8 Ways to Boost Your Kitten’s Brain Development

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to brain development, but kittens may not get enough omega-3 through their normal diet. Omega-3 fatty acids contain DHA and EPA, compounds that your youngster needs as they grow. DHA is an especially important part of brain health and helps your kitten to develop a sharper nervous system and better vision. 

That’s why it’s smart to supplement with high-quality fish oil. Along with the omega-3s your kitten needs for overall health, fish oil can also be enriched with vitamins A, D, and E for additional benefits. 

There are so many different ways you can support your kitten’s overall health, and many are low- to no-cost. Check out 9 of our favorite ways to help your kitten grow into a smart, healthy adult cat.

1. Interactive Toys.We’re lucky to live in the age of smart toys. From toys that draw your kitten’s attention using infrared or motion sensors to detect their proximity to simply playing with your kitten, these activities make your kitten’s life more diverse and exciting. Solo-play interactive toys are especially valuable for owners who are away from home more often, as they help your kitten stay engaged and active.
2. A Friend! If you’re able, consider adopting kittens in pairs or adding a second cat to your household. This is another great way to keep your kitten’s brain working at its best. Adopting another animal provides your kitten with exercise, a playmate, and someone who truly speaks their language.
3. Containers of All Shapes and Sizes. It doesn’t matter what type of container it is — a cardboard box, crates, laundry baskets, storage bins…and have you SEEN a cat go a few rounds with a paper bag? These simple toys are one of the cheapest ways to stimulate your kitten’s brain, and really, what’s cuter than a baby cat curled up in a box that’s just a little bit too snug? Nothing, that’s what.
4. Puzzle Treat Dispensers. While this technically falls under the “interactive toys” category, we feel that treat dispensers deserve their own shout-out. These toys contain hidden treats that can be accessed by completing a maze, rolling a ball in the proper direction, or “digging” into a specially designed mat. These toys stimulate your cat’s natural desire to hunt for food.
5. Good Views. The windows are often called “TV for Cats”, and isn’t that the truth? If you’ve got great views from your place, consider putting a piece of furniture near the window for your kitten to watch the world go by. While trees and bushes are a natural place for birds and other wildlife to hang out, you can also attract them with a birdfeeder stationed outside the window.
6. Videos Made for Cats. If your place doesn’t have the best of views, make your own. There are entire channels devoted to cat-specific programming online, featuring birds, rodents, bugs, and more. Tune in to free videos for cats and let the fun begin, for both yourself and your cat — it can be really fun to watch your kitten react to new stimuli. Make sure your TV is on a sturdy surface, though, as your cat may even bat at the screen!
7. Leash Training. Leash training stimulates cats’ brains in several different ways. Not only do they learn to walk with a leash, but they also get the privilege of experiencing the outdoors first-paw. Exploring the yard or the neighborhood on a leash lets your little one feel the grass on their feet and smell brand-new smells safely.
8. At-Home Agility. While agility has long been thought of as reserved for canines, nothing could be further from the truth! Though we’ve yet to see any agility competitions for cats, leading your kitten through a homemade agility course is great for helping them grow into quick-thinking, fit, and sprightly adults. Try using a feather-on-a-stick toy to pique their interest.

Along with the above-listed kitten-approved ways to boost brain power, supplementing your kitten’s food with dietary supplements is one of the easiest ways to help your kitten’s brain grow healthy and strong. Omega-3 fish oil, in particular, is a popular supplement among owners of new kittens. Aside from the DHA and EPA fatty acids that are critical to healthy brain development, omega-3 fish oil also provides overall health benefits such as easing skin and coat issues and supporting good joint health.

Omega-3 fish oil supplements for kittens are most often given in liquid form, and your options for purchase are endless. However, always do your research to make sure that you are giving your kitten the best, most pure supplements available. Inferior fish oils may contain toxins that can make your kitten sick, so look for a third-party-tested product to ensure safety. And of course, consult your veterinarian before beginning your kitten on any supplement. Because a kitten’s digestive system is much smaller than that of an adult, you’ll want to work closely with your vet to determine the appropriate dose for your kitten. 

The simplest way to keep your kitten on the right track developmentally is to supplement with an appropriate amount of omega-3 fish oil. At SeaPet, we have over 25 years of experience in providing the best supplements for cats and dogs of all ages. Kittens grow so fast — make sure you take advantage of this time to give your kitten a leg up with their development and pick up the best fish oil for kittens today.