Knowing what to feed kittens is extremely important for their health and development. Kittens have very specific nutritional needs because they are growing and developing rapidly in their first few months of life. Feeding an improper diet can lead to issues like malnutrition, intestinal problems, and inadequate growth. It’s essential to understand the unique dietary requirements for kittens and feed them an age-appropriate diet to set them up for a healthy life.
Between 2-4 weeks of age, kittens still need milk from their mother or a kitten milk replacement formula. At around 4-6 weeks, they can start transitioning to solid kitten food. The optimal diet changes as the kitten ages. Following feeding guidelines tailored to their age ensures kittens get the right nutrients during each stage of growth. With a proper diet and feeding schedule, kittens will thrive and grow into healthy adult cats.
When to Start Feeding Kitten Food
Kittens can start the transition from formula or breast milk to kitten food around 4-6 weeks of age. According to experts, kittens should be fully weaned and eating kitten food by 8-12 weeks old (WebMD). Around 4-5 weeks, kittens’ baby teeth start to come in which allows them to chew solid food. Their digestive systems are also developed enough to process kitten food at this age (Kitten Lady). It’s important not to rush the transition too fast. Kittens should be introduced to kitten food gradually while still getting formula or nursing. By 6-8 weeks, kittens should be getting most of their nutrition from kitten food with just supplemental formula or nursing.
Benefits of Kitten Food
Kitten food is specially formulated with extra nutrients to support healthy growth and development in kittens.
Compared to adult cat food, kitten food contains higher levels of protein, calories, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. The extra protein helps build strong muscles and the additional calories provide the energy needed for play and growth.
One key nutrient is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for proper brain and eye development. Kitten foods will contain higher amounts of DHA than adult cat foods. Some studies have shown that kittens fed food with added DHA demonstrate better trainability and problem solving abilities.
Other vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and iron are included in kitten food to support bone growth and development. Amino acids like lysine and taurine are added for healthy immune system function.
Overall, the specially formulated blend of nutrients in kitten food gives kittens the best nutritional start during their rapid growth phase (source). Feeding kitten food instead of adult cat food in the first year sets kittens up for continued health as they mature.
How to Transition to Kitten Food
The key to successfully transitioning your 5-month old kitten to cat food is to do it gradually. Kittens have delicate digestive systems, so an abrupt change in diet can lead to diarrhea and other problems. Here are some tips for making the switch smoothly:
Start by mixing a little bit of kitten food with the kitten’s usual formula. Over the course of a week or two, slowly decrease the amount of formula while increasing the amount of kitten food. For example:
- Week 1: 3/4 formula, 1/4 kitten food
- Week 2: 1/2 formula, 1/2 kitten food
- Week 3: 1/4 formula, 3/4 kitten food
- Week 4: 100% kitten food
Stick to this gradual schedule, even if your kitten seems ready for 100% kitten food earlier. Going slowly gives their digestive system time to adjust to the new food and nutrients. It also helps avoid unset stomach issues.
Make sure the kitten food is high-quality and specifically formulated for kittens, as it will have the right blend of nutrients to support development. Wet and dry kitten foods are both fine during the transition period and beyond.
Monitor your kitten during and after the transition. If they seem uncomfortable or have diarrhea, go back to mixing a bit more formula into their meals until their stomach settles. Then continue decreasing the formula and moving toward 100% kitten food.
Kitten Food Brands and Types
When selecting a kitten food, you’ll first need to decide between wet and dry options. Both have their benefits.
Wet or canned kitten food typically has higher protein content than dry food. It also has more moisture, which is important for kittens as they can become dehydrated quickly. Canned food comes in convenient single-serve pouches, making it easy to portion. However, it is more expensive and has a shorter shelf life than dry food.[1]
Dry kitten food is more affordable and has a longer shelf life. It promotes dental health by helping to scrub off plaque. But dry food has lower protein content and moisture. If feeding dry food, be sure your kitten is drinking adequate water.[2]
When reviewing ingredients, look for high-quality animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon or egg as the first ingredient. Avoid by-products. Also ensure the food has amino acids like taurine, vitamins, fatty acids, and probiotics.
