Some of our cats can be particularly greedy. At mealtime, they pounce on their bowl as if it were the last one, and often end up vomiting their kibble or pâté. Their small stomach cannot handle this rapid food intake... Why does my cat eat too fast? How can I help it regulate? We tell you everything in this article. My cat eats too fast: vomiting, bloating, and risk of obesity Meow, Miaouuuuuuuuu. Hearing its little meows, it’s time to eat. Your cat looks at you with soft eyes, rubs against you (leaving some hair on your nice pants). In short, it puts on a real seduction show. But as soon as its bowl is set down, it rushes and devours its pâté or kibble in the blink of an eye. Not a crumb left. And shortly after... it vomits! A nice little pile on the floor or your couch. Thanks, kitty! If your cat eats too fast, rest assured, it’s not alone. Some cats can indeed be particularly greedy. But this behavior should not be taken lightly, especially if this rapid food intake often leads to vomiting. Repeated vomiting can not only lead to dehydration, but it can also cause serious deficiencies in your beloved little cat because it will not have absorbed all the essential nutrients present in its food (provided it is of good quality). Its digestive tract will also be irritated. For other greedy cats, no vomiting, but flatulence. Yes, a rapid food intake can also cause gas. By eating too fast, they swallow a lot of air. Result: they have bloating and fart excessively. For our whiskered friends, farting is not always a sign of good health. They have stomach aches, and are uncomfortable. Finally, this rapid food intake can have another effect on your furry friend's health: overweight, even obesity. The satiety mechanism in cats is like ours; the faster they eat, the less time their stomach has to signal to their brain that they are full. This can lead to overeating and thus a risk of obesity. To learn more about feline eating behavior, especially the 3 stages experienced around meals, feel free to read our article Why is my cat always hungry. Why does my cat eat too fast? The reasons are many. It can be a dietary or behavioral problem. On the dietary side, it may be inadequate, not meeting its nutritional needs; not enough protein and/or poorly digestible, too high quantities of carbohydrates which are rapidly metabolized by the body. Also note that many cat foods contain additives and flavor enhancers that increase palatability. So faced with its bowl, your cat can only be excited. It cannot control itself and devours its meal in seconds. It’s exactly like us in front of a fast-food burger and fries tray “come as you are,” we rush at it (well, almost). It’s hungry! In the wild, our whiskered friends can hunt all day and night to have up to 20 small meals daily. They are true little nibbles. Our domestic cats don’t need to hunt to eat, but their feeding style remains the same. They like to have several small meals throughout the day and night. If your cat only receives one or two meals a day, it can feel frustrated and therefore eat its food quickly. At Ziggy, we recommend at least 4 wet meals per day for our companions, to best respect their nature as small nibblers. If you work outside, you can split your cat’s meals as follows: one in the morning at waking, then another before leaving. In the evening, you can give another portion when you come home and before going to bed. We also recommend giving a small amount of kibble in a toy during the day or night as a bonus. What if I give kibble ad libitum? Kibble is indeed well adapted to our cats’ nibbling behavior. You can give kibble ad libitum, provided the quantity is controlled—matching the daily ration—and that your cat is able to self-regulate. You can provide some kibble in a dispenser toy that slows down food intake. Keep in mind though that an exclusive dry food diet hardly meets your cat’s hydration needs (water). It is also more calorie-dense: kibble has on average four times the calories of pâté! An overweight or obese cat is at higher risk of developing diseases such as diabetes. Favor a 100% wet diet or a mixed diet (pâté and kibble). "My cat only devours and vomits its pâté" Your cat may also feel frustrated here because you only give pâté occasionally. Unfortunately, pâté is often MISTAKENLY seen as a treat. However, it is a complete food. Full pâté is absolutely not a treat, it can be given multiple times a day! It is actually the food closest to the natural needs of cats. Introducing a new food should always go through a transition phase to help your cat’s digestive system adjust. For more info, feel free to read our article on food transition. It is stressed A cat that eats too fast is often a stressed cat. It can be disturbed at mealtime: being petted, its bowl placed in a busy area, etc. It can also be afraid of missing out because it frequently shares its bowl with another cat. If you have welcomed another animal into your family, it may feel competitive and, instinctively, want to protect its food. "Hands off, that’s my pâté." It is bored Outside, our cats spend several hours hunting, running, climbing, and playing. In short, they never get bored. Some indoor cats, on the other hand, may lack stimulation and feel bored. This can lead them to seek refuge in food. Again, our furry friends are very much like us. When bored, we eat (and not carrots). Here too, the cycle is vicious because a bored cat moves little, drags its paws, and can gain weight. It fears scarcity Your cat may fear