Can kitten food be given to a cat in a pinch? The domesticated cat and humans have had a symbiotic relationship for a long time now. Graves dating as far back as 9,500 years have been unearthed in which cats and humans were buried together.
The early years of this relationship probably stemmed from cats keeping down the rodent population in villages and humans scarring away the larger predators that threaten cats. Over time a deeper relationship developed in which cats provide companionship to humans and humans provide water food and shelter to cats.
In modern times manufacturing companies synthesize cat food from a variety of ingredients designed to meet the nutritional needs of the felines. There are different types of cat food available to meet different needs.
There are dry foods and wet foods, foods for specific breeds or hair types, foods that are for certain health conditions; and foods designed for kittens. Kitten food is formulated for the young cat’s digestive system and specific nutritional needs.
Can I Give my Cat Kitten Food? Answer: Not Recommended
Kitten food will not immediately harm an adult cat, but over time repeated use of kitten food is bad for the health of a cat. Kittens need a higher concentration of proteins than their adult counterparts. So the food for kittens will give a cat more proteins than they should have, causing obesity and the health problems associated with being overweight.
Very active cats will not be too affected by kitten food, or cats that are underweight. For most cats though it is best to eat strictly adult cat food. A good diet is key component to a cat’s longevity.
The Importance of Proteins in a Cat’s Diet
Proteins are essential to the foundation of the immune system and are important in all facets of growth and development. Proteins are made up of amino acids; cats need 22 amino acids to build the proteins they need. Half of these amino acids are produced naturally in the cat’s body and the other half needs to be ingested in their diet.
Cats are different from other pets such as dogs in that they are unable to regulate how fast their liver enzymes break up proteins. So without a steady supply of protein a cat’s body will begin to break down its own muscles. An excess of protein results in the creation of extra fat cells to be stored in the cat’s body.
Obesity in Cats
Obesity in cats predisposes them to diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and arthritis. Obesity is of course caused by the consumption of too much food, and when it comes to giving kitty food to a cat it is easier to overeat because the food is more concentrated.
Cats need a high protein and low carbohydrate diet, so don’t try to limit proteins. But the amount found in kitty food is a little higher percentage than what is recommended for an adult cat. Even adult cat food has higher than required protein levels because the manufactures of the food don’t want to risk the protein level being low.
When to Give a Cat Kitten Food
At the direction of a veterinarian kitten food may fed to an adult cat that is underweight. This is only done for a period of time to fatten the cat up and then a normal diet should be resumed. Sometimes cats become underweight for simple reasons such as being upset over a change in the household and losing appetite, a change in amount of exercise, or even a change in the average heat in the home.
Weight loss can also occur from medical problems such as disease of the thyroid, pancreas, liver or intestines. This is why weight loss should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Kitten food can help fatten up a well cat that is not getting enough calories. Medical problems may be exacerbated by increasing the cat’s proteins.
Kitten Food is Not Cat Food
Kittens require the same things cats do, but in different amounts. While kitten food will not hurt an adult cat, it is not an appropriate long term diet substitution to regular cat food. If there are any concerns over a cats weight or diet a veterinarian should be consulted.