How Often Should You Feed a Kitten Per Day?

Kittens have tiny stomachs but need massive amounts of energy and nutrients for growth. They can't eat large amounts at once like adult cats, so their daily food intake must be divided into multiple meals. Proper feeding frequency ensures nutrient absorption and prevents issues like hypoglycemia and digestive upset. The key principles: small frequent meals, consistent timing, and adjusting with age.

## Feeding Frequency by Age

**4 to 8 weeks old:** Feed 4 to 6 times daily. Kittens at this stage are just weaned or still weaning and need very frequent feeding. If still drinking milk, you can mix in wet food or softened kitten kibble for transition. Keep portions small, about 1 to 2 tablespoons of wet food per meal.

**8 weeks to 3 months:** Feed 4 times daily. Stomach capacity has increased slightly but remains small. At this point, you can fully transition to kitten-specific food, ensuring adequate protein and calories. Fixed feeding times help establish routine, such as morning, noon, evening, and bedtime.

**3 to 6 months:** Feed 3 times daily. Kittens enter their rapid growth phase and appetite will noticeably increase. Maintaining three daily meals ensures steady energy while preventing overeating that leads to vomiting or digestive issues.

**6 months to 1 year:** Feed 2 to 3 times daily. This stage allows gradual transition to adult cat feeding patterns. Some owners continue three meals, others reduce to two (morning and evening). Adjust based on your cat's appetite and lifestyle.

## Calculating Daily Food Amounts

Kittens need approximately 200 to 250 calories per kilogram of body weight daily, significantly more than adult cats. Specific portions should reference the feeding guidelines on your food packaging, as different brands have varying caloric densities. Wet food and dry food calculations also differ.

If mixing wet and dry food, ensure total calories don't exceed requirements. The general approach is to determine daily totals first, then divide evenly across meals. Using a digital scale for measuring food is far more accurate than eyeballing.

## Sample Feeding Schedule

* Morning 7:00 to 8:00 AM (first meal)
* Midday 12:00 to 1:00 PM (second meal, can eliminate after 6 months)
* Evening 5:00 to 6:00 PM (third meal)
* Bedtime 10:00 to 11:00 PM (fourth meal, can eliminate after 3 months)

Times don't need to be exact but should remain consistent. Kittens will adapt to this rhythm and naturally feel hungry at scheduled times. If you're away during the day, automatic feeders can help, but ensure portion settings are correct.

## Other Important Considerations

Always provide fresh clean water and change it daily. Kittens dehydrate easily, especially those eating primarily dry food. Place water bowls away from litter boxes, as cats dislike eating and drinking near their toilets.

Don't allow free feeding for kittens. While seemingly convenient, it makes monitoring intake difficult and easily leads to picky eating or weight issues. Scheduled portion-controlled feeding makes it easier to observe appetite and health status.

If your kitten suddenly loses appetite, vomits, or has diarrhea, it may signal digestive problems or illness. Kittens are far more fragile than adults with fewer body reserves, and conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

**Gentle Reminder:** If your kitten refuses two consecutive meals, experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or appears lethargic, contact your vet immediately. Kittens can develop dangerous conditions like hypoglycemia or dehydration within hours. Regular wellness checkups allow your vet to provide personalized feeding recommendations based on weight and developmental progress.