Baby proof cat food

Babyproofing with cats | How to childproof cat food and the litter box • My Mom's a Nerd

Once your baby is mobile and starts exploring the house, the real fun of parenthood begins! If you haven’t babyproofed your home yet, seeing your baby crawl or scoot towards something that they shouldn’t be interacting with is usually the lightbulb moment when parents think, “It’s time to babyproof!”

If you are a proud cat owner and have a new baby or a mobile baby, this post is for you. You want the best protection money can buy for your little one, and you also want your cat to be as comfortable as possible with a new family member around. There are so many products on the market that claim to be the best at baby proofing with cats, but we’ve narrowed it down to the latest and greatest.

We’re sharing two important baby proofing tips in this post — how to baby proof cat food and the litter box.

You will find that as your baby becomes more mobile and aware of their surroundings, their curiosity towards your cat will heighten. Since cats are around eye-level with crawling babies, your child may start following the cat around the house.

It’s inevitable that the litter box and food dish will be discovered at some point. In order to keep your baby safe and your cat happy, here are a few products for your home that will bring peace of mind that your baby isn’t eating something he shouldn’t be, and your cat isn’t feeling panicked at not having a safe space of her own.

Babyproofing with cats is totally manageable, no matter what your home or budget looks like.

How to Baby Proof Cat Food

As a new parent and a cat owner, you’ve most likely Googled, “Is it bad for a baby to eat cat food?” And don’t feel guilty if your baby has gotten into the cat food; babies are curious, fearless, and are arguably the busiest creatures on earth! Anything on their radar that looks enticing to grab or put in their mouths is fair game.

To prevent your baby from chowing down on cat kibble, we suggest getting creative with babyproofing your cat’s food set up through the useful products listed below.

Automatic Food Dispenser – PetSafe

If your cat is a grazer and consistently leaves food in the bowl throughout the day, it’s a sitting target for babies to find the food dish and start investigating what’s inside. An automatic food dispenser, like this one from PetSafe on Amazon is a great option to avoid this situation altogether; you can schedule feeding times when the baby is out of reach, napping, or out of the house entirely, so your cat can enjoy a peaceful meal without stressing about being interrupted and scarfing down their meal too quickly.

Pros

Automatic features save you time
Multiple cats? No problem. This attachment allows you to feed both at once
The baby will see an empty bowl and lose interest
Also great for feeding your cat when you’re away from home for an extended time

Cons

The baby could find and press the Manual button to open the lid
It’s a pricey option for a food dispenser, but worth the investment for some
This feeder can’t dispense wet food

Microchip Pet Feeder – Sure Petcare

Once registered with your cat’s microchip or RFID collar tag (included), the like the PetSafe SureFeed (available on Amazon) lid opens when it senses the animal is nearby. Otherwise, the food lid will remain closed, and your baby can not access the food inside the feeder. This is a great option for families with multiple cats or a very curious baby who finds his way into everything.

Pros

The lid only opens when the registered cat is present
The baby can not access food unless the lid is open
Provides peace of mind that your baby can explore without getting into the cat food
Helps maintain a harmonious relationship between cat and baby
Works for wet and dry cat food

Cons

The cat needs to be chipped or wearing the SureCare collar in order for the feeder to work
Your baby could try to get into the food while the cat is eating
There’s no barrier on the back of the dish to prevent the baby from accessing the food
The lid stays open for a few seconds after the cat exits the area, leaving the opportunity for the baby to swoop in

Is it bad for a baby to eat cat food?

While there aren’t any toxic ingredients in cat food that can harm a child, the bigger concern is if they swallow a large pellet and the choking hazard this presents. Babies are still learning how to move food around in their mouths and how to swallow effectively, and a crunchy piece of kibble isn’t a typical food item in their diet.

Your baby could also have an allergic reaction to a number of the ingredients present in your cat’s food. To prevent any scares like these in your home, we recommend finding an automatic feeder or a food storage option so it’s safely out of your baby’s way.

Cat food or any other pet food should never be a replacement for human food, and if your child consumes a large amount of cat food and you are concerned, don’t hesitate to call Poison Control at 1-888-222-1222.

How to Baby Proof a Cat Litter Box

Of course, thinking about babyproofing with respect to your cat’s kitty litter, you want to keep your child away for health reasons.

Plus, when it comes to the litter box, cats can be highly territorial in this area and will likely act strangely if they feel their privacy is threatened by a baby or another animal. The best way to keep things as normal as possible for your feline friend is by providing a space that is specifically theirs and making sure they know it. If that’s not an option in your home, here are a few other ideas.

Door Strap – Door Buddy

For cats whose litter box is behind a closed door, this poses a challenge for parents who can’t constantly be on the lookout to open the door so the cat can do their business.

