If your kitten is eating older cats food, there are a few steps you can take to try to get her back on track. This issue often arises when cats undergo changes to their routine or relocate.
Kittens have specific nutritional needs that must be met until adulthood. It’s best to keep them on a kitten diet until then rather than letting them consume adult cat food which might not be the best for their long-term wellbeing.
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Feed the Kitten Differently
It can be disheartening to watch your new kitten continue eating the food of an older cat, but the reality is that each has distinct nutritional needs.
Kittens require extra nutrients to develop properly, which is why providing them with high-quality, age-appropriate kitten food is so critical.
If your kitten isn’t eating the food that you’re giving them, there are a few steps you can take.
Start by ensuring they get enough water each day. As a general guideline, offer them fresh, clean water throughout the day.
Next, gradually transition them over to the new food. Feed them the old food for a few days and then gradually increase their intake of the new food.
Once your kitten has started eating the new food, you can stop offering her the old food and only feed her the new one. This should help alleviate any gastrointestinal issues caused by the diet change.
Mix It Up
Pet parents often report the problem of kittens eating their older cats’ food. While this is a completely normal occurrence, it can be frustrating for those of us who want our older pets to age gracefully. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your little ball of fluff sift through all the clutter and find what she truly deserves.
Start by understanding your cat’s needs and what works for her. This means being able to read her body language and recognize when she may need help so you can intervene quickly. Furthermore, ensure she gets fed the most up-to-date and age-appropriate food – no pawed over leftovers here! Lastly, ensure to have the kitten’s veterinarian check her over periodically.
Give Her a Treat
It can be a challenging situation when your kitten keeps stealing the food of an older cat. This could indicate anything from a change in diet to health issues or psychological difficulties.
Your kitten may be stealing your adult cat’s food because it isn’t meeting her needs. Kittens are growing and need more calories, protein and fats in their diet than adults do.
Thankfully, there are plenty of foods on the market to meet your kitten’s nutritional requirements. Just look for a label indicating that the product is appropriate for her age group.
Switching your child’s diet gradually is the best approach. Start by adding a small amount of the new food into her daily meals, then increase it gradually until she is eating almost entirely from this source.
See Your Vet
Your vet is far more informed about your pet’s health than you are, and can provide helpful advice based on years of experience and education. Be sure to listen attentively when they offer their advice – the last thing they want is for you to disregard it!
Your pet’s regular check up visits offer the perfect chance to detect problems before they become serious. Early diagnosis of disease is generally less expensive and less invasive than treating it when it is more advanced.
If your kitten is consistently eating older cats food, it could be indicative of an underlying health problem. This could be a nutritional issue or a behavioral one.
It is essential to monitor how much food your kitten eats and if there are any leftovers after each meal. If you notice any unusual patterns in their eating patterns, it’s time for a veterinarian visit to rule out anything serious.
