What not to feed your kitten
Source: alexgoodey
If you are the recent owner of an adorable, little kitten, you will need to take the proper precautions in order to give it the best start in life. The right diet is crucial during these formative stages so that your feline friend grows up healthy, strong and happy. By sticking to foods that are specially formulated for kittens, you will ensure that they receive the right combination of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that they need to remain active and free from disease. There may be times though when you are tempted to feed your cat other food. In these cases, it is best for you to completely avoid the following:
- Dog food: If you also have a dog, you might think it is easier to just feed both pets the same food, however this type of food is specifically made for canines, it does not contain the necessary nutrients that your cat requires. In particular, dog food is lacking in taurine which is vital for your kitten's health. Without this important substance, your cat could develop heart disease or go blind.
- Table scraps: Not only are these foods lacking in the necessary vitamins and minerals that your cat needs, but feeding your pet from the table will also encourage begging which could lead to behavioural problems later on.
- Milk: Surprising though it may seem, cow's milk is not the best thing to feed your kitten. Most cats are actually lactose intolerant, and giving them a saucer of milk can upset their stomach, resulting in diarrhoea.
- Liver or canned fish: Although these foods may be delicious to your kitten, they are made for human consumption and will simply fill your pet's stomach up without providing it with what it needs to stay fit and healthy.
- Onions & garlic: These foods actually contain a chemical that destroys red blood cells in felines. If your cat consumes these root vegetables, there is a possibility that they could become anaemic later on.
- Green tomatoes and potatoes: While safe for human consumption, these foods are actually toxic to your kitten. They can cause violent gastrointestinal symptoms and should never be fed to your cat under any circumstances.
- Chocolate: while the milky taste may appeal to your kitten, these delicious human snacks are in fact poisonous to cats and should never be offered up for consumption.
- Grapes and raisins: While the poisonous nature of these fruits is not fully understood, there is a possibility that they will harm your kitten. Avoid feeding them to your pet just to be on the safe side.
Remember that commencing a good diet from an early age will provide your kitten with a great head start in life. It will grow up healthy, happy and active, giving you plenty of years of love and enjoyment to come.
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