Kitten Food: Benefits and How to Choose

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: September 30th, 2025

One of the most important things you need to do for your kitten is feed them a high-quality, nutritious, species-appropriate food. And feeding them kitten food will ensure it’s formulated specifically for them. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of kitten food, and to access some tips for choosing food that’s right for your tiny feline.

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Benefits of Kitten Food

Your kitten has a lot of growing to do. Their entire body is developing and changing quickly with each passing week and month—something you can easily see as they get bigger and more active and agile.

A cat food that is formulated for kittens will contain the right balance of nutrients to meet their specific needs as they grow to adulthood. For example, kittens need more protein and fat, along with the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., DHA) for proper development. Plus, they need a higher number of calories.

When your kitten is fed a complete and balanced diet, they’ll get the energy they need, along with the nutrients required for the development of every organ.

You can feed kittens wet food, dry food, or a combination of both to get them accustomed to various yummy flavors and textures. Plus, getting them to eat wet food is beneficial because it provides much-needed moisture in addition to your kitten’s water fountain or bowl.

Adult cats don’t require the same levels of certain nutrients and calories as kittens. So, once your kitten is an adult, you’ll stop feeding them kitten food and switch to one that’s formulated for adult cats.

Note: You will come across cat foods formulated for all life stages, indicating the food is appropriate for adults and kittens. But if you want to be sure your kitten is getting exactly what they need to develop properly and grow big and strong, you might prefer sticking with a food formulated for kittens’ growth.

How to Choose a Food Formulated for Kittens

Once you start shopping for kitten food, you’ll realize that you have a lot of options to choose from. If you aren’t sure where to begin, or your kitten has health concerns that warrant a particular diet, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Here are some things to look for when shopping for kitten food:

Read food labels to look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement. Ensure the food is complete and balanced for kittens and growth. You can also go with foods formulated for all life stages.

Some foods are only meant to be fed as treats or intermittently because they aren’t complete and balanced with vitamins and minerals. Be sure to select foods that are complete meals.

Read through the ingredients on a pet food label. Look for high-quality, species-appropriate ingredients. Cats are obligate carnivores who need meat, poultry, and fish.

Choose foods from trusted, reputable cat food brands.

Tip: To determine how much to feed your kitten throughout the day (they should be fed multiple times a day), check the feeding directions on a food label, as this may vary from one food to another. You can also consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Examples of Kitten Food Options

As mentioned above, you can feed your kitten a moisture-rich wet food or a crunchy kibble or both. Here are a couple of examples to help you get started:

Fancy Feast Kitten Classic Pate Wet Food – Fancy Feast is a favorite for many kitties of all ages, so you can start your kitten on this food to introduce them to wet food. This multi-pack has four flavors: chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish, and salmon. The pate texture is easy for kittens to eat. There aren’t any artificial preservatives or colors, and this food is 100% complete and balanced for kittens.

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Food – Blue Buffalo is a brand with a lot of wet and dry food options for every stage of life, from kittens to senior cats. Their Baby Blue dry food is formulated for growth, with deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It also contains the brand’s LifeSource Bits, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

When to Switch to Adult Cat Food

Generally, cats are considered adults when they reach 1 year of age, and that’s when you can start switching your kitten to an adult food. Some breeds, however, continue growing even after that. For example, some large cat breeds might take two or more years to be full-grown, so they’ll continue benefitting from kitten food for longer.

Check labels to be sure you select a food that’s formulated for adult cats. Look for an AAFCO statement for all life stages or maintenance. This will ensure your pet continues to get the right amount of nutrients. And adult cat food helps prevent excess weight gain because you won’t be feeding them the extra calories found in kitten food.

Switch the food gradually, over the span of a week or more, by mixing the new adult food with the old kitten food. This may help decrease the risk of digestive upset.

If you have questions about when to switch from kitten to adult cat food, or which foods are best for your pet, consult your veterinarian.

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Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Cats make wonderful companions - and sometimes, slightly mysterious ones too. One behavior that tends to puzzle (and delight) many cat owners is kneading. If your cat rhythmically presses their paws into your lap, a blanket, or even your belly, you’ve likely witnessed this adorable habit in action. Often nicknamed "making biscuits," kneading resembles the motion of kneading dough - and it’s as charming as it is curious.But what does it actually mean when your cat kneads you? Let’s take a closer look.It Starts in KittenhoodKneading begins as an instinctive behavior in kittens. When nursing, they knead their mother’s belly to help stimulate milk flow. This action becomes closely associated with comfort, warmth, and nourishment. While cats eventually outgrow nursing, many carry this kneading behavior into adulthood as a form of emotional expression.So, when your grown cat kneads you, it’s often a throwback to kittenhood - a signal that they feel safe, content, and cared for, just like they did with their mom.It’s a Sign of AffectionOne of the most common interpretations of kneading is simple: love. If your cat curls up in your lap and starts kneading away - especially while purring, head-butting, or settling in for a nap - they’re expressing trust and affection. Think of it as a cat’s version of a hug or a cuddle.In their own quiet way, they’re saying: “I feel good here. You’re my person.”It’s About Marking Territory, TooCats have scent glands in their paws, and kneading releases a bit of that scent. When your cat kneads you, they’re not just getting cozy - they’re marking you as theirs. It’s their subtle, instinctive way of saying: “This human belongs to me.”The same goes for kneading their favorite blanket or bed. It’s a comforting behavior that makes their environment feel familiar and secure.It’s About Nesting and ComfortIn the wild, cats knead grass or leaves to make a soft spot to rest or give birth. While your housecat doesn’t need to make a nest, that primal behavior still sticks around. When they knead a blanket, pillow, or your lap, they’re fluffing up their “bed” to make it extra comfy before they curl up for a nap.It’s ritualistic, soothing, and helps them feel calm, just like making the bed before turning in for the night.What If It’s Uncomfortable?While kneading is adorable, it can be a little painful if your cat’s claws are involved. Some cats get really enthusiastic with their paws, and may accidentally scratch your skin or snag clothing. If this becomes a problem, here’s what you can do:Keep their nails trimmed regularly.Place a thick blanket over your lap before they settle in.Gently redirect them to a soft pillow or bed if needed.Avoid scolding them - kneading is a deeply ingrained and comforting behavior. Instead, offer alternatives that let them keep the ritual without the ouch.When to WorryIn most cases, kneading is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But if your cat kneads obsessively, seems agitated while doing it, or cries out during the process, it might be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or even pain. If anything feels off, it’s worth bringing up with your veterinarian.Final ThoughtsKneading is one of the many endearing ways your cat connects with you. Whether it’s a show of affection, a comfort ritual, or a claim of ownership- consider it a sweet compliment. If your cat’s kneading you, you’re probably doing something right.

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Kitten Food: Benefits and How to Choose

Benefits of Kitten Food

How to Choose a Food Formulated for Kittens

Examples of Kitten Food Options

When to Switch to Adult Cat Food

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