Cats are predatory creatures by nature, animal proteins should prevail in their diet. They need 5 times more protein than dogs!
However, a diet consisting only of meat can lead to digestive problems not only in a kitten, but also in an adult cat.
Therefore, it is so important to create a high-quality and varied diet for the kitten. Eggs are one of the sources of protein: it is almost completely absorbed by the animal’s body and does not harm its health.
The use of eggs for a kitten
Eggs are a valuable product rich in vitamins and minerals. They contain potassium, magnesium and sodium, calcium and vitamin D, thanks to which the bones are strengthened, the activity of the nervous system and the brain are normalized, the vessels are cleaned, the condition of the teeth improves, and the acid-base balance is established.
The main mineral elements contained in the egg:
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• sulfur;
• copper.
Biotin in the composition of the eggs makes the kitten's hair beautiful and shiny. And amino acids, cysteine and lutein have a positive effect on the vision of the pet. Egg shells will be useful for a kitten: it contains calcium carbonate. A third of the daily intake of vitamins needed by a cat is contained in one egg. This important product is the key to a good mood and immunity, it increases activity and prolongs the life of the pet.
Chicken or quail egg: which is more useful
It is believed that quail eggs do more good for the body. Compared to chicken, they contain less cholesterol and have greater nutritional value. But at present, the enormous benefits of a quail product are often a myth. Eggs purchased at the store may be infected. This is due to the addition of antibiotics and harmful chemicals to the quail. Therefore, a homemade natural chicken egg will be much more useful than a quail egg.
In what form to give eggs to a kitten?
What kind of eggs can a kitten give: raw or boiled? As mentioned earlier, in their raw form, they can be fraught with many dangers. The main one is salmonella. This E. coli can cause inflammation of the pancreas and intestines in a kitten. A pet infected with bacteria and parasites from a raw product can easily infect family members, especially children playing with the animal. Salmonella in the body of a kitten can cause diarrhea and vomiting, fever - symptoms similar to poisoning. It is important to determine the cause of the kitten’s poor health in order to avoid complications. The avidin enzyme is also part of raw eggs. It interferes with the absorption of biotin, giving the pet a painful appearance. Avidin contributes to the poor condition of the coat and skin of the kitten.
In order not to harm the health of the pet, it is better to cook eggs for more than 4 minutes, then cut into small pieces and give in a “pure” form, or mixed with cottage cheese or vegetables. A good option is to make an omelet from them, without adding salt and fat. You can add a little milk to it.
There is an opinion that only the yolk is suitable for feeding a cat, protein is not recommended for a pet. However, when cooked, it does not cause any harm to the animal, you can safely give it along with the yolk.
Important: You can’t feed the kitten with fried eggs. A large amount of fat can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
Mineral-rich egg shells need to be crushed to a powder state and a small pinch added to the kitten's food a couple of times a week. Do not forget to rinse the shell well with hot water first. Important: you can not give the pet a shell with an excess of calcium in the body.
When to start feeding kitten eggs: frequency and rules of feeding
At the age of 1.5-3 months, you can begin to add the yolk to the kitten’s food, better after the animal gets used to the cottage cheese and meat. He may not want the “dish” offered to him, since the egg does not have a characteristic smell that can attract the attention of a pet. You need to gently poke the kitten with its face in a bowl, to show that it is safe. You can also add an egg product to the cottage cheese or minced meat.
One egg per week, divided into two meals, will be enough for kittens. An adult animal will have enough 2-3 eggs per week.
Tip: kitten meat should also not be given raw, it can be scalded with boiling water, and it’s better to cook it. You can use frozen meat. Fish need to be well boiled and all bones removed.
Rules for feeding a kitten:
• a kitten aged 1.5-2 months should be fed 5-6 times a day (the stomach of a small pet is very small and cannot take a large amount of food);
• at the age of six months, the number of meals is kept up to three;
• from eight months, food should be given twice a day, as an adult animal;
• Do not severely restrict access to food for cats: they eat fractionally and do not overeat;
• food should not be very hot or cold, ideally room temperature;
• the kitten should be given finely ground food without bones;
• teach a kitten to eat in a certain place (it should be calm and not passable).
Contraindications and restrictions on the use of eggs by kittens
Like humans, cats may be allergic to certain foods. So, if vomiting and diarrhea occur after eating eggs, it is worth completely removing them from the pet’s diet. Intolerance to the egg yolk may manifest as a rash or itching.
Eggs are given to pregnant and lactating animals in a minimal amount: excess product can affect the development of kittens.
If your pet has a chronic illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian about his diet.
In the presence of diseases of the gallbladder, liver or kidneys, it is better to reduce the number of eggs or not to feed the cat at all.
We talked about the benefits and dangers of eggs for kittens.
When used properly, they will become an important part of your pet’s diet and will strengthen its health. Nevertheless, we recommend giving preference not to raw, but to boiled eggs. When choosing food for a kitten, consider the individual characteristics of his body and do not abuse the amount.
Everything is good in moderation!