scarcity because it shares its bowl with another cat. But this fear can also come from its past. In fact, some cats have had difficult experiences (cat rescue, abandonment, or abandonment by the mother cat). It is then not uncommon to observe behaviors of abandonment and scarcity: eat fast and voraciously to protect oneself, guard food, etc. He might be sick A cat that suddenly becomes greedy is not something to take lightly. It can be a sign of an illness. Several diseases can indeed cause an increased appetite in cats, leading to rapid food intake. It could be a parasitic disease (intestinal worms), diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. My cat eats too fast: how can I help him regulate? Eat more slowly? As we have seen, the causes are multiple. If your cat eats too fast, and especially if he frequently vomits his meals afterwards, first consult your veterinarian. They will be able to check his health and try to identify the cause of his unusual eating behavior. Wet and quality food To promote the feeling of satiety, the ideal is to favor wet food, namely pâté. Thanks to its high moisture content, it adds volume to our cats' stomachs without the accompanying calories. Yes to pâté, but containing quality proteins! Among quality proteins are fish, meat, eggs, and offal. In feline nutrition, the protein/phosphorus ratio of a food provides an indication of the quality of proteins used. These ratios are very high for good proteins. This is not the case for cereals, carcasses, and bones used in many cat foods. At Ziggy, our cat wet food are very rich in quality proteins (+60%). We do not use reconstituted meat, mechanically separated meat (MSM), or animal "waste" like carcasses, skin, feathers, or fish bones. You will only find real muscle pieces and fine offal (chicken, beef, pork). Moreover, they contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates (-2%), which, as a reminder, are not necessary in our feline diet. Finally, if your cat still shows greedy behavior even with pâté, you can add a few boiled zucchini cubes to his food. Appreciated by our cats, this vegetable is rich in water and adds volume to our little companions' stomachs. As a reminder, facing a greedy cat, doubling the amount of his food is useless. This would be a big mistake, as your cat will gain weight. An overweight or obese cat is more likely to develop diseases such as diabetes. Your cat must feel full without increasing calorie intake. Hence the importance of offering him wet and quality food! How much pâté should I give my cat? It all depends on his size, weight, and age. To easily and accurately determine the amount of food to give your cat, feel free to use our ration calculator. Several small fractioned meals To regulate your cat's appetite, fractioned meals are the key. Ideally, give him at least 4 meals a day to best respect his nature as a little nibble-eater. These fractioned meals will also reassure cats who are afraid of missing out. They will gradually understand that they will always have food under your roof. And over time, they will learn to regulate themselves better and no longer experience the stress of an “empty bowl.” This technique has notably proven effective for a member of our Ziggy Family, Ineka. “My little cat was found in a pizza oven of an abandoned restaurant. The association that saved her fed her well, but she still rushed to the bowl out of fear of missing out. I established 6 small meals a day: a teaspoon of pâté, in addition to her kibbles. Ineka regulated herself. She still has some phases even after 5 years, but fractioned meals work well,” tells us Marine. Note that rations must of course be adapted. For that, you can use our ration calculator above 😺 A calm and stimulating environment If you can, place his bowl in a quiet place, away from any disturbance, and where no other animal or human can bother him during meals. Your whiskered friend will feel more confident and enjoy his pâté more calmly. “Bulimic” cats are also cats that get bored. If your cat has no outdoor access and you are often absent, it is important to mentally and physically stimulate him by providing toys, hiding places, or a cat tree. Also, give him access to windows so he can observe outside. Our fur balls are little watchers; they love knowing what is going on outside, watching birds, passersby, etc. In short, front-row seats. Regulate your cat with a fun bowl To slow down his food intake, you can finally try investing in one of these accessories: A slow feeder bowl A kibble ball A maze. Your cat has to move the kibbles to get them. A licking mat. This accessory is ideal for pâté. Just spread the portion on the mat, and kitty will have to lick it. He won’t gulp his pâté and will have no choice but to take his time to savor it. An ice cube or canelé mold in which you can incorporate pâté and/or kibbles. These bowls are effective, but be patient. For your cat to get used to it and understand how it works, proceed step by step. Split his portion in two: one part in his usual bowl and another on his licking mat, for example. Let’s not forget that our cats are creatures of habit. The slightest change can upset them. Your feline will no longer rush to his food; on the contrary, he will reject it. If despite all these tips your cat continues to eat too fast, don’t hesitate to consult your usual veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. They can help you understand why your furry friend acts this way and give you the keys so he can regulate himself. We have listed here the main causes and solutions, but each cat is unique. That’s why we love them so much ❤️

