What is the best way to feed a Scottish kitten? Nutrition of Scottish Folds

I hasten to reassure all owners - feeding Scottish Fork-eared cats is not much different from feeding cats of other breeds. And no diet, no food affects the shape of the ears. A fold remains a fold, and a straight (straight-eared Scotsman) remains a straight. True, with age, the shape of the ears may change slightly - they will become less flat. But genetics play a role here, not nutrition.

Dry food for Scottish fold kittens

The easiest way to feed a little Scot for those who cannot or do not want to devote much time to this issue is feeding dry food.

It is usually believed that it is enough to feed adult cats 2 times a day, but a kitten, depending on its age, first needs 6 meals a day, then gradually moves on to 4-5 times a day, and only at 8-10 months the little Scotsman is ready to switch to an adult mode. However, even for an adult cat, split meals are more natural. If a cat has food, then she will walk and touch the bowl more than 6 times. And much more often. Eating very little at a time.

Why then do they talk about feeding twice a day? It's simple. Food left in a bowl will dry out after 3-4 hours and acquire an unpleasant odor - the cat will not eat it. And it’s dangerous - you can easily get poisoned. But dry food can be given a daily portion without risk. And let the kitten eat as many times as he needs, regardless of whether the owners are at home or at work.

Dry food is economical, even the most expensive. Don't believe me? Of course, if you feed your cat table scraps, it won’t cost anything to keep it…. But such nutrition will not add health and longevity to your pet. The basis of the Scottish Fold's diet should be meat, approximately 60-80% of the diet. Some cereals, vegetables, and vitamin and mineral supplements are added to the meat. Now calculate how much it will cost to buy quality meat... And you also need to cook it. And if the kitten does not eat the portion, it will have to... be thrown away, because freshly prepared food cannot be stored.

That is why, when you first buy a Scottish fold kitten, it is best to immediately focus on dry food, and choose the brand recommended by the breeder. This is usually the food that is fed to the mother cat and the entire litter. This ensures a perfect fit to the baby’s needs and no unwanted reactions.

After 3-4 weeks, the food can be changed if for some reason you want to. The most common reason for a change in diet is the unavailability of certain brands of food, which can only be bought in large pet stores or must be specially ordered, and delivery can be more expensive than the food itself.

Rules for selecting industrial food for Scottish fold kittens

There are no specialized foods intended specifically for Scottish Fold cats or even just Scottish cats. This means that there are no special differences in the diet of Scottish Folds from other short-haired cats. Therefore, you can choose universal food, food for short-haired breeds and special veterinary food if the kitten needs dietary nutrition.

Choose only super-premium and holistic food. It is these categories of ready-made food, despite the higher cost, that guarantee that the manufacturer used high-quality products, natural meat and only healthy additives.

In addition, expensive feeds are higher in calories, which means less of them are required - so the difference in cost in the end is not so great (you can see an example of a calculation).

ANOTHER NUANCE.

Pay attention to the age for which dry or canned food is intended. Typically, holistic food can be given to kittens as young as 2 months old, while super-premium food has a special line according to age.

If you decide to change your kitten's food, you should not immediately buy a large package. Even the best quality food can cause an individual reaction or simply not be to the kitten’s taste.

How do you know if food is suitable?

• The kitten looks healthy - it has smooth shiny fur, white teeth, and a clean pink mouth.
• The kitten is cheerful, cheerful, playful.
• There are no digestive disorders - there is no bad breath, the contents of the tray no longer have a strong smell, there is no loose stool or constipation.

It happens that when changing food, the kitten begins to itch, a rash appears, the fur becomes sparse, and redness is noticeable on the skin. This is especially pronounced on the ears - they can acquire an uncharacteristic pink color, and scratches appear. These are signs of an allergic reaction. You will have to immediately abandon the new food, returning to the old, proven one. You can try another brand only after all allergy symptoms disappear. Most often, cats have an allergic reaction to chicken and grains. So, try grain-free food based on beef and turkey.

When feeding Scottish Fold kittens with dry food, it is not recommended to combine it with natural food. Make a choice - either drying or natural, but not both in turn.

This rule is due to the fact that the digestion of dry food requires a different composition of enzymes compared to natural food. In many ways, this also applies to canned food, which is also highly concentrated. If you alternate between meat porridge and ready-made industrial food, the kitten’s digestion does not have time to adjust - as a result, the food is poorly digested, nutrients are not fully absorbed, and fermentation occurs in the intestines.

ATTENTION.

The kitten should always have free access to fresh drinking water. This is especially important when feeding “drying”.

Give your cat bottled or filtered water, but not boiled or from the tap.

Fold kitten menu by month with natural feeding

The first complementary foods are given at approximately 3-4 weeks. If there are few kittens in the litter and they look well-fed and well-fed, the introduction of complementary foods can be postponed for a week or a week and a half. But at one and a half months of age, even if the kittens have enough milk, they should already begin to get used to other food.