Some top-rated kitten food brands include Wellness CORE grain-free wet food, Royal Canin dry food, and Tiki Cat canned food. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.[3]
Feeding Amount and Schedule
Kittens have very small stomachs and high metabolisms, so they need to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Newborn kittens need to eat every 2-3 hours, taking in a total of 8-12 meals per day. As kittens grow, the frequency of feeding can gradually decrease. According to PetMD, the feeding schedule should be:
- Birth to 6 weeks: every 2-3 hours, 8-12 times per day
- 6 weeks to 3 months: every 4-6 hours, 5-6 times per day
- 3 to 6 months: every 6-8 hours, 3-4 times per day
The total amount of food per day will depend on the kitten’s age, weight, and activity level. On average, kittens need about 4-6 ounces per pound of body weight per day. It’s best to follow the feeding guidelines on the kitten food packaging. Split the total daily amount into the appropriate number of meals based on the kitten’s age.
Feeding kittens small, frequent meals helps support their digestion, metabolism, and growth. It also prevents gorging, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Work with your veterinarian to determine the ideal feeding schedule and amounts for your kitten as they grow.
Supplements
In addition to a nutritionally complete cat food, kittens may need some additional supplements for optimal health and development. Some key supplements to consider are:
Taurine – Kittens need a lot of the amino acid taurine for proper vision and heart health. Most commercial kitten foods are fortified with taurine, but extra supplementation may be beneficial. According to Chewy, kittens need about .1% to .3% of their diet to come from taurine.
Vitamin supplements – Growing kittens need more vitamins and minerals than adult cats. Multivitamin supplements provide a boost of essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D, E and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Amazon has a variety of kitten vitamin supplements to choose from.
Probiotics – Probiotics support healthy digestion and immunity. Dr. Bill’s Pet Nutrition recommends probiotic supplements specifically formulated for kittens.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving any supplements to ensure proper dosing for your kitten’s age and size.
Common Feeding Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that many cat owners make when feeding kittens that can lead to health issues. Two of the biggest are free feeding and transitioning to adult cat food too early.
Free feeding refers to leaving dry food out at all times for the kitten to graze on. While this may seem convenient, it can easily lead to overeating and obesity if the kitten eats whenever they please. Kittens should instead be fed scheduled, portion-controlled meals based on their age and weight.
According to WebMD, another mistake is transitioning the kitten to adult cat food too early (1). Kitten food is specially formulated with higher calories and nutrients needed for growth and development. Feeding adult food too soon can deprive kittens of the nutrition they require in their first year. Most experts recommend feeding kitten food until 12 months of age.
Signs of Health Issues
It’s important to monitor your kitten’s health and watch for any concerning signs. Diarrhea, vomiting, and poor growth can all indicate potential problems:
Diarrhea – Loose, watery stools that occur frequently may indicate intestinal parasites, infections, or food sensitivities. Kittens can become dehydrated quickly from diarrhea so it’s important to notify your vet if it persists more than a day or two. Make sure the kitten is drinking water and consider switching to a bland diet temporarily.
Vomiting – Occasional vomiting is normal but prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Causes may include infections, obstructions, motion sickness, or dietary issues. Limit food and water for a few hours then reintroduce small amounts gradually. Seek vet care if vomiting continues or if the kitten seems lethargic.
Poor growth – Kittens should steadily gain weight each week. Lack of weight gain could signal an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed. Make sure the kitten is eating enough food for its age and activity level. Check for parasites and discuss options with your vet if growth seems stunted.
Other signs like eye discharge, nasal congestion, skin issues, or lack of energy could also indicate illness in a kitten. It’s always best to have a vet examine any kitten showing concerning symptoms. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications in young, growing kittens.
Conclusion
The transition to kitten food is an exciting milestone, but also one that requires care and patience. At around 4-6 months, most kittens are ready to switch from nursing or bottle-feeding to eating solid kitten food. Look for high-quality, protein-rich formulas made especially for kittens. Kittens have specific nutritional needs for growth and development that kitten food is designed to meet.
When introducing kitten food, go slowly by first offering just a few bites and gradually working up to regular meals over a week or two. Feed set amounts based on your kitten’s age and weight. Split feedings into 4-6 small meals throughout the day. Provide constant access to fresh water. Monitor your kitten’s appetite, energy levels, and litterbox habits to ensure the transition goes smoothly.
With the right food and feeding schedule, your kitten will thrive. Kittenhood is short, so enjoy this special time. Before you know it, your kitten will be grown up and ready for adult cat food. With your care and attention through each stage, your kitten is set up for a long, healthy, and happy life.
