- Kittens need about 2.5 times their resting energy while they grow.
- Feed 3 to 4 small meals a day until about six months, then 2 to 3.
- Use a kitten food until about 12 months, then switch slowly to adult food.
- Neutering lowers energy needs: weigh your kitten and adjust after the operation.
On this page
Why kittens need kitten food
Kitten food packs more energy, protein and fat into each bite than adult food, along with the minerals and DHA growing bodies need. Small stomachs cannot hold big meals, so energy density matters. Adult food fed to a kitten often means a hungry kitten that grows more slowly.
How much to feed a kitten
Daily calories at about 2.5 times resting energy, with grams of dry kitten food at about 4,000 kcal per kg. Use your kitten's current weight and re-check every two weeks.
| Kitten's weight | Calories a day | Dry kitten food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | 175 kcal | 44 g |
| 1.5 kg | 237 kcal | 59 g |
| 2 kg | 294 kcal | 74 g |
| 2.5 kg | 348 kcal | 87 g |
| 3 kg | 399 kcal | 100 g |
| 3.5 kg | 448 kcal | 112 g |
Feeding wet and dry together? Split the calories, not the grams. Our wet vs dry guide shows how.
How often to feed
- 8 weeks to 6 months: 3 to 4 measured meals a day.
- 6 to 12 months: 2 to 3 meals a day.
- Fresh water always. Wet food adds water too, which helps cats that drink little.
After neutering
Moving to adult food
Most cats move to adult food at around 12 months. Larger breeds such as Maine Coons keep growing for longer and can stay on kitten food a little longer. Switch over 10 days or more, as in our food switching guide.
Kitten foods in our range
Royal Canin Feline HealthKittenFrom $6.75$6.08 on subscription
Pro Plan Healthy StartKitten ChickenFrom $7.00$6.30 on subscription
Gosbi OriginalKittenFrom $9.00$8.10 on subscription
OrijenKittenFrom $7.00$6.30 on subscription
Gosbi DelicatKitten Chicken (pouch)From $1.75$1.57 on subscription
Royal Canin Feline HealthKitten in GravyFrom $2.10$1.89 on subscriptionQuestions
Can a kitten eat adult cat food?
It is not harmful as an occasional meal, but as a main food it usually has too little energy and protein for growth.
Should I give my kitten cow's milk?
No. Many cats cannot digest lactose well. Use water, or a kitten milk made for cats if your vet suggests one.
When should I ask a vet?
If your kitten stops eating for more than a day, has ongoing diarrhoea, or is not gaining weight.
This guide is general information for healthy pets, not veterinary advice. If your pet has a health condition, is pregnant, or is losing or gaining weight unexpectedly, talk to your vet.