When to Switch From Kitten Food

Nothing is more adorable, sweeter or cuter than a kitten. One of my main motivating desires to become a veterinarian was so I could care for all the lovable kittens and puppies. I get so excited seeing kittens and puppies walk through the doors of my animal hospital. But with adorable and cute comes a lot of work and a ton of attention.

A kitten has different nutritional needs than adult cats, so it is important to educate my new pet parents on kitten nutrition and when to switch from kitten food to adult cat food. We want these little guys growing up to be big, strong and healthy. Just like human babies, for a kitten to develop and grow properly, they need different kinds of foods at different stages of their lives.

So, let’s discuss the proper pet nutrition and diet for small kittens and get an idea of when we need to switch over to adult-based nutrition and care.

What Nutrients Does My Kitten Need?

Kittenhood is a playful, highly energetic time in a cat’s life. In addition to being more active than adults, kittens need more energy for growing and developing. These tiny creatures have different nutrient requirements than adult cats do. In general, kittens need the following in an appropriate kitten food:

• More calories, protein and fat than adult cats
• Omega fatty acid DHA, which is important for brain and vision development
• Vitamins and minerals for developing immune systems
• Optimal calcium to phosphorus ratios

What Is in Kitten Food?

Kitten food formulas are considered growth diets. They are formulated to be higher in energy density with more fat content than adult cat food. I hear all the time from my pet parents that their adult cats seem to be gaining weight since they have introduced a kitten into their home. In most cases, the adult cats are eating the kitten’s food.

Kitten food has more fat content for higher energy needs and will cause weight gain for adult cats that require less energy and are more sedentary.

In addition to higher fat content, kitten food diets are formulated with more enhanced nutritional profiles, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and optimal calcium to phosphorus ratios for growing bones and development.

When Should I Switch from Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food?

Kittens should be fed a growth-formulated diet until they are at least 90 percent of their adult weight. In general, kittens reach this milestone at about 10 to 12 months of age. The exception is for larger breed cats. Some larger breeds are recommended to be on growth diets for a longer period of time because they do not reach maturity until 18 months to 2 years of age. Always speak with your veterinarian regarding how long your kitten should be on a kitten diet.

How Should I Transition My Kitten to Adult Cat Food?

It is important to transition to adult cat food gradually. Your pet’s digestive system is home to billions of bacteria that keep their gastrointestinal tract healthy. These microbes (bacteria and yeasts) aid in the digestion of food, fight off potential pathogens, make nutrients and vitamins, and bolster the immune system. Unlike humans, pets eat the same diet every day, and therefore develop microbes to digest that specific diet. When the diet is abruptly changed, the gastrointestinal-dwelling microbes do not have time to adjust and digest the new food. This can result in severe gastrointestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. To avoid this, I always recommend slowly transitioning your pet to their new food. The general guideline is to transition your kitten to an adult diet over 7 days as follows:

• Days 1 and 2, add ¼ of the new diet to ¾ of the old diet
• Days 3 and 4, add ½ of the new diet to ½ of the old diet
• Days 5 and 6, add ¾ of the new diet to ¼ of the old diet
• Day 7, transition fully to the new diet

As a Small Animal Veterinarian, Do You Recommend Any Specific Kitten or Adult Cat Foods?

There are many different diets out there, and it can be overwhelming to have to pick the “right one.” As a small animal veterinarian, I recommend and trust Hill’s Science Diet and Wellness.

Kitten Dry Food: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

Adult Cat Dry Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Dry Cat Food, Wellness CORE Grain-Free Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food

Pet nutrition is an integral part of the development, growth and health of your pet. Placing your kitten on the most nutritious and appropriate diet from the start helps to ensure a lifetime of health and happiness. Nothing brings me more happiness and joy than seeing adorable, feisty and playful kitties.  Enjoy this time and remember to take a lot of pictures, because before you know it, they will no longer fit in the palm of your hand. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian. They are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Read More:

• Do You Know How Much to Feed a Kitten? The Ultimate Guide to Kitten Food Portions
• Do You Know How Much to Feed a Cat? The Definitive Guide to Cat Food Portions
• Cat Food for All Ages: How (and What) to Feed Your Cat During Every Stage of Life

Want to give your pet superior health and nutrition? Chewy offers a variety of premium cat food so you can feed your feline the highest quality ingredients. Shop Chewy’s selection of premium cat food here.

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When to Switch From Kitten Food