[Jan Rebecca]

My five week old kitten keeps wanting to eat dry kitty food - but vet says to make it wet first - is it ok for her to eat the dry kibble between milk feedings or MUST it be wet?

 

[rightsaidfed]

I think from my reading 5 weeks is around when their mother would wean them and they'd be moving to solids. Canned food might be easier, but if she can comfortably eat the dry food, I'd let her.

I'd make sure either formula or canned is also available. If its a lot of effort to crunch up each piece of kibble, she may not eat enough.

My kitten is 4 months and getting his adult teeth. He likes to chew the dry to make his gums feel better, but he seems to do it one kibble at a time and still devours his canned food for actual nourishment.

 

[Jan Rebecca]

She loves the dry but we had to take her to the vet for constipation yesterday and I'm a bit worried that eating too much dry will cause the constipation again. I was reading online and they all say to soak it first for that age - I tried some a bit ago and she ate it soaked so I guess I'll try that for now. Its really hard to keep her away from my older cats food dish though. Whenever we let her out to play she makes a beeline for Tuffys dish - LoL

 

[rightsaidfed]

Ahh I misunderstood. It's not a matter of capability, it's more for her health.

If she's constipated, I'd add water to everything you can including thinning out any canned food. If she really likes dry, then soaking the dry is the way to go. Is she intrigues by water at all? Maybe a fountain would encourage her to drink more?

 

[shan841]

She loves the dry but we had to take her to the vet for constipation yesterday and I'm a bit worried that eating too much dry will cause the constipation again. I was reading online and they all say to soak it first for that age - I tried some a bit ago and she ate it soaked so I guess I'll try that for now. Its really hard to keep her away from my older cats food dish though. Whenever we let her out to play she makes a beeline for Tuffys dish - LoL

Dry food dehydrates cats, so that very well could be the cause of the constipation. Especially at that age if she is not drinking water. Moistening the food is okay but do not let it sit out for long if she doesnt eat it. Dry food grows bacteria quickly once wet. You should try to convince her that wet food is good... all I had to do was wipe some in my kittens mouths. After trying to fight me away, they realize it tastes good and want more

 

[hoofmaiden]

It's really much better for your kitten (and all your cats) to eat canned food only--high quality grain-free canned, like EVO 95% meat formula ( Healthy Pet Product Search ? Organic Dog Food, Dog Treats and More ? Natura Pet Products ). Raw is best, canned is next best, and kibble is way at the bottom.

All the reasons why are explained here:

Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition :: healthy cat diet, making cat food, litter box, cat food, cat nutrition, cat urinary tract health

Feline Nutrition

 

[peanutsmommy]

My 5 wk old kitten loves her wet food and doesn't seem to go for the dry at all between getting her bottle feedings and her wet food. I give her about a Tbsp of wet 3 times per day and then she has her bottle of KMR 2-3 times per day. She drinks about 2 Tbsp from the bottle for each feeding. I think between the wet and the bottle she is being kept full enough. Best of luck w/ your baby!!