1. Home
  2. Cat
  3. Food & Nutrition

Switching from Kitten Food to Cat Food: The Why, When, and How

Jennifer Coates, DVM
By Jennifer Coates, DVM
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025
switching from kitten food to cat food

Photo by iStock.com/Lisa5201

Just like you definitely wouldn’t hand over adult food to sweet gurgling babies, kittens shouldn’t be fed adult cat food before they’re ready. That’s because cats have different nutritional needs depending on their stage in life.

As kittens, they eat nutrient-dense food that helps them grow, but as they near the end of their growth period, it’s important that their diets change to meet the demands of their new, almost adult bodies. Switching from kitten food to cat food—at the right time and in the right way—is the best way to do this.

The Importance of Switching From Kitten Food to Cat Food


Kitten food is designed to support rapid growth and development. In comparison to adult cat food, kitten food generally has:

  • More calories, protein, and fat
  • Adequate levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for brain and vision development
  • Increased amounts of some vitamins and minerals
  • Optimal calcium to phosphorus ratios

Weight gain is the biggest danger associated with continuing to feed kitten food to an adult cat. While a chonky cat might sound cute, a healthy weight is going to help your cat live a happier, healthier life!

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that almost 60 percent of pet cats are overweight or obese, which puts them at increased risk for many health problems including diabetes, arthritis, and hepatic lipidosis (a potentially fatal liver disease).

When to Switch from Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food


In general, kittens should eat kitten food until they are around 90 percent of their adult weight. At this point, they are at their full adult height and just have some final filling out to do.

  • Most kittens reach this milestone at about 10 to 12 months of age, making this the ideal time to switch to adult cat food.
  • An exception to this rule may apply to large breed cats. Larger breeds, like Maine Coons, don’t reach maturity until they are 18 months to 2 years of age. Keep feeding these big kitties kitten food until they are at least 18 months old.

Always speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about when to switch from kitten to adult cat food.

How to Switch from Kitten Food to Cat Food


Transitioning from kitten food to adult cat food must be done gradually. A cat’s digestive system is home to lots of bacteria and yeast that aid in the digestion of food, fight off potential pathogens, make vitamins and other nutrients, and bolster the immune system. These microbes must be kept happy!

When the diet is abruptly changed, gastrointestinal microbes may not have time to adjust, which can lead to signs of digestive upset including vomiting and diarrhea. Further, when suddenly faced with a new food many cats will refuse to eat. (Cats really aren’t big fans of change.)

Slowly transition your kitten to an adult diet over seven to 10 days as follows:

  • Days 1 and 2, add ¼ of the new diet to ¾ of the old diet
  • Days 3 and 4, add ½ of the new diet to ½ of the old diet
  • Days 5 and 6, add ¾ of the new diet to ¼ of the old diet
  • Day 7 to 10, complete transitioning to adult cat food (100% new food)

When Switching From Kitten to Cat Food Causes Problems


If at any point your cat loses their appetite or develops signs of digestive upset, you can go back to their old kitten food for a few days and then restart the transition at an even slower pace.

Here are some other ways to deal with difficulties transitioning from kitten food to adult cat food:

  • If you’ve been feeding dry food to your cat, consider switching to wet food. Wet cat foods have a higher water content which is beneficial to their urinary health and weight management. It can also help with constipation. Some wet food to consider include:
    • Wellness CORE Signature Selects Shredded Boneless Chicken & Beef Entree in Sauce Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
    • Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori Grain-Free Natural Adult Canned Cat Food
  • If you want to keep feeding dry food, try a higher quality option. Some premium dry cat foods to consider include:
    • Iams ProActive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food
    • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Dry Cat Food

When in doubt, always lean on help from your veterinarian. They are your best resource for answering specific questions about when and how to switch from kitten food to cat food, switching cat food in general, and about your cat’s overall health and well-being.

FAQs on Switching from Kitten to Cat Food


Can kittens eat adult cat food?

