Kitten Feeding Chart by Age and Weight: How Much to Feed for Perfect Growth
Ever wonder if your kitten’s food bowl is “just right”? Too much food can lead to obesity, while too little can stunt growth. That’s why vets recommend using a kitten feeding chart to stay on track.
Backed by guidance from Purina and PetMD experts, this chart breaks down how much to feed a kitten by age and weight—whether you prefer wet food, dry food, or a mix.
Section 1: Age-Based Feeding Breakdown
Kittens grow fast, and their needs change quickly. Here’s what to feed at each stage:
0–4 Weeks: Formula Only
- What to feed: Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) only (never cow’s milk)
- Meals/day: 8–12 feedings
- Amount: 2–6 mL per feeding depending on size
- Tip: Keep kittens warm—cold kittens can’t digest milk properly.
4–8 Weeks: Weaning Stage
- What to feed: Gruel (wet food + warm water or formula), transition to soft wet food
- Meals/day: 4–6 meals
- Amount: ½–¾ cup food/day split into small meals
- Tip: Expect messy mealtime play—this stage is about exploring textures.
2–6 Months: Growing Fast
- What to feed: Mix of wet and dry kitten food
- Meals/day: 3 meals
- Amount: ½–1 cup dry + 3–6 oz wet food daily
- Tip: This is the peak growth phase—don’t underfeed!
6–12 Months: Teen Cat Stage
- What to feed: Primarily solids, mix of wet/dry
- Meals/day: 2–3 meals
- Amount: Adjust portions to maintain a lean body, avoid obesity
- Tip: Keep them on kitten food until their first birthday.
Section 2: Weight-Based Kitten Feeding Chart
Here’s a quick-reference kitten portion chart by weight and age:
| Weight (lbs) | Age (Months) | Daily Dry Food (cups) | Daily Wet Food (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 lbs | 2–3 months | ¼–½ cup | 3–5 oz |
| 3–5 lbs | 4–6 months | ½–¾ cup | 5–10 oz |
| 6–10 lbs | 7–12 months | ¾–1 cup | 10–15 oz |
💡 Pro Tip: These are guidelines—individual kittens may need more or less depending on activity level, breed, and health.
Section 3: Signs You’re Feeding Too Much or Too Little
Not sure if your kitten’s portions are right? Watch for these signals:
Overfeeding Signs
- Potbelly or wobbling tummy
- Soft, frequent stools
- Rapid weight gain
Underfeeding Signs
- Prominent ribs or spine
- Low energy / lethargy
- Slow weight gain compared to littermates
👉 If your kitten seems off, consult a vet. A quick weight check can reveal if adjustments are needed
Using a kitten feeding chart makes mealtime simple, whether you’re portioning wet food, dry food, or a mix. Remember: kittens need frequent, balanced meals to fuel their rapid growth.
📌 Pin this chart for easy reference and share it with fellow kitten parents!
🎥 Don’t miss our latest Short: “Kitten Weigh-In Challenge”—watch our furballs hop on the scale for some adorable chaos.
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