:

        If your cat is neglected and does not receive proper kitten care, attention, and nutrition, it may become depressed and weak. Your cat may also contract diseases if it is not kept clean.

      • What Are Some Of The Preventive Care Measures That Could Be Taken Up For Kittens?

        While in the kitten stage, it is advisable to schedule frequent visits to the vet to check on the overall health of your kitten. It is advisable to keep a tab on their allergies while it is in the kitten stage.

      Tips For 1st-time Cat Owners
      Here are a few tips for first-time cat owners on how to take care of a kitten:

      • It is advisable to familiarize your kitten with its litter box right from the moment it is brought home.
      • You may also show your kitten around its crate so that it understands that this is its own space.
      • If, at times, your kitten bites you, sternly say ‘no’ to it. By doing this, your kitten will learn that these actions are not acceptable.
      • You may also reward your kitten every time it obeys your instructions. This will condition them to inculcate good habits as well.

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