If you’ve recently brought home a fluffy new kitten, chances are you’re feeling excited but potentially a bit overwhelmed. Looking after any young animal, such as a kitten, is a big responsibility, and one of the most important parts of caring for your new companion is making sure they get the right nutrition during their first year. As kittens grow, their developing bodies need a specially balanced diet to support healthy bones, strong muscles, sharp vision, and give plenty of energy for play and exploration.
With so many food options available, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your kitten. This kitten feeding guide provides you with the essential information to help you make the best choices for your kitten’s nutrition and set them up for a healthy, long life.
Why Your Kitten’s Diet Is Important
Kittens grow quickly, reaching 75% of their adult weight by six months. During this time, their bones, muscles, immune, system, and brain are still developing, so they need more calories, protein, and specific nutrients compared to adult cats. By providing them with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be contributing to helping them build strong bones and muscles, build a healthy immune system, and maintain energy for play and learning.
Nutrients Your Kitten Needs
For the health and well-being of your kitten, a complete and balanced kitten food should contain a proper balance of:
Taurine
A vital amino acid for heart health, vision, and reproduction as kittens cannot produce enough themselves.
Carbohydrates
In moderation to provide energy, though cats don’t need large amounts.
Protein
To support muscle growth and development.
Vitamins and Minerals
For bone strength, growth, and immunity.
Fresh Water
To ensure kittens remain fully hydrated.
Fats
To aid brain and eye development.
All our Calibra kitten foods are nutritionally balanced to support these needs. See more details on our ingredients page.
How Your Kitten's Developmental Needs Change
Kittens’ needs change and evolve as they grow, but in general:
Kittens will transition from their mother’s milk to specially formulated kitten food (wet or dry that has been softened to support their mouths and gums).
This is usually the rapid stage of growth. During this time, kittens will need multiple small meals per day with a higher number of calories than an adult cat.
Their growth begins to slow as they enter their full size, their portion sizes should be adjusted to avoid any extra weight gain. Once around 12 months, most kittens can be gradually transitioned to adult cat food. Always consult your vet before making any dietary changes, such as type of food, portion size and frequency of meals.
How Much A Kitten Should Drink
Hydration is extremely important for kittens, especially if they mainly eat dry food. They should always have access to clean, fresh water. Unlike dogs, cats don’t naturally drink a lot, so offering wet food alongside dry can help support their hydration. You can also mix a little water into both wet and dry meals or offer water-rich treats. These small tweaks make it easier for kittens to stay properly hydrated.
What To Feed A Kitten
Feeding your kitten a complete and balanced diet ensures your kitten gets all the right nutrients without supplementation. You can choose from a variety of high-quality kitten food carefully balanced to provide everything a growing kitten needs.
Dry kitten food can support their dental health, while wet food is often more palatable, easier to chew, and provides extra hydration. Many owners use a combination, balancing hydration, nutrition, and variety.
At Calibra, we stock a variety of kitten food, so you can choose what best suits your kitten.
Shop Kitten Food
Explore our full range of kitten food complete will all the nutrients your fluffy friend needs:
Kitten Feeding FAQs
How Often Should I Feed My Kitten?
- 2 - 6 months: 3– 4 meals per day
- 6 - 12 months: 2 – 3 meals per day
It’s possible to free-feed dry food, but portion control is important to prevent overeating.
When Should I Switch To Adult Cat Food?
Most kittens can transition at around 12 months old. Larger breeds of cats like Maine Coons may benefit from staying on kitten food for up to 18 months old. Always speak to your vet about transitioning to adult cat food first.
Can I Give My Kitten Treats?
Yes, but use healthy cat treats designed for kittens, and make sure they take up less than 10% of their daily calories.
