Last Updated on 2 years by GILBERT FILLMORE
How long can a kitten go without food? With their relaxing presence, kittens can be, if already not the most adorable animals in the whole world. Petting their soft, fluffy fur will give anyone a sense of responsibility, and the desire to take care of the furry companion forever. They are playful and curious, meaning that they will always keep you engaged and laughing with their clumsy antics. They will always love cuddling with you, which has been proven to have a therapeutic effect on us. There is so much merit to having them than just their sweet little meows.
Being young though means that kittens are rather delicate. Their bones aren’t fully developed and they are susceptible to fractures. Muscles aren’t’ strong either, meaning they are less likely to withstand muscle injury. When it comes to their skin, it’s thin enough to get a cut from a blunt pebble. Their immune system is not strong either. This means that without the proper nutrition, these kittens can grow to withstand the terrors that await them. If your kitten has lost appetite you might be curious, “How long can a kitten go without food?”. Well, it’s a matter of a day or two, if you are lucky probably more which makes it all the more important to take them to the veterinary. Let’s delve deeper into the world of kitten nutrition and figure out what to do and when we get our kitten into this situation.
Why It Is Important To Feed Kitten
It is important that your kitten is always fed since death will always be the final bullet to starvation. Feeding kittens is important for their growth and development. A diet high in calories and nutrients supports their growth making them beautiful cats later in life. Their immune system will also be fortified making them less susceptible to illnesses that may range from mild to severe. Hypothetically, the much-spoken about nine lives of a cat can be created from feeding the kitten. If their immunity is strong and they grow healthy, they will do their daring jumps and always land on their feet.
Feeding your kitten is also like making them drink from the fountain of youth. Their skin and coat will be healthy and shiny. Kitten food is formulated with ingredients that support skin and coat health. Since their skin and coat is still developing, giving them food ensures that as they grow, they remain healthy. While still young, their teeth and gums are soft making them unable to eat adult food. Giving them kitten food with crafted nutrients will help their teeth and gums, plus their bones become even stronger. Their digestive health as well is not left out, feeding kittens the right food ensures they can easily digest their nutrients.
How Long Can A Kitten Go Without Food
To see how long a kitten can go without food, we have to know the factors that enable them to go without food. You see, kittens are not all the same and can have varied circumstances that will affect each of them differently. Age is a factor to consider when looking at how long a kitten can go without food. Kittens are born with very small stomachs and need to eat frequently, as they grow older they can go longer periods of time without eating. Smaller-sized kittens won’t eat as much as larger kittens, hence can’t survive long.
Some of our furry companions are very active, hence the need to eat more than those that are less active. The overall health of the kitten is also a factor to consider. Kittens with health problems may not go for long without food. There are other things to also consider like the environment and the cats personal food preference. When cats are in a stressed environment they may not be able to eat as much as those that are relaxed. This makes them more likely to starve and die early. Cats may also not be willing to eat types of food, and this can lead to them starving. Overall, a healthy kitten can go without food for up to two days. If some of the factors listed come into play, it may even be shorter or longer. It is advisable not to let them go this long without food in order for them to grow and develop properly.
Signs Of Malnutrition In Kittens
Knowing the short span of days that a cat can survive makes it crucial to take notice of anything surrounding your kitten. You have to be observant and notice signs of malnutrition in kittens, so that you may help them before it is too late. A malnourished kitten will be underweight, and ribs, spine and hip bones will be visible to you. They will also have a poor coat that may be dull and brittle. Kittens are playful and curious creatures, but a malnourished kitten will be less active, seem tired, and be kind of depressed.
If you notice the kitten with diarrhea and vomiting frequently, then things are not right with them. They will also have teeth problems, decay, and gum diseases will be obvious for you to see. The kittens are more likely to have dry, itchy skin that is likely to have infections. As if this is not enough, they will also have eye and immune system problems, which may eventually lead to reproductive problems. These signs can be mild and increase in severity if they are not taken care of immediately. To prevent this, make sure that you feed the kitten high-quality kitten food on a regular schedule. Ensure that your kitten has access to fresh water all the time and monitor the kitten’s weight. Go to the veterinarian regularly in order to make sure that the kitten is not hiding any signs that may not be observable to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you leave a kitten alone too long?
When you leave a kitten alone for too long they may feel hungry due to lack of access to food. They may also be dehydrated due to a lack of water. Unfortunately, kittens need socialization training and if left alone they will not get the required training to feel safe around people.
How do I know if my kitten is hungry?
A kitten that is hungry will make continuous vocalizations. The continuous meows and the constant rubbing against your legs should be a great indicator that your kitten is hungry. You may also notice the kitten biting and licking their own fur or chewing on things.
How do I know if my kitten wants to poop?
If your kitten wants to poop, they may be sniffing around the room or litter box. They will dig or scratch at the litter box. You will also notice your kitten crouching or squatting and acting a bit restless. They will also meow and lick their genital area after elimination.
Will kittens cry if hungry?
Yes, kittens will cry and vocalize when they are hungry to get your attention. Being hungry is an uncomfortable feeling to them and they will do anything to grab your attention. They may also sniff around their litter.
How often should I feed my kitten?
Kittens are young and need to be fed regularly to meet their nutritional requirements. They typically require 3-4 meals spaced out evenly throughout the day every day. This may depend on your kitten’s age, weight, and individual preferences.
How long is too long for a kitten not to eat?
When a kitten goes more than a day without eating, it may show signs of serious health issues and may require immediate veterinary attention. It is also important to note that they can succumb in 2 days if nothing is done.
Can a kitten go 8 hours without eating?
Kittens that are not above 6 months of age should not go for more than 6 hours without food. Due to their small build, they need to eat frequently in order to get the necessary energy they need to grow. Not eating can have a serious effect on their reproductive health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kittens can’t really go long without food. If your kitten goes more than two days without food, there is a high chance that they may succumb to the pangs of the hanger. It is important to always feed kittens since their age is more vulnerable to starvation and has a higher metabolic rate. Kittens may also not eat well due to their environment, personal preferences or overall health. You have to feed a kitten that is showing a lack of appetite since it will most likely succumb if not looked after. There are signs of malnutrition that you can look for like lethargy. Hungry kittens tend to be weak and seem disinterested in a lot of things, even feeding themselves. It is important to keep monitoring your kitten to ensure that they are getting their nutritional needs. To ensure nothing is getting out of hand, take your kitten to the veterinary for regular checkups.
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