10 Best Foods For Pregnant Cats

Reviews

Best Value Instinct Kitten Grain-Free Pate Wet Canned Cat Food
 

This is our top selection for the best pregnant cat chow for the money. The only reason this did not get our best overall product award is that it does not contain as many good omega fats as the product mentioned above.

Omega fats are also necessary. Fortunately, this food is still high in omega fats and provides enough for your cat and her babies to thrive.

The first three meat ingredients listed are chicken, cow liver, and salmon, which provide a variety of proteins and amino acids. This moist cuisine is kept moist and easy to eat with the help of chicken broth.

This wet food contains vitamins and minerals. It also includes entire fruits and vegetables including cranberries, pumpkin, blueberries, and kale for an antioxidant boost.

Mineral-rich ingredients like montmorillonite clay help to preserve this product free of artificial preservatives because it is a natural anti-caking agent.

Pros

• Full of protein
• Excellent beefy flavor
• vitamin fortification

Cons

• Not as high in omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Mother & Babycat Dry Cat Food by Royal Canin
 

This is our preferred option for the mother and kittens. The only reason this didn’t reach our top two is that it is a dry kibble, and not all kitties enjoy dried kibble.

However, it is a necessary transition at some point, which is why we included it. It is appropriate for kittens aged one to four months and gives everything both mother and kitten require to stay strong and healthy.

It has a lot of protein, but the only thing we don’t like about this Royal Canin product is that the only meat-based protein ingredient is chicken by-product meal. Chicken by-product meal is a lower-quality component than entire chicken meat.

It also contains DHA and omega fats in the form of beef meal and fish oil, which are necessary for brain function and eye development.

This is the best cat food for pregnant cats when it comes to premium quality.

Pros

• Full of protein
• Option that includes grains
• Vitamin fortification

Cons

• Relatively costly
• Uses a byproduct of chicken

 

Grain-Free Organic Canned Cat Food by Castor & Pollux
 

This is an organic product, which means it is manufactured with 100% natural ingredients and contains no harmful pesticides or preservatives. This is an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.

It is a grain-free wet food choice for cats of all ages, including pregnant cats. The first ingredient is free-range chicken, followed by chicken liver and egg products.

This product is high in omega fatty acids and DHA, which are needed for healthy growth. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals.

In addition, peas, cranberries, and alfalfa are mentioned as sources of antioxidants. Salmon oil adds flavor, DHA for brain and eye development, and shine to her coat.

Taurine is also recommended for a healthy cardiovascular system.

Pros

• Organic
• Genuine meat with no byproducts

Cons

• Lower protein content
• High water content

 

Wet Cat Food Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse
 

This is the wet food equivalent of Royal Canin’s dry cat food, and the two would make an excellent meal plan. Many cats and kittens adore this ultra-soft wet mousse.

It is simple to consume and serves as an excellent transition between milk and solid foods. It also has a good amount of protein.

This results in strong meat flavor, which all cats enjoy, as well as the fundamental building blocks for a healthy body.

This Royal Canin mother and baby cat product, like the previous one, contains meat byproducts. This product, thankfully, also uses real chicken flesh and chicken liver, which is a plus.

This wet food choice is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to promote strong immunity, and it is grain-free for cats who benefit from a grain-free diet.

This food is at the bottom of our list since it contains carrageenan, a contentious chemical that only a few sensitive cats can consume.

However, if your cat is not food sensitive, this should not be an issue.

Pros

• The consistency of wet mousse
• Vitamin and mineral supplement

Cons

• Carrageenan is listed.
• By-products of poultry and pork are used.

 

Canned Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Pate Kitten Food
 

This product contains everything a pregnant cat requires for a healthy litter. Food has 199 calories per can, which means it provides plenty of kitten developing power for your cat.

It is a protein-rich diet that includes turkey, chicken liver, chicken, chicken meal, and herring as meat proteins. This indicates a lot of amino acids and a beefy flavor. And the turkey broth keeps it moist and tender.

It also contains a lot of omega fatty acids and DHA, which are essential for healthy growth. Ingredients like beef meals, salmon, fish oil, and ground flaxseed ensure that each kitten grows normally. Taurine is also recommended for heart health.

This wet food is also supplemented with vitamins and minerals to help kittens build their own immune system and maintain healthy immunity.

Cranberries are also included, which provide an antioxidant boost and are beneficial to urinary health. Dried kelp is also high in nutrients and calcium, which helps to build strong bones.

