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What You Should Know About Changing Your Cat’s Diet

Deciding when and how you should change your cat's diet takes some planning. Because cats are creatures of habit, it is not uncommon for them to prefer their current cat food to a new food. They, like humans, become accustomed to something, such as a particular food, and may not welcome a disruption to their routine.

Tips for Successfully Changing Your Cat’s Diet

The following tips should help you change your cat's diet and successfully transition your cat to a new food:

Introduce the new food gradually. This is the most successful way to ease your cat into the diet change. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% current food. Slowly change the proportions over the next three days or so by gradually increasing the amount of new food and decreasing the amount of current food. At the end of this weaning process, you should be feeding 100% of the new food. You may encounter difficulties; for example, your cat might choose to eat only the old food, or not eat at all. However, a healthy cat can miss meals for a day or two with no ill effects.
Watch your body language. Bringing a new food into your home, placing it into a bowl, and declaring that your cat had better eat it might cause your cat to go on an eating strike. It is better to introduce the new food to the cat using a pleasant tone of voice. Gently encourage the cat to try the new food.
Don't give in to demands. It is important not to give up too soon. During the initial two-day period, do not give your cat treats or table scraps! Cats train us as much as we train them. Giving in to their demands only reinforces refusal behavior and makes it more difficult to make a nutritious dietary change.
Expect a challenge when changing from a moist food to a dry food. The biggest challenge in switching diets occurs when changing from a moist food to a dry food. If your cat continues to resist eating dry food, mix a little warm water with it. You may even want to put the moistened food in the microwave for a few seconds. If you mix the food with water it is important to discard the uneaten portion after 20 minutes. This prevents spoilage. The same rule applies for canned food. After the cat has become accustomed to the moistened food, you can wean him or her onto the dry food.

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Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health

Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health-mob

The Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Kitten: How to Take Care of Your Feline Friend

A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.

Requirements for keeping your kitten in good health

Keep your kitten clean: Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your kitten's coat shiny and free of parasites. Use a mild shampoo and do not forget to dry its coat thoroughly after a bath. This will help remove dirt and debris from the coat and prevent skin infections.
Provide adequate nutrients: Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Kitten food is formulated to give them the essential cat nutrients they need during their growth stage.
Provide socialization: Kittens are social creatures, and it's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with other cats and humans. This will help them develop their social skills and prevent any behavioural issues in the future.
Take preventive measures against diseases: Regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventative care will help keep your kitten healthy and free from diseases. By staying up to date with your kitty’s vaccinations, you can keep serious and fatal diseases at bay.

Kitten development milestones

Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:

Age	Milestone
5 to 6 months old	Sexual maturity
8 months old	Full set of adult teeth
9 months old	Comparable digestion ability to adult
12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male)	Reach adult body weight
Between 10 to 12 months of age	Energy requirements go down to adult levels

Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:

Life stage	Cat age	Cat age in human years
Kitten	0 to 1 month old	0 to 1 years old
2 months old	2 years old
3 months old	4 years old
4 months old	6 years old
5 months old	8 years old
6 months old	10 years old
Junior	7 months old	12 years old
12 months old	15 years old
18 months old	21 years old
2 years old	24 years old
Adult	3 years old	28 years old
4 years old	32 years old
5 years old	36 years old
6 years old	40 years old
Mature	7 years old	44 years old
8 years old	48 years old
9 years old	52 years old
10 years old	56 years old
Senior	11 years old	60 years old
12 years old	64 years old
13 years old	68 years old
14 years old	72 years old
Super senior	15 years old	76 years old
16 years old	80 years old
17 years old	84 years old
18 years old	88 years old
19 years old	92 years old
20 years old	96 years old
21 years old	100 years old
22 years old	104 years old
23 years old	108 years old
24 years old	112 years old
25 years old	116 years old

Checklist for your kitten's body conditions

Ears: Check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge
Eyes: Look for any signs of discharge or cloudiness
Nose: Check for any signs of discharge or congestion
Mouth: Look for any signs of inflammation or infection
Skin and Coat: Check for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks
Nails: Check for any signs of overgrowth or cracking
Attitude: Look for any signs of lethargy or depression
Digestion: Watch for any signs of constipation or diarrhoea
Thirst: Make sure your kitten is drinking enough water

In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.