Kitten Care Guide
Kitten Feeding Schedule
Complete kitten feeding guide from weaning through 12 months — how many meals, how much food, and when to transition to adult cat food.
Quick Answer
Kittens need 4–5 meals/day until 3 months, then 3 meals to 6 months, then 2–3 meals.
4–12 weeks
4–5×/day
3–6 months
3×/day
6+ months
2–3×/day
Kitten Feeding Schedule by Age
| Age | Meals/day | Amount / meal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 weeks | Free access | On demand | Do not separate from mother if possible |
| 4–6 weeks | 4–6×/day | 1–2 tsp per meal | Weaning begins — introduce wet food |
| 6–10 weeks | 4–5×/day | 1–2 tbsp per meal | Always provide fresh water alongside dry food |
| 10–16 weeks | 3–4×/day | 2–3 tbsp per meal | Growth is rapid — do not restrict calories |
| 4–6 months | 3×/day | Based on packaging | Spay/neuter reduces calorie needs by ~20% |
| 6–12 months | 2–3×/day | Based on packaging | Transition to adult food at 12 months |
| 12+ months | 2×/day | Based on packaging | Transition gradually over 10 days |
Daily Calorie Needs by Weight
| Kitten Weight | Daily Calories | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 kg | ~55 kcal | 4–6 week kitten |
| 1 kg | ~110 kcal | 8–10 week kitten |
| 2 kg | ~200 kcal | 3–4 month kitten |
| 3 kg | ~270 kcal | 4–5 month kitten |
| 4 kg | ~330 kcal | 5–8 month kitten |
| 4–5 kg | ~250–300 kcal | Adult maintenance (spayed/neutered) |
* Based on typical dry kitten kibble (~340 kcal/cup). Wet food has fewer kcal per gram — check packaging.
Kitten Feeding Tips
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Hydration is critical
Cats have low thirst drives. Wet food helps with hydration. If feeding mostly dry food, ensure multiple fresh water sources — consider a cat water fountain.
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Mix wet and dry food
Combining wet and dry food provides hydration benefits of wet food with dental benefits of dry food. Most vets recommend this balanced approach.
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Weigh your kitten weekly
Healthy kittens gain 100g per week until 5 months. Plateaus may indicate illness; unexplained rapid gain may indicate overfeeding.
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Never feed dog food
Cat food is formulated with taurine, an essential amino acid cats cannot synthesise. Dog food lacks this — regular consumption causes heart disease and blindness in cats.
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Introduce variety early
Kittens exposed to multiple textures and flavours before 6 months are less likely to become picky eaters as adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed a kitten?
Kittens under 6 weeks need feeding every 2–3 hours. From 6–12 weeks, 4–5 times per day. From 3–6 months, 3 times per day. After 6 months, 2–3 times per day is sufficient for most kittens.
How much food does a kitten need per day?
Kitten food packaging provides the most accurate guide based on body weight. In general, kittens need about 250–300 kcal/day by 5 months. Always check body condition — ribs should be felt easily but not be visible.
Should I feed wet or dry food to a kitten?
Both are acceptable, but wet food is particularly beneficial for young kittens — it provides hydration, is easier to eat, and closely matches the moisture content of natural prey. A combination of wet and dry food is a popular approach.
When should I switch my kitten to adult cat food?
Most kittens can transition to adult food at 12 months. Large breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls may benefit from kitten food until 18 months due to their longer growth period. Transition gradually over 7–10 days.
Can kittens free-feed?
Young kittens under 6 months can free-feed on dry food as their energy needs are very high. However, some kittens overeat, especially after spaying/neutering. Monitor body condition and switch to scheduled meals if weight gain becomes a concern.
How do I know if my kitten is eating enough?
Healthy kittens should be active and playful, have a bright coat, and gain weight steadily. You should be able to feel ribs with gentle pressure but not see them. A sudden drop in appetite lasting more than 24 hours warrants a vet visit.