As cute as they are, our little cats also fart. Just like us, they emit flatulence, but it is generally very discreet; a small bellow that smells absolutely nothing or almost nothing (so chic!) But it happens that some of our mustachioed ones fart excessively and abnormally: noisy and nauseating farts. Although the subject is laughable, a cat that farts a lot is not insignificant. Let's take stock.

A natural compound, brewer's yeast is praised for its many health benefits. And this applies not only to humans but also... to cats! Yes, brewer's yeast is also very beneficial for your cat. Very rich in B vitamins, it helps your whiskered friend maintain a healthy coat and is especially useful in fighting digestive disorders. What exactly is brewer's yeast for my cat? If you skipped biology classes in middle school, here is a quick reminder of what brewer's yeast is: it is a living microorganism, a microscopic unicellular fungus belonging to the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which naturally exists in the air, on plants, and on certain fruits and vegetables. It is notably used to ferment beer. Brewers rely on this yeast in the fermentation process of their brews. Although useful for producing alcoholic beverages, brewer's yeast mainly has very interesting health properties: it is a source of minerals and trace elements (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, etc.). And above all, it is very rich in B vitamins, essential nutrients for the health of cats (and also for us humans). Available in flakes or powder to sprinkle, in capsules or tablets to ingest, brewer's yeast comes in various forms. At Ziggy, we chose to directly include brewer's yeast in our kibbles and pâtés for cats so that all our little companions can benefit from it. Example of the composition of our kibble and pâté for sterilized adult cats with ASC chicken and salmon. What are the benefits of brewer's yeast for my cat? Brewer's yeast has several beneficial effects on a cat's health. As mentioned above, its main advantage is its richness in B vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin). Vitamin B1 is essential for the proper functioning of a cat's body. This water-soluble vitamin concentrates in the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain. Like dogs, cats cannot synthesize thiamine. They must therefore obtain it from their diet. Brewer's yeast is a source of vitamin B1, but it can also be found in meat (chicken, pork), egg yolk, and organ meats. However, these animal-based sources must be of good quality, which is not always the case in industrial cat foods that use reconstituted meat (a mix of animal and plant proteins) or low-quality meat parts without much nutritional value. A deficiency in thiamine can have serious health consequences for cats: it can cause beriberi, a disease also found in humans that manifests with muscle weakness and neurological disorders (head ventroflexion, seizures). Cats are even more prone to thiamine deficiency than dogs, requiring four times more thiamine to stay healthy! Note that the flesh of some fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine. Regular consumption of raw fish can also cause a thiamine deficiency. Another essential vitamin found in brewer's yeast is vitamin B3 (niacin). It is also called vitamin PP for “Pellagra Preventive” because a deficiency causes pellagra in humans (apathy, gastrointestinal problems). In cats, it can lead to weight loss, weakness, anorexia, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea. Vitamin B3 supports the proper functioning of the digestive system but also skin health and the quality of the cat's coat. It helps your cat have a beautiful shiny coat rather than greasy or dull fur. Niacin is mainly found in brewer's yeast but also, like thiamine, in meat and especially organ meats. At Ziggy, our products contain brewer's yeast and high-quality organ meats to guarantee our little companions a sufficient and balanced intake of B vitamins. We do not use reconstituted meat, mechanically separated meat (MSM), or any kind of animal "waste" (carcasses, skin, feathers, bones). Finally, minerals and trace elements ensure the growth and maintenance of hard and soft tissues in cats. An important note: brewer's yeast improves the palatability of kibbles and pâtés, making them tastier for cats. A good point for picky cats who often turn their noses up at their bowls! Brewer's yeast for my cat: daily or as a course? Brewer's yeast can be given daily to cats but in small amounts. Excess can cause diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, the dosage must be precise! This is the case for our Ziggy pâtés and kibbles, whose recipes were formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a veterinary expert in feline nutrition. Our Ziggy products: perfectly dosed brewer's yeast + quality animal proteins = 😻 Brewer's yeast can also be consumed as a supplement for several weeks. In this case, ask your veterinarian's advice—especially if your cat has a medical condition (kidney failure, diabetes). They will advise you on the form (tablets, flakes, powder) and the right amount to give your little cat. Note that brewer's yeast must be specially made for cats. Do not give brewer's yeast bought in supermarkets. And for kittens? Our baby cats can definitely consume brewer's yeast as long as they are fully weaned!

