Madeleine Hull
Cats are fussy eaters and can be sensitive to changes in their diet, so it's important to be patient and not rush them into changing what they eat. When it comes to kittens, it's recommended that they eat kitten food for their first year of life, as it is higher in calories and nutrients to support their growth and development. After this, they can transition to adult cat food. This transition should be done gradually over one to two weeks to avoid causing gastrointestinal upset. You can start by feeding 75% old food and 25% new food, then moving to a 50-50% mix, and finally feeding 75% new food and 25% old food before fully transitioning to the new food. It's also important to maintain their regular feeding routine, sticking to the same mealtimes and eating environments to minimize change and keep your kitten comfortable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Kittens should transition to adult cat food around the age of one. Senior cats over the age of seven may benefit from a different diet to support their health. |
| Weight | Adjusting a cat's diet may be necessary if the cat is underweight or overweight. |
| Health | Changes to a cat's diet can address health concerns such as a sensitive stomach or dry, itchy skin. |
| Texture | Cats may need time to adapt to the difference in texture and aroma when transitioning to a new diet. |
| Dietary Needs | Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in good quality, animal-derived protein. |
| Diet Transition | The transition to a new diet should be gradual over one to two weeks to avoid digestive issues. |
| Food Type | Wet food should be fresh and served in small portions. Dry food is higher in carbohydrates and should be fed in moderation. |
| Feeding Method | Puzzle feeders can provide emotional satisfaction and are better suited to a cat's digestion and physiology than large meals. |
| Feeding Schedule | Kittens need multiple small meals to keep their energy levels stable. Adult cats may prefer constant access to food or two meals a day. |
| Veterinary Advice | Consult a veterinarian for advice on specific dietary needs, especially in cases of medical conditions or persistent digestive issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Transitioning from kitten to adult food
When transitioning your kitten to adult food, it's important to do it gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach. Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, and their diet plays a crucial role in their development and maturation.
The transition from kitten to adult food usually occurs around the 10-12 month mark. However, larger breeds like the Maine Coon may need a few more months. Consult your veterinarian if you're unsure, especially if your kitten has been adopted and you're uncertain about their age.
Start by offering a small amount of adult food in a dish close to your kitten's usual food bowl. This ensures they won't go hungry if they don't want to try the new food right away. You can gradually increase the amount of adult food while reducing the kitten food over a period of one to two weeks. A sample transition schedule is as follows:
- Days 1-2: Feed 75% old food and 25% new food
- Days 3-4: Change to a 50%-50% mix
- Days 5-6: Feed 75% new food and 25% old food
- Day 7: You can feed the new food exclusively, provided your kitten tolerates the change well
If your kitten shows any signs of not tolerating the change, such as not eating, vomiting, or diarrhoea, go back to the previous amount and stay there for a few days before progressing more slowly. Some cats may need more time to adjust, so be patient and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.
When choosing an adult food, opt for high-quality, animal-derived protein. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a higher level of good-quality protein than other species. Ensure the food is nutritionally complete and suitable for your cat's size, breed, activity levels, and sterilisation status.
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Gradual change over one to two weeks
Cats are sensitive to changes in their diet, so it's important to make any dietary transitions gradually, over a period of at least a week. This is to avoid digestive upset and food avoidance. Begin by introducing small portions of the new diet, gradually increasing the ratio until your kitten has completely transitioned onto their new food.
When changing your kitten's diet, it's important to be patient and persistent. Cats can be suspicious of new foods, especially if they are faced with a stressful situation, such as moving homes. This can lead to 'food aversion', so it's best to introduce new types of food gradually and avoid additional stress factors. You can also try to coax your kitten by playing games with them just before mealtime to increase their appetite and the chance of them eating the new food.
If you are switching between two different types of raw food or wet food, it's a good idea to ensure the textures are the same. Otherwise, you should plan to spend at least seven days switching between foods. Cats typically prefer wet meat to fresh meat and cooked meat to raw meat, so if you want to add more moisture to your kitten's diet, wet food may be the best place to start.
If your kitten resists eating dry food, you can try mixing a little warm water with it or warming the moistened food in the microwave for a few seconds. After your kitten is used to the moistened dry food, you can gradually transition to serving the same food dry. Remember to discard any uneaten leftovers after 20 minutes to prevent spoilage.
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Maintaining a healthy adult body composition
As your kitten matures, it is a good idea to review their nutrition and feeding habits to ensure they are getting the essential nutrients they need in the correct balance. Cat food designed for adults is typically introduced when kittens reach 12 months of age. Kitten food is more calorie-dense than adult food, and continuing with kitten food after this period can lead to excess weight gain.
