A cat's pregnancy and subsequent lactation period is a miraculous journey, both biologically and emotionally. However, this process puts incredible strain on the mother cat's body. To nurture the tiny lives in their wombs and then feed them, mother cats' energy needs can increase two, or even threefold, compared to normal times. Even the smallest nutritional mistake during this period can risk the mother's health and negatively affect the kittens' development.
As Kito, with the slogan "Her health, your peace of mind," we are with you during this sensitive period. Our ecosystem, prepared with academic collaborations and fresh ingredients, is designed to help your mother cat get through this process in the healthiest way possible. In this article, we will detail the nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating cats, the criteria for choosing the right food, and how you can manage this process with the Kito difference.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Pregnancy in cats lasts approximately 63 to 67 days. During this nine-week period, the mother cat's metabolism completely changes. From the first weeks, the body begins to accumulate reserves for the tissue formation of the kittens and the subsequent lactation period.
High Energy and Calorie Needs
From the second half of pregnancy, the mother cat's energy needs rapidly increase. However, as the growing kittens put pressure on the stomach, the mother cat becomes unable to eat large portions at once. Therefore, it is critical that the food is "small in volume but dense in nutritional value."
The Role of Protein and Amino Acids
High-quality animal protein is essential for the muscle, organ, and nervous system development of the kittens. The meats used in Kito foods are fresh, antibiotic-free, and GMO-free sources from Karkas Çiftliği. This clean content ensures that the mother receives the purest protein without an unnecessary toxic load on her body.
Calcium and Phosphorus Balance
The bone development of the kittens is met from the mother's calcium stores. If the food is not balanced in these minerals, the mother cat may face the risk of "eclampsia," a life-threatening calcium deficiency. Kito recipes, based on scientific principles, meticulously maintain this mineral balance.
Lactation Period: A Metabolic Marathon
Many cat owners think that pregnancy is the most difficult period, but the real energy burst occurs during lactation. The energy a mother cat expends to produce milk is even greater than during pregnancy.
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Fluid Intake: A large part of milk is water. If the mother cat does not drink enough water, milk production decreases and she experiences dehydration.
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Free Feeding: During lactation, the mother cat should have constant access to food. Instead of limited meals, fresh food should always be available in the bowl.
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Nutrient Density: The nutrients passed to the kittens through breast milk form the foundation of their immune system. Therefore, the quality of the food the mother eats determines how strongly the kittens start life.
What Kind of Food Should Be Preferred During This Period?
If dry food is being used; from approximately the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy, veterinarians usually recommend that the mother cat switch to "Kitten Food." There are several key reasons for this:
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More Calories: Kitten foods contain higher fat and calories for growing cats. This is ideal for meeting the mother cat's increased energy needs.
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Higher Protein: The extra protein required for the development of kittens is standard in these foods.
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Easy Digestibility: Products like Kito Kitten Food are optimized for sensitive digestive systems, ensuring maximum absorption without stressing the mother cat's stomach.
Kito Kitten Food is produced with FMIS (Fresh Meat Injection System) technology. This technology ensures that fresh meat is injected into the food, preserving its nutritional value. This increases the palatability and digestibility of the food, especially for pregnant cats with selective appetites.
Kito Fresh: Liquid and Flavor Support for Pregnant and Lactating Cats
Wet food is not a luxury, but a necessity for cats that eat less due to stomach pressure during pregnancy or need fluids during lactation.
Pantry Fresh Technology: The Kito Fresh series is a new generation of wet food that can maintain its freshness for 24 months at room temperature without preservatives. It contains 100% fresh meat, vegetables, and superfoods.
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Cat Varieties: Lamb, Chicken, Salmon, and Tuna options are available.
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Appetite Support: It is appealing with the smell of fresh meat for cats whose appetite decreases during pregnancy.
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Fluid Intake: Thanks to its high moisture content, it helps lactating mothers produce milk.
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Superfoods: The flaxseed and rosemary in its content support the mother's immunity and skin health.
The Power of Supplements: Fish Oil and Multivitamins
Sometimes it may not be enough for the mother cat to just get basic nutrients. Additional support may be needed for the cognitive development of the kittens and the mother's condition.
Importance of Omega-3 and DHA: DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is a critical fatty acid for the brain and eye development of kittens. Kittens get this acid from breast milk. Kito Fish Oil enriches breast milk with its high EPA and DHA content. It also internally repairs the mother's hair and skin health, which may be worn out during pregnancy.
Malt and Digestive Support: Pregnant cats may swallow more hair while grooming themselves, and their digestive systems may slow down due to reduced activity. Kito Malt Paste increases the mother's comfort by allowing hairballs to be expelled naturally.
Customize the Feeding Plan
Every mother cat's situation is different. Her breed, age, weight at the time of conception, and the number of kittens in her womb change her nutritional needs. The calorie needs of a British Shorthair and a Tabby cat during pregnancy may not be the same.
Kito's website features "Create a Feeding Plan," which guides you at this point. By entering your cat's current data, you can access the most accurate academic-based portion and product recommendations. Remember, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to birth difficulties, while inadequate nutrition can result in weak kittens.
Social Responsibility and Ethical Values
Every purchase you make from Kito not only feeds the mother and kittens in your own home. We donate food to a street animal with every order you place. We aim to extend the compassion a mother shows to her kittens to animals on the street with a sense of social responsibility. All our products are produced with "human-grade" ingredients, because we believe that every living being deserves the best.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is one of the most critical interventions in a cat's life. Kito's fresh meat-focused, scientifically approved, and clean-ingredient products are your greatest aid on this journey. However, we would like to remind you again that it is essential to consult a veterinarian for monitoring medical conditions and possible complications. When professional veterinary control and Kito's superior nutritional power combine, your kittens will take the healthiest step into life.
Do you still not have a plan to protect your mother cat's health and guarantee the development of her kittens?
Visit the Kito website now and use the "Create a Feeding Plan" feature to determine the freshest and most nutritious products for your mother cat and her future kittens in seconds.