You should not grind meat in a blender, turning it into pate - kittens must learn to chew.

Do not give your kitten baby meat purees - their composition is completely unsuitable for kittens.

Gradually, the amount of meat is increased to 50-100 g per day, dividing it into 6-7 servings.

Feeding a 2 month old Scottish Fold

At 2 months, a Scottish Fold can already receive 100-150 g of complementary food per day. After the meat, cereals are introduced - rice and buckwheat are best (semolina and oatmeal are acceptable). They give you a boiled egg yolk, starting literally with a grain. The yolk is mixed with cereal or meat, since many kittens refuse to even try just dry yolk.

The basis of nutrition is meat. Once a week, part of the meat can be replaced with low-fat sea (ocean) fish. Cereals can be crushed and mixed with meat cut into small pieces.

New products are introduced no more than once a week to see the body’s reaction and immediately determine which product “didn’t work.” This product is excluded from the diet for at least a month. Then you can carefully try again. If an allergic reaction or digestive problems occur again, the product is excluded forever.

It is permissible to prepare food for several days at once. Then the prepared porridge from cereals and meat is divided into single portions and stored in the freezer. Before feeding, the portion is defrosted and heated to a temperature warmer than room temperature. Optimally - up to body temperature.

If the kitten has not finished the portion, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Then you will have to throw it away and give it fresh at the next feeding.

Fresh food should not sit in a bowl. It is optimal to accustom a kitten from a very young age - anything uneaten is immediately removed. And the bowl appears again only at the next feeding. This regime disciplines the kittens and ensures that the food is eaten quickly and without whims. A lack of appetite will signal some kind of trouble.

Nutrition for Scottish Fold kittens from 3 to 6 months

During this period, the number of feedings is gradually reduced to 4, and the total amount of food is increased to 150-220 g, depending on the appetite and weight of the kitten. Of these, at least 3-40 g of natural meat or fish (it is better if there is about 100-150 g of meat).

Vegetables become a novelty during this period. Little Scots add carrots, pumpkin, and broccoli to their porridge. Sprouted and ground grains of wheat or oats are very useful.

For kittens of dark colors, you can gradually replace some of the meat with offal - liver, stomachs, hearts. Light-colored kittens may turn darker from offal. And carrots and pumpkins are not recommended for white Scots; their quantity should be sharply limited, since the wool may acquire a yellowish tint.

If there is no allergy, you can give kittens chicken instead of beef, just buy domestic chickens or products from trusted manufacturers. Allergies are often caused not by chicken itself, but by the hormones and protein additives it contains in large quantities, which stimulate the rapid growth of broilers. Human stomachs have adapted, but a small kitten can get severe poisoning.

Fermented milk products are also introduced - cottage cheese, kefir. But they don’t give whole milk, because after 4 months the kittens stop producing the enzyme that breaks it down.

Feeding Scottish Folds over 6 months old

The diet during this period remains virtually unchanged. A 6 month old kitten is the same as an adult cat. At the age of 6 to 10 months, increase the single portion and reduce the number of feedings, first to 3, then to 2 times a day.

The daily diet by the age of 10 months should be about 150-250 g. However, this norm is very approximate and largely depends on the individual characteristics of the kitten.

The owners of a Scottish Fold usually know very well how much their pet will eat. You should not restrict your kitten, even if it eats more than normal; after all, many kittens are very active and spend a lot of energy on games and pranks.

Only castrati should be limited if they begin to gain excess weight. In addition, it is better not to give fish to castrated cats (and even sterilized cats), since excess calcium can give rise to the development of urolithiasis.

The Scottish Fold kitten will be a great friend for the whole family. With proper feeding, he will grow up to be a healthy and beautiful cat, which will certainly delight his owners. At the same time, it is important to know the basics of nutrition so that there are no health problems. Some people prefer to feed only natural food, others purchase ready-made food. In any case, you should understand the diet of the Scottish Fold cat so as not to worsen the functioning of the digestive system.

What is the best way to feed a Scottish Fold kitten?

When buying a pet, it is recommended to immediately consult with the breeder about how his animals feed. It is especially important for small pets to choose the right diet, because they need high-quality nutrition. Kittens develop quickly, and they need to be given food in small portions up to 10 times a day. Up to 5 months it is allowed to pour boiled milk, but then it must be excluded from the menu. From the age of 6 months, three meals a day are required, and this will be more than enough for your pet. Naturally, you can only give permitted foods so that the body can function fully.

What to feed a Scottish adult cat

Adult cats do not need to eat as often as kittens. It is enough to feed 2 times a day, and the portions must be such that the pet is full. Naturally, you will need to monitor your weight, because sterilized cats are especially prone to obesity. The owner may prefer both natural food and ready-made food, but the food must be of good quality.

