Education
Kitten Articles with Tips
Raising a kitten is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it can also come with many questions and challenges. As a new kitten owner, you may be seeking guidance on various aspects of kitten care such as understanding kitten behaviors, feeding kittens, how to get a kitten, kitten health, and kitten training.
This collection of kitten articles, from Purina experts, is packed with tips and information to help you become better prepared to provide the best possible care for your tiny feline companion. Let our experts share their knowledge and experience, to help you confidently navigate the world of kitten care and lay the foundation for a lifetime of love and happiness with your adorable new family member.
Learn how to prepare for your new kitten at Purina’s Kitten Guide.
New Cat Checklist
Welcoming a new cat? A few simple steps can ease the transition. Start with essentials like food, water, litter, toys, scratching posts, and cozy hiding spots. Introduce your cat to one room at first, give them time to adjust, and manage stress with patience, play, and gentle bonding. Keep litter boxes clean, provide enriching toys, and consider safe indoor or outdoor setups like catios. Learn more in Best Friends’ complete New Cat Checklist.
Preparation: Supplies for a new cat
First, prepare to welcome your new cat by making sure you have these items on hand:
Food and water bowls
Food (Stick with the food your cat is used to eating at first. Then, if necessary, gradually switch to the food of your choice.)
Treats
Collar with ID tag
Cat bed
Cat toys (Wand toys are wonderful for bonding with your new cat.)
Cat brush
Cat litter box and litter (Again, stick with the type the cat is used to.)
Tall, sturdy scratching post
Welcoming a cat into your home? Best Friends’ New Cat Checklist has everything you need to get started.
Determining a Kitten’s Age
When to Switch From Kitten Food to Cat Food
According to Purina.com, kittens should remain on kitten food until about 12 months of age (or up to 18 months for larger breeds) before gradually transitioning to adult cat food.
Most cats are considered kittens until around 12 months of age. Large breeds, like the Maine Coon, can take 18 months to 2 years to reach maturity, though.
During this period of growth and development, kittens need a complete and balanced kitten food. Once they’ve reached adulthood (according to their breed), it’s time to transition to an adult cat food.
Can Kittens Eat Adult Cat Food?
Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, so they need a kitten food to support those needs.
If the food label says it’s formulated “for all life stages,” however, that means it’s safe for both kittens and adult cats to eat.
When Can Kittens Eat Dry & Wet Food?
Although kittens shouldn’t eat adult cat food before they’ve fully matured, they can begin eating dry kibble and wet kitten food much earlier.
By three to four weeks, kittens can begin eating moistened dry kibble or wet food. Between six and eight weeks, kittens are fully weaned from their mother’s milk and can eat dry or wet kitten food.
Why It’s Important to Switch to Adult Cat Food
Kittens experience rapid growth and development, plus, they’re playful and have a lot of energy. Kitten food has higher calories and more protein and fat to support energetic, growing kittens.
It’s also formulated with DHA to help support brain and vision development, plus vitamins and minerals needed for their developing immune systems.
Once they reach maturity, cats don’t need the same amounts of those nutrients. Plus, they’re often less energetic, so eating a high-calorie kitten food could result in weight gain.
When & How to Switch From Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food
Around your kitten’s first birthday (or between 18 months and 2 years for large breeds), it’s time to switch to an adult cat food.
We recommend transitioning to adult food over a 7- to 10-day period to help avoid any digestive upset. Here’s how:
Days 1-2: Serve 3/4 of the normal amount of kitten food and add 1/4 of the new adult cat food.
Days 3-4: Serve half kitten food and half adult cat food.
Days 5-7: Serve 1/4 kitten food and 3/4 adult cat food.
Days 8-10: Serve only the new adult cat food.
If your cat resists eating the new food, slow the transition and give her more time before you increase the amount of adult food. Consult with your veterinarian for additional tips on making the switch from kitten food to adult cat food.
For more tips and information on kitten nutrition from Purina’s experts, see Purina’s Pet Expertise page.