Kittens grow fast and need a lot of food, often. This guide shows what to feed and how often at each age, when weaning happens, and when to move to adult food.
The amounts below are a rough guide. Food brands differ in calories per cup, so always check the package and ask your vet. If you have found a very young kitten, see a vet quickly, because newborns need special care.
Kitten feeding by age
| Age | What to feed | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn to 3 weeks | Mother's milk or kitten milk replacer | Every 2 to 4 hours |
| 4 to 5 weeks | Milk or formula plus wet food as weaning begins | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 6 to 8 weeks | Weaning: plenty of wet kitten food, dry food optional | About every 6 hours |
| 8 weeks to 5 months | Kitten food, wet, dry or a mix | Every 6 to 8 hours |
| 6 months to 1 year | Kitten food, wet, dry or a mix | At least two meals a day |
As a rule of thumb, Catster notes a healthy kitten gains about one pound per month until around four or five months old. If the spine, ribs and hips are easy to see, your kitten may need more food.
Weaning
Weaning usually begins at around 3 to 4 weeks. Go slowly, offering a little wet kitten food alongside milk. Most kittens are fully weaned by about 8 weeks. See the kitten age chart for what else changes in these weeks.
Wet or dry food for kittens?
- Wet food has a lot more moisture. Canned food can be up to 85% water, against 6 to 10% in dry. Catster notes most vets agree very young kittens should be offered at least some wet food, because their teeth are small.
- Dry food is easy to measure and store, and is linked with less plaque. It is easier to feed several kittens.
- A mix is a popular middle ground. If you feed both, reduce the portions of each so the total stays right.
More on this in wet vs dry cat food.
How to avoid overfeeding
Free-feeding, or leaving food out all day, can lead to overeating and weight gain. It is only suitable for dry food, because canned food left out can grow bacteria and attract insects. Measured meals are better, especially after your kitten is spayed or neutered, when energy needs often drop. See healthy cat weight.
When to switch to adult food
Most kittens move to adult food at about 10 to 12 months. Large, slow-growing breeds can stay on kitten food longer. Catster says Maine Coons may stay on it until 18 to 24 months. Ask your vet when to switch, then change slowly over at least 7 to 10 days. See how to switch cat food and Maine Coon lifespan.
Vet visits and vaccines
Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests a first vet visit at about six weeks, with exams and vaccines every two to three weeks until the first core vaccine series is done at around 16 weeks. Your vet can also advise on feeding and the right time to spay or neuter.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a kitten?
Young kittens need frequent meals, every few hours at first, spreading to every 6 to 8 hours by two months, and at least two meals a day after six months.
Can kittens drink cow's milk?
Cow's milk is not a substitute for a kitten's mother's milk or a proper kitten milk replacer. Ask your vet before offering any milk.
When can kittens eat dry food?
Many kittens start nibbling dry food during weaning, at around 5 to 6 weeks, but most should also have some wet food.
When do I stop feeding kitten food?
Usually at 10 to 12 months, with some large breeds later. Check with your vet.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your kitten is not eating or seems unwell, see a vet.