A kitten grows incredibly fast and therefore has a very different eating rhythm than an adult cat. If you feed too few meals, your kitten will lack energy; if you feed too much at once, its small stomach cannot handle it. In this guide from the SmartPaw editorial team, you will read exactly how often and how much your kitten should eat per age.
đź“Ś In brief
- Up to 4 months: 4 small meals per day.
- 4 to 6 months: 3 meals per day.
- From 6 months: 2 meals per day.
- Distributing fresh food evenly is more important than large portions.
- Always follow the quantity on the package and adjust based on weight and growth.
How often should a kitten eat per day?
A kitten eats best in several small meals spread throughout the day. Up to approximately 4 months, you give 4 meals per day, between 4 and 6 months 3 meals, and from 6 months, you switch to 2 meals per day. A kitten's small stomach can only process a little at a time, while its energy requirement per kilogram of body weight is high.
Kitten feeding schedule per age
The schedule below provides a practical guideline. The exact amount depends on the brand of food and your kitten's weight – so always read the label.
| Age | Number of meals | Type of food |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 weeks | 5–6 (milk) | Mother or kitten milk |
| 4–8 weeks | 4–5 | Transition to soft kitten food |
| 2–4 months | 4 | Kitten food (wet and/or dry) |
| 4–6 months | 3 | Kitten food |
| 6–12 months | 2 | Kitten food, gradually transitioning to adult food |
💡 Tip: Kittens prefer to eat at fixed times. An automatic feeder divides the daily portion into exactly equal meals, even if you are at work or on the go – this prevents gorging and an empty stomach.
How much should a kitten eat per meal?
You should distribute the total daily amount evenly over the number of meals. A guideline for a young kitten is approximately 200–250 grams of wet food per day, divided into 4 to 5 small portions. For dry food, follow the table on the package based on weight. Weigh your kitten weekly: steady growth is the best sign that you are giving the correct amount.
ChromeFeeder automatic feeder (2L, app)
Automatically divide your kitten's daily portion into multiple fixed meals. Adjustable via the app, with portion control for healthy growth.
View product →When do you switch to adult cat food?
Around 12 months of age, your cat is fully grown and you can gradually switch to adult food. Do this gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing more and more new food with the old, so that the digestive system can get used to it calmly.
⚠️ Never give cow's milk
Many kittens are lactose intolerant. Regular cow's milk can cause diarrhea and dehydration. For very young kittens, only give special kitten milk and always provide fresh water.
Frequently asked questions
Can a kitten graze all day?
Free feeding can work for some kittens, but quickly leads to overweight with dry food. Fixed, measured meals offer more control and are healthier.
Wet or dry food for my kitten?
A combination works well: wet food provides extra moisture, dry food is convenient for an automatic feeder and dental care.
My kitten is not eating, what now?
If your kitten refuses food for more than 12–24 hours or is listless, contact your vet – young kittens dehydrate quickly.
How much water does a kitten need?
Always provide fresh water. Cats naturally drink little; running water from a drinking fountain encourages them to drink more.
Want to know more about portions? Also read how much food your cat needs per day and how to feed your cat when you're on holiday.
View all automatic feeders →
SmartPaw editorial team · Published on July 14, 2026 · Last updated on July 14, 2026. Facts checked with veterinary and official sources: Dierapotheker.nl and Renske nutritional advice.
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
Meer uit dit onderwerp
Mag mijn hond pompoen eten?
Pompoen is veilig en vezelrijk voor honden, mits de juiste hoeveelheid. Ontdek de dosering per gewicht en wat...
Hoe bewaar je een geopend blikje natvoer?
Hoelang blijft geopend natvoer goed? Ontdek de juiste bewaartijd in de koelkast, hoe je het opwarmt en waaraan...
Kun je Ă©Ă©n automatische voerbak gebruiken voor twee katten?
EĂ©n automatische voerbak voor twee katten: wanneer het werkt, wanneer je er twee nodig hebt en hoe je...
Iets nodig voor je huisdier?
Onze fonteinen, voerbakken en de FurVac zijn gemaakt om je tijd te besparen en je huisdier gelukkiger te houden.
Naar de shop
