Optimal Timing for Cat Cheek Development: When to Feed

Typically, cats begin to develop their cheeks around the 6 to 8month mark, but whether a cat can achieve this depends on various factors such as genetics, gender, and nutritional status. Generally, male cats are more prone to cheek development than females, and certain breeds like the British Shorthair and American Shorthair are known for their tendency to develop fuller cheeks. Let's delve into the conditions that contribute to a cat's cheek development.

What Conditions Are Necessary for a Cat to Develop Cheeks?

1. Gender: Female cats often find it difficult to develop cheeks, with males typically being more susceptible. Cats usually start to fill out around 6 to 8 months of age, so it's crucial for owners to ensure their pets receive adequate nutrition before this period. Malnutrition can significantly hinder cheek development. To aid in this process, owners can feed their cats specialized cheekenhancing cat food and include some meat in their diet.

2. Breed: Some cat breeds, influenced by genetics, may not develop cheeks at all. For instance, breeds like the Sphynx, Devon Rex, Russian Blue, Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, and Calico tend to have slender bodies and pointed, elongated faces, making cheek development less likely. In contrast, breeds such as the British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Persian, and Maine Coon are more likely to develop fuller cheeks.

3. Genetics: Generally, if a male cat develops cheeks, his offspring are more likely to do so as well. Conversely, if a male does not, his offspring's chances of cheek development are relatively lower.

What Foods Are Beneficial for a Cat's Cheek Development?

Adequate nutrition is key to a cat's cheek development. To promote this, owners should feed their cats a diet rich in protein, ideally keeping the protein content of their main cat food between 37% and 40%. Here are some dietary suggestions to help cats develop their cheeks:

1. Include Appropriate Amounts of Meat: As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet high in protein and animal fats. These nutrients are essential for their health. During the cheek development phase, owners can offer more meat, but it's important to monitor portions to avoid overfeeding and potential health issues like pancreatitis or cardiovascular disease. Chicken and fish, which are high in protein and low in fat, are good choices.

2. Feed Some Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are rich in lecithin and cholesterol, which can help increase testosterone levels in male cats, aiding in cheek development. Owners can offer egg yolks, but they should be cooked before feeding to ensure safety.

3. Feed Canned Food: Cat canned food, which is primarily made of meat, offers high nutritional value. If fresh meat is not available, canned food can be a suitable alternative.

4. Choose HighProtein Cat Food: To ensure that cats receive enough nutrients for cheek development, it's best to feed them highprotein cat food as their main diet, preventing nutritional deficiencies that could hinder cheek development.

It's important to note that while achieving cheek development in cats is possible with the right conditions and nutrition, the health and wellbeing of the cat should always be the top priority. Avoid the temptation to overly focus on cheek development, as maintaining a healthy cat is paramount.