If you’ve been wondering what happens if a kitten eat’s cat food, then you’re probably wondering what can happen. In a nutshell, this can lead to weight gain and a host of other health issues. While changing a kitten’s diet can be tempting, it’s important to remember that malnutrition and weight gain are not the only things to watch out for. In addition, introducing a new diet to your kitten can cause serious problems.
Weight gain is a danger
There are several different reasons why your kitten might be overeating cat food. It could be that he is experiencing a change in diet or physical health. Regardless, the increased appetite could be a serious concern for your kitten’s health. Here are some tips to help your cat regain its appetite. First, consult your veterinarian. Cats are creatures of habit. They react to change by overeating in order to increase their energy level.
A large portion of cat food contains high amounts of calories. Even if your kitten is not obese, too much food will lead to an unhealthy weight. You should switch your kitten to an adult food when it reaches 90 percent of its adult weight, or about two years of age, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. However, this transition should be done gradually. If you force your cat to eat the food quickly, it will likely have digestive and psychological issues.
Weight gain can lead to serious health problems
Cats that are overweight can suffer serious health issues. Obesity affects their ability to regulate their energy and appetite. Obese cats often display low-grade pro-inflammatory status. It is becoming a serious concern in the veterinary community, as it can greatly affect the quality of life of your beloved pet. Whether your feline friend is overweight from too much cat food, lack of exercise, or genetics, finding out what causes this condition is vital.
Among the most common physical and psychological health problems associated with increased appetite are hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland that causes the cat to consume too many calories. Hyperthyroidism can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and may even develop into a life-threatening condition. Once diagnosed, hyperthyroidism is relatively easy to treat.
Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems
Whether you are feeding your kitten a homemade formula or buying a commercial cat food, make sure you check your cat’s weight regularly. If your kitten weighs more than eight pounds (3.6 kilograms), he or she is likely underweight. Cat food containing tuna can lead to malnutrition and other problems. Cats’ ideal body weight is eight to ten pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms).
If your kitten eats dog food on a regular basis, you may want to consider switching your cat to a high-quality cat food. While a kitten may occasionally sample dog food, a regular diet can be dangerous for its health. Cats need a balanced diet that contains a variety of nutrients, such as vitamins A, Taurine, and Arachidonic Acid (Taurine). A lack of any of these nutrients can lead to skin problems, degenerating muscles, night blindness, and heart disease.
Changing a kitten’s diet can cause gas
Gas in a kitten can lead to vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and farting. Common causes of kitten gas include a diet high in grains, dairy products, and human food. If your kitten is experiencing chronic gas in their gastrointestinal tract, it may be a sign of a food allergy or malabsorption. To treat gas in a kitten, you can try giving it a new, low-fiber food or adding some of its old food to the mix.
Excessive gas in cats can also be a sign of a serious illness. Certain intestinal parasites can cause gassy feces and a high-fiber diet. If your cat’s gassiness is accompanied by other symptoms, consider taking it to the vet. Your veterinarian can check for an underlying illness or recommend a diet change. In severe cases, a change in diet can cure the gas problem.