Kitten Feeding Timeline

Your kitten can stop suckling and start the weaning process. Gradually transition to kitten food, ideally by using milk replacement formulas and then by creating a mixture of kitten food and the milk formula. You can also start cutting down meals to once every six to eight hours.

By the time most kittens are 6 weeks old, they should have moved on to kibble. Sticking to kitten food is recommended. Often the kibble/biscuit size is slightly smaller and softer, which is better for smaller mouths and kitten teeth.

Your kitten should be completely weaned by now and may start eating solid canned food or kibble around 4 times a day.

Kittens should be feeding solely on kitten food by 10 weeks at the latest. During this time, kittens develop their food preferences which are likely to stay with them for life.

At this point, kittens start to really appreciate routine. Stick to regular times and try to keep the bowl in the same place. Somewhere between one third to one cup at each feeding is optimal.

For kittens prone to excess weight gain, or eating another cat’s food, you may want to reduce or increase their rations accordingly.

As you approach 6 months, you can begin feeding your kitten three times a day. You may benefit from weighing your cat every week and adjusting amounts accordingly.

You can also transition over to adult food. Including enough protein is very important for your cat's growth. Choose between dry food, wet food or a raw food diet. Eventually you should be aiming to feed your cat twice a day.