This grain-free recipe uses only the best ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It is also free of carrageenan.

Pros

• Full of protein
• Omega-3 fatty acid content is high.
• Excellent beefy flavor
• Vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Some people may find it excessively wealthy.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Purchasing the Best Pregnant Cat Foods

As previously stated, you do not need to purchase food specifically developed for pregnant cats. However, because she is raising kittens, she requires additional energy and nutrition.

Here are all of the considerations you should make while selecting the best cat food for her and her kittens.

What Kind of Food Should I Look For?

You must get high-quality food that is either made specifically for kittens or for the developmental stage of kittens and their mothers. Suitable items will state that they have undergone testing for cat feeding/lactation or for all life stages.

Kitten food will provide her with more protein and energy, which she will need to survive and grow her offspring. When compared to adult diet, kitten food is always richer in calories, fat, and protein.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will approve high-quality foods, and the labeling will state that it has been AAFCO approved. So, check for this sign of approval at all times.

Anything lacking this label is unsafe for your pregnant cat. Even if this is what you normally feed her, do not feed her budget store food.

Her pregnancy and development stage is the most vital time in both her life and the lives of her kittens. And this will prepare her children for a healthy body and lifestyle.

To avoid stomach discomfort and stress, gradually transition her to her new better quality meal.

Follow the packaging directions, and then all you have to do is make sure you have enough food for your cat and her hungry soon-to-be babies.

What vitamins and minerals does she require?

The foods listed above will also supply her with more protein than regular adult food.

This is because protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks required by both she and her kittens to remain healthy.

Meat is the best source of protein, therefore search for meat as the first item. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid are all abundant in mother’s milk (ARA).

These are necessary nutrients for the proper growth of her brain, vision, cardiac health, and overall well-being. Meat fats, fish oils, egg products, and flaxseeds are all excellent sources of these.

She requires omega fats in addition to DHA, EPA, and ARA for healthy development and kitten growth. Ingredients such as beef meals, fish oils, and chicken fat will offer her with the necessary healthy fats.

She will also require vitamins and minerals to stay fighting fit for her babies and to help them establish a healthy immune system.

Look for supplements in addition to entire fruits and vegetables like cranberries, blueberries, broccoli, and kale.

Other Considerations Regarding Your Cat’s Pregnancy

What kind of food will she require?

She will require far more energy from her food than she did previously. Around the sixth week of pregnancy, she’ll start pawing for more food.

This will gradually rise each week until she is eating nearly one and a half times as much as she normally would. She may require up to 400 calories per day at the conclusion of her term.

She might not be able to consume it all at once because her kittens are taking up so much space in her body and pinching her gut.

This is why you should feed her frequently and in small amounts. Your pregnant cat should eat four to six meals every day.

She’ll abruptly stop eating when she gets closer to giving delivery. Don’t panic; this is totally normal, and when she does, you must prepare for the birth.

When should you begin introducing the new food to her?

You should feed her from the moment she mates until a few weeks after she gives birth. Cats are normally pregnant for 63-65 days, however this can range from 58 to 70 days.

She requires more energy to stay healthy and strong. Yes, it’s necessary to make sure her kitties have everything they need, but it’s a difficult job having kids, so you should also take after mumma.

Continue to feed her this food while she is breastfeeding to ensure she has enough energy to feed her kittens.

What about dietary supplements?

Fortunately, high-quality kitten food developed for the developmental stage has all of the nutrients that both mother and newborn require. This means you won’t have to waste time looking for alternative supplements.

Yes, high-quality food is slightly more expensive, but it ensures that you are providing your cat with everything she requires to be strong and produce healthy kittens.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it. Everything you need to know about feeding your pregnant cat.

This includes what nutrition she requires, how much energy she will require, and what specific substances to seek for.

Remember that raising a child is a challenging task. And while some cats can have up to 12 litters at once, the average cat litter size is four. That is a lot of nourishment!

However, with our suggestions above, you won’t have to worry about what to feed her. You now have 5 best foods for pregnant cats to chose from, all with reviews and options for a variety of dietary needs.

Mother & Babycat Dry Cat Food by Royal Canin is our top option overall, while Instinct Kitten Pate Canned Food is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) top pick for the money.

Both provide everything your pregnant cat and her growing kittens require to develop into healthy kitties and stay a strong and healthy mom.