What is forbidden to feed

Owners of fold-eared kittens need to know exactly what they should never give to their pet. If these rules are neglected, then the animal may develop problems with the digestive system. To feed Scottish kittens, you need to create a menu that will not harm your pet’s body.

List of prohibited products:

1. Sweet dishes. They cannot be given regardless of quantity. Even if a cat asks for cake, this does not mean at all that he is interested in this dish. It is possible that he wants another ingredient that is included in the composition. There is no need to give your pet sweets, as this can lead to the development of diabetes.
2. Spicy. Kittens should not be given spices, as they will upset their digestive function.
3. Salty. Cats should not add salt to their food, much less give them food containing this ingredient. Salt causes problems with the bladder and kidneys, and Scottish kittens are already prone to this problem.
4. Coffee. This product is considered poisonous for pets. If your pet wants to try a drink, then it is quite possible that he is interested in milk.
5. Onions and garlic. They also lead to problems with the digestive function of the pet.
6. Marinades. Your pet should not be given any pickled foods. And we are talking not only about meat, but also about canned food.
7. Fat. Such a diet will worsen the function of the pet’s pancreas. At the same time, even sour cream can ruin the gastrointestinal tract of a Scottish kitten, which is why it is important to monitor the fat content of products.
8. Smoked. It is considered poisonous to cats and should not be given to Scottish Fold.
9. Pork. If the owner wants to treat her pet, then it is allowed to give only a small piece of meat once a month. Moreover, the product should not be greasy.
10. Citrus. Most cats do not like the smells of lemons, oranges, limes and similar fruits. However, exceptions do happen. A strong aroma will harm the animal’s sense of smell, and in addition, such a product will upset the digestive function.
11. Potato. It is starch in its pure form, which is poorly accepted by the cat's body. For this reason, this product should be excluded from the diet.
12. Legumes. Soy, lentils, and peas are prohibited for a Scottish kitten. These products are considered difficult for the pet’s body and also provoke fermentation.
13. Flour dishes. Even bread is not allowed to be given to kittens, because it only harms and has no nutritional value.
14. Mushrooms. They are considered a heavy product and provoke intoxication.

Conscientious owners will make sure that there are no problems with the body due to feeding Scottish kittens. If a person is not sure that he can properly balance the diet, then it is better to use ready-made food. Naturally, you need to purchase only super-premium products for Scottish Fold kittens.

Determining your cat's nutritional type

An animal's food can be of different types. In particular, it can be natural, ready-made and mixed. In the first case, a person uses only fresh products, such as meat, cereals, vegetables and other dishes. Ready-made food is divided into two types: dry and jelly-like. Regardless of the type, you should purchase only expensive products from good manufacturers, and not limit yourself to cheap bags of cat food. If a person is not ready to pay a lot of money for such goods, then he should prefer natural food.

The mixed appearance implies the presence of both fresh and ready-made products. Naturally, both types cannot be given at the same feeding. It will be necessary to evenly distribute the types of food in order not to harm the pet’s body.

Breeders and veterinarians have different opinions about exactly how best to feed a one-month-old kitten and older animals. If the owner is not ready to carefully select a menu for his pet, then it is better to purchase ready-made food. They contain the correct components and maintain the appropriate balance of products for the animal. At the same time, you need to buy expensive goods, since cheap ones have nothing useful for your pet.

It is especially recommended to pay attention to the characteristics of your pet’s body. Some cats have upset digestion due to cereals or meat, so it is better to give them dry food or pate for cats. If the animal feels good when eating natural food, then it should be stopped. In any case, each situation must be resolved individually so that there are no problems later.

Natural nutrition

Nowadays, more and more people are deciding to switch to natural nutrition, because they consider it more useful and at the same time cheaper. The process will not be easy, as you will have to spend a lot of time preparing food. Naturally, busy people cannot afford this, which is why the pet suffers. If natural nutrition has been chosen, then feeding rules must be followed.

What products are allowed:

1. Frozen raw beef. Babies under 3 months should be given approximately 30 grams per day. Naturally, the meat must first be completely defrosted and chopped very finely.
2. Boiled liver. It is given maximum once a week. If you abuse this product, then your stomach may be upset.
3. Boiled chicken breast. It is beneficial for cats as it contains many nutrients.
4. Fish. It is allowed to be given to a Scottish cat only once a week, and only low-fat varieties are allowed. For example, hake, perch, and carp are suitable. If this product is given in excess, then kidney pathologies may occur.
5. Boiled milk, as well as porridge on it. This product can be added to the menu for animals that are under 5 months old. At a more mature age, the component will provoke stomach upset.
6. Vegetables and cereals. These carbohydrates are required to ensure that your pet always has energy. At the same time, you can cook semolina, buckwheat, rice and oatmeal for your pet. It is useful to mix them with fish or meat, and then give them 3-4 times a week.
7. Low-fat kefir, fermented baked milk or cottage cheese. Scottish kittens love these foods and consider them a treat.
8. Boiled or steamed vegetables. Carrots and cauliflower will do. They should be mixed with meat so that your pet agrees to eat vegetables.
9. Chicken yolk. In this case, the egg should first be boiled and the white removed.