Your cat doesn't leave any droppings in its litter box? Does it meow while it does its business? There's a good chance that your cat is constipated. Constipation is a fairly common intestinal disorder in our little companions that nevertheless requires rapid treatment. Why is my cat constipated? What should I do? How can constipation be prevented? We'll tell you everything in this article.

Your little cat isn’t eating anymore? He’s ignoring his bowl, even with a delicious pâté? A complete loss of appetite in cats is a problem not to be taken lightly. It can be a sign of a more or less serious illness, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Let’s take a closer look. My cat isn’t eating anymore: when should I worry? Just like in humans, appetite in cats can fluctuate. One day your cat might devour his bowl, and the next day only eat half of his kibble or pâté. He may also eat less when it’s hot, as his appetite decreases due to the heat. But sometimes some cats suddenly stop eating altogether. They won’t eat anything at all, refusing even the smallest treat. Our cats lose weight quickly. If your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 2 days, this becomes worrisome. This is called anorexia. A cat that doesn’t eat for more than 48 hours risks severe dehydration, deficiencies in essential nutrients for its health (present in its food), and in the case of overweight cats, developing hepatic lipidosis, also known as “fatty liver disease.” This deadly disease shows symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice visible around the ears, eyes (the whites), and the cat’s oral mucous membranes. If your cat isn’t eating, be very vigilant, especially since this disorder could indicate another condition that requires prompt treatment. My cat isn’t eating anymore: what are the causes? And what to do? A cat may stop eating for many reasons. Whatever the cause, it is important to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible. A change in food His refusal to eat may be directly related to his food. Cats are greedy but also very picky, especially regarding what’s in their bowl. Even the slightest change can put them off. This is called neophobia. Among our little companions, we distinguish two categories of eaters: the cautious (neophobic) and the curious (neophilic), those attracted to novelty. Neophobes are more numerous, especially among older cats whose eating habits are well established. They prefer familiar food rather than trying new flavors. Neophobia is not limited to older cats; it also appears in cats that were rarely exposed to dietary diversity during the first weeks of their lives. It is also important to know that cats are sensitive to the physicochemical characteristics of their food. Smell, taste, texture, and temperature are key factors in food acceptance. The cat will prefer food at room temperature or close to body temperature, between 20°C and 35°C. A pâté straight from the fridge will likely put him off. Don’t hesitate to warm it up by adding a little spoon of warm water. Besides cautiousness and particular tastes, your cat may also have developed an aversion to his new food. This can be caused by a bad experience: a sudden change in diet may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Since eating is associated with a negative experience, the cat refuses the food categorically. Once, but not twice! If your cat shows no other symptoms, the best solution here will be to perform a dietary transition to help him accept his new food. This involves gradually mixing the new food with the usual diet. This transition can last up to 3 weeks for the most resistant. Learn more in our article about dietary transition in cats. We also prepared a handy guide with all our expert tips for an easier food transition. Also, think about placing your cat’s bowl in a quiet place, away from human activity. People passing by can stress him and prevent him from eating. Stress Stress is another likely reason. A stressed cat easily loses appetite. Your cat isn’t eating because he is too stressed. Poor kitty 😿 Stress sources in cats are multiple: moving house, travel, vet visits, arrival of a new animal or child in the family, change of furniture at home, and so on. To help your cat relax, there are several tricks: you can cuddle him (if he wants), play with him more, use valerian, or play special music for stressed cats. It seems cats are particularly sensitive to soft, relaxing music. Note that stress should not be taken lightly. It is notably one of the main causes of cystitis in cats, a urinary disorder characterized by inflammation (with or without infection) of the bladder lining. Arthritis (old age) Cats are also