Door Buddy (click to check the price on Amazon) is an adjustable strap that parents can mount to any door in the home that they want to keep babies out of. Door Buddy mounts to the door and door frame, creating tension that a baby (or dog) can’t push through.

The strap holds the door open wide enough that a cat can slip through to their food and litter box, but any larger animal or baby can’t pass through. Should you need to get into the secured room, there’s an unlock latch mechanism that allows you quick access to the area.

Related post: The Best Cat Friendly Baby Gates

Pros

Hides what is behind a door so baby can’t see in and try to explore
Create a safe space for your cat to do their business
Works on pocket doors, double doors, and bi-fold doors
You can operate Door Buddy with one hand from inside or outside the room

Cons

You have to unlock the strap each time you want to enter the secured room
If the baby is persistent enough or hits the door with enough force, the strap could separate from the door
The semi-permanent adhesive is already attached to Door Buddy, so you can’t swap it out for any other adhesive or velcro
Semi-permanent adhesive reacts to different textures and may damage walls or paint

Litter Box Furniture – Sweet Barks

For those who don’t have a separate space like a laundry room for their cat to use the bathroom, there are some innovative and sleek litter box furniture options that can blend in with your home decor without sticking out like a sore thumb.

With litter box furniture, you can get the best of both worlds — a concealed way for your cat to take care of business, and discrete enough that your baby won’t look twice at it.

This particular litter furniture piece from Sweet Barks on Amazon can be used as a side table, nightstand, or any other small table in your home. It has a door on the front with a cutout for your cat to climb through in order to get to the box. The door is magnetic, so it will be difficult for a baby to pull it open if they notice the door handle. It’s perfect for babyproofing with cats and decorating your home!

Pros

Provide your cat with its own space within a discrete piece of furniture
Magnetic latch on the door prevents baby from easily opening
Doubles as a nightstand or side table, with a wide top for decor and other items
Less of an eyesore than traditional litter boxes, and with less litter dragged around the house

Cons

It may only work for smaller cats to fit comfortably through the opening
The size of the litter pan inside may not be suitable for multiple cats
The door latch may not be strong enough to prevent the baby from opening, so you may need to install an additional babyproofing lock on the inside of the door
It’s a high price point for a litter box, but affordable when considered as dual-purpose

Related post: Have an outdoor cat? Discover the best childproof dog doors!

Is cat litter safe around babies?

Generally speaking, cat litter is not harmful to babies.

Because your baby is still growing and developing, his immune system is not as strong as an adult’s. While it’s common knowledge that babies should definitely not consume cat litter or the waste that is in the box, if they do, try not to immediately panic.

There are parasites in cat feces that can cause illness in babies and young children, and that same parasite is the reason pregnant women should never handle a litter box. If you see your baby eating litter or feces, contact your pediatrician just to be safe. They’ll be able to tell you what you should watch for and what to do next. However, looking at babyproofing with cats will help reduce the chance of any of these things happening.

Final Thoughts on Babyproofing with Cats

Growing up with a cat in the house is a wonderful way to teach a child responsibility, friendship, and respect for animals. Studies show that living with a cat or any pet can also decrease a child’s likelihood of developing allergies, asthma, and hay fever later in life. Cat ownership makes you healthier, believe it or not! So babyproofing with cats will also set your child up for wonderful memories and experiences as they grow older.

Related post: Will having a cat (or dog) help you prepare for having a baby?

Whether your cat was your first baby, or if you plan to introduce a cat into your household while your child is young, there are many great products available that can make this process easy and safe for everyone involved. Following these tips for babyproofing with cats will let you keep both your child and cat safe and happy!

Related posts

Cat-friendly baby gates: Reviews and Buying Guide
How to childproof dog doors
Best ways to baby-proof dog food and water bowls
Should you put a dog bed in the nursery?
Babyproofing with a rabbit in the home

Table of Contents

How to Baby Proof Cat Food
Automatic Food Dispenser – PetSafe
Microchip Pet Feeder – Sure Petcare
Is it bad for a baby to eat cat food?
How to Baby Proof a Cat Litter Box
Door Strap – Door Buddy
Litter Box Furniture – Sweet Barks
Is cat litter safe around babies?
Final Thoughts on Babyproofing with Cats

6 Great Childproof Pet Products For Keeping Your Kids Away from the Kibble

Gear

Microchipped feeders, unspillable bowls, and a damn fine looking food container that keeps kibble locked up tight.

by Jon Gugala

Updated: Aug. 21, 2018

Originally Published: Aug. 20, 2018

With the proper training, dogs and cats are great around children. But throw food and water into the mix, and you might have problems. House pets can act differently when tiny hands reach for the kibble (food aggression is real). And then there’s the issue of animal waste and preventing your child from going on an archeological adventure in the litter box.

