Kitten Feeding Schedule: First Year
Nutrition Through the First Year
A kitten's first year involves rapid growth and dramatic nutritional changes. Getting the feeding schedule right supports proper development, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.
Birth to 4 Weeks: Nursing Phase
- Mother's milk provides all necessary nutrition and antibodies
- If orphaned, use kitten milk replacer (KMR) — never cow's milk
- Feed orphans every 2-3 hours around the clock
- Weigh daily to ensure steady weight gain (should double by day 10)
4-8 Weeks: Weaning Transition
- Introduce wet kitten food mixed with KMR to create a gruel
- Offer 4-5 small meals per day
- Gradually reduce liquid content over 2 weeks
- By week 8, kitten should be eating solid wet food confidently
8-16 Weeks: Growth Surge
- Feed 3-4 meals per day of kitten-specific food
- Both wet and dry kitten formulas are appropriate
- Expected intake: 1/4 to 1/2 cup dry food per day
- Always provide fresh water
- Never feed adult cat food — kittens need higher protein and fat
4-6 Months: Steady Growth
- Reduce to 3 meals per day
- Continue kitten-specific formulas
- Introduce variety (different protein sources) to prevent food fixation
- Monitor body condition — kittens should be lean, not round
6-12 Months: Transition to Adult Food
- Reduce to 2 meals per day around 6 months
- Begin mixing adult food with kitten food at 9-10 months
- Transition gradually over 7-10 days
- Large breeds (Maine Coons) may need kitten food until 18 months
Portion Guidelines
- Follow package guidelines as a starting point
- Adjust based on body condition score
- Active kittens may need 20-30% more than listed
- Less active indoor kittens may need slightly less
Foods to Avoid
- Cow's milk (causes diarrhea in most cats)
- Raw fish (thiaminase destroys vitamin B1)
- Onions, garlic, chives (toxic to red blood cells)
- Grapes and raisins (potential kidney damage)
- Dog food (nutritionally inadequate for cats)
