By Pam Kaufman, Veterinary Technician

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Kittens have special needs to be addressed during their growth period. They have so many special needs that Royal Canin has focused scientific research and designed two kitten formulas, one for the baby cat and one for the adolescent kitten. Royal Canin Kitten 36 is designed for the final stage of development of the growing kitten, from 4 months to 12 months of age.

Early on, the kitten’s digestive system is maturing. Initially, their digestive enzymes are able to easily digest milk proteins, but over time the kitten will not be able to digest them at all. The biggest changes occur during the weaning process, but once weaned, the digestive system begins to mature. Digestive ability continues to improve during the second stage of growth. To optimize digestive security, we have an exclusive blend of ingredients. As in all of our diets, we use highly digestible ingredients. Proteins have high bioavailability for optimal absorption, and we use a special blend of fibers to ensure a healthy GI tract, while the GI tract is maturing.

The newborn kitten receives immunity from his mother through the colostrum, which is the antibody-rich milk produced by the mother following birth. The ingested antibodies help protect the kitten from disease early in like. However, because maternal antibodies are present, the immune response to vaccines is delayed. Before vaccine-derived antibodies take over, the kitten passes through a period of weaker immunity. (This is why it is so important to follow your veterinarian’s vaccine recommendations.) In addition to understanding the importance of vaccinations, we know that kittens who are fed a diet supplemented with antioxidants have a better post-vaccinal immune response. By this we mean they have a higher level of antibodies, and they acquire them more quickly after the administration of the vaccines. Royal Canin Kitten 36 contains optimal levels of the antioxidants Vitamins E & C, taurine and lutein to support this immune response.

The adolescent kittens’ bones and muscles continue to develop until they are 12 months of age. The balance of energy coming from proteins and from fat is very important during this stage to ensure consolidation of bone mass and healthy muscle development. Royal Canin Kitten 36 is complete and balanced to support this stage of growth and maturation, along with providing the energy the body requires during the final stage of growth.