But thanks to a new array of clever pet products, there’s never been a better time to childproof your dog and cat’s everyday needs. We’re talking pet doors that kids can’t slip through, microchipped food dispensers that only open for your pet, and spill-proof food and water bowls that not even the most agro toddler can crack. Here are six ways to help childproof your pet gear.

Ultaca Door Buddy

The Door Buddy protects by means of elimination. For most cats, its narrow opening is wide enough for them to slither through for access to food, water, and a litter box, but small enough to prevent a crawling child’s entry. Its bonus feature is that it also provides a means of retreat for stress-out pets. When not in use, it unhooks and the door opens as normal.

Buy Now $16

Sure Petcare SureFeed

The SureFeed is pet feeding for the 21st century. Using an RFID chip on your pet’s collar, its food is accessed via a retracting plastic door. When your animal is full and moves out of range (or is chased off by an approaching child), the door closes, sealing off food from tiny hands. If your pet is already microchipped, the device can be programmed to respond to its frequency, or you can use the enclosed tags.

Buy Now $150

simplehuman Pet Food Storage Can

The functional, beautiful Pet Food Storage Can is the most attractive option we found that also includes child-safety features. While there has yet to be a large-scale childproof tub released to market (inventors, take note), the sturdy clamp on simplehuman’s bin must be opened upward, making it all but impossible for short tots to open its airtight seal. An included scoop attaches under the lid.

Buy Now $100

Ray Allen Buddy Bowl

Talk to any good military strategist, and sometimes camouflage is the best means of hiding in plain sight. In this analogy, your child is the enemy, and the Buddy Bowl water bowl is the payload you’re trying to conceal. Using a hollowed donut over an otherwise standard bowl, water isn’t immediately visible, hopefully distracting your child from its contents. Should he or she upend it, that same design prevents water from getting out. Meanwhile, its contents are easily accessed by your pets through its center.

Buy Now $27

Carlson Walk Through Pet Gate

Standing 30 inches tall and up to 37 inches wide, the Walk Through Pet Gate is an easy means of segregating child from animal. A small 10-by-seven-inch gate allows kitty through, but not your son’s pumpkin head. Separated, they can stare at each other across a steel-barred DMZ, but your pet can eat in peace.

Buy Now $37

Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door Connect

Anyone with a doggy door knows that it takes a child approximately . 5 seconds for him or her to be through and into the backyard. That’s why we love the upgrade of the Microchip Pet Door Connect, which, similar to the company’s feed dish, opens only in response to a ‘chipped pet approaching before locking down after. Via a mobile app, you can lock the door when you’re away, as well as monitor pet comings and goings.

Buy Now $257

This article was originally published on Aug. 20, 2018

Food for kittens and adult cats

April 6, 2019

How a kitten grows up largely depends on nutrition. Therefore, choosing the right food is the main task of the newly-made owners. Today, the pet market offers special diets for different age groups. In this article, we will look at the difference between adult cat and kitten food, and decide whether it is so important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding age.

Granule size

The first and most obvious difference between kitten food and adult cat food is the particle size. It is difficult for a baby to cope with large granules: it is not easy to crack them with tiny teeth, and they do not fit in the mouth. Such a situation can completely discourage interest in the proposed food, so if you give the kitten dry food, it is advisable to buy a special one with small particles.

Nutrient content

If we compare the compositions of the same line, we will see that the products marked Kitten have a higher nutritional value. They have higher content:

protein;
vitamins;
minerals;
fat.

It is necessary to support the growth and development of a young organism. In addition, due to the increased fat content, the food turns out to be quite high-calorie. Consequently, it gives more energy, which nimble kids spend very actively.

What happens if you feed a kitten adult food?

The ingredients for different products of the same line are almost the same: the difference is only in their ratio. Therefore, if a kitten eats the food of an adult cat occasionally, nothing bad will happen. For example, there are several animals in the house, and the baby seeks to “snatch” something from the bowl of older brothers. If at the same time he eats his daily norm, a couple of pellets of "adult" food will definitely not hurt him.

But you should not buy products for the Adult age category specifically for babies. When a kitten eats the food of an adult cat all the time, it is possible that he receives less energy, as well as "building materials" for organs and tissues. Nutritional deficiencies, especially protein, are critical for a young animal: its development may slow down. As a result, the kitten will grow smaller than it could, and it will not be possible to catch up in the future.

Let us clarify that individuals under the age of 12 months are considered kittens. If you adopted a cat older than 5-6 months, she may look quite mature. However, its growth is still ongoing, which means that it needs enhanced nutrition.

