A veterinarian's complete guide to feeding your kitten from birth to one year. Learn proper schedules, portion sizes, and essential nutrients for healthy growth.
By Dr. Sarah Williams, DVM, DACVN | Published: January 15, 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes
Proper nutrition during kittenhood is the cornerstone of lifelong health. Kittens have unique nutritional demands that are vastly different from adult cats—they require significantly more calories, protein, and specific nutrients to fuel their rapid growth and development. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides expert advice on feeding schedules, portion sizes, and food selection to help you navigate your kitten's critical first year with confidence.
Rapid Growth Phase:
Higher Metabolic Rate:
Protein (Critical for Growth):
Fat:
Calcium and Phosphorus:
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid):
Taurine:
| Nutrient | Kitten Requirement | Adult Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (min) | 30% | 26% |
| Fat (min) | 20% | 9% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 0.8% | 0.5% |
| DHA (min) | 0.05% | Not specified |
| Taurine (min) | 0.25% | 0.2% |
If Mother is Present:
If Bottle-Feeding (Orphaned Kittens):
Bottle-Feeding Schedule:
| Age | Frequency | Amount per Feeding |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 week | Every 2 hours | 2-6 ml |
| 1-2 weeks | Every 2-3 hours | 6-10 ml |
| 2-3 weeks | Every 3-4 hours | 10-14 ml |
| 3-4 weeks | Every 4 hours | 14-18 ml |
Total Daily Amount: Approximately 13-16 ml per 4 oz (113g) of body weight.
Introduction to Solid Food:
Feeding Schedule:
| Age | Meals/Day | Food Type |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | 4-6 | Primarily gruel |
| 5 weeks | 4-5 | Increasing solid food, less gruel |
| 6 weeks | 4 | Mostly solid kitten food |
| 7-8 weeks | 4 | 100% complete kitten food |
Rapid Development Phase:
Feeding Schedule:
| Age | Meals/Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 4 | Small, frequent meals |
| 3-4 months | 4 | Increase portions as the kitten grows |
| 4-6 months | 3-4 | May reduce to 3 meals if weight is ideal |
Daily Caloric Needs (Approximate):
| Weight | Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| 1 lb (0.45 kg) | 100-120 kcal |
| 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 160-200 kcal |
| 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 200-250 kcal |
| 4 lbs (1.81 kg) | 240-300 kcal |
| 5 lbs (2.27 kg) | 275-350 kcal |
Growth Slows:
Feeding Schedule:
| Age | Meals/Day | Transition Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 months | 3 | Begin gradual transition to adult food |
| 8-10 months | 2-3 | Closely monitor growth rate and body condition |
| 10-12 months | 2 | Complete transition to adult food |
Wet Food (Highly Recommended):
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher moisture content (supports hydration) | More expensive per calorie |
| Often easier to digest and more palatable | Spoils quickly if left out |
| Typically lower in carbohydrates | Requires refrigeration after opening |
| Helps promote urinary tract health |
Dry Food (Kibble):
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient and easy to store | Very low moisture content |
| Generally more cost-effective | Often higher in carbohydrates |
| Can be left out longer without spoiling | May be harder for some kittens to chew/digest |
| May provide some dental abrasion | Can contribute to overeating and obesity |
Recommended Approach for 2026:
Premium Wet Foods:
| Brand | Protein (Typical) | Price/Can (3oz) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness CORE Kitten | 12% | $1.50 | ★★★★★ |
| Instinct Kitten | 11% | $1.70 | ★★★★★ |
| Tiki Cat Baby | 13% | $1.80 | ★★★★★ |
| Royal Canin Mother & Babycat | 9% | $1.40 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hill's Science Diet Kitten | 9% | $1.30 | ★★★★☆ |
| Purina Pro Plan Kitten | 12% | $1.10 | ★★★★☆ |
Premium Dry Foods:
| Brand | Protein (Typical) | Price/Lb | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness CORE Kitten | 45% | $4.50 | ★★★★★ |
| Instinct Raw Boost Kitten | 42% | $5.00 | ★★★★★ |
| Blue Wilderness Kitten | 40% | $4.20 | ★★★★☆ |
| Royal Canin Kitten | 34% | $4.50 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hill's Science Diet Kitten | 33% | $3.80 | ★★★★☆ |
| Purina Pro Plan Kitten | 40% | $3.50 | ★★★★☆ |
General Rule:
Wet Food Portions (3 oz cans):
| Age | Approx. Weight | Cans/Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 1-1.5 |
| 12 weeks | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 1.5-2 |
| 4 months | 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) | 2-2.5 |
| 6 months | 5-6 lbs (2.3-2.7 kg) | 2-3 |
Dry Food Portions:
| Age | Approx. Weight | Cups/Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 1/4 - 1/3 |
| 12 weeks | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 1/3 - 1/2 |
| 4 months | 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) | 1/2 - 2/3 |
| 6 months | 5-6 lbs (2.3-2.7 kg) | 2/3 - 3/4 |
Mixed Feeding Example (Wet + Dry):
| Age | Wet Food | Dry Food |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 1 can (3oz) | 1/4 cup |
| 3-4 months | 1-1.5 cans | 1/4 cup |
| 4-6 months | 1.5 cans | 1/3 cup |
Monitor your kitten's weight and shape weekly. Adjust food portions based on body condition, not just the number on the scale.
