I just don't think they're eating enough

parsleysage

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I'm worried that my kittens are not eating enough. I've read that they are supposed to be consuming 2-3x as much as adult cats. Simon and Garfunkel each eat a 3.2 oz can of wet and about 1/4 cup of dry (approximately) per day.

This seems like too little, but they never act hungry and ignore the kibble in their bowl during most of the day, eating the bulk of it during the long stretch while I'm asleep. When I feed them the wet, I "clang" the bowls together as their dinner bell of sorts, and they get excited and come to the kitchen, but rarely eat all of it in one sitting.

Today is their 10-week birthday. Simon weighs 2 pounds 3 oz and Garfunkel weighs 2 pounds 5 oz.

Can anyone offer some advice? I'm concerned that I'm underfeeding my sweethearts.
 

Willowy

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I think they're doing quite well. Kittens do need 2-3 times the calories per pound, and considering their small size I think they're getting enough. Many adult cats weighing 10 pounds or so eat that amount. Just remember the "per pound" part!
 

badkelpie

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Yeah, it sounds like they're eating plenty. And they don't act all starved all the time, I say you're doing great. Fun names too
.
 
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parsleysage

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Originally Posted by Willowy

I think they're doing quite well. Kittens do need 2-3 times the calories per pound, and considering their small size I think they're getting enough. Many adult cats weighing 10 pounds or so eat that amount. Just remember the "per pound" part!
Thanks, Willowy! As far as what I read, either the wording needed clarification or I misread it - I suspect the latter


I am feeling better now about my babies! Thanks
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Willowy

I think they're doing quite well. Kittens do need 2-3 times the calories per pound, and considering their small size I think they're getting enough. Many adult cats weighing 10 pounds or so eat that amount. Just remember the "per pound" part!
I think so too! That is a more than 1/2 of what my adult cats eat... and I have big cats - the smallest is 10lbs, the biggest is 18lbs.

My cats eat between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of dry, and 3oz of wet each per day.
Lucky, who eats only dry, eats about 1/2 cup a day.
 

minka

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Kittens have very small tummies, so they can't eat that much at once. They need to eat small meals throughout the day. This is also the reason why they make special food for kittens, it has more calories to make sure they get enough.
 
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