When they reach the age of 12 months, most cats are considered kittens. Large breeds, such as the Maine Coon, can take anywhere from 18 months to 2 years to mature.
Kittens require a complete and balanced kitten food during this phase of growth and development. It's time to switch to adult cat food once they've reached adulthood (depending on their breed).
IS IT OK FOR KITTENS TO EAT ADULT CAT FOOD?
Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats, hence a kitten diet is required to meet those requirements.
However, if the food label indicates it's formulated "for all life stages," it's fine to feed to both kittens and adult cats.
WHEN ARE KITTENS ALLOWED TO EAT DRY AND WET FOOD?
While kittens should not eat adult cat food until they are fully mature, they can start eating dry kibble and wet kitten food much earlier.
WHY SHOULD YOU SWITCH TO ADULT CAT FOOD?
Kittens have a rapid growth rate and development, as well as they are lively and energetic. Kitten food has more calories, protein, and fat to sustain active, developing kittens.
To support brain and vision development, it contains DHA, as well as vitamins and minerals for their developing immune system. Cats don't require the same amounts of such nutrients until they reach adulthood. Furthermore, because kittens are frequently less energetic, feeding them high-calorie kitten food may result in weight gain.
WHEN TO SWITCH FROM KITTEN TO ADULT CAT FOOD AND HOW TO DO IT?
It's time to switch to adult cat food around your kitten's first birthday (or between 18 months and 2 years for large breeds). To avoid digestive problems, we recommend switching to adult food over a 7- to 10-day period. Here's how to do it:
Day 1-2: Serve 3/4 of the regular kitten food and 1/4 of the new adult cat food.
Day 3-4: Serve half kitten food and half adult cat food.
Day 5-7: Serve 1/4 kitten food and 3/4 adult cat food.
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