affected by old age: they can suffer from arthritis. Older cats may have trouble bending down to their bowl. Unable to reach it, they don’t eat. If your cat is otherwise fine and likes his food, just place his bowl a little higher 😺 To care for your senior cat, also consider giving him quality food. We tell you everything in our article on food for senior cats. Oral problems Like us, cats can have oral problems. They may suffer from chronic gingivitis (gum inflammation), abscesses, or broken teeth. These conditions are very painful and make chewing difficult. Gingivitis is the most common, with symptoms such as very red gums, bleeding, bad breath, and excessive salivation. Check your cat’s mouth (if you can), and see your vet quickly. Once the mouth problem is resolved, your little cat will regain his appetite. Be careful that he doesn’t rush too fast to his bowl! A cat that gulps food too quickly risks simply regurgitating it (like dogs). Important point: It is often said that cats have fewer dental problems when eating kibble than pâté. No study has yet proven this “promise”! Remember that dry food is hard but crumbly, and breaks apart with little to no abrasive effect on teeth. Cats’ teeth are not designed to crunch kibble, but rather to shear and tear meat. Also, many cats swallow most of their kibble whole. Saying kibble promotes dental health in cats is therefore absurd. That would be like saying dry cookies are good for our teeth. Whether pâté or kibble, no food is better than another for the dental health of our cats. Many factors — known and unknown — contribute to poor dental health. It may be genetic, due to a virus, or simply because our furry friends don’t brush their teeth like humans do. Oral hygiene in cats should not be neglected. To learn more, read our article: why and how to care for your cat’s teeth. Kidney failure If your cat isn’t eating, it could also be a sign of chronic kidney failure. This disease is defined by kidney dysfunction, whose role is to eliminate all toxins produced by the body in the blood (creatinine and especially urea). Loss of appetite is one of the symptoms of this sneaky disease which, unfortunately, cannot be cured. It is also accompanied by intense thirst, vomiting, fatigue, and even mouth ulcers characterized by bad breath. If your cat’s condition suggests kidney failure, consult your vet quickly who, through blood and urine tests, can prescribe suitable treatment. Feline herpesvirus (coryza) Another likely cause of loss of appetite in cats is coryza, an upper respiratory tract disease. Highly contagious, coryza is caused by simultaneous or individual infection by various pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, each causing different effects and symptoms. Among them: anosmia (loss of smell) and ulcers on the tongue and palate. This loss of smell and the ulcers can cause loss of appetite or difficulty eating, sometimes leading to anorexia. A consultation with your vet will also be necessary. If coryza is confirmed, he will prescribe suitable treatment. To learn more, read our article on coryza in cats. Gastrointestinal problem If your cat isn’t eating, he may have a digestive system problem. It can be caused by a foreign object (a string, a toy) that he cannot naturally expel, or hairballs that may irritate his stomach. These masses called "trichobezoars" can also cause intestinal blockage. Hence the importance of regularly brushing your cat, especially during shedding periods. Loss of appetite can also indicate intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas. The cause of this disease often remains unknown but it can be triggered by some antibiotics or caused by viral or bacterial infection. Infectious peritonitis More worrying; a cat that stops eating may have infectious peritonitis (FIP). This disease, caused by a mutation of an intestinal Coronavirus, mainly affects young cats. Unfortunately, it remains incurable. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your cat shows these signs, consult your vet immediately. What to do if my cat isn’t eating anymore? As we have seen, a cat that stops eating can have many causes, ranging from benign to severe diseases. Here are some practical tips: Try to stimulate your cat’s appetite by warming up his food, offering tasty treats, or changing the feeding place to a quiet and calm area. If the anorexia lasts more than 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, do not delay consulting your vet. Keep your cat hydrated by encouraging water intake. Never force feed your cat without veterinary advice. Taking quick action is essential because prolonged anorexia can lead to serious complications and worsen the underlying condition.

