So I mentioned this in passing in another thread, and went to do some of my own research on this topic. But now I have a legitimate question I would love some advice on!
The story is I just got a very young mom with 5 eight day old babies. She is so small and was once an outdoor / stray kitty being fed by a nice gentleman who brought her and her babies in. However, though estimates say her age is 6 months AND she is nursing, the vet / shelter / rescue (and probably the man feeding her) have been feeding her adult food! Not the crummy stuff, but I've read a bit and it's suggested that pregnant / nursing cats need kitten food, or maybe even KMR. And mommy's only 6 months old anyway! Who feeds a 6 month old adult cat food?
Everyone seems healthy, and the vet said so too, but the mom is SO tiny. She doesn't look emaciated, and I think she had enough food, but from now I want to give her and her babies what is best.
**With her history, would you recommend I switch her immediately to kitten food, or take time to mix them and switch her slowly so her body can adjust like I would under normal circumstances?
**Would it be best if I did supplement her with some KMR?
**Or should I not switch her at all and leave her on adult food because the vet and shelter know best?
Thanks guys, the so-far unnamed mommy and babies appreciate your help!
The story is I just got a very young mom with 5 eight day old babies. She is so small and was once an outdoor / stray kitty being fed by a nice gentleman who brought her and her babies in. However, though estimates say her age is 6 months AND she is nursing, the vet / shelter / rescue (and probably the man feeding her) have been feeding her adult food! Not the crummy stuff, but I've read a bit and it's suggested that pregnant / nursing cats need kitten food, or maybe even KMR. And mommy's only 6 months old anyway! Who feeds a 6 month old adult cat food?
Everyone seems healthy, and the vet said so too, but the mom is SO tiny. She doesn't look emaciated, and I think she had enough food, but from now I want to give her and her babies what is best.
**With her history, would you recommend I switch her immediately to kitten food, or take time to mix them and switch her slowly so her body can adjust like I would under normal circumstances?
**Would it be best if I did supplement her with some KMR?
**Or should I not switch her at all and leave her on adult food because the vet and shelter know best?
Thanks guys, the so-far unnamed mommy and babies appreciate your help!