Debunking Pet Care Myths! Royal Canin Reveals Four Common Misconceptions in Caring for Kittens and Puppies Ahead of International Pet Month

Welcome to August, Pet Month! August 8 marks 'International Cat Day,' followed by 'World Stray Animals Day' on August 15, and 'International Dog Day' on August 26. These events not only raise awareness about pet care but also spotlight one of the top concerns for pet owners: pet health. For many people, their first experience taking responsibility for a life begins with welcoming a kitten or puppy. However, lack of experience can lead to common care myths. To address this, leading pet food brand Royal Canin reveals the top four misconceptions among new pet parents and urges everyone to seize the golden growth period of young cats and dogs by providing precise nutrition and correct daily care to lay a solid foundation for lifelong health.

The early stages of life are when pets grow fastest and undergo the most significant developmental changes. From establishing gut microbiota and maturing the immune system to brain, bone, and dental development, each life stage has unique nutritional needs and care priorities. Yet, many novice owners fall into care traps due to inexperience. How can new pet parents overcome these blind spots? Start by correcting misconceptions!

[Misconception 1] Shouldn't babies drink milk? Isn’t milk the most nutritious?

Many new pet owners believe that kittens and puppies, like human infants, need milk. However, commercial cow’s milk is not formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing kittens and puppies. It contains high levels of lactose and different protein-to-fat ratios compared to mother’s milk. Additionally, cats and dogs produce less lactase—the enzyme that digests lactose—as they age, and their lactose requirements differ from cows’. Drinking cow’s milk may cause vomiting or diarrhea, and in severe cases, dehydration or even death. Royal Canin recommends using specialized milk formulas designed specifically for kittens and puppies, closely mimicking the nutritional profile of maternal milk during the critical newborn to weaning phase. These formulas are rich in highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support gut health, contain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) for nervous system development, and include vitamins E and C to aid immune system maturation—laying a strong foundation for healthy growth.

[Misconception 2] Can one food last from puppyhood to adulthood? If they eat it, is it fine?

Many new owners think that as long as their pet eats well and doesn’t fuss, one food formula can last from infancy to adulthood. However, kittens and puppies go through distinct phases—neonatal, weaning, and growth—each with evolving physical development and nutritional demands. Diets must be adjusted accordingly to meet these changing needs. Dr. Lin Chen-Jou of Maogongguan Animal Hospital explains: 'Young cats and dogs require higher energy density. Proper nutrition ensures health. For example, during weaning when transitioning to solid food, they need high energy and easily digestible nutrients, along with vitamins C, E, and DHA to support immune and brain development. As they grow, teeth and digestive systems mature, and bones and muscles develop rapidly, requiring appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratios and highly digestible proteins to support skeletal and muscular growth.'

[Misconception 3] If they stay home, they won’t get sick? The 'Immunity Gap Period' requires extra care and vaccination

Just because kittens and puppies stay indoors doesn’t mean they’re safe from illness. Between 4 to 12 weeks of age (up to 16 weeks for puppies), they enter the so-called 'immunity gap period.' During this time, maternal antibodies from milk gradually decline, while their own immune systems are still immature. Residual maternal antibodies may also interfere with vaccine effectiveness, making them more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections—even without going outside. Dr. Hu Yu-Yen of Chung Hsing Messi Animal Medical Center warns new owners: 'Puppies and kittens should receive their first core vaccine at around 6–8 weeks, based on veterinary assessment, and follow up with scheduled booster shots. Until full immunity is established, owners should avoid taking pets outdoors or exposing them to unfamiliar animals or high-risk environments. Maintain a clean and disinfected home environment and provide stage-specific nutrition to support immune system development, helping pets safely navigate the immunity gap and build a healthy foundation.'

[Misconception 4] Health checks only when old? Build a health protection network from day one

Even if young pets appear healthy, skipping health checks is risky. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to illness. Therefore, immediately after adoption or purchase, a comprehensive health check is essential. A veterinarian can create a personalized care plan including vaccinations, deworming, oral care, and skeletal development monitoring to establish a strong health foundation. Beyond observing appetite, water intake, bowel movements, activity levels, and weight, annual health exams are key to disease prevention. In recent years, Royal Canin has actively promoted its 'Check Early, Stay Together' campaign, aiming to integrate preventive medicine into daily routines. Early screening helps detect hidden health issues before they become serious.

Pets bring irreplaceable companionship, and precise nutrition combined with scientific care forms the cornerstone of lifelong health. Understanding their physiological needs from an early stage is the starting point of responsible pet ownership. Zhang Jin-Qi, General Manager of Royal Canin Taiwan and Hong Kong, states: 'Creating a better world for cats and dogs has always been Royal Canin’s unwavering mission. The moment we bring a young life home, we make a lifelong commitment to protect their health.' She adds that the early stage is the golden window for immune and physiological development. Tailored precision nutrition, preventive medicine through regular check-ups, and daily scientific care—all these decisions profoundly impact their future quality of life. Royal Canin aims to partner with veterinarians and pet owners to implement preventive medicine from the start, professionally supporting every step of a pet’s healthy growth.