Kitten Food

Why kittens need their own food

A kitten roughly quadruples its birth weight in the first months of life, and builds skeleton, muscle and brain tissue at the same time. Kitten formulas carry more protein, more fat and a controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to support that. Adult food fed to a kitten simply under-delivers on all three.

Feeding pattern by age

From weaning to about four months, kittens have small stomachs and high energy needs, so three to four small meals a day suit them better than two large ones. From four months you can usually move to three, and by around a year to the adult pattern of two.

Softening dry kibble with a little warm water helps very young kittens who are still learning to chew. Cow's milk is not suitable — most cats lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning, and it commonly causes diarrhoea.

Moving to adult food

Around the twelve-month mark, switch across gradually over a week or so. Large or slow-maturing breeds can stay on kitten food a little longer; ask your vet if you are unsure.