Welcoming a kitten into your home is a joyous occasion, but along with the fuzzy cuddles and playful antics comes the responsibility of providing the right nutrition. One common question for new cat parents is, "can my kitten eat adult cat food?" In this article, we’ll answer this question and dive deeper into the topic of kitten nutrition.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat food features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This article is based on consultation with a feline nutritionist, veterinarian, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.
Tip: See our lists of the best kitten foods and the best food for indoor cats for specific brand recommendations.
Can Kittens Eat Adult Cat Food?
The short answer is no, kittens should not eat food that is formulated specifically for adult cats (i.e. foods labeled for “maintenance”). However, there are foods that are suitable for both kittens and adult cats which are labeled for “all life stages” (like our Really Great Cat Food). During the first 6 months of a cat's life, they undergo rapid growth, requiring specific nutrients like increased protein, fats, and minerals such as calcium. Feeding them food intended for adult maintenance might fall short in meeting these essential needs, potentially hindering healthy development.
The takeaway: when shopping for kitten food, make sure the label has an AAFCO statement that says the food is complete and balanced for cats in the “growth” life stage or “all life stages”.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
Kittens Nutritional Needs vs Adult Cats
More Calories
Kittens grow extremely rapidly for the first six months of their lives. They’re also constantly playing, learning, and exploring, which makes for a much more energy intensive lifestyle than adult cats. To fuel their growth and energy demands, kittens need a higher calorie intake compared to adult cats.
Kitten-specific foods are calorically dense enough for kittens to meet their calorie needs with a couple meals per day. Cat food labeled for “all life stages” can meet the nutritional needs of kittens too, but they’ll have to eat more meals to account for the food’s lower caloric density and their tiny stomachs. Avoid cat food meant for adult “maintenance”—it may not provide the extra calories needed for the vigorous growth phase.
Higher Protein Requirements
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat animal protein to survive. For kittens, whose bodies are growing and developing rapidly, a protein-rich diet is crucial. According to the AAFCO, a kitten’s food should be minimum 30% protein (excluding water), whereas adult cats can suffice with 26%. Kittens also have greater need for certain essential amino acids (e.g. taurine), so it's crucial that they receive a diet of high quality, easily digestible protein.
Higher Omega-3 Requirements
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, play a pivotal role in brain and eye development. Kittens, being in their formative stages, need a diet richer in these fatty acids. Adult cat food may not fulfill this specific requirement, because adult cats don’t need as much omega-3s as kittens. Foods for cats with sensitive stomachs should also be high in omega-3s for the anti-inflammatory benefits.
Calcium and Phosphorus
A high intake of calcium and phosphorus is vital for the rapid development of muscles and bones in kittens. Adult cat food may not maintain the precise elevated ratio required during this critical growth phase. The AAFCO recommends a minimum of 1% calcium and 0.8% phosphorus on a dry matter basis.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl and Stand by tuft + paw
What to Look for in Kitten Food
Meets AAFCO Nutritional Standards & Life Stage Requirements
Look for the AAFCO statement on the cat food label, indicating that it's complete and balanced for "growth" (i.e. kittenhood, sometimes also phrased as "growth and reproduction"). Kittens can also be fed foods that meet AAFCO standards for "all life stages", though these food labels should have specific directions for feeding kittens.
High-Quality Animal Protein
Opt for kitten food with easily recognizable and clearly labeled protein sources like chicken or salmon. High-quality protein ensures better digestibility and bioavailability of essential nutrients.
Soft Texture
Young kittens transitioning to solid food should start with soft canned food, which is easier to chew for their small mouths and tiny teeth. After a couple months, kittens can start to try other foods like dry kibble and meat shreds in broth.
Minimal Carbs
Cats in the wild consume high amounts of protein, medium fat, and relatively few carbs. Replicating this in their diet supports their nutritional needs. Kittens are capable of digesting carbs, but their digestive systems are far better adapted to digesting and absorbing nutrients from protein sources.
Tip: Check out our list of the best low carb cat foods and best grain-free cat foods (yes those are different things!)
High Moisture Content
Most cats do not have a high thirst drive and instead get water from their food. Choosing wet kitten food can contribute to their overall hydration, supporting kidney health and setting your kitten up for fewer health problems down the line.
When to Transition from Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food
As a general guideline, transition your kitten to adult cat food at around 12 months. By this time, most cats have completed their growth phase, and their nutritional needs shift to support body maintenance rather than rapid development. In fact, as cats grow they actually need fewer calories even though their bodies are larger. It’s important to account for this when feeding a growing cat to avoid overfeeding and obesity. The table below shows how to estimate your kitten's caloric needs based on their age and weight.
Remember: Every cat is different and growth stages vary between breeds, so double check with your vet before transitioning your kitten to adult cat food.
| Age | kcal/kg Body Weight | Example |
| 6-20 weeks | 250 | 1.4-kg kitten: 250 x 1.4 = 350 kcal/day |
| 4-6.5 months | 130 | 2.3-kg kitten: 130 x 2.3 = 299 kcal/day |
| 7-8.5 months | 100 | 2.7-kg kitten: 100 x 2.7 = 270 kcal/day |
| 9-11 months | 80 | 3.2-kg kitten: 80 x 3.2 = 256 kcal/day |
| 12 months | 60 | 3.4-kg cat: 60 x 3.4 = 204 kcal/day |
Kitten Food FAQs
What should I look for in kitten food?
Choosing kitten food with a higher caloric density, high-quality animal protein, low carbohydrates, sufficient moisture content, and meeting AAFCO nutritional standards is crucial for your kitten's healthy development. These elements support their energy needs, growth, and overall well-being.
How often should I feed my kitten?
Kittens have smaller stomachs and higher energy needs, requiring more frequent meals than adult cats. We recommend feeding them three to five times a day.
Is wet or dry kitten food better?
Both wet and dry kitten foods have their advantages. Wet food provides higher moisture content while dry food may assist with dental health. A combination of both can offer a well-rounded diet. Keep in mind that young kittens should start weaning with soft wet food before trying dry food.
Can I make my kitten’s food at home?
Homemade diets can be challenging to balance correctly for a kitten's nutritional needs, so we recommend choosing a commercial kitten food, specifically formulated to meet their requirements. If considering a homemade diet, consult with a veterinary nutritionist for guidance.
Conclusion
In the realm of feline nutrition, understanding the distinct needs of kittens versus adult cats is of the utmost importance. During that crucial first year (and especially first six months), make sure your kitten’s food is labeled for “growth” or “all life stages”, and follow the feeding instructions closely. After all, a well-nourished kitten is not just a happy kitten but also a cat that's set up for a vibrant and healthy adulthood.
