How do I feed my kitten correctly?

Kittens grow extraordinarily fast — most reach 75% of their adult weight by 6 months. This rapid growth demands a diet that is much higher in protein, fat, and certain micronutrients than adult cat food can provide.

Why kitten food is essential

Kitten-formulated food is designed to support:
- Rapid muscle and organ development
- Skeletal growth and mineralisation
- Brain and eye development (requires DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid)
- Immune system maturation

Adult cat food does not provide adequate calories or the right balance of nutrients for kittens. Do not feed adult food to kittens under 12 months.

Feeding frequency by age

- Weaning–8 weeks — 4 meals per day (wet food or wet kitten food mixed with kitten milk replacer)
- 8–16 weeks — 4 meals per day
- 4–6 months — 3 meals per day
- 6–12 months — 2–3 meals per day

Kittens have small stomachs and high energy needs — frequent small meals prevent hypoglycaemia and support growth.

Wet food is especially important for kittens

Establishing a preference for wet food early is much easier than converting an adult cat. Kittens fed only dry food from a young age often become "kibble addicts" that refuse wet food as adults — a pattern that can contribute to urinary and kidney problems later in life.

What not to feed kittens

- Cow's milk — kittens are lactose intolerant after weaning. Use kitten milk replacer if needed.
- Adult cat food
- Raw food without professional formulation — kittens are more vulnerable to bacterial pathogens
- Tuna as a staple — too high in mercury and lacking essential nutrients
- Dog food — nutritionally inadequate for cats

When to switch to adult food

Most cats should transition to adult food at 12 months. Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Large Maine Coons and Ragdolls, which continue growing until 18–24 months, may benefit from kitten or all-life-stages food a little longer.

Flovvi tip

Log your kitten's weight weekly in Flovvi for the first 6 months. This creates a growth curve that your vet can use to assess development and catch any growth concerns early.