Kittens require a carefully balanced diet with the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to support their rapid growth and development. The exact amount a kitten needs per day will depend on its age, weight and activity level.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about kitten nutritional needs:
- A newborn kitten needs about 10-15 grams per day
- A 1 month old kitten needs about 30-45 grams per day
- A 2 month old kitten needs about 45-65 grams per day
- A 3 month old kitten needs about 65-85 grams per day
- A 4 month old kitten needs about 85-110 grams per day
- A 5 month old kitten needs about 110-135 grams per day
- A 6 month old kitten needs about 135-165 grams per day
Kittens Have Unique Nutritional Needs
Kittens grow incredibly fast during their first year of life. A newborn kitten weighs around 100 grams but within 12 months can reach over 2 kilograms. To support this rapid growth and development, kittens have very high energy and nutritional needs compared to adult cats.
Kittens need almost double the amount of calories per pound of body weight than adult cats. They also require higher levels of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Meeting these needs is critical for proper muscle growth, organ development, immune function and prevention of developmental issues.
Nutrient Requirements Change Rapidly
A kitten’s nutritional needs are constantly changing as it matures. Requirements are highest during the most rapid growth phases in the first 6 months of life. After one year, nutrient needs slow down dramatically and become closer to an adult maintenance diet.
That’s why it’s so important to feed a diet specifically formulated for each stage of a kitten’s development – from weaning to 1 year old. Kitten foods have different calorie densities and ratios of protein, fat, vitamins etc tailored to their changing needs.
Feeding Guidelines By Age
Here are some general guidelines for how many grams of food a kitten needs per day from birth through 12 months of age:
Newborn Kittens
For the first 4 weeks of life, kittens are completely dependent on their mother’s milk for nutrition. They nurse frequently to stimulate milk production and obtain the energy and antibodies needed to grow and stay healthy. There is no need to supplement with solid foods at this stage.
4-6 Weeks
At around 4 weeks old, kittens are ready to start the weaning process. They should be introduced to solid food by offering a gruel or porridge made with kitten milk replacer and kitten wet food. Divide about 10-15 grams over 3-4 small meals per day.
6-8 Weeks
Over the next few weeks kittens are still nursing but begin eating more solid food as mom’s milk production decreases. Increase the amount of wet and dry kitten food offered to about 30-45 grams divided into 4-5 meals daily.
2 Months
By 2 months old kittens should be eating around 45-65 grams of kitten formula wet food or dry food per day in 4-6 meals as their main source of nutrition. Nursing decreases and stopping completely by 8 weeks.
3 Months
Between 3-4 months old most kittens are fully weaned. At this stage feed about 65-85 grams of food per day divided into 3-4 meals. Large breed kittens may need slightly more. Feed a mix of wet and dry food formulated for kittens.
4 Months
From 4-5 months old kitten’s appetites really increase as their growth accelerates. They will need about 85-110 grams of food per day divided into 2-3 meals. Feeding kitten food instead of adult cat food ensures they get the extra nutrition needed.
5 Months
Active playful kittens around 5 months old may require 110-135 grams of food per day. Split between 2-3 meals of wet and dry food. Monitor body condition and adjust amounts to keep an ideal lean physique.
6 Months
As kittens reach 6 months old their nutritional needs are still higher than an adult cat but slowing down. Feed about 135-165 grams of food daily over 2 meals. Large or very active breeds may need more.
Factors That Influence Needs
While these guidelines provide a general idea of how much to feed, a kitten’s exact needs vary based on several factors:
- Age – Requirements decrease as they mature.
- Weight – Larger kittens need more than smaller ones.
- Build – Lean kittens need less than those prone to being overweight.
- Breed – Fast growing or large breeds need more.
- Activity Level – More active kittens require increased calories.
- Health – Ill kittens may need less food temporarily.
That’s why monitoring your kitten’s body condition score and adjusting amounts accordingly is so important. An ideal score for kittens is around 4-5/9 – lean and fast growing but not underweight.
