Knowing When To Get Help

Posted on: 28 September 2016

Whether it's the first kitten to ever grace the home or the tenth cat over the years, it is important to recognize and know what their precise nutritional needs are. There is a difference between what a young cat and an adult need to be at their very best. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Mother's Milk

For the first few weeks of a young cat's life, they get all their nutrients from their mother's milk. Kittens will receive fat, proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for them to grow at the rapid pace young cats often experience. As they are weaned off their mother's milk, the pet owner must take over the responsibility of providing all the things essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Protein

As a young cat grows, it needs protein in order to have a strong, healthy body. Proteins helps the body do all of its best work. It lends strength to healthy developing bones, cells, and tissues and aids in forming balanced hormones. Protein encourages the growth of antibodies to fight off sickness and enzymes to make sure the body is maturing properly. The best source of this vital material for a cat is chicken.

Fat

When it comes to growing, a kitten's body doesn't need a little bit of energy, it needs a lot of it. The best way to give felines the energy they need is to make sure they are getting high-quality fatty acids. The family kitten can get this material by making sure their food has large amounts of Omega 3's and 6's in it. These fatty acids also make the cat's fur soft and shiny as well as helping the kidneys function properly.

Water

Water is one of the most important resources on the planet. Without it, no living thing can thrive, and young cats need access to be able to grow up healthy and strong. Kittens tend to be wobbly, so be sure to use a small, shallow bowl to keep them from drowning if they fall into the water.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

It can be tempting to give young pets supplements. They seem to be on every shelf at the pet store and can be easily found online. However, a young cat should get the majority of their needs from good quality kitten food. Before trying to convince them to lick vitamin paste off a finger, check with a vet to see if the cat needs a specific item. The vet can run a few quick tests and make sure their levels are alright.

If you keep this information in mind, you should have no trouble giving a young cat the nutritional care it needs. For more information, contact Stewartstown Vet Services or a similar location.