Kitten Feeding Guide: What to Feed, How Much & When to Switch
Feeding your kitten the right diet is crucial for healthy growth. If you’re asking what to feed a kitten, how much to feed a kitten, whether kittens need special food, or when to switch to adult cat food, this guide covers the essentials - including wet vs dry kitten food and a simple feeding schedule.
🐾Kittens have different nutritional needs to adult cats
Kittens grow rapidly, building bones, muscles and organs. Adult cat food often lacks the energy and nutrients they need during this stage.
What to do
- Choose a complete & balanced kitten food (not adult).
- Prioritise high-quality animal protein for growth.
- Include healthy fats for energy and development.
- Look for key nutrients like calcium & phosphorus (bones/teeth), taurine and DHA (brain/eyes).
🐾Tiny mouths & developing teeth need easy-to-eat food
Large or very hard pieces can be uncomfortable for kittens to chew.
What to do
- Pick small-kibble dry food or soft mousse-style wet food made for kittens.
- Try Catit Recipes Kitten Dry Food and Catit Cuisine Kitten Chicken Mousse — both formulated to support healthy development from weaning to 12 months.
🐾How often should I feed my kitten?
Kittens have small stomachs and high energy needs, so adult feeding patterns aren’t enough.
What to do
- Under 4 months: 4 small meals/day
- 4–6 months: 3–4 meals/day
- 6–12 months: 2–3 meals/day
- Always provide fresh water. Adjust portions to body condition & activity.
🐾Can I give my kitten treats?
Too many treats or the wrong type can unbalance your kitten’s diet.
What to do
- Keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Choose kitten-appropriate treats, e.g. Catit Creamy lickable treats .
- Avoid cow’s milk and salty/seasoned human foods.
🐾When should I switch my kitten to adult food?
Most kittens can transition at around 12 months, once growth slows.
What to do
- Make a gradual change over 7 days (more adult, less kitten food each day).
- Monitor appetite, stool quality and energy; slow down if needed.
Kitten Feeding FAQs
- What is the best food for kittens?
- A complete & balanced kitten recipe with quality animal protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients (e.g. Catit Recipes Kitten Dry Food or Catit Cuisine Kitten Mousse).
- Can kittens eat adult cat food?
- No - adult food usually doesn’t meet a kitten’s higher energy and nutrient needs.
- When should I switch my kitten to adult food?
- Around 12 months, with a gradual 7-day transition.
- Should I feed wet or dry kitten food?
- Both have benefits: wet supports hydration and is easy to eat; dry helps develop chewing. Many owners use a combination.
- How much should I feed my kitten?
- Follow the feeding guide on pack for age/weight, adjust to body condition and activity, and split into multiple meals.
Give your kitten the healthiest start in life
Explore our kitten foods and essentials to support growth, comfort and play.
