New cat owners are often overjoyed with the prospect of bringing home their new bundle of kitten joy. But after the initial excitement subsides, reality sinks in. This little bundle of fur needs to be paid some serious attention. Pet parents often start to wonder and question what is normal for a kitten. How much and how often should they eat? How often do they sleep and play? How often will they groom themselves? How often do they use the litter box? These are all normal questions for first time pet parents that are getting to know their new cat.
How much and how often should they eat?
Premium diets will come with a feeding guideline affixed to their package of cat food. This feeding guideline will give you a great idea of what amount to start feeding your cat. Feeding guidelines are usually based on the weight and age of your cat. The amounts fed may increase as your kitten matures into an adult.
Cats are grazers, meaning they don’t often eat only one or two meals a day. Instead, they frequently visit their food dish throughout the day eating many small meals to maintain their energy levels. Leaving your cat free access throughout the day to a premeasured amount of food (that is suitable for their age and size) will ensure they are acquiring the appropriate amount of food.
Although cats are not big water drinkers, they should be offered fresh water at all times. Cats that eat canned food may be seen drinking less from the water dish than those that don’t take in as much water through their diet.
How often do they sleep and play?
Cats will alternate throughout the day between playing, resting, grooming and sleeping. It is not unusual for them to play rambunctiously (pawing, chasing, pouncing and tumbling) for a short burst of time only to then quickly soon after fall asleep for a “catnap.” This cycle will continue for most of the daylight hours with them resting more at night.
How often will they groom themselves?
Cats groom themselves by licking their coats. This behaviour is played out often on a daily basis to keep their coats clean, remove loose, shedding hair, and to keep their coats tangle-free. Cats will continue this grooming ritual throughout their lifetime. Because most cats are fastidious groomers they require very little bathing by their owners.
How often do they use the litter box?
Although kittens may find the litter box and interesting place to investigate they will quickly realize that this space is meant for elimination. At a young age they will be taught by their mother to eliminate in a litter box after watching her show them how it is done.
Most cats will produce one bowel movement a day and will produce urine up to a few times a day depending on the amount of water that has been ingested.
