As kittens grow up, you’ll start to notice changes in their confidence, fur, and energy levels. During this process, your kitten’s dietary needs change to support its growing and maturing body. But when is the best time to make the switch from kitten food to cat food?
In reality, the switch from kitten to cat food might not happen overnight, especially if you feed it both wet and dry cat food. You may switch the wet food and eventually change dry foods, or vice versa. Regardless, knowing when to switch your kitten’s food to cat food can help support healthy growth for your cat.
5 Signs You Should Switch from Kitten to Cat Food
Do you think your kitten is ready to start eating cat food? Here are five signs to look for before deciding to make the switch.
Your Kitten’s Age
Age is one of the biggest factors to consider when switching from kitten food to cat food. Most kittens begin to mature into adult cats around 12 months, though this is just a rough guideline to follow. Regardless, don’t consider switching your kitten to an adult cat food diet if they’re too young. Kitten food provides specific nutrients that your kitten needs to grow, so don’t switch too early.
Your Kitten’s Weight
Assuming your kitten is healthy and growing regularly, their weight could be a sign that their growth is slowing and they’ve reached adulthood. Cat weights vary by breed, gender, and parents, so compare your kitten’s weight with that of a kitten similar to theirs. A quick search online can help you find the answers you need.
Your Kitten’s Maturity
Beyond growing bigger and getting older, kittens undergo other changes as they mature. The biggest sign that your kitten is ready for cat food is that its kitten teeth have all fallen out and been replaced with adult teeth. Adult cats are also less energetic than kittens, so if playtime is replaced with sunbathing, then your kitten may already be an adult cat!
Related: New Kitten 101: Guide to Getting a New Kitten
Your Kitten’s Breed
Your kitten’s breed impacts the age and weight that signify adulthood. There are tons of cat breeds, including a nearly unlimited number of mixed breeds, so don’t be concerned if your cat doesn’t perfectly match the numbers you see online!
Your Vet’s Recommendation
If you think your cat is ready for an adult cat food diet but are hesitant to make the switch, consult your kitten’s vet. They can check your kitten’s progress and will let you know if it’s time to switch your kitten to a cat food diet.
Remember that you can always go back to kitten food if your cat isn’t ready! Consider starting with a slow introduction to cat food, then see how your kitten responds. If everything goes well, gradually phase out kitten food from your cat’s diet. If not, you can keep following the best way to feed kittens until your kitten is older.
When to Switch from Kitten to Cat Food FAQs
Cats should eat kitten food for about 12 months, though breed and maturity can lengthen or shorten this timeframe. Consider transitioning your kitten to a cat food diet around 12 months.
Most kittens can eat cat food around 12 months. If you are concerned about your kitten, consider talking to your vet.
Cat food, especially dry cat food, can be tough on a kitten’s teeth. Also, adult cat food has different nutritional value than kitten food. Eating adult cat food won’t hurt your kitten if it happens once or twice, but don’t make a habit out of it.
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