It is recommended to give kittens mainly meat products, because they are rich in beneficial microelements and also contain protein. It is necessary for the full functioning of the body, in particular for maintaining the function of the heart, eyes and reproductive system. If a person is not ready to feed the cat a variety of foods and give only approved products, then you should refuse natural food. It is better to purchase ready-made food for Scottish kittens so as not to damage the digestive system from childhood.

Industrial feed

If a person understands that he does not have time to feed his pet a variety of foods, then it is better to purchase a ready-made product. Both dry and wet food are good. In this case, you should purchase packages designed specifically for this breed. If the kittens have already been fed industrial food in the nursery, then it is better to use it.

It is highly not recommended to select cheap analogues, because they are less easily absorbed by the body and bring less benefit. It is recommended to purchase products from Hills, Royal Canin, Advance, as well as other brands that produce super-premium products. Naturally, it is necessary to select those products that are intended specifically for the Scottish Fold kitten. On the packaging you can see exactly how much food you will need to give depending on the age and weight of the animal.

How to safely transition your cat to dry food

If your pet has previously consumed natural foods, then you should not immediately feed it dry food. The transfer should be gradual so as not to cause a blow to the body. First, you need to give a small handful of dry food between feedings. The portion should be gradually increased over the course of a week. After this, several natural feedings should be completely replaced with a dry product and the body’s reaction should be observed. If everything is in order with the digestive system, then you can completely switch your pet to industrial food.

Mixed feeding

Mixed feeding causes a lot of controversy among veterinarians and breeders. Some say that this will harm the pet’s body. Others believe that the regimen is good and ensures the supply of all vitamins and elements. In any case, each person must decide for himself whether to use mixed feeding. If this option is chosen, then the right decision would be to follow a nutritional schedule.

Natural products are given no more than 2 times a day. The rest of the time the pet should be fed dry food. Of course, you should not mix natural and finished products; they must be given to the animal separately.

Features of feeding during adolescence

Cats during the transition period also need proper nutrition. Scottish Folds should be fed 4 times a day between 5 and 9 months of age. At the same time, many animals no longer want to eat so much and independently switch to a feeding schedule of 2-3 times a day. In any case, the total amount of food consumed should be up to 240 grams per day.

During this period, cats experience their first heat. Because of this, they lose their appetite and lose weight. This phenomenon can be considered normal, so the owner should not force the pet to eat food.

At the age of 9 months, a cat is already considered almost an adult, although it will continue to develop before the age of 2 years. During this period, cats should eat no more than 2-3 times a day, and the total amount of food reaches 200 grams. Naturally, the portion will be individual for each pet. If the animal does not want to eat a lot, then it should not be forced.

General principles of feeding

The nutrition of a small kitten must be balanced so that there are no problems with the digestive system later. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the tendency of Scottish cats to constipation. If the kitten does not go to the toilet for more than 1 day, then it is better to contact a veterinarian. He must examine the pet and tell whether the food has been chosen correctly. You may need to eliminate certain foods that cause constipation.

It is worth calculating your meals by calories. If the pet is only 2-5 months old, then it should consume an average of 200 kcal. This will be quite enough to always have the necessary supply of energy.

You should not train your cat to eat snacks, as this can lead to weight problems. The pet must eat a strict number of times a day, preferably at the same time. If the owner constantly gives the animal treats, problems with the gastrointestinal tract may develop because of this. In addition, due to sweet, fatty and salty treats, obesity will occur, as well as problems with the kidneys and pancreas.

Natural nutrition should not be monotonous. That is, you should not allow your pet to eat exclusively porridge and fish or only chicken. Vegetables should be given, as well as fermented baked milk and cottage cheese. If a cat refuses any foods, then there is no point in specially accustoming them to them.

What should you feed a Scottish kitten at the age of 2 months?

At the age of 2 months, the kitten is ready to be weaned. This is the best period to gradually switch to normal nutrition. The total amount of food will be up to 180 grams per day, and it is worth feeding 6 times a day. It is necessary to give small pieces of meat, grated vegetables and bran. You can gradually introduce dry food, which is designed specifically for kittens.

If you follow all the recommendations regarding nutrition, then the animal will be healthy and active. You should not assume that your cat will enjoy eating fatty, fried or salty foods. They will destroy the body and only cause harm to health. If a person is not ready to independently select a diet for a pet, then one should immediately buy ready-made food and switch the pet to it.

