Kitten food is made for growth: it gives a kitten more energy and nutrients than adult cat food, in small portions its stomach can handle. Feed a complete kitten food in three or four small meals a day, keep fresh water available, and move to adult food gradually at around one year of age. This guide explains how to feed a kitten, what to look for in kitten food, and how to switch to adult food.
Why kitten food is different
Kittens grow very fast in their first months, so they need more energy and nutrients for their size than adult cats. In addition, their stomachs are small, which is why they eat little and often. A kitten food, sometimes labelled a growth formula, is designed for this stage.
Kitten food vs adult cat food: RICH example
| Per kg | Kitten formula | Adult formula |
|---|---|---|
| Crude protein | 28% | 30% |
| Crude fat | 15% | 12% |
These are the published figures for Rich Excellence Dry Food for Cats with chicken. For example, the Kitten formula has more fat, which means more energy for a growing kitten. RICH also makes a dry cat food with treats mixed in, in Kitten and Adult formulas.
How to feed a kitten day by day
- Small, frequent meals: young kittens usually eat three or four meals a day. Then, as they grow, you can move to two or three meals.
- Follow the feeding guide on the pack, and adjust to your kitten’s body condition.
- Fresh water, always: place a clean bowl away from the food.
- No cow’s milk: many cats digest lactose poorly, so water is the right drink.
Dry and wet kitten food
Both can be part of a kitten’s diet. Dry food is easy to portion and store, while wet food adds water and is very palatable. Many owners therefore give a mix of both. Our guide to dry vs wet pet food explains how to combine them without overfeeding.
When to switch from kitten food to adult food
Most cats move to adult food at around 12 months. However, large breeds can keep growing for longer, so ask your vet. When you switch, do it gradually over about seven days: mix a quarter of the new food with the old, then half, then three quarters, and finally all new food.
Breeders and catteries can see more options in our pet food guide for breeders. You can browse cat dry food and cat wet food from RICH.
For more kitten care advice, see the International Cat Care kitten guide.
Shops and distributors can ask for wholesale prices on WhatsApp (+20 111 113 4568) or through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I feed a kitten?
Young kittens usually eat three or four small meals a day. Then, as they grow, two or three meals a day.
When should a kitten switch to adult cat food?
Most cats switch at around 12 months. Large breeds may need kitten food for longer; ask your vet.
Can kittens drink milk?
Cow’s milk is not recommended, because many cats digest lactose poorly. Give fresh water instead.
Is dry or wet food better for kittens?
Both can work. Dry food is practical and economical, and wet food adds water. Many owners feed a mix within the daily feeding guide.
What is the difference between kitten food and adult cat food?
Kitten food is made for growth, with more energy for a kitten’s size. Adult food is made to maintain a cat that has finished growing.