Bringing a new kitten home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions, especially around feeding. What should kittens eat? How often should they be fed? And is wet or dry food best?

The truth is, a kitten's nutritional needs change as they grow, so the “best food” depends a lot on their age and stage of development. Don’t worry though – with the right guidance and a bit of patience, you’ll soon feel confident about keeping your new ball of fur happy and healthy.

What Newborn Kittens Eat

For the first few weeks of life, newborn kittens rely completely on their mother’s milk (called queen’s milk). It contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and immune-boosting nutrients to help them thrive.

If mum isn’t around or unable to feed, kittens will need a specialist kitten milk replacer formula instead. This should always be given using the right nursing equipment, and your vet will be able to guide you on amounts and frequency.

What’s The Best Food for a Kitten?

Once your kitten is ready for solid food, it’s important to choose a diet that’s tailored to their fast growth. Look for options labelled as “complete and balanced for kittens” or diets specifically marketed as “junior” or “growth”.

Kittens need:

High levels of protein to support muscle development.
Healthy fats for energy and coat condition.
Essential vitamins and minerals for bones, teeth, and overall growth.

Adult cat food won’t cut it yet, it simply doesn’t have the calorie density or the right nutrient balance for kittens’ needs. That’s why choosing a specialist kitten food is so important.

Wet vs Dry vs Mixed Food for Kittens

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Many owners (and vets) find that a mixed approach works best, by combining wet and dry kitten food to get the benefits of both.

Wet Food

Soft texture, making it easier for kittens to eat and chew.
Higher moisture to keep them hydrated.
Strong aroma and flavour, which can be more enticing for picky eaters.

Dry Food

Convenient and easy to store for a longer period of time.
Works well as a “free feed” option for kittens that prefer to graze throughout the day.
Can provide aid to dental cleaning (although not a substitute for dental care).

Mixed Feeding (Wet and Dry)

Gives kittens a variety in texture and moisture content.
Many vets recommend this balance due to the hydration from wet food and the convenience of dry.

At the end of the day, you’ll get to know what your kitten enjoys most. If you’re not sure, try a little of each and see how they respond.

How Often to Feed a Kitten

One of the big questions new cat parents have is how often to feed their kitten. Because kittens have such small stomachs, but lots of energy, they do best with small, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Up to 6 months old: Aim for 3 to 5 small meals a day.
6 – 12 months old: You can start reducing this to 2 to 3 meals a day.
Over 12 months old: Most cats are fine with two balanced meals daily.

Free-feeding dry food (leaving kibble out to graze on) can work for some kittens, but if you notice overeating or weight gain, it’s best to stick to scheduled meals instead. Consistency is key for healthy growth.

Food to Avoid

Kittens are still developing, so it’s important to avoid anything that could harm their digestion or health. Stay clear of:

Cow’s milk or any non-kitten formula milk.
Raw, unbalanced diets unless advised by a vet.
Foods containing vague ‘animal by-products’ or artificial additives.
Carbohydrate-heavy fillers like wheat or corn.
Human foods such as onions, grapes, raisins, garlic and chocolate.
Raw or cooked bones, which can splinter

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need nutrients only found in meat. A vegetarian or vegan diet isn’t suitable for kittens unless under strict specialist guidance.

At Calibra, we only stock complete kitten diets with clear ingredients, so you can feel confident about what you’re feeding.

Tips on Teething

Between 2 to 6 months, kittens go through the teething stage, which can be uncomfortable at times. You can support them by:

Offering soft, moist food to make chewing easier.
Providing safe chew toys made for kittens.
Slowly introducing mixed textures (wet and dry)
Watch for drooling or signs of discomfort

With care and patience, your kitten will soon grow out of this stage and be ready to enjoy their food with ease again

How to Wean Kittens onto Solid Food

The weaning process usually starts at around 3 to 4 weeks old. Here’s a simplified guide on how you can contribute to weaning your kitten:

3 to 4 weeks old: Begin with soft, wet food, or soak dry food in kitten formula or warm water.
Slowly reduce milk replacer and increase solid food.
5 to 6 weeks old: Offer small amounts of dry kibble mixed with wet food.
7 to 8 weeks old: Most kittens should be fully on solid food by this point.
Feeding routine: Start with 4 to 5 small meals daily, then move to 2 to 3 meals as they grow.

Remember, every kitten develops at their own pace, so take things slowly, follow your kitten’s cues, and choose a complete kitten diet to support them through this important stage.

When to Move Over to Adult Cat Food

Kittens usually make the switch to adult cat food at around 12 months old. By this point, their growth will have slowed down, and their nutritional needs will be different. Feeding kitten food beyond this point can lead to unnecessary weight gain, as kitten diets are higher in calories.

Look for high-quality adult cat food that’s suitable for your cat’s lifestyle. Whether they’re an indoor cat, outdoor, or have specific dietary needs, such as veterinary-specific diet food.

Final Thoughts

Every kitten is different, but the golden rule is to stick to a complete, balanced kitten diet and transition gradually. This will give your new companion the best possible start in life.

At Calibra, we’ve carefully selected kitten food ranges designed to support healthy growth, shiny coats, and strong immune systems. Everything your new family member needs to thrive. Feel free to reach out to us, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have.