When transitioning to adult food, it is important to take it slow. Cats can be fussy about changes to their diet, so it is recommended to introduce a small amount of adult food close to their usual food bowl. This way, they won't go hungry, but they can explore the new food at their own pace. Gradually increase the amount of adult food while reducing the kitten food over time.
Adult cats require a diet that is high in good quality, animal-derived protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to obtain the specific nutrients they need. Their diet should contain specific amino acids like taurine, which is essential for eye, heart, and reproductive health. Adult cats can have wet food, dry food, or a combination of both, depending on their preferences and health needs. Dry food can be beneficial for dental health, while wet food can be useful for mixing supplements and is easier for younger kittens to eat.
There are also specific diets available for neutered cats, indoor cats, and cats that need to lose weight. It is important to monitor your cat's weight and body condition during any dietary transition and adjust portions as needed.
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Wet food vs dry food
Wet food is generally preferred for kittens as it contains the essential moisture needed to keep them happy and healthy. Canned food is also easier for very young kittens to eat, as their small teeth may not be able to chew dry food effectively. Without enough canned food, they may not get the nutrition they need to grow.
Wet food is also beneficial for kidney health, as it contains more moisture and protein and fewer carbs, which can aid weight loss. It can also be warmed up to make it more appealing to fussy eaters. However, wet food is more expensive, less convenient, and doesn't last as long as dry food.
Dry food is more convenient and cheaper, and it's easier to store. It can also be left out for kittens to free feed, allowing them to eat whenever they want. However, this can lead to overeating and obesity.
It is generally recommended to feed kittens specially formulated kitten food until they are one year old. Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, requiring more protein, fat, and calories to support their growth.
When transitioning to a new food, it's important to do so gradually to avoid digestive issues. Cats are sensitive to changes in diet, so it's best to introduce new foods in stages and stick to regular mealtimes.
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Food preferences and portion sizes
When it comes to food preferences, kittens tend to follow the preferences of their mother. They inherit much of their diet preferences in utero, so the food their mother ate during pregnancy and nursing will likely influence their own food preferences.
Kittens are typically ready for an all-solid food diet by 7–8 weeks of age. During this transition, you can start with wet food or moistened dry kibble, gradually decreasing the water and increasing the food over the next two weeks. By 6 to 8 weeks, kittens can begin eating wet or dry food, ensuring it is specifically formulated for kittens.
Kittens benefit from a diet of wet canned food, but dry food can be less expensive and can be left out for longer without spoiling. Dry food is also helpful for dental health, as the hard kibble pieces help to remove plaque and tartar buildup. However, wet food can increase the amount of water in your kitten's diet, keeping them well-hydrated, and is useful for mixing with supplements. It is also easy to warm up, increasing the aroma if your kitten has nasal congestion or a decreased appetite.
If you want to keep your kitten's options open, it is recommended to offer them a variety of foods, including dry, wet, and different flavours and shapes. This will also help to avoid food rejection in the future. Exposing them early to different types of raw and wet foods, as well as different proteins, will make feeding them as an adult easier.
As for portion sizes, age and size are the primary factors that affect how much to feed a kitten. Newborn kittens nurse frequently, approximately every two hours during the first week of life, and then gradually decrease to four to six times per day. Daily weight checks are the best way to ensure they are getting all the food they need. Kittens should gain approximately half to three-quarters of an ounce (15-20 grams) each day. If they can't get adequate nutrition from their mother, they should be supplemented with or switched to a high-quality feline milk replacer.
Kittens will ideally eat three times per day when they are 4 months of age or younger, and then their feedings can be reduced to two per day after this age. Most kittens will be ready for adult cat food around 12 months of age.
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Frequently asked questions
Kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats, so it's important to feed them kitten food until they mature. Around the age of one, kittens should transition to adult cat food. Kitten food is higher in calories and nutrients that support growth and development.
Cats have sensitive stomachs and can become ill if their food is changed abruptly. It's important to introduce new food gradually over a period of at least a week. You can start by offering a tiny amount of adult food close to your kitten's usual food bowl, so they can explore it when they're ready. Once they're happily trying the new food, you can gradually increase the amount while reducing the kitten food.
Cats can be very fussy about changes to their diet, so it's important to pay close attention to their behaviour, body weight and appearance during the transition. If your kitten is resistant, you can try spending longer on a split food ratio or introducing wet food into the mix. If your kitten still isn't adjusting, you may need to consult your veterinarian for advice.
Yes, here are some additional tips:
- Continue with the same food your kitten has been eating before you bring them home to help avoid stomach upsets.
- Choose a diet that is high in good quality, animal-derived protein. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a higher level of protein than most other species.
- Provide opportunities for your cat to work for their food, such as with puzzle feeders, as this can provide emotional satisfaction and is better suited to their digestion and physiology than large meals.
