Care basics

What should I feed a kitten?

Updated 2026-07-16 · Not a substitute for professional veterinary care

Good to know

Short answer

Feed a complete food labelled for kittens or for all life stages, because kittens need more protein, calories, and specific nutrients than adult cats. Feed small meals several times a day, always provide fresh water, and avoid cow's milk. Your vet can confirm amounts for your kitten's age and weight.

What a kitten needs

Kittens grow fast and need a diet made for it: higher protein and calories, plus the right calcium, taurine, and fatty acids. Choose a food clearly labelled for kittens or for all life stages, not adult-only food. Both wet and dry kitten foods can work; wet food adds helpful moisture.

How often to feed

Under 6 months: small meals 3 to 4 times a day.
6 to 12 months: gradually reduce to 2 to 3 meals a day.
Fresh water always available.

Follow the amounts on the food for your kitten's weight and age, and let your vet fine-tune it. Most kittens move to adult food around 12 months.

Common mistakes to avoid

Cow's milk, which causes diarrhoea in most cats (see the milk guide).
Adult cat food, which is not calorie-dense enough for growth.
A tuna or human-food habit that unbalances the diet.
Free-feeding without watching weight, which can start a lifelong obesity problem.

When in doubt, call a vet. This guide is general information for cat owners. It is not veterinary advice, and it is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your cat is in distress, contact a veterinarian or your nearest emergency clinic straight away.

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Common questions

Can kittens eat adult cat food?

Not as their main diet. Kittens need the extra protein and calories in kitten or all-life-stages food. They usually switch to adult food at about 12 months.

Can I give my kitten milk?

No. Most cats, including kittens past weaning, cannot digest cow's milk and it causes diarrhoea. Kittens need their mother's milk or a kitten milk replacer, then proper kitten food and water.

How much should I feed my kitten?

Follow the label for your kitten's age and weight, split into several small meals a day, and let your vet adjust. Watch body condition rather than just the bowl.