Kitten food: how many grams per day?

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Kitten Food: How Many Grams Per Day and How Often to Feed?

Founder Prime AnimalZ · 5 February 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer

A kitten aged 8–12 weeks eats 3–4 times per day, up to 12 months 3 times per day. The portion depends on weight and age. Use kitten-specific food — it has more protein, fat and calcium than adult food.

✓ 8–12 weeks: 3–4 meals/day, 35–50 g dry food
✓ 3–6 months: 3 meals/day, 55–75 g dry food
✓ 6–12 months: 2–3 meals/day, 65–90 g dry food
✓ From 12 months: switch to adult food

A kitten grows faster in its first year than at any other point in its life. Good nutrition during this period directly determines the bone density, muscle mass and immune function of the adult cat. At the same time, a kitten has a small stomach — large portions are neither possible nor desirable. The key is frequency, not quantity per meal.

Portion table — dry food by age and weight

Age	Weight	Grams/day (dry food)	Meals/day
8–12 weeks	0,5–1,2 kg	35–50 g	3–4
3 months	1–1,5 kg	50–65 g	3
4 months	1,5–2 kg	60–75 g	3
5–6 months	2–3 kg	70–90 g	2–3
7–9 months	2,5–3,5 kg	75–95 g	2–3
10–12 months	3–4,5 kg	80–100 g	2–3

After neutering (typically 5–6 months): metabolism drops immediately. Reduce the portion by 15–20% from the day of neutering.

When do you switch to adult food?

For most breeds at 12 months. Large breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll) grow for longer — switch those at 18 months. Transition gradually: 3–4 days of mixed food (75% kitten + 25% adult), then 50/50, then fully adult.

Perfect for kittens

Automatic Feeder Compact 4L

4L · Adjustable schedule · 3–4 meals/day · HD camera

View product

Frequently asked questions

Can a kitten eat freely at all times (ad libitum)?

Up to 3 months: yes, kittens regulate their intake well. From 3 months: better results with fixed meals. Kittens that continue free-feeding after 3 months tend to overeat and gain weight after neutering.

My kitten is eating too little — what should I do?

Check first: is the kitten new to the house and still settling in? Stress is the most common cause of reduced appetite. If a kitten barely eats for more than 48 hours or shows signs of lethargy, consult a vet.

How much water does a kitten need?

A kitten needs proportionally more water than an adult cat — approximately 60–70 ml per kilogram of body weight per day. A water fountain strongly encourages drinking in kittens.

Can I already use an automatic feeder for a kitten?

Yes, from 8–10 weeks. Set 3–4 small portions per day. The 4L feeder is ideal — large enough for multiple days, but small enough for the kitten portion per meal (10–20 grams).