Younger kittens should primarily eat nutritionally complete and balanced kitten food and should stick to kitten food until they are 90 percent grown. Many growing cats can begin eating adult cat food when they are around 10 to 12 months old. Larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, can eat adult cat food at around 18 to 24 months of age.

Can you switch kitten food brands?

You can switch kitten food brands. In fact, it is a good idea to switch to a higher quality kitten food if you have concerns about the nutrition your kitten is getting from their current diet. Just be sure to gradually make the switch.

How long can kittens keep eating kitten food?

Kittens can keep eating kitten food until they are almost full-grown. This usually happens when they are around 10 to 12 months old.

An exception is larger breeds of cats, like Maine Coons, who don’t stop growing until they are 18 months to 24 months old. Large breed kittens can keep eating kitten food until they are around 1½ to 2 years old.

Attributions


Jennifer Coates, DVM

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Coates spent her early years in the Washington D.C. area before attending McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for
Related articles
  • Can Cats Eat Garlic?
    Can Cats Eat Garlic?

  • The Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health, According to Veterinarians
    The Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health, According to Veterinarians

  • Cat Nutrition: What Is Complete and Balanced Cat Food?
    Cat Nutrition: What Is Complete and Balanced Cat Food?

  • Can Cats Eat Grapes?
    Can Cats Eat Grapes?
Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
  • Track Order
AccountAccount
Sign InNew Customer? Start here
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Manage Autoship
  • Favorites
  • Buy Again
  • Prescriptions
  • My Vet Clinics
  • Pet Portal
  • Connect with a Vet
  • Pet Insurance Dashboard
  • My Rescues
CartCart
Your cart is empty.
Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 Help
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
  • Track Order
AccountAccount
Sign InNew Customer? Start here
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Manage Autoship
  • Favorites
  • Buy Again
  • Prescriptions
  • My Vet Clinics
  • Pet Portal
  • Connect with a Vet
  • Pet Insurance Dashboard
  • My Rescues
CartCart
Your cart is empty.
Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
Food
  • Dry Food
  • Wet Food
  • Fresh Food & Toppers
  • Veterinary Diets
  • Science-Backed Formulas
  • Puppy Food
Treats
  • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
  • Soft & Chewy Treats
  • Dental Treats
  • Biscuits & Cookies
  • Long-Lasting Chews
  • Jerky Treats
  • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
Health & Pharmacy
  • Flea & Tick
  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Allergy & Itch Relief
  • Heartworm & Dewormers
  • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
  • Anxiety & Calming Care
  • DNA Testing Kits
Supplies
  • Crates, Pens & Gates
  • Beds
  • Tech & Smart Home
  • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
  • Bowls & Feeders
  • Clothing & Accessories
  • Carriers & Travel
  • Training & Behavior
Dog DealsNew Dog SuppliesPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
Toys
  • Plush Toys
  • Chew Toys
  • Fetch Toys
  • Treat Dispensing Toys
  • Puzzle Toys
  • Rope & Tug Toys
Cleaning & Potty
  • Pee Pads & Diapers
  • Poop Bags & Scoopers
  • Cleaners & Stain Removers
  • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
Grooming
  • Brushes & Combs
  • Shampoos & Conditioners
  • Grooming Tools
  • Paw & Nail Care
  • Ear Care
  • Skin Care
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Purina Pro Plan
Hill's
Blue Buffalo
Frisco
Royal Canin
Bark
Fully cooked, ready to serve Weruva Freeze Dried dog food.
Food
  • Wet Food
  • Dry Food
  • Science-Backed Formulas
  • Veterinary Diets
  • Highest Quality Food
  • Food Toppers
  • Kitten Food
Litter
  • Clumping
  • Scented