Nutrient Content Matters More Than Weight
It’s important to remember that the specific grams of food needed is not as important as the quality and nutrient content of the diet. 100 grams of a high calorie, premium growth formula will provide much more nutrition than 100 grams of a low quality grocery brand.
The key is feeding enough of a high quality, age-appropriate food to properly support your kitten’s growth and development while preventing obesity. For a rough idea of the weight to feed, start with the guidelines above then monitor your kitten’s body condition and energy levels.
Feed a High Quality Kitten Food
All kittens have higher nutritional needs than adult cats, but different growth formulas are tailored for each stage:
- Weaning Formula – Higher fat, calories and nutrients for orphaned kittens 4-12 weeks old.
- Growth Formula – Provides complete nutrition for rapid growth of kittens 3-12 months old.
- All Life Stages – Lower calories but meets needs for growth as well as adults.
Look for kitten foods with at least 30% protein and 15-20% fat from quality ingredients. Avoid fillers. Supplement dry food withnutrient dense wet food.
Feed Multiple Small Meals
Kittens have tiny stomachs but fast metabolisms. It’s better to split their daily food amount into 3-6 smaller meals spaced throughout the day. This helps ensure they have a constant supply of energy to grow and play.
Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water
Water helps food digest properly and keeps kittens hydrated. Always provide unlimited access to clean, fresh drinking water. Change water daily and wash food and water bowls frequently.
Monitor Growth and Adjust Amounts
Weigh kittens weekly and monitor their body condition score. Increase or decrease amounts gradually to maintain an ideal lean physique. Healthy kittens should have consistently strong growth.
Consider Supplements
For kittens eating a complete and balanced premium diet, supplements are generally unnecessary. But in certain situations they can provide an extra boost:
- Orphaned Kittens – Kitten milk replacer provides nutrition until weaned.
- Picky Eaters – Nutrient gels or powders can be an appetite stimulant.
- Illness Recovery – Vitamins support the immune system.
- Stressed – Calming supplements help anxious kittens.
Always check with your veterinarian before giving supplements to avoid overdosing on certain vitamins and minerals.
Common Questions
How often should kittens eat?
Young kittens should eat small meals every 4-6 hours. From 6-12 months old they can switch to 2-3 meals a day. Feed at consistent times and don’t let food sit out for long.
Is it okay to free-feed dry food?
Free-feeding dry food available at all times can lead to overeating. It’s better to portion meals and monitor intake. But leave a little out between meals for snack if hungry.
Should kittens have unlimited access to milk?
Unlimited cow’s milk can give kittens diarrhea. Once weaned, water is the best drink. Limit milk to occasional small servings of kitten milk replacer or lactose-free milk.
How do I switch kittens to new food?
To avoid an upset stomach, transition to a new food slowly over 5-7 days. Gradually increase the percentages of new food while decreasing old food.
Can I feed human food?
It’s best to only feed kitten formulas made for their nutritional needs. But small amounts of cooked unseasoned meat, eggs or veggies can supplement their diet.
Is wet or dry food better?
Feeding some of both provides complete nutrition. Wet food has more moisture and nutrients. Dry kibble helps clean teeth and satisfies chewing instincts.
When should kittens switch to adult cat food?
At around 12 months old, kittens can transition to adult cat food. Look for “all life stages” formulas they can eat through adulthood.
Can kittens eat puppy food?
No, the nutritional profiles of puppy and kitten foods are very different. Feeding the wrong food can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity.
Are grains bad for kittens?
Whole grains like oats and brown rice can provide healthy carbs. But kittens may benefit from grain-free diets or limited ingredients if food sensitivities are suspected.
Conclusion
Feeding the right amount of a nutritionally balanced food formulated specifically for kittens is the best way to fuel your kitten’s amazing growth and keep them healthy. While amounts vary based on age, weight and activity level, these guidelines give a general idea of how many grams of food kittens need daily as they develop.
Remember that monitoring your kitten’s body condition score and energy levels is just as important as the number of grams fed. By feeding an appropriate high quality food, splitting meals, providing plenty of fresh water and giving supplements if needed, you can set your kitten up for a lifetime of good health.