After being neutered, your cat's energy needs (male or female) drop on average by 20%... but not his appetite! To prevent him from putting on weight or becoming susceptible to certain illnesses, it's important to change his diet and give him food specifically designed for neutered cats.

Without proper nutrition, an unweaned kitten will have little chance of survival, even if you give it lots of love. How to feed an unweaned baby kitten? What milk to give? When to switch to wet food and/or dry kibble? Find all our advice so your little ball of fur can survive, grow, and become a “big” cat confident on its paws. From the kitten’s birth, the mother cat plays a crucial role. She provides warmth, protection, and food. And up to two or three months (or even more), she takes care of its nutritional and social weaning. She teaches it to eat, to clean itself, to be clean... She teaches all the basics of feline behavior! Unfortunately, sometimes a newborn kitten is left to fend for itself. Death, abandonment, or the mother cat being unable to care for it due to an accident or illness… there are many reasons. If you have to take care of a kitten less than two months old (under 8 weeks), your role will be very important, and appropriate nutrition will be essential for its survival and development. The challenge will be to feed it properly and provide all the nutrients it needs to grow into a beautiful, strong, and healthy cat. Some nutritional deficiencies in kittens can cause growth delays and even neurological disorders that can sometimes lead to death. Nutrition: How to feed an unweaned kitten? First of all, it is essential to consult your veterinarian so they can examine your little kitten and detect any possible health issues, especially if you found the abandoned kitten or if its mother rejected it. A vet visit is even more important if your kitten is only a few hours old. The first moments of a kitten’s life are critical because during the first feedings (within 24 to 48 hours), the kitten benefits from its mother’s colostrum, a substance secreted by the mammary glands packed with antibodies. These antibodies protect it from germs in its environment, various infections, and diseases! This yellowish liquid concentrates many essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, proteins, and digestive enzymes. If the kitten did not get access to this colostrum, it will be very vulnerable. An injection of artificial colostrum is vital for the kitten (within the first 15 hours after birth). Milk formula for unweaned kittens A kitten younger than 4 weeks only needs milk. But be careful, do not give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or human baby formula. These milks are too low in fat and too high in casein and lactose. They are absolutely not suitable for kittens’ nutritional needs. For your little kitten, choose a milk formula specially designed for kittens. Your veterinarian will recommend the most suitable milk and, depending on its age and weight, will tell you the dosages and the number of bottles to give daily. How many bottles should I give my kitten? Too small, the kitten will not yet be able to lap from a bowl. You will need to feed it by bottle, like a baby. The number of bottles and the dosages will decrease as it grows. Gradually, you will be able to introduce “solid” food in a bowl. The milk should be warmed to an ideal temperature of 38.5°C. It must not be too hot to avoid burning its fragile digestive system, nor too cold to avoid hypothermia. Very sensitive to cold, the newborn kitten indeed needs warmth. Here is a table to help you. Note: this table is indicative only. It does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.   How to give a bottle to your kitten? Unlike human babies, a kitten does not take its bottle lying (or almost) on its back. The best position to feed it is on its belly, as it would with its mother. Hold it in your hand (covering it with a small cloth to keep it warm) or place it on your belly, and offer the bottle by gently squeezing the nipple. Do not rush it, go gently. Your little cat will suckle its milk at its own pace. If it does not drink all the milk, do not force it. Ideally, give the bottle in a quiet place to avoid stress. Of course, before giving the bottle, remember to sterilize it and wash your hands to prevent germs and bacteria that could endanger the kitten’s health. After each bottle, also massage its little belly to help digestion. As a substitute mother, you will need to help it go to the bathroom—something it cannot do alone yet—by stimulating the lower belly and anus with a cotton ball or damp cloth. Feeding an unweaned kitten: milk and some wet food A kitten needs milk until about 6 weeks