How much, how often and what to feed at every stage of your kitten's first year.
Kittens grow at an astonishing rate, roughly doubling their weight every few weeks early on. Their stomachs are tiny, so the trick is small meals, often.
4 to 8 weeks: weaning
Start with a soft mousse or kitten kibble soaked in warm water. Offer four to five small meals a day alongside mother's milk or a milk replacer. Never give cow's milk; most kittens cannot digest it.
2 to 4 months
Four meals a day. Roughly 40 to 55 g of kitten dry food, or two wet pouches plus 20 g of dry, split across the day.
4 to 6 months
Three meals a day. Roughly 55 to 70 g of dry food, or two pouches plus 35 g of dry. This is peak growth, so do not restrict food unless your vet advises it.
6 to 12 months
Two to three meals a day. Roughly 60 to 75 g of dry food. Growth slows after neutering, so watch body condition and trim portions slightly if your kitten starts to look round.
When to move to adult food
Most cats can switch at 12 months. Large breeds may stay on kitten food until 15 to 18 months. Make the change gradually over ten days.
A quick body check
You should be able to feel your kitten's ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above. Amounts on any chart are a starting point; your kitten is the real guide.