The Scottish Fold kitten (also called the Scottish Fold) can become the favorite of every family, bringing comfort to the home. If you want to bring a little pet into your home, you need to think about what to feed your Scottish Fold kitten so that over time it turns into a healthy and happy cat. You need to decide on the diet right away, because then it will be difficult to wean your pet off the food and switch it to natural food.

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  Nutritional features of kittens

  Fold-eared and straight-eared kittens should not be taken away from their mother earlier than 1.5-2 months from birth. If you wean your baby off from mother's milk earlier, this may negatively affect his future health. Since kittens are still developing, they should be fed small portions 6-10 times a day.

  Kittens can drink boiled milk, but after the 5th month it is better to exclude it from the diet. After six months, the baby can be switched to three meals a day, and after 8 months it will be enough to feed him twice a day.

  

  Chocolate Briton - photo, description and character

  Types of food for Scottish Fold kittens

  There are two types of kitten feeding: measured and continuous.

  In the first case, the kitten eats small portions throughout the day, when the owners feed it. This is the best way to ensure that your baby gets enough food without overeating. The disadvantage of this method is that it is necessary to give the kitten food a large number of times throughout the day, adhering to a schedule. This may cause problems if the owners are at work during the day.

  With continuous feeding, the kitten's bowl is always full. It is necessary to add food in small portions as the bowl is emptied. It is necessary to periodically refresh the food if it has remained untouched for a long time. The pet will be able to eat when it gets hungry. The main disadvantage of this method is possible overeating. The baby is not yet able to control the amount of food he needs and may overeat. This is fraught with vomiting if the kitten’s body cannot cope with so much food. Also, in the future, uneven nutrition can easily lead to obesity, so this method is not recommended for use on an ongoing basis.

  Next to the food, a fold-eared kitten should always have another bowl filled with clean water. Access to water should be constant, and it should be changed twice a day, even if the baby has not touched it.

  Plastic or metal bowls are suitable for kittens' food and water. It is important to select it in a specialized store so as not to purchase a fake. Poor quality bowls may contain harmful substances that will later end up in your baby’s food.

  

  What foods should I feed my Scottish Fold or Straight-eared kitten?

  Eating natural may seem like a great solution. But it is important to remember that many products are not suitable for a small body. This means that you will need to choose a special diet for the baby, which differs from what the owners are used to eating.

  

  The baby's main food should be meat or meat products, as they contain protein, which is necessary for the normal development of the small organism.

  

  List of approved products

  There are basic foods that you can feed your baby without harming his health. It is important to consider the amount of food and not to overfeed the animal:

  • raw beef (up to 30 g per day);
  • boiled chicken breast (unsalted);
  • boiled hake, perch or carp (but not more than once a week);
  • low-fat cottage cheese or kefir, sour cream (several times a week);
  • boiled liver (once a week);
  • boiled milk;
  • a small amount of cereals and vegetables;
  • boiled or steamed vegetables - cauliflower, carrots, green beans - which are pureed and mixed with meat.

  This is useful! It is forbidden mix fermented milk products with porridge, vegetables or meat products. In addition to fermented milk products, eggs or bran are allowed.

  Prohibited foods for the Scots diet

  When feeding at home, it is important not only to maintain a balanced diet, but also not to follow the wishes of the kittens. Despite the animal’s interest in many products, there are those that are strictly prohibited:

  • foods with significant fat content;
  • pork;
  • any smoked, salted, peppered and dried food;
  • sweets;
  • flour.

  

  Vitamins, microelements and supplements to basic nutrition

  Not all beneficial substances are absorbed by kittens with food. In addition to basic products, babies need those elements that their body does not fully absorb with regular food. Kittens under 6 months of age require vitamins D and A.. In order for a pet to grow healthy, it is vital for him to receive all the vitamins and microelements.

  Veterinary pharmacies offer a wide range of multivitamin preparations, which contain a balanced complex of useful elements specifically for kittens, necessary from 1 month of their life.

  Ready-made feed options

  When a small creature appears in the house and needs fairly long-term care, the British owner will come to the rescue with ready-made food. They are perfect for kids when there is no time to provide their complex nutrition at home. The main thing is to select high-quality food taking into account the age of your little friend.

  There are two types of ready-made food - dry or canned.

  Dry food is stored for a long time, so it retains its properties in a bowl, and it will be fresh enough to feed the baby for one or two days. Canned food has a certain shelf life - up to a day in the refrigerator after opening, and every 2-3 hours they should be replaced in the bowl. Both types of food will be well accepted by your pet, so your choice should be based on personal preference. The main thing is not to mix these foods during the same pet meal.

  What should the finished feed be like?

  In order for the baby to feel good, it is important to select food depending on the needs of his body. You should not purchase cheap products, as they can cause harm. You shouldn’t blindly trust expensive brands, as counterfeits are quite common on the feed market.

