Growth tests begin with six to eight week old kittens and last a minimum of ten weeks. Litters are divided by sex and weight as equally as possible into two or more groups.
One group is fed a control diet with proven performance, and the other group eats the test diet. No supplements are given, and water is always available. Body weight of the kittens is recorded throughout the growth test. Daily food consumption is also measured, and general body condition is evaluated by veterinary examination.
Feline nutrition studies began at the Purina Pet Care Center in 1950. This modern 12-building complex is located in a campus setting on a 337-acre tract 45 miles southwest of St. Louis. Over 500 cats call the Purina Pet Care Center home. It is the oldest and largest facility in the world devoted to pet nutrition and care research.
Kittens not needed for nutrition studies are made available for adoption by Ralston Purina Company employees, their families and friends. All animals are neutered or spayed and microchipped for identification before leaving the Pet Care Center.
Additionally, Ralston Purina Company funds multiple university studies to benefit the well being of cats.