Your kitten has been growing by leaps and bounds, and believe it or not, they’re likely almost done growing, though large-breed cats may have a couple of months left to go. For most kittens, metabolism starts slowing down a bit around this age. This also means that if your kitten’s calories are not fine-tuned to your pet’s needs, they may start putting on some excess weight.
That makes now the perfect time to re-evaluate your kitten’s weight and feeding schedule to see if anything needs to be tweaked.
Start by taking a good look at your kitten. They should have an obvious waist when you look at them from the side or above. Their belly should not look round or pendulous. Run your hand down their sides. You should never be able to see their ribs, but you should be able to easily feel them without applying much pressure.
It's a good idea to critically evaluate your cat's weight this way every few months. That way, you can adjust their diet if needed.
An important note, though! Cats develop a flap of skin between their back legs called the primordial pouch. The prominence of this pouch differs from cat to cat, and it’s totally normal. The presence of a pouch does not mean that your kitten is overweight. You should assess your kitten’s overall body condition instead of evaluating them based on their primordial pouch.
Here are a few tips to make sure that you’re not accidentally giving your kitten too many calories:
- Meal feed. Feed your kitten a set amount of food at set times. Leaving food out all the time can lead to overeating.
- Figure out the right amount. The general guidelines on the back of the food bag are not accurate for all cats. Consult your veterinarian to determine the correct amount of food that your kitten should get.
- Use a measuring cup. When estimating food, most pet owners are unconsciously very generous in their portions, giving much more than they think they are. A measuring cup keeps you accurate.
- Avoid table food. We know it's hard to say no to kitten eyes! But start practicing saying no now so your kitten doesn't develop expectations of sharing. Pet food is balanced and nutritious, so all table food is just extra calories. Plus, many table foods can be dangerous for cats.
- Be deliberate about treats. Treats for cats are just like candy for people—yummy but unhealthy. Buy low-calorie treats and break them into tiny morsels so your kitten gets used to small treat portions. Use treats judiciously, and never give your kitten treats for begging behaviors that might become incessant or annoying in the future, like yowling. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your kitten’s daily calories.
These few simple steps will keep your kitten looking and feeling great for many years to come!
Need some additional help evaluating your kitten’s weight? Use the Body Conditioning Scoring Chart as a visual guide.
