Feeding Tips for Siamese Kittens
Keep your kitten on the same food for the first few weeks to reduce stress and avoid gastrointestinal upset. We feed NutriSource Cat & Kitten (or your preferred kitten formula). We recommend having a bag of this ready when your kitten arrives and transitioning slowly if you plan to switch foods. Switching too quickly or feeding too much too soon can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or excess gas. This is also true for treats: introduce them gradually and in moderation.
Intestinal Bacteria Are Important
Healthy intestinal bacteria help your kitten digest food properly. A sudden change in diet can disrupt this delicate balance, causing digestive issues. For this reason, any transition to a new food must be made slowly.
The Best Way to Change Foods
Make changes gradually over 7–10 days:
- Days 1–3: 25% new food + 75% current food
- Days 4–6: 50% new food + 50% current food
- Days 7–9: 75% new food + 25% current food
- Day 10: 100% new food
If your kitten is comfortable at each stage, continue the progression.
Siamese Are Grazers
A very common concern is:
“My kitten isn’t eating much. What’s wrong?”
Siamese kittens often graze rather than eat full meals all at once. They may eat a few bites, play, nap, and return later. As long as your kitten:
- eats at least small amounts
- is playful and active
- is drinking water
- is not having diarrhea
…then this is normal.
If your kitten seems reluctant to eat, you can try gently warming the food or mixing in a small amount of high-quality canned kitten food. It’s also normal if they do not eat much for the first few hours in their new home stress can temporarily change appetite.
If you ever feel your kitten is not eating at all, contact us or your veterinarian.
Stress Can Trigger Digestive Issues
Young kittens are more vulnerable to intestinal parasites such as coccidia and giardia, even when raised by extremely diligent breeders. Stress from travel, a new environment, temperature changes, and other factors can cause flare-ups in otherwise healthy kittens.
Fortunately, treatments are inexpensive and effective. A veterinarian can diagnose these issues through a simple fecal exam, and treatment typically resolves the problem in a few days.
We treat our kittens preventatively before they leave our cattery, but travel stress can still trigger symptoms. Please have your veterinarian check a stool sample at your kitten’s first wellness visit.
We do not guarantee against coccidiosis or giardiasis, but we do take every reasonable step to minimize risk.
Out and About
Be cautious taking your young kitten outside or into public spaces. Kittens are not fully vaccinated until around 16 weeks of age, and many common viruses can be picked up from contaminated surfaces.
If you must visit the vet or pet store, keep your kitten off the floor and avoid high-traffic areas.
Do not bring your kitten to parks, pet-friendly stores, or around unknown animals until fully vaccinated.
Your kitten has already started a vaccination and deworming schedule. Please bring the included medical record to your veterinarian so they can continue the correct series.
Litter Training
Litter training is a process that requires consistency and positive reinforcement but the good news is that cats, including Siamese, usually learn quickly.
Tips:
- Take your kitten to the litter box after meals, play sessions, and naps.
- Keep them in a manageable space where they cannot sneak away to eliminate elsewhere.
- Watch for signs such as sniffing, pacing, or wandering off.
- Praise gently when they use the litter box.
Most kittens become reliable with their litter habits by 4–6 months, but perfection can take longer for some individuals.
Summary
Some kittens adjust quickly to their new homes; others take more time. Ignoring stress-related issues can lead to bigger problems, so monitoring your kitten closely during the transition is important.
Remember:
- Never change food abruptly.
- Hydration is essential.
Fresh water should always be available, and helping your kitten drink early on reduces the risk of mild dehydration. - A small amount of kitten-safe canned food or gently warmed kibble can encourage eating.
- Contact us or your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Kittens need plenty of rest just like human babies. They play in short bursts and sleep often throughout the day. Treat your new Siamese kitten like the delicate, growing baby they are, and you will create the safest, smoothest transition possible.
This information is intended to help make your new family member’s arrival a positive experience. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian with any concerns.