Most people land here because they’ve brought home a kitten and want to get feeding right early: what to buy, how often to feed, and when to change routines as they grow. Small mistakes can show up quickly as diarrhoea, poor growth, or a kitten that’s always ravenous (or oddly off their food).
Below is a practical guide to kitten nutrition in Australia: what “complete and balanced” really means, how to choose between wet and dry, simple age-based feeding rhythms, and the handful of foods that are genuinely risky for cats.
Understanding kitten nutritional needs
Why kittens need a different diet from adult cats
Kittens are building new tissue at speed. They need higher energy density, more protein, and carefully balanced minerals to support bone and tooth development. That’s why “kitten” (or “growth”) diets are formulated differently to adult maintenance foods.1
The nutrients that matter most
A good growth diet centres on animal-based protein and adequate fat, alongside essential amino acids (including taurine) and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in safe proportions. Some diets also include omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA, which is commonly used to support normal brain and vision development during growth.4, 8
Choosing the right food
Look for “complete and balanced” (and check the life stage)
For everyday feeding, aim for a food labelled as complete and balanced for kittens/growth. In Australia, it’s worth checking whether the label claims compliance with AS 5812 (Australian Standard for pet food), or references an equivalent recognised nutrition profile such as AAFCO or FEDIAF.2, 3
If a product is labelled complementary, it’s not designed to be the only food your kitten eats.
Wet vs dry: what to consider
- Wet food adds moisture, which can help overall hydration, and is often easy for small mouths to manage.
- Dry food is convenient and can be useful for grazing households, but it’s much lower in water content than wet food, so fresh water access matters.3
- Mixed feeding (some wet, some dry) is common. The key is that the overall diet remains complete and balanced for growth.
A quick, calm label check
- Life stage: “kitten” / “growth” / “growth & reproduction”.1
- Nutritional adequacy statement (AS 5812 / AAFCO / FEDIAF).2, 3, 4
- Feeding guide that matches your kitten’s current weight and age.
Feeding schedule and portions
How often to feed
Kittens do best with smaller, more frequent meals early on. Many carers start with three meals a day for weaned kittens, then gradually move towards one or two meals as the cat approaches adulthood.3
Use your kitten’s behaviour and body condition as your reality check: steady growth, bright eyes, a glossy coat, and a kitten that settles after eating are good signs.
How much to feed (without overthinking it)
Start with the manufacturer’s feeding guide, then adjust slowly. Appetite and needs can swing with growth spurts, temperature, and activity.
- If your kitten is leaving food regularly, reduce portions a little and avoid “topping up” out of habit.
- If your kitten is inhaling meals and searching constantly, check you’re feeding a growth diet and increase the daily amount slightly (or split it into an extra small meal).
- If weight gain stalls or your kitten seems unwell, book a vet check rather than just changing foods again and again.
Transitioning to solid food (weaning)
When it usually happens
Kittens naturally wean over time rather than overnight. Many begin eating food on their own at around 8 weeks while gradually reducing milk intake, and they’re commonly fully weaned over the following weeks.3
How to do it smoothly
- Start with a soft, easy-to-lap texture (a little wet kitten food, or kibble softened with warm water).
- Keep meals small and regular. Little stomach, fast metabolism.
- Offer fresh water at all times.
- Change foods gradually over several days to reduce tummy upset.
Special dietary considerations
Orphaned or very young kittens
Very young kittens who aren’t nursing need a proper kitten milk replacer (not supermarket “kitten milk”). Feeding frequency can be as often as four times daily for non-nursing kittens under care, and needs may be higher still for neonates depending on age and condition—this is a situation where a vet’s guidance is genuinely useful.5
Underweight kittens, diarrhoea, or suspected food reactions
If your kitten is underweight, has persistent diarrhoea, vomits repeatedly, or seems itchy with skin/ear issues, don’t guess your way through the pantry. Keep them on a simple, complete growth diet and speak to your vet about next steps, including parasite checks and a structured diet trial when appropriate.3
Common feeding mistakes to avoid
Relying on cow’s milk
Many cats don’t handle lactose well. Milk and dairy can cause diarrhoea and digestive upset, especially once kittens are older and no longer drinking their mother’s milk.6
Feeding adult cat food as the main diet
Adult maintenance foods aren’t formulated for growth needs. For kittens, choose a diet labelled for growth/kitten life stage so you’re not relying on luck with calories and nutrient balance.1
Sharing human foods that can harm cats
Some human foods are genuinely unsafe for cats. Keep these out of reach:
- Onion, garlic, leeks, chives (can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia).6
- Chocolate (contains methylxanthines such as theobromine/caffeine).6
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas (can be associated with kidney failure; best avoided).6
- Cooked bones (can splinter and injure the gut).6
Monitoring growth and health
Signs your kitten is tracking well
Healthy growth tends to look quiet and steady: gradual weight gain, a sleek coat, bright eyes, normal stools, and a kitten that plays hard and then sleeps deeply.
When to get a vet involved
Book an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- Poor appetite that lasts more than a day (or any refusal to eat in a very young kitten).
- Repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, or blood in the stool.
- No weight gain, weight loss, or a pot-bellied look (which can be parasites).
- Swallowing difficulties, coughing during feeding, or milk/food coming from the nose.
Myths worth dropping
“Kittens can drink cow’s milk”
Some will lap it up; plenty will pay for it later with diarrhoea. Water is the default drink once weaned, and kitten milk replacer is for kittens who truly need it.5, 6
“If it’s good quality food, life stage doesn’t matter”
Life stage matters. A food can be high quality and still not be formulated for growth. Look for a kitten/growth claim backed by a recognised standard or nutrition profile.2, 3
Final thoughts
Feeding a kitten well is less about perfection and more about steady, appropriate fuel: a complete growth diet, sensible meal rhythm, clean water, and small adjustments as your kitten changes shape from week to week. When something feels off—poor weight gain, messy stools, or a sudden change in appetite—pause and ask your vet rather than cycling through foods in a hurry.
References
- U.S. FDA — “Complete and Balanced” Pet Food (explains AAFCO profiles and life stages)
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — What should I feed my kitten? (updated 20 Nov 2025)
- RSPCA NSW — Kitten care (feeding frequency and weaning guidance)
- FEDIAF — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs (2025)
- RSPCA NSW — Caring for cats and kittens (formula feeding and weaning overview)
- Agriculture Victoria — Human foods to avoid for cats (updated 9 Sep 2025)
- Cat Protection Society of NSW — Cat care factsheet (weaning notes and feeding frequency table)
- ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom