It's generally not recommended to feed a 45-day-old kitten dry cat food directly. Instead, it's best to soften the kitten food (kibble) by soaking it in goat milk formula before feeding.
At 45 days old, kittens typically should be fed kitten milk replacer or a very soft food designed specifically for young kittens. It’s not advisable to give them dry kitten food at this stage because their digestive systems are still developing. Their stomachs and intestines are not fully mature, making it difficult for them to digest hard kibble efficiently. Soaking the food in goat milk formula makes it easier for them to consume and digest. Using goat milk formula aids in providing extra nutrition that is easily absorbed.
The ideal temperature for the goat milk formula used to soak the food is around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). If it's too hot, it can destroy the nutrients in the food. If it's too cold, it won’t soften the kibble adequately. Once the kitten is around two months old, you can begin to transition to feeding it dry kibble directly. Always make any diet changes gradually, to avoid digestive upsets.
Can Kittens Overeat and Make Themselves Sick?
While it’s unlikely a kitten would literally overeat to the point of death, they can definitely eat too much. Overeating can cause their stomachs to expand rapidly, leading to discomfort and even abdominal pain. Furthermore, consuming a large amount of food can put a strain on their developing digestive system, potentially resulting in soft stools or diarrhea. If a kitten consumes a significant amount of dry, hard kibble and then drinks a lot of water, the kibble expands considerably. This expansion can be very dangerous, potentially leading to stomach rupture or torsion (twisting). Kittens often have a natural instinct to eat as much as they can, making overeating a common concern.
Therefore, it’s crucial for pet owners to carefully manage their kitten’s feeding portions, providing the right amount of food to support their growth while avoiding overfeeding. To meet the kitten’s high nutritional requirements during their rapid growth phase, consider supplementing their diet with goat milk formula and nutrient-rich pastes. It’s important to strike the correct balance: providing sufficient nourishment for growth while ensuring the servings are appropriate. Consistent feeding schedules and careful observation of your kitten’s eating habits will help you ensure optimal health.