old. From 3 weeks, you can start introducing solid food. But again, only specially formulated food for kittens. Adult cat food is absolutely unsuitable for its nutritional needs and can cause deficiencies. Without proper nutrition, the kitten may develop growth delays and many health problems such as poor immune response to illness, neurological and digestive disorders, etc. Unlike an adult cat, a kitten needs more protein and fat. It also requires higher amounts of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, and very little fiber in its diet. These elements are not provided by adult cat kibble and wet food! For your growing little feline, choose kitten food. Preferably, wet food mixed with milk. Wet food pairs well and has the advantage of being richer in water than kibble. It is an excellent source of hydration and meets its water needs. Moreover, wet food is easier to eat and digest. At this age, the kitten does not yet have all its teeth. Milk teeth start to appear around 3 weeks and all come in between 6 and 7 weeks 😺 A quality wet food for kittens! So give kitten wet food but pay attention to quality. There is a wide variety of wet foods specially made for kittens on the market, but they are not all equal. Some are very low in animal proteins (and good quality protein), which is essential for your kitten’s health. They may contain reconstituted meat (a mix of vegetable and animal protein) or poor-quality meat chunks with little nutritional value. At Ziggy, we offer kitten wet food rich in quality proteins and meeting all the nutritional needs of kittens. All our recipes are formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, veterinary expert in feline nutrition.   How much wet food to give? Start with one teaspoon per day (to mix with the milk). Then, from the 4th week, you can give one teaspoon of wet food per meal. You can then increase the amount of wet food and reduce the milk, until stopping milk at the end of the 7th week. The transition must be gradual. A sudden change could cause diarrhea and vomiting. If your kitten is reluctant, put some wet food on its paw. By reflex, it will lick it and start to get familiar with its new food. You can also try gently rubbing some wet food juice on its gums. This may arouse its interest in the taste and texture of the new food. When it fully switches to solid food, do not hesitate to let it try different tastes and textures so it does not become “neophobic,” i.e., wary of new things when it grows a little. Once weaned, let it try minced meat, canned sardines, plain yogurt, or boiled zucchini. Always in small amounts, of course. For more information, feel free to check our article on kitten weaning on our blog. Monitor your little kitten’s weight Throughout its growth, weigh your kitten every day to ensure it is gaining weight properly. At birth, a kitten weighs about 100 grams and gains roughly 100 grams per week, until it weighs about 1 kilogram at 9 weeks (2 months and 1 week). If it does not gain weight or loses some, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible, who can then adjust its diet. Feeding an unweaned kitten is a difficult task. It can be a real challenge for you, but your kitten will need all your attention to survive and grow into a confident cat. Besides providing warmth, protection, and love ❤️, nutrition is the key. And if things go wrong, don’t blame yourself. Even doing your best, some kittens are sometimes too weak to survive without their mother.

What food should I choose for my cat? A dry food like kibble or rather wet food, such as pâté? The answer in this video with our veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Géraldine Blanchard. Kibble or Pâté for My Cat? Our Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a feline nutrition specialist, answers the question many of you have in this video: Wet Food: A Health Advantage The benefits of pâté for cats on the health of our little companions are numerous! Here are the main benefits summarized: Although not all pâtés are the same, by weight, kibble is 4 times more calorie-dense than pâté! Often, and wrongly, wet food is considered a treat that should only be given to cats on special occasions. Thanks to its high moisture content, pâté adds volume to our cats' stomachs and helps with the feeling of satiety. Since our cats are small drinkers, wet food helps them have less concentrated urine, which is more diluted, reducing the risk of urinary problems. A cat primarily fed high-quality wet food will have a reduced risk of developing obesity and diabetes. Finally, the nutrients present in a high-quality pâté help your cat maintain a beautiful coat! Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz!