  • Unscented
  • Natural
  • Lightweight
Treats
  • Crunchy Treats
  • Lickable Treats
  • Soft & Chewy Treats
  • Dental Treats
  • Catnip
  • Cat Grass
Supplies
  • Litter Boxes & Accessories
  • Tech & Smart Home
  • Beds
  • Carriers & Travel
  • Bowls & Feeders
  • Grooming
  • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
Health & Pharmacy
  • Flea & Tick
  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Allergy & Itch Relief
  • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
  • Anxiety & Calming Care
  • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
  • Test Kits
Trees & Scratchers
  • Trees & Condos
  • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
  • Wall Shelves
  • Window Perches
Toys
  • Interactive & Electronic Toys
  • Scratchers
  • Teasers & Wands
  • Balls & Chasers
  • Catnip Toys
  • Plush & Mice Toys
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Tiny Tiger
Shop Blue Buffalo
Shop litter robot
Shop Temptations
Shop Hill's Science Diet
Shop Purina Pro Plan
The unlitter solution™ Low-tracking, easy-clean Breeze pad and pellet litter system from Tidy Cats. Shop now.
Horse
  • Feed
  • Treats
  • Blankets and Sheets
  • Tack
  • Health and Wellness
  • Dewormers
  • Vitamins and Supplements
Chicken
  • Feed
  • Treats
  • Feeders, Waterers and Deicers
  • Chick Starter Feed
  • Nesting and Egg Supplies
  • Coops and Accessories
  • Vitamins and Healthcare
Livestock
  • Cattle
  • Goat
  • Pig
  • Sheep
  • Llama and Alpaca
  • Livestock Feed
  • Livestock Supplements
Wild Bird & Wildlife
  • Wild Bird
  • Wild Bird Food
  • Wild Bird Seed
  • Wild Bird Suet
  • Wild Bird Feeders
  • Hummingbird Supplies
  • Duck and Waterfowl
Small Animal
  • Rabbit
  • Guinea Pig
  • Chinchilla
  • Hamster
  • Rat
  • Ferret
  • Bedding and Litter
Pet Bird
  • Parrot
  • Parakeet
  • Cockatiel
  • Toys
  • Cages and Accessories
  • Food
  • Perches
Fish
  • Freshwater Fish Supplies
  • Saltwater Fish Supplies
  • Koi and Pond Supplies
  • Fish Food
  • Aquariums and Fish Tanks
  • Fish Tank Filters and Media
  • Aquarium Decorations
Reptile and Amphibian
  • Live Feeders
  • Food and Treats
  • Tanks and Terrariums
  • Heating and Lighting
  • Aquatic Turtle
  • Bearded Dragon
  • Snake
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Shop Buckeye
Shop Animed
Shop Cosequin
Fall care, delivered Feed, tack, meds, supplements & more
Prescriptions
Order your pet's prescription items.
How it works
Shop all Pharmacy
Health Services
Chewy Vet Care
Chat free with our vet team
CarePlus Pet Insurance & Wellness Plans
Compounded Medications
Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
Learn about compounding
Dog
  • Prescription Flea & Tick
  • Heartworm Prevention
  • Pain Relief & Arthritis
  • Antibiotics & Antifungals
  • Allergy Relief
  • Anxiety & Calming
  • Ear & Skin Conditions
  • Eye Drops & Ointments
  • Urinary & Kidney
  • Diabetes Care & Insulin
Cat
  • Prescription Flea & Tick
  • Dewormers & Parasiticides
  • Eye Drops & Ointments
  • Antibiotics & Antifungals
  • Allergy Relief
  • Anxiety & Calming
  • Urinary & Kidney
  • Thyroid & Hormone
  • Pain Relief & Arthritis
  • Diabetes Care & Insulin
Horse
  • Joint and Anti-Inflammatory
  • Metabolic and Endocrine
  • Calming and Behavioral Support
  • Pain Medicine
  • Antibiotics
  • Allergy and Immune
  • Vitamins and Electrolytes
Expert Health Tips
  • PetMD
Connect with a Vet
Chat for free with a licensed vet tech.
Learn more
CarePlus Pet Insurance & Wellness Plans
Give your pet the best possible health coverage with pet insurance and wellness plans.
Learn more
Chewy Vet Care
Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
Schedule a visit
Learn
How We Give Back
We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
Learn more
Donate to a Rescue
You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
Find a Rescue
Find Pets to Adopt
Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
Find Pets
Join Our Network
Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
Join Now
Today's Deals
Halloween Shop
Use App
CartCart