Is it bad to give a grown cat kitten food?

Answer 1

It is perfectly fine as long as the older cat doesn't need a specialized food like for hairballs or weight-loss. Cats are actually kittens until they are 3 years old. My cat will be 4 in Spring, but still eats Kitten Chow often because it gives him lots of energy and he loves it. To save money and time, you can give a cat younger food. But when he/she is a lot older, definitly give it grown-cat food.

Answer 2

Kittens usually begin the weaning process around 4-6 weeks of age. They begin by taking an interest, or picking at their mother's solid food. At this age they will still be suckling and getting nutrients from their mother, but putting a tiny bit of wet food down every few hours will entice them to eat. You could see if they will lick food off your fingertip or off their own paws. This first stage can take several days.

Try mashing up some good quality wet/canned food (look for a brand with a high named meat content and no grain, such as Felidae or Blue Buffalo to avoid tummy upsets) for them. Mixing the food with a little bit of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) at first helps the kittens get used to solid food.

Mushed up wet food, or wet food that is throughly mixed with a little water or kitten milk is the best type of food for them right now. It is easy for them to eat and digest. It is advisable not to try dry food as, even softened with water, kittens may still not be able to eat it. Be sure to feed them from a plate and not a bowl, as it is easier for the kittens to pick up the food.

Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating. The weaning transition should not be rushed.

Answer 3

No, but kitten food has nutrients and fibers in it that are helping a kitten to grow, so if you give a grown cat kitten food they will have pretty smelly diarrhea.