Kitten Page

The cat is unique of its dietary needs and the way it generates energy, with specific requirements for certain nutrients (Sheridan, 2012). Seeing as cats have a carnivorous metabolism, some of the enzyme system have limited capacity or lacking altogether (Sheridan, 2012). This specific metabolism led to a need for specific nutrients that are found in animal flesh, decreased carbohydrates and other nutrients must be supplemented in the diet (Sheridan, 2012). The kitten stage is a growth life-stage with further requirements and an increased need for energy and protein (Sheridan, 2012). When feeding a kitten, the goal is to create an adult with minimal disease risk, thus technological advances in digestibility and ingredients to develop immunity have been implemented (Sheridan, 2012). Kitten diets must be certified for growth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) in order to ensure adequate nutrients are being supplied. Thus, there are various nutrients to look for in kitten diets that satisfy specific kitten needs.

Amino Acids

The lack of readily available glucose from the limited carbohydrate has resulted to the adaptation of the liver to produce glucose from the breakdown components of protein—amino acids. The enzymes that breakdown amino acids are constantly active in cats and thus, cats need a constant source of protein in their diet (Sheridan, 2012). Kittens, require an increased amount of protein to supply readily available amino acids for daily maintenance and for building new body components seeing as they are constantly growing (Sheridan, 2012). There are many required amino acids for kittens. Histidine is required at no greater than 30% in kitten diets seeing as consuming histidine-free diets causes weight loss (Anderson et al., 1980). Phenylalanine is required at no more than 0.50% in the diet and tyrosine is required at 0.50% in order to maximize kitten growth (Anderson et al., 1980). Tryptophan is required at 0.15% seeing as it maximized performance at this level (Anderson et al., 1980). Kittens also need the following amino acids supplemented in their diet: arginine seeing as hyperammonemia can be caused without it, isoleucine, leucine, valine, lysine, methionine as a sulfur containing amino acid, asparagine for maximal growth in the early post-weaning kitten, threonine and taurine to prevent from central retinal degeneration (Anderson et al., 1980).

Vitamins

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A is required in kitten diets because cats cannot convert carotenes to retinol in the intestinal mucosa because they lack the enzyme so this vitamin must be supplement in the diet (Sheridan, 2012) (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Vitamin E is another required vitamin in kitten diets seeing as deficiency leads to steatitis, causing the depot fat to become firm and yellow-orange in colour, which is painful and leads to death (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Also, Vitamin D is an essential vitamin because cats cannot convert it from precursors in the skin (Sheridan, 2012). Thus, three of the four fat-soluble vitamins are required in kitten diets.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Cats can synthesize niacin, but their breakdown exceeds the rate that it can be synthesized and thus, have a higher need for it, which can be fulfilled through an animal-based diet (Sheridan, 2012). Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is required in increased amounts seeing as it is needed to produce amino acids (Sheridan, 2012). To continue, vitamin B12 is an AAFCO recommended vitamin essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein and maintains a healthy nervous system, healthy mucous membranes, healthy muscle and heart function and in general, promotes normal growth and development (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Choline is also a AAFCO recommended ingredient for kittens, which is important for neurotransmission in the brain and as a component of membrane phospholipids (Sheridan, 2012). Biotin is another AAFCO recommended vitamin to support thyroid and adrenal glands and the reproductive and nervous systems (Sheridan, 2012). Kittens also require riboflavin (vitamin B2) for heart health, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and folacin (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Therefore, ingredients that provide these vitamins are essential to look for in kitten diets.

Metabolism aids

Since kitten diets are very high in calories, ingredients must be implemented to ensure adequate digestion and utilization of these calories. Choline chloride is an ingredient that maintains fat metabolism (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Biotin and niacin are also active in the metabolism of fats, carbs and protein (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). Riboflavin is also necessary for the digestion of fats and carbohydrates (MacDonald & Rogers, 1984). These are the main metabolism aids incorporated into kitten diets to ensure nutrient usage is maximized.

Growth and Development

A combination of required nutrients is used to satisfy the overall growth and development of the kitten body, there are many ingredients that kittens do not require, but are included in diet formulation to encourage healthy growth and development. These ingredients include: dried egg as source of high quality protein and fatty acids, flaxseed as source of flaxseed oil which is rich in omega 3 fatty acid and aids in digestion, calcium carbonate as a source of calcium, and calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5) acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of amino acids and is important for healthy skin.

Immunity boosters

Antioxidants help support the development of a healthy immune system through inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules, which are essential for a growing kitten (Sheridan, 2012). Antioxidants can be derived from ingredients, such as: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, vitamin E and vitamin E supplement, and Zinc proteinate.

Protein Sources

Kitten protein requirements are higher than cats because they are in constant need of energy. Good protein sources are ones that are derived from animal tissues, organs and meat seeing as cats are carnivores. High quality protein is also suggested to sustain a healthy and efficient metabolism.

Anderson, P.A., Baker, D.H., Sherry, P.A., & Corbin, J.E. (1980). Histidine, phenylalanine-tyrosine and tryptophan requirements for growth of the young kitten. Journal of Animal Science, 50(3);479-483.

MacDonald, M.L. & Rogers, Q.R. (1984). Nutrition of the domestic cat, a mammalian carnivore. Ann. Rev. Nutr., 4; 521-562.

Sheridan, Libby. (2012). Kitten nutrition. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 27(6);232-241.

Fruberto (talk) 21:01, 29 November 2017 (UTC)Fruberto User:Ian(WikiEd) Can you please take a look at this before I add it to the kitten page?