Amino acids, minerals, ash content... It can be hard to understand all the terms used in our cats' diets! To help you make sense of it, we've put together a little glossary to better understand the contents of your little companion's food bowl. Organ Meats There are two categories of organ meats: "noble" organs or red offal, and white offal (tripe, ears, and stomach). Among the noble organs, you'll find examples like beef tongue, liver, kidneys, or cheek. Noble organs are ideal for our cats as they have a high protein content. While these organs are considered fit for human consumption, the food industry doesn't value them for commercial reasons, which is why they are often used in pet food. Amino Acids Amino acids are essential macronutrients for bodily functions (immune system, growth, digestion, reproduction...) and for the structure (bones, skin, muscles, fur) of our little companions. Among the twenty amino acids commonly found, eleven are essential for cats: these are the essential amino acids. These include taurine, arginine, phenylalanine, methionine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, tryptophan, threonine, and histidine. To learn more about amino acids, don't hesitate to check out our article on taurine in cat food. Complete Food It's important to make a clear distinction between "complete food" and "complementary food". A complete food must cover all of the cat's nutritional needs for which it was formulated. You can feed it as the sole food to your cat, along with a bowl of fresh water. Complementary Food Unlike complete food, complementary food cannot be given as the only food because it doesn't cover all of our cats' nutritional needs. It is therefore useful to consult the manufacturer for the recommended daily quantities to ensure a balanced diet. Starch Starch is a "complex carbohydrate (sugar)". It generally comes from rice and corn and is always present in kibble, even grain-free ones because it is necessary for the extrusion process. In fact, starch is what gives kibble its light, crispy texture. Palatability Our little companions are very sensitive to the palatability of food. For example, the consistency, temperature, and smell of food strongly influence how much our cats accept it. Our cats, for example, prefer food at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 35°C. Many cat food manufacturers have understood this and use sensory additives to modify the visual appearance (colorants) or organoleptic qualities (flavor enhancers) of the food. Strict Carnivore Our cats are what we call strict carnivores. That means they cannot do without meat in their diet. The fact is that our cats can only meet their nutritional needs through animal tissues. However, this does not mean they should eat only meat, as an "all-meat" diet is highly unbalanced and leads to many deficiencies. Animal Meals Animal meals in our cats' food are made from meat mechanically separated from the carcass. This meat-bone mixture is then processed into meal form. In lower-quality kibble, meals are richer in bones as it costs the manufacturer less. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are sometimes called "hydrates of carbon". They are substances made up of simple sugars. These sugars form molecules of varying complexity and properties. As strict carnivores, our cats' metabolism of carbohydrates differs from that of omnivores. Carbohydrates are non-essential in their diet. However, in small amounts, they can provide a good energy source, especially if the starch is properly cooked. Neophobia When faced with novelty in their food, your cat may be repelled. This is called neophobia. Neophobia often develops in older cats whose eating habits have become firmly established. It is also common in cats that haven't been exposed to a varied diet in the early weeks of life, as they tend to be more neophobic. Neophilia In contrast, some cats are attracted to novelty. For example, cats that have access to the outdoors tend to be neophilic. As mentioned above, what a kitten eats in the first few weeks of life, as well as the diet of its mother, will impact its food preferences. Minerals The term "minerals" refers to inorganic matter in your cat's food. There are macro-elements such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and chloride (Cl). There are also trace elements present in smaller amounts, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iodine (I), and selenium (Se). Animal Proteins These are the fuel for our cats! They cannot do without them in their diet. However, not all animal proteins are the same! For example, elastin, collagen, and keratin have very low protein effectiveness due to their poor digestibility and amino acid imbalance. Plant proteins in our cats' food mostly come from cereal grains (wheat, rice, corn, barley). A cat with insufficient protein intake may end up in poor physical condition or have a dull coat. Ash Content This refers to the total amount of minerals in the food. The ash content should neither be too low nor too high. Too little or too much micronutrient intake can have long-term negative impacts. In food, the ash content can be a good indirect indicator of quality. There needs to be a minimum to meet requirements, but a high ash content indicates an excessive amount of carcass material. Dietary Transition We recommend dietary transition at Ziggy! The dietary transition is probably the best method to help your cat accept a new food. It involves gradually introducing a new food alongside their current diet. The goal is not to upset their digestive system. You can read our article to discover the steps and tips for a successful dietary transition. Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) is a product "obtained by mechanically removing the meat from poultry bones or carcasses. After deboning, this product may contain bone, cartilage, or marrow residues, unlike minced meats or meats for mince". Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz!