A ragdoll is a cat breed with a fuzzy appearance but a muscular physique. It generally craves more affection and care, and due to its large size, many ragdoll owners are constantly concerned about their eating habits, food quantity, etc. If you’re a new ragdoll kitten owner, you might be wondering how much to feed a ragdoll kitten. This article will discuss how much you’ll need to feed your kitten and what you should feed your kitten.
How Much to Feed Ragdoll Kitten?
Ragdoll cats should be fed ½ or ¾ cans of wet food daily. You can also give your ragdoll dry food 2-3 times per day, in addition to wet food.
A male ragdoll requires approximately 350 calories per day, whereas a female requires 250 calories for optimal feeding.
Once your kitten has been weaned, gradually increase their food portions based on their weight and activity levels. Because their digestive tract is small, it is best to divide their daily ration into 4–6 meals. A kitten’s caloric needs increase rapidly after weaning.
Because a kitten’s food intake changes as it grows and matures, kittens up to six months should be fed at least 3-4 times per day with moistened canned cat food. Once they reach six months to one year, they should be fed twice a day with moistened canned cat food. At one year, ragdoll kittens can be fed canned food and dry kibble once a day.
What type of food to feed a Ragdoll Kitten?
Ragdoll cats require a high-protein diet to maintain their large frame, and meat is the best source of protein for this breed. These cats are healthiest when they eat whole-meat-based wet food regularly. Whole meat contains more nutrients and is more biologically appropriate than processed protein substitutes like meat, fish, plant, and dairy.
Nutritionists recommend that food given to ragdolls should mimic the nutrition profile of the natural feline diet, with over 50% animal protein, 20% fat, and no more than 3% carbs. Regarding daily calories, ragdolls should get 90 percent of their energy from proteins and fats. Carbohydrates should be avoided in ragdolls because they can cause weight gain and stomach sensitivity.
How much to feed them as they grow older
A kitten’s appetite varies, but you should feed them as much as they want in the first few weeks. As they grow older and approach adulthood, they should begin to eat less. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend special diets to treat specific health issues. If your ragdoll kitten is eating more than usual or losing weight, consult your veterinarian about possible causes and solutions.
Keep an eye out for kitten food products that contain excessive amounts of carbohydrates to provide more calories. While kittens require a high-calorie diet, the calories must come from protein rather than carbohydrates. You should also try to feed your kitten lean proteins like poultry and fish; however, high-fat protein sources such as eggs, pork, beef, and lamb should be avoided.
Kittens should be fed high-quality kitten food until they reach the age when they can eat adult food. If you want to feed your kitten both wet and dry food, always keep high-quality dry kitten food on hand and serve two to three canned meals per day, depending on your cat’s caloric needs.
Tips for feeding a Ragdoll kitten
Aside from all that has been discussed, some factors should be considered when feeding ragdoll kittens:
- Health – To lose weight, a cat must consume fewer calories than it expends, whereas weight gain necessitates a calorie surplus. Cats’ weight can fluctuate due to a variety of health issues. Consult your veterinarian if your cat needs to gain or lose weight or appears sick.
- Status – When a kitten is spayed or neutered, its calorie requirements are reduced, which may necessitate decreasing the amount of food you feed your kitten. It is best to consult your veterinarian on the recommended amount of food to give your kitten when it is spayed or neutered.
- Level of activity – Cats who exercise regularly burn more calories than cats who do nothing but sleep. Individual physiological differences can cause a cat’s resting metabolic rate to be higher or lower than expected.
As a rule, feed your kitten ½ cup of canned food once or twice daily. Kittens require more protein than adult cats, so ensure the diet is 85% protein and 15% carbohydrates. Kittens also need more fat than adult cats, requiring 15% fat in their diet. It is best to feed a ragdoll kitten as much as it desires. Kittens grow quickly, are very active, and have small stomachs. Food restriction in kittenhood may cause lifelong issues due to abnormal development, including abnormal skeletal development.
Conclusion
When you first bring your ragdoll kitten home, it can be challenging to determine how much food they require. The first step in ensuring that your ragdoll kitten grows healthy and strong is to feed them on a schedule and measure their portions. Hopefully, this article answered your questions concerning how much to feed your ragdoll kitten. Good luck!
