All items mentioned are simply what we use and what has worked for our cats. Every kitten is different, so please use this as a testimony — we can’t be responsible for the items you choose. If in doubt, ask your Vet.
Before you buy your kitten’s food
Please wait until your kitten has been selected before buying food. Confirm with us exactly what they are eating, then purchase the same brand and the same flavor. Food may vary between kittens or litters, as some kittens have intolerances to certain foods. Keeping their familiar food on hand helps make the move home gentler.
Because sudden food changes can upset sensitive stomachs, any transition to a new food should be done gradually over several days by mixing the old and new foods together.
We strongly recommend feeding a high-quality kitten food for at least the first year, and often longer for Siberians since they mature slowly.
Fresh water should always be available — a bowl that is kept filled and fresh helps prevent urinary tract infections.
How to feed your cat or kitten
Figuring out the right food and proper portion size for your cat or kitten can be overwhelming. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:
- Prioritize protein: Cats require a lot of protein in their diets and can’t digest carbohydrate fillers very well. Ask your veterinarian about the best cat or kitten foods that provide a complete and balanced diet.
- Consider life stage: Kittens have special nutritional needs to support healthy growth and require more calories and energy than adult cats. Younger kittens also need to be fed more frequently due to their tiny stomachs.
- Have a routine: Presenting food to your cat at dawn and dusk mimics their predatory nature. If this isn’t possible, make sure to stick to a routine time.
- Account for treats: Most of your cat’s caloric intake should come from a quality cat food — treats should be 10% or less of their daily caloric intake. A few small treats are helpful for training and bonding, and you can also break larger treats into smaller pieces. It’s best to stick with specially formulated cat treats rather than table scraps.
How much should I feed my kitten?
Given these special needs, it’s important to make sure your kitten is getting the right type and amount of food at every stage of growth.
When do kittens stop nursing?
After they’re born, young kittens should be nursed or bottle-fed (if orphaned) until they’re at least five weeks old, and you can begin weaning them after that. When kittens are about 8 to 10 weeks old, their baby teeth start to come in and they should be fully weaned to begin eating wet or dry food.
How much should you feed a kitten?
The amount of food your kitten needs depends on their age and size, as well as how calorie-dense the food is. Feed your kitten according to the feeding guide on the kitten food packaging. Consult your veterinarian for a specific feeding plan for your kitten if you are unsure.
Always check the label of your kitten’s food for specific feeding requirements.
What should you feed a kitten?
Whether you feed wet or dry food, it should be formulated specifically for kittens. Kitten food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of a growing kitten, while cat food is designed for adult maintenance. Kitten food has higher amounts of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals than adult cat food to help a developing kitten, and dry kitten food often has smaller pieces of kibble for a kitten’s small mouth.
Look for DHA on the kitten food label. This omega-3 fatty acid promotes brain, eye and nervous system development.
How often should you feed a kitten?
Because kittens have small stomachs and need a steady supply of nutrients, free-feeding — having kitten food available all day so they can eat whenever they’re hungry — is recommended until they’re about five months old. Then, feed them three or four small portions a day until your kitten is six months old, eventually reducing feedings to twice daily.
How do you know if a kitten is getting enough food?
Kittens grow at different rates, but yours should be growing noticeably and steadily, especially in the first 4 to 7 months of life. Healthy kittens have clear eyes, shiny coats and lots of energy.
If your kitten is lethargic or has a dull coat or eyes, it’s a sign they’re not getting the necessary nutrients. This could mean they need different food, or even that the kitten may have picked up intestinal worms. Consult your veterinarian to discuss changing your kitten’s diet or deworming your pet.
When to switch from kitten to cat food
Kittens are usually full-grown at 10 months old and can start transitioning to adult cat food around this time. As with any food transition, gradually switch to avoid stomach upset. To start, replace 10% of your cat’s kitten food with adult food, and then increase the percentage of adult food every few days until your cat has fully transitioned to the adult formula.
Because Siberians mature slowly, many do best staying on kitten food longer than this.
Avoid toxins and malnourishment
Did you know most cats are lactose intolerant? Cow’s milk is just one of the many common human foods that can cause gastrointestinal stress or other problems for cats.
- Cow’s milk, cheese and other dairy products: Can upset your cat’s or kitten’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Milk and dark chocolate: Contain theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats, and can cause increased body temperature, seizures, and, in extreme cases, heart failure or coma.
- Raw eggs, meat or fish: Could contain dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria.
- Dog food: Doesn’t contain the proper nutrition cats need and can cause malnourishment, skin issues, muscular degeneration, heart disease, or liver and kidney problems.
- Yeast and raw bread dough: Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol, causing dangerous bloating and poisoning.
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks: Can cause anemia, damaged red blood cells, abdominal pain and other symptoms in cats.
- Coffee, tea, raisins and grapes: Can also be toxic to cats.
Pick up wet food after about an hour so it does not spoil.
We personally prefer stainless steel or ceramic bowls and water fountains, which help encourage hydration and are easier to keep sanitary.
Please keep in mind that when you clean water fountains, they have to be completely disassembled and washed thoroughly minimum once a week. Also, filters have to be changed very often depending on the fountain you own.
Siberians need to stay hydrated. Please monitor their water intake. Fountains help this!