Cat & kitten feeding guide

Cats must eat meat or fish in their daily diet. Vegetarianism is generally not considered an option for cats.

Life stages of cats

Understanding the key life stages your cat goes through is key to helping them be happy and healthy. As your cat grows and matures you are likely to see changes in their behaviour and habits. It’s also important to consider the different nutritional needs cats have when they go through these key stages.

Feeding through the stages

Feeding a healthy kitten starts even before they are born! Start to feed the pregnant mother on kitten food about 4 weeks before they are due to give birth. We recommend Burgess Complete Kitten. This will help the litter to be born at a healthy weight. It also helps to reduce the risk of health conditions. When the litter has been born, continue to feed the mother the same kitten food while she is providing milk. This helps to make sure the kittens are being provided with the extra nutrients they need.

From the age of four weeks, you can gradually introduce and encourage your kitten onto solid cat food, supplementing their mother’s milk. Try very small amounts at first, softening any hard cat food with water and mashing it up.

Gradually increase the amount they eat as they grow. Follow the on-pack guidelines to ensure you are feeding the correct amount for the weight of your kitten. A kitten food should typically be fed up to the age of 12 months. There should always be plenty of fresh clean water available to drink.

A complete kitten food should have:

• Smaller kibble for kitten-sized mouths and to make eating and digestion easier.
• A high level of digestible proteins (around 32%) to assist growth and muscle development.
• Extra calcium for strong bones and teeth.

Did you know that neutered cats require an estimated 20% fewer calories than their non-neutered friends? The needs of a neutered cat change straight after the procedure. Their metabolism reduces, causing your cat’s calorie requirement to drop significantly. Also, your cat is more likely to stay closer to home, so they are more prone to weight gain.

Simply reducing your cat’s intake of their original food is not adequate. This may lead to your cat lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. We recommend Burgess Neutered Cat Food, a complete cat food formulated to support all the needs of a neutered cat.

Neutered cats are also at a higher risk of urinary problems. Burgess Neutered Cat helps to minimise the adverse effects of neutering.

Feeding a healthy kitten starts even before they are born! Start to feed the pregnant mother on kitten food about 4 weeks before they are due to give birth. We recommend Burgess Complete Kitten. This will help the litter to be born at a healthy weight. It also helps to reduce the risk of health conditions. When the litter has been born, continue to feed the mother the same kitten food while she is providing milk. This helps to make sure the kittens are being provided with the extra nutrients they need.

From the age of four weeks, you can gradually introduce and encourage your kitten onto solid cat food, supplementing their mother’s milk. Try very small amounts at first, softening any hard cat food with water and mashing it up.

Gradually increase the amount they eat as they grow. Follow the on-pack guidelines to ensure you are feeding the correct amount for the weight of your kitten. A kitten food should typically be fed up to the age of 12 months. There should always be plenty of fresh clean water available to drink.

A complete kitten food should have:

• Smaller kibble for kitten-sized mouths and to make eating and digestion easier.
• A high level of digestible proteins (around 32%) to assist growth and muscle development.
• Extra calcium for strong bones and teeth.

The needs of older cats can change. As your cat matures, their metabolism slows down. As a result, they are more prone to putting on weight and need less energy. Keep an eye on your senior cat’s food intake and watch those treats!

You should consider feeding your cat a mature cat food from the age of 7. You should look out for:

Easily digestible, high quality protein
Ingredients that help alleviate the signs of age such as stiff joints, coat quality and urinary tract health
Glucosamine to help support joint mobility in older, less agile cats
A recipe that’s formulated to support urinary health
Taurine for a healthy heart, vision and reproductive functions

Foods to avoid

This list includes common household foods that cats should avoid but is by no means exhaustive. If your cat has consumed any of these items then please seek veterinary advice.

Alcoholic beverages

Bones from fish, poultry or other meat sources

Chocolate, coffee, tea or other caffeine

Fat trimmings

Grapes and raisins

Caladium

Large amounts of liver

Macadamia nuts

Milk and other dairy products

Mouldy or spoiled food

Mushrooms

Onions and garlic (raw, cooked and powder)

Pits from peaches and plums

Potato, rhubarb and tomato leaves

Potato and tomato steams

Raw eggs

Raw fish

Salt

Sugary foods

Table scraps (in large amounts)

Antifreeze

Amaryllis

Azalea

Cactus

Caladium

Creeping Charlie

Easter Lily

Dieffenbachia

Ivy

Mistletoe

Quick tip

Vaccinations can prevent illness in your pet so regular visits to the vet are crucial.

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Burgess Kitten Huhn

What is neutering?

Neutering is another term for sterilising or spaying. Cats reach reproductive age as early as 4 months which is why neutering is so important. Neutering helps to prevent your cat getting some serious illness, and stops any unwanted litters. Neutered cats are generally expected to live longer too!

Do you need more advice?

To help you find the right food for your rabbits have a look at our product range.

Alternatively you can call our free consumer care line on +44 1405 862241 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our dedicated team of experts will help you make the right choice.

If you should have any concerns about the health of your rabbits, always consult a vet.