Can a cat eat kitten food?

In some situations, it is not only possible, but necessary. We are talking about pregnant and lactating, as well as malnourished animals that need to gain weight. If your pet does not belong to the above categories, but eats Kitten food, he risks getting fat, because such foods are quite high in calories.

Some (but by no means all) cats choke on small particles of "baby" food. The problem is solved by pre-soaking the particles in warm water. But keep in mind that you can’t leave such a product in a bowl for a long time, as it quickly deteriorates and winds. If your pet has not eaten the moistened granules, put the leftovers in the refrigerator, and next time reduce the single serving.

Benefits of Blitz Kitten

Our offer includes a specialized product for the little ones - Blitz Kitten with turkey. Its composition is designed taking into account the characteristics of rapidly growing animals:

the optimal balance of macronutrients provides the special needs of a young organism for proteins and energy;
Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increase immunity, improve skin and coat condition;
there is no wheat in the list of ingredients, which often causes food intolerance in cats, only low-allergenic cereals - rice and corn;
live probiotics Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis increase feed digestibility and support the kitten's immunity;
Yucca Schidigera extract has a positive effect on digestion, prevents excessive gas formation in the intestines and reduces the smell of feces.

Conclusions

To summarize all of the above:

The main difference between kitten food and a similar product for adult cats is not in the list of ingredients, but in their proportions.
It is better to choose a dry diet for your pet that is appropriate for its age. But if the cat needs enhanced nutrition (for example, during pregnancy and lactation), kitten food is perfect for her.
For animals up to 12 months of age, Blitz Kitten is a good choice. It contains the optimal amount of macro- and micronutrients necessary for the healthy development and growth of the cat's body.

Is it possible to feed a cat with baby food

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Contents

Feeding your cat should be treated responsibly, as the pet's health depends on it. The question of whether it is possible to feed a cat with baby food has a number of nuances that must be taken into account.

First of all, it is worth remembering that the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and cats have significant differences. For example, in the structure of the oral cavity, the length of the intestine and much more. Cats are carnivores, so their digestion is adapted primarily to digest meat food.

Can an adult cat be fed baby food?

Baby food may be given to adult animals, but not as permanent food. To maintain a high standard of living and health, a cat needs to receive a balanced diet. At the same time, purees intended for children cannot fully meet this requirement, therefore, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian-nutritionist in advance so that he draws up a rough plan on how and what to feed the cat, what vitamins to add if necessary.

However, in some cases, softened food is a direct indication for feeding. For example:

for diseases of the oral cavity. Such as stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease and others;
lack of appetite. For example, canned food can often be more attractive to animals;
the absence of teeth in elderly animals or in cases where teeth have been removed for indications;
during illness. Namely, if the animal needs softer and easily digestible food.

There are many canned foods on the market today, designed specifically for cats (including those with special needs). Therefore, each owner can choose the right diet for his pet without resorting to baby food.

How to give?

Meat should be the main ingredient in a cat's diet. However, it is wrong to give only mashed meats. The pet must receive a source of fiber. It can be vegetables, or vegetable purees intended for children. The ratio of components suitable for the pet will help you choose a veterinarian, taking into account the physiological data of the cat. But as a rule, the plant part of the diet does not exceed 15%.

It is better to choose one brand of baby food and give it only. It is necessary to accustom a cat from a small portion, gradually increasing it to the necessary one.

Cats need cereals in individual cases and are prescribed in small quantities as an addition to the main diet. Baby cereals containing sugar, salt, milk or flavorings are not suitable for pet food.

Situations when you should not give a cat food intended for children

In some cases, food may not be suitable for a pet. How to understand it:

after feeding, the animal has digestive disorders. For example, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, soreness in the abdominal wall;
allergic reaction to food components - redness of the ears, itching, rashes.

Can kittens be given baby food?

When it comes to newborn kittens. If for some reason a cat cannot feed them, then it is impossible to replace cat's milk with a human mixture. This can lead to serious consequences, up to the death of the offspring. Infant milk formulas are adapted to the gastrointestinal tract of infants. In addition, in their composition they may contain many components that are not absorbed by the body of a small cat.

What is important:

on the first day of life, the kitten must receive colostrum;
if, for some reason, the cat is unable to feed offspring, it is advisable, if possible, to attach the kittens to another lactating cat;
if natural feeding is not possible, the offspring are transferred to artificial. The mixture should be intended strictly for kittens. For example, milk formula brands Beaphar, Royal canin, Gimpet, Hartz and others.

For older kittens who have already switched to adult food, baby food in the diet is acceptable. In the event that it is not possible to give specially designed feed or natural food products. However, it is not recommended to constantly feed baby canned food.