Proper weight for kittens

[NicoleK]

Does anyone know or know of a resource that will tell me a good weight range for kittens based on their age? I have four 7 month old kitties and I'm wondering if they are in the proper weight range for their age. Their weights range from 6-8 pounds. I feed them the recommended amount of daily food based on the package (IAMS dry kitten formula) but they always seem to still be so hungry after they eat their portion (1/4 cup 3x a day). I stopped free feeding them a couple months ago because one of the boys didn't seem to have an off switch and would eat until he could barely move. He gained a lot of weight quickly and the vet said it would be better to take away the constant food source. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Mona]

It sounds as though they are at the right weight. My little girl of 5 1/2 months weighs 5 lbs 6 0z and eats canned in the am, and then is given to 3/4 cup of dry Natural Science Diet chicken formula.

I do free feed but only with the recommended feeding amount per day. Both my cats are grazers eating little bits at a time. I have to separate the food from my 5 year old Honeybun, because she likes to sneak and eat the kittens food.

Mona, Honeybun and Chloe

[MA]

Purina's website had a pretty good chart at one time. I don't know if it is still up there, haven't visited in a while, but if it is, it was one of the best I have seen.

Your cat sounds like good weight to me though, it depends a lot on what type of cat it is , build etc... Most kittens are nibblers and they would rather eat several small meals several times a day than a few big ones. Also have you had them checked for parasites recently?

[jason]

[NicoleK]

Thanks so much for the helpful info. By looking at the chart, I think they are all around the ideal weight and I do feel better now. I wish there was a way to free feed them instead of the 3 meals a day, but I know that little Timmy would eat both his brothers and sisters portions in no time. I did have them checked for parasites about 3 months ago and all their tests came back negative. They were all having some tummy issues and really soft stool so the vet gave us a dewormer for all of them at that time. Within a few days they were all doing good and we haven't had any problems since. They do eat every meal as if they have been staved for days, which I've heard can be a sign of parasites, but I thought they lost weight if they have parasites, and they are all gaining weight? Should I have them rechecked??

Thanks!!

[Traci]

Parasites shouldn't be a problem unless you are allowing the kittens access to the outdoors. In that event, then yes, frequent deworming would probably be necessary. If they are indoors only, however, deworming should ideally never have to be an issue.

It also depends on the type of dewormer your vet gave three months ago. If he only gave Strongid, this will only target roundworms and hookworms. Droncit will only target tapeworms, so call the clinic and ask them which type dewormer was given. If only one, then you might want to try to save a couple stool samples (from at least two of the kittens if possible) and take them in for testing for parasites.

Otherwise, consider their activity levels. Growing kittens expend much more energy than an adult cat, thereby eating more. At 7 months of age, however, you can graduate them now onto a premium adult maintenance food.

[NicoleK]

The kitties have not stepped foot outside the house since I've had then and hopefully never will, so its good to know deworming should not be an issue for the future. I saved the bottle of dewormer that the vet gave us and it is neither of the formulas you mentioned. It says "Metronidazole". Do you know if this is a good product? I'm also curious, if I switch them to a premium adult food will I be able to feed them bigger portions since it has less calories?? Maybe that would help them not be so hungry??
Thanks again!!

[Traci]

Metronidazole (flagyl) is generally prescribed for giardia, coccidia or for bacteria, not necessarily intestinal worms. To target specific worms such as tapes, hooks or roundworms, your best bet would have been strongid and droncit.

You did say "tests were negative" when your vet dewormed them, however, one fecal does not eliminate the potential. For this reason, I would suggest taking in at least two stool samples for retesting. Otherwise your vet may have used the flagyl thinking there was a bacterial problem at the time, might want to ask him about that.

As for the food, as long as the kittens are healthy and in optimal health, graduating them onto an adult food will suffice. You'll probably find that you'll be feeding less because it is formulated differently than kitten food. Be sure however, that you choose a high quality adult food and NO generic or store brands.

[NicoleK]

I am going to get a couple stool samples checked this weekend, just to be on the safe side. And I will also talk to her about the two other dewormers.

Can you suggest a good premium adult food to graduate them to?

[Traci]

Well, everyone has an opinion.....so your best bet is talking with your vet about the diet. Personally, I prefer Science Diet (or Iams/Eukanuba) for my own cats.