Ideal Kitten Body Condition:
Too Thin:
Too Heavy:
Location:
Equipment:
Serving Food:
Finicky Eaters:
Food Aggression (in multi-cat households):
Overeating:
Undereating:
Safe Kitten Treat Options:
| Treat Type | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial kitten treats | 2-3 small pieces/day | Choose high-protein options |
| Cooked, unseasoned chicken | Occasional tiny piece | Ensure no bones or skin |
| Freeze-dried meat treats | 2-3 pieces/day | Excellent protein source |
| Kitten milk replacer | Occasional | Use as a liquid treat or food topper |
Foods to Avoid:
Treat Calorie Budget: Treats should constitute less than 10% of your kitten's total daily caloric intake.
General Rule: Kittens fed a balanced, commercial kitten food do not need additional supplements and giving them unnecessarily can cause harm.
Consider Only If:
Timing:
Signs Your Cat is Ready:
Use a Gradual 7-Day Method:
| Day | Kitten Food | Adult Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3-4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5-6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
Slow the transition if you notice: Loose stools, vomiting, food refusal, or lethargy. Extend each phase by 2-3 days.
Premium Wet Food Diet:
| Age | Cans/Day (3oz) | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 months | 1.5-2 | $70 - $110 |
| 4-6 months | 2-3 | $90 - $160 |
| 6-12 months | 2-2.5 | $90 - $130 |
Mixed Diet (Wet + Dry):
| Age | Wet/Day | Dry/Day | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 months | 1 can | 1/4 cup | $55 - $90 |
| 4-6 months | 1.5 cans | 1/3 cup | $75 - $120 |
| 6-12 months | 1.5 cans | 1/2 cup | $75 - $110 |
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Food (8 weeks to 1 year) | $850 - $1,600 |
| Bowls, Placemats, Supplies | $30 - $75 |
| Treats | $50 - $120 |
| Total First Year | $930 - $1,795 |
Q: How much should I feed my 8-week-old kitten? A: Approximately 1-1.5 cans (3 oz each) of wet food daily, divided into 4 meals, or about 1/3 cup of dry kibble divided into 4 meals. Always adjust based on individual weight gain and body condition.
Q: Can kittens eat adult cat food? A: No. Kitten food is specially formulated with higher levels of protein, fat, calories, and specific nutrients (like DHA) that are critical for proper growth and development.
Q: When can kittens start eating dry food? A: Most kittens can begin nibbling on dry food that has been softened with water or formula around 5-6 weeks of age. They can typically handle fully dry kibble by 8 weeks.
Q: How do I know if my kitten is eating enough? A: Look for consistent weight gain (use a kitchen scale weekly), a good body condition score (ribs felt but not seen), high energy levels, and normal growth. Consult your vet if you have concerns.
Q: Should I leave food out all day for my kitten? A: Scheduled, measured meals are superior to free-feeding. Feeding 3-4 times daily helps prevent obesity, allows you to monitor appetite, and can aid in litter box training.
Q: My kitten seems hungry all the time. Is this normal? A: Kittens have fast metabolisms and may act hungry frequently. First, ensure you are feeding the recommended amounts for their age and weight. If they still seem ravenous, consult your veterinarian to rule out parasites or other issues.
Q: Can I give my kitten cow's milk? A: No. Most cats are lactose intolerant after weaning. Milk can cause severe digestive upset. Use only kitten milk replacer for orphans under 4 weeks. For weaned kittens, fresh water is best.
Q: When should I switch from kitten to adult food? A: For most cats, between 10-12 months of age. Large breed cats may need kitten food until 12-18 months. Your veterinarian can provide the best timing based on your cat's specific growth.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information. Individual kittens have unique needs. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially for kittens with health conditions or special requirements.
Last Updated: January 15, 2026
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