DON'T feed the man meat...

Kittens on all meat diets soon get thin bones. 

Young Rolly’s arm broke last week when he jumped off the couch. It was not very far down from the couch, especially for an energetic 4 month old kitten.

When we looked at his X-rays we were horrified to find that his bones had less calcium in them than his muscles.

Rolly prefers plain meat so his owner had been feeding him just that - chicken breast, beef mince and the occasional chunk of liver. 

No meat has enough calcium in it for growing bones. The ratio of calcium to phosphate is completely upside down causing the body to mobilise calcium from bones for essential organ function.

Specialty kitten diets have extra calcium and protein in them. The calcium and phosphorous are in the correct ratio to support bone growth and organ function.

While I recommend that all kittens should taste a variety of meats so that they are not fussy later on, kitten foods of all kinds should be the mainstay of a kitten’s diet. 

Once they are adults cats can have more meat. Meat strips and chunks keep adult cats’ teeth clean and healthy.

Rolly is on a good quality kitten food and a calcium supplement to strengthen his bones. He also sports a smart fluoro green cast on his left arm.

A Kitten in the Family

Looking for a new kitten?  Time spent meeting and playing with a prospective new kitten is time well spent.  After all, your kitten will be part of your family for up to 20 years.
Kittens are optimally socialised if they are left with their mother and siblings in a cat-friendly family for at least the first 8 weeks of life.  In the rough and tumble of litter life they learn to temper their play  responses so that they are much less prone to aggressive play with people later on.
 Suki's kittens, pictured on the right, have been well-handled by a variety of people including children and men.  A big labrador dog loves to 'mother' them and they are gradually meeting other species such as horses as well.  With this broad spectrum of experience in the impressionable first 8 weeks of life they will no doubt fit into any family situation.
Because they have a more uniform genetic makeup pedigreed kittens are more likely to take after their parents.  However, any calm, laid-back parents will usually produce calm and confident kittens.
Steer away from shy kittens because shyness in cats is partly genetic in origin and may never be overcome no matter how much you work on it.
Avoid feral kittens or kittens that have not been handled by humans in the first 3 months.  They have a far greater chance of remaining pathologically anxious for life.
Above all talk to the family that has raised the kittens.  They will know the budding personality of each kitten and you can choose one that will fit best into your home.