Help, I'm really confused about what to feed my cat and new kitten together. I recently adopted a 12-week-old kitten named Luna, and she’s been a bundle of energy and fun. My older cat, Shadow, is 4 years old and quite laid-back. Since I brought Luna home, mealtime has turned into a circus. I’ve been feeding Shadow his usual adult cat food, but Luna keeps trying to sneak bites, and I'm worried it’s not suitable for her. On the flip side, Shadow seems interested in Luna’s kitten food. Is there a single type of food I can give both of them that will meet their nutritional needs and keep things simple for me? I'm really stressed because I want to ensure they're both getting what they need to stay healthy and happy without having to separate them during feeding times. Any advice or personal experiences would be so appreciated!
Thanks for reaching out with your question! I understand it's convenient to have one type of food for both your cat and kitten, and you might be wondering if that’s okay. Generally, it's important to ensure that the nutritional needs of both are met. Kittens require more protein, fat, and calories compared to adult cats to support their rapid growth and high energy levels.
Some foods are formulated to be suitable for "all life stages," meaning they meet the nutritional needs of both cats and kittens. This can be a great option, so look for packaging that mentions this. However, it's crucial to verify that the nutritional content aligns with your pets' requirements.
Monitor how they both respond to the food: kittens should be energetic and growing steadily, while your cat should maintain a healthy weight. Watch out for any signs of discomfort, like vomiting or diarrhea, which could indicate a digestive issue.
If your kitten appears to be growing slowly or your cat starts gaining excessive weight, it could be a sign to adjust their feeding plan. A video consult would be a perfect opportunity to discuss these concerns further with a professional and tailor a diet that's perfect for your furry family. Feel free to book a session with Dial A Vet for personalized advice!
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.