  It is better to buy food for your baby in specialized stores, where the risk of purchasing a fake is minimal. In addition to food, you can purchase special grass for cats, which they can enjoy with pleasure.

  

  If there is a need to switch your pet from homemade food to ready-made food, this should be done gradually. To begin with, you should buy new food in small portions and check whether the kitten has any allergic reactions to it.

  What to feed a Scottish Fold kitten with a mixed diet?

  The third, less common type of nutrition is mixing feed with natural products. In this case, it is extremely important that the basis of nutrition is dry food. You need to give natural products, but no more than 2 times a day.

  Natural products become an addition to ready-made food, but there are certain rules for selecting such food:

  • The kitten should not be given large pieces or with bones;
  • It is better to give boiled unsalted meat. Any boiled meat must be frozen before cooking;
  • salty food should not be given in any form;
  • Pork or lamb is contraindicated for babies;
  • raw meat is prohibited, as it can cause indigestion or the appearance of worms.

  Important! What the owners usually have on their table should not be given to the kitten, as this is fraught with negative consequences.

It is famous for its friendly character and unpretentiousness in care and feeding. These qualities, along with their good looks, have made the breed one of the most desirable and in demand. Of course, like any cat, the Scotsman, even a kitten, prefers a carnivorous diet based on meat. Everything that is laid down in childhood will affect the health of an adult cat, so we will figure out how to properly feed representatives of this breed at a young age.

The quality of food your pet consumes ultimately determines its well-being and appearance. It has been proven that timely introduction of certain products into the diet launches programs for the formation of mental processes and characteristics. For example, if the first food after milk for Scottish Fold kittens was meat, then the kids learn hunting skills earlier and more effectively, and develop more dexterous and nimble.

The choice of feeding type is the responsibility of the owner. And here you cannot rely only on personal preferences and stereotypes. There is a whole science - veterinary dietetics, which develops specialized diets for animals with different nutritional details. Nutritional requirements vary among animals and feeds are also classified accordingly:

• By age: for adult cats, for young cats, for kittens, for aging cats;
• By type of coat: for long-haired cats, for “hairless” cats;
• According to the degree of activity and type of keeping: for active cats, for sedentary cats, for homebody cats;
• According to gastronomic preferences: for picky pets, for those prone to skin problems;
• By life stage: for feeding animals during the breeding period, for pregnant and lactating cats;
• By health factor: for those prone to allergies, food for cats with sensitive digestion, for urolithiasis, for liver problems, etc.

Depending on the type of raw material, feeding can be natural (food from the table and homemade dishes) and professional (ready-made dry and canned food). These two options can be combined to varying degrees, and then we get mixed feeding (when dry food is added directly to natural food) and combined feeding (dry food and natural products are given at different meals).
The main balance substances include proteins (proteins), fats (lipids) and carbohydrates (sugars). Their origin and energy value vary depending on the type of raw material. The same applies to the balance of minerals, vitamins and essential acids.

Why is natural feeding not always better?

Food for Scottish Fold cats must be balanced, if only because the breed has some tendency to digestive diseases. And cats living in the house almost always begin to suffer from urolithiasis and obesity with age. Feeding with such metabolic features must be selected with caution and a balanced diet must be followed from early childhood.

Natural feeding would be ideal for the Scots if each owner could independently calculate the optimal balance of the diet for all nutrients and microelements. Selecting foods for such a diet is not an easy task. How, for example, can one calculate how many nutrients a cat received after eating a mouse or catching a pigeon? How different is the nutritional value and calorie content of identical pieces of sea fish and turkey? What vitamins and minerals should be added to the diet of Scottish Fold kittens so that they grow up to be excellent representatives of their breed? Homemade natural feeding is unlikely to be able to take into account all the nuances.

INTERESTING! In extreme conditions, cats can go for long periods without food. They can lose up to 40% of their weight without serious health consequences.

About proteins, fats and carbohydrates

The diet of the average cat should contain a lot of fats, which are valuable not only in themselves, but also help in the absorption of vitamins A and E. A lack of fat leads to weight loss, vitamin deficiency and related problems of the skin, coat and digestion. And excess is a direct road to accumulation and obesity. However, with age, the proportion of fat should increase slightly.

The share of protein (or rather, proteins of different origins) in the daily diet should be at least 26%. These percentages are calculated by the ratio of the so-called dry residue, since ordinary food contains about 70% water. The higher the “construction” costs, the higher the protein indicator. Food for pregnant and lactating cats and growing kittens should contain the most protein.

For example, in a standard factory diet for kittens, protein is at least 35%, and fat from 12 to 24%.

And these are just proteins and fats, but there are also a lot of vitamins, minerals, microelements and special needs. Do you still intend to feed your cat natural food and do it according to all the rules? To know what to feed a Scottish Fold kitten as part of a natural diet, you will have to learn to count not only calories.

Ready-made factory feed

The easiest way to organize the nutrition of your beloved pet has always been feeding it with ready-made factory food. Manufacturers offer a huge selection of diets and veterinary diets for any needs of cats and kittens, taking into account the financial capabilities of the owners.

The quality of the products is almost always high, and the price consists of the cost of individual components. For example, food based on salmon is always more expensive than dry food with a chicken base. Cats can be picky about the taste and variety of food, so food brands offer entire menus. For kittens, there are usually three flavors: poultry, game and fish with different combinations of additional components.

The new owner will have to change food for a growing Scotsie twice: when the kitten is 3-4 months old and when he becomes an adult (9-12 months). The nutritional value of food for kittens and young animals varies, as does the vitamin and mineral balance. In any case, feeding ready-made diets has undeniable advantages:

• The cat always receives fresh food (from a bag, jar or pouch);
• The feed balance strictly corresponds to current needs;
• It is easy to control the amount of food eaten and follow the feeding norm;
• There is no need to waste time searching for ingredients and preparing food.

When the kitten grows up, it will need to be switched to “adult” food. You can feed your Scottish cat ready-made food for the rest of its life. It's convenient and safe. The most preferred food groups for adult Scottish cats:

• Food for cats with digestive problems;
• Food for long-haired cats or marked “from hairballs”;
• Pedigree food for Scottish cats;
• Food for sedentary pets or labeled “weight control”;
• Food for sterilized cats and neutered cats (according to age).

About feeding Scottish kittens

It is recommended to do the first feeding in this breed a little later than in “wild” type breeds (Abyssinian, Siamese cats). Scots are often formed with a slight delay. This is not a pathology, but only a feature of genetics. While average kittens are ready for their first food at the end of the third week of life, Scottish Fold kittens will try their first meat (or soaked food) a week later.

INTERESTING! Beginning breeders should know that if the first complementary food is meat (for example, a scrape from a heavily frozen piece of selected beef), then the mental development of kittens will be more intense.

Natural kitten diet

Kittens of the second month of life should still receive mother's milk along with complementary foods for some time. This is important for promoting good behavior and health. If the breeder weans the kittens from the nipple earlier, then later (after about six months) the first problems with friendliness and quality of digestion may arise, and it happens that such forms of behavior as sexual and territorial behavior are impaired due to milk underfeeding. It turns out how important it is to feed milk kittens to their fullest.

After 3 months, when kittens are completely ready to feed on their own, the amount of cow's milk and its derivatives should be reduced. Cats often enjoy lapping up milk all their lives, but this is not always good for digestion, because... enzymes that break down milk protein cease to be synthesized.

In general, a kitten’s natural diet should include:

• Several types of meat;
• Ocean or sea fish;
• Eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, kefir, a small amount of milk;
• A small amount of vegetables and fruits as a source of vitamins and coarse fiber (but how to get a cat to eat fruit?);
• Plant and animal fats, taurine, carnitine;
• A small amount of cereals as a source of plant fiber;
• Ready-made vitamin and mineral complex according to your needs.

It is not easy to balance all these components in the diet of a small, growing kitten whose nutritional needs are constantly changing. It is much easier to pay attention to the finished product. However, if the owner still wants to feed his cat food from the table, then as an alternative, veterinarians recommend using ready-made diets temporarily - at least up to 8-9 months. By this point, the period of intensive growth will end, and the kitten can be fed with the food that seems more acceptable to the owner. But still, it is better to choose ready-made food.

Kitten feeding regimen

For healthy growth and development of kittens, not only the composition and type of food is important, but also the feeding regimen. Depending on age, you will have to change the number of feedings and their composition. Pay attention to the daily food intake at each age:

As we can see from the table, the maximum nutritional requirement is observed in kittens at 6-9 months. This is a period of intensive growth, puberty, formation of the psyche, behavior and social contacts. At this time, the kitten needs a large number of different nutritional components. Feed brands take these needs into account and offer ready-made balanced diets.

IMPORTANT: Do not combine food from different manufacturers or different lines of the same manufacturer in your diet. Their balances may differ significantly. It is best to choose dry. And wet food of the same brand and line.

Do not forget that the kitten should not be allowed to actively move immediately after eating. It is advisable to take a 15-20 minute break before games. With any type of feeding, the kitten should always have access to clean drinking water, which cannot be replaced with other liquids.

Feeding secrets for a good character

How to feed a kitten in early childhood determines how healthy and beautiful it will grow up. It is better for the breeder to feed the first complementary foods by hand rather than from a bowl. This will form additional contact between the cat and the person and help establish a positive, friendly character.

Cats respect rituals and rules, so before you feed your Scottish cat, invite her to come with the command “Come here” and sit opposite you. Then put the bowl down and let him eat. In the future, this will save the cat from eating food that is not its own and stealing from the table - it will wait for the command to eat. You can start such exercises with 1.5-2 month old Scottish kittens.

You should not exceed the daily feeding allowance or supplement your cat with food from your own table. Despite the unpretentiousness of the Scots, their health is not always ideal. The breed has a tendency to be overweight and have heart and genitourinary diseases. Therefore, the nutrition of a Scottish cat at any age must be carefully balanced and meet the needs of the body. And when feeding a kitten, you need to pay special attention and strictly follow the regimen.

Selection of ready-made food

In the laboratories of well-known food brands, they try to take into account maximum cat needs and tastes. Brands such as Royal Canin, Acana, Jams, Hills offer a wide range of food and a convenient online food selection system, some take into account the breed, others are based on age and health characteristics.

For example, Hills, a brand famous for its highly specialized veterinary diets and recognized by British breeders, offers its “Scientific Plan” for feeding kittens up to 1 year of age.

Feeding plan for a kitten:

• First feeding and feeding up to 2-3 months: Science Plan™ Gentle mousse for kittens “My first diet”;
• Feeding from 3 to 6 months: Science Plan™ Science Plan™ Kitten Chicken (in cans or pouches). Available flavors: chicken, tuna, turkey;
• Feeding up to 1 year: at six months, Hills suggests switching the kitten to a permanent diet for a growing organism: Hill’s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development – ​​Hill’s for kittens “Healthy Development”, or using the diet for sensitive digestion Hill’s Natures Best Naturally Gentle Kitten.

Choose food for your Scottish cat online on the website of one of the manufacturers. There you can ask questions to the company’s specialists and receive comprehensive advice.

Royal Canin, perhaps, one of the few brands that develop breed-specific diets for certain groups of breeds: www.royal-canin.ru

Josera when selecting food, it is based on the age of the cat, and then from the options offered you can choose the appropriate diet for your Scotsman: www.josera-cat.com

Another famous brand ProPlan (Purina) Inspired by the characteristics of each breed, but focused on the health characteristics and goals of each age:

Veterinarians do not recommend using a mixed version, citing the fact that in this case it is difficult to avoid an overdose of vitamin supplements. An imbalance of vitamins and minerals in the body causes disturbances in the functioning of the body.

The choice of food depends on the owner’s employment, their financial capabilities, and the pet’s taste preferences. It should be remembered that the diet should be varied, but at the same time balanced. Obesity is dangerous to the health of any cat.

It is best to feed animals according to a schedule and a pre-compiled menu. Neutered cats are usually found with the problem of excess body weight, so special attention is paid to their diet.

Many pet owners argue about the correct choice of food. Some insist on a natural diet, others say that industrial feed is much healthier and tastier. It is difficult to prove anyone is right in this situation.

In addition, fresh meat and fish delicacies may contain worm larvae, which can lead to the development of helminthiasis. To avoid infection, you will need to boil or bake a dish for cats, because fried food is harmful not only to the human body, but also to the cat’s stomach.

Ready-made food does not take much time to feed. It is enough to pour a certain portion to clearly know that your pet will not go hungry until the evening.

What to feed at 2 months and beyond?

After one and a half months, portions are gradually increased, but the number of feedings is reduced to 4–5 times. At the age of 4 - 5 months, feeding should be done 4 times a day, at 6 - 7 months - 3 times a day, and after 12 - 14 months, a Scottish cat should be fed twice a day.

At home, you can also use the continuous feeding method for Scottish Fold kittens: in this case, the food is not removed from the bowl and the kitten can approach it whenever it wants. The food needs to be changed as often as possible, depending on what you feed your lop-eared kitten.

For example, dry food can be constantly present in the bowl, while canned food and natural food can be changed 4 times a day.

It is important not only to feed and water your Scottish Fold kitten correctly. Water should be in a separate container (metal or plastic). If you decide to purchase a plastic bowl, buy it in a specialized store to avoid getting a fake: poor quality plastic may contain harmful substances.

Change the water 2 times a day and make sure that no pieces of food get into it.

Food for pregnant and lactating cats

During pregnancy, your Scottish cat should be fed in small portions. The diet should include foods rich in calcium (cottage cheese, cheese, fermented baked milk) or food supplements. Liver and greens best meet the needs of the expectant mother. Breastfeeding cats begin to eat more, because milk production requires a lot of calories.

When asked what to feed a cat after giving birth, veterinarians answer that the same thing as kittens, then the milk will be absorbed in the best way. But a nursing mother’s diet should contain enough protein – 30%.

But what to feed a nursing Scottish Fold cat? In general, the diet for newly born lop-eared beauties does not change much. However, you should add a spoonful of bone meal to a single serving, and sprinkle your food with a few drops of fish oil once a week. Don’t forget about vitamins: